Temple Baptist Church - 12-30-2009
Galatians 6:1
Introduction:
A. As the time of the Lord’s coming gets closer, we find that sin is escalating and more of God’s children—who lean toward the carnal instead of the spiritual life in Christ—are being overcome with sin.
Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
B. As soul winning is vitally important to the growth and spiritual well-being of the local church, so is the command of church discipline and restoration. Little of either of these is found in the average local church. Sin is rampant because discipline is lax.
Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
C. Our text for tonight uses the terminology “overtaken in a fault.” This does not necessarily pertain to sins that are worthy of church discipline. Not all sin is to be dealt with in the local assembly. If it was, we would spend every moment of our time together judging sin and all of us, your pastor included, would be in a fix.
D. I try to deal with both aspects of sinfulness (that which does and that which does not require church discipline). The point of my message is not the discipline of the individual but the restoration of the overtaken.
E. What is happening to most good, Bible believing churches is this: we are losing more members out the back door than we are bringing through the front door. Not necessarily losing them to overt sinfulness but rather losing them through not properly maintaining the spiritual welfare of these precious folks.
F. More often than not, these believers are “overtaken” through negligence and imprudence. Their want of caution and circumspection causes them to be carried away, either through the treachery of their own hearts or through the temptations of Satan, who goes about seeking whom he can devour. He lays snares for them, and attacks them unawares, and takes every advantages of them. He uses their carnality and lack of spiritual growth or understanding to attack them at their weakest point and at their most vulnerable moment.
G. Let us look at this one verse for a few minutes. It almost qualifies as a Full Mention Principle of Bible Interpretation.” It says about all that needs to be said on the subject of restoration.
1. Restoration Must Be Done Graciously (With The Right Motive) – These are brethren, not heathen! Our motive is to restore them in love.
a. You Should Never Fail To Love The Fallen – We are related by birth!
b. You Should Never Fail To Forgive The Fallen – Forgiveness is a grace returned!
c. You Should Never Fail To Pray For The Fallen – If they every needed your prayers, they need it now!
2. Restoration Must Be Done Lovingly (With The Right Attitude) – Charity covers a multitude of sins!
a. We Are To Admonish Them As Bbrethren – Rebuke is to be administered with love!
b. We Are To Discipline Them As Brethren – Chastisement is to be administered with love!
c. We Are To Love Them As Brethren – Our love is be as God’s love, undiminished!
d. We Are To Restore Them As Brethren – Our desire is to see them reclaimed and serving the Lord.
3. Restoration Must Be Done Biblically (With The Right People Involved) – Spiritual believers, not a psychiatrist! (The Lord is the Counselor and His Word is wisdom.) Why spiritual believers?
a. Because Carnal Believers May Be Sympatric With The Sinful – It is difficult to give spiritual instruction when living a carnal life. Most will justify sin instead of correct it.
b. Because Carnal Believers Cannot Lead The Sinful To A Place Of Spiritual Communion With The Lord – It is the same as saying, “Don’t do as I do, do as I say do!?
c. Spiritual Restoration Must Be Done Through Spiritual Believers!
4. Restoration Must Be Done Completely (In A Biblical Way) – Restore means to bring back to a previous position and to a place of total forgiveness.
a. They Must Get Right With God – Not God get right with them!
b. They Must Get Right With The Church – Otherwise, there will be division!
c. They Must Get Right With The Pastor – How can he pastor those who are not right with him?
d. They Must Get Right With The People – If there is a problem between the sinful and someone in the church, there will be a continual problem within the church.
5. Restoration Must Be Done Carefully – (In A Careful Way) - Notice the emphasis is upon spiritual believers doing the restoring. Not just anyone can qualify! Anytime you are dealing with sin or discouragement, it si easy for the restorer to become emotionally and physically involved.
a. The Restorer Must Realize That He Too Is But Flesh – But for the grace of God go I!
b. The Restorer Must Make Sure That He Is Not Tempted – Satan will use such cases to exploit our own personal weaknesses.
c. The Restorer Must Not Be Sympathetic - Sometimes, if the fallen are not getting completely right, they will try to win you over to their side of the situation. Evil Communications still corrupt good manners.
Conclusion: What do you do when someone sins? You discipline them. What do you do when they repent and turn from that sin? You forgive them in the fullest sense. Then what do you do after they are forgiven? You restore them, taking them all the way back to the place where they were before they fell. The ministry of restoration is a vital and final link in the process of dealing with sin in the church.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
New Year’s Resolve
Temple Baptist Church 12-27-2009
Philippians 3:13
Introduction:
A. I am not a lot of New Year’s Resolutions but, at the same time, do find some great benefits in them. Most people’s New Year’s Resolutions have to do with losing weight, quitting smoking, getting in shape, etc. and—while these things are important—the ones that count most are those with eternal value.
B. I used this same portion of Scripture last year to bring a different message but I find this verse a very important one as we enter into the year of 2010. In order to make the most of the New Year, we must put the last year in a right perspective.
1. Last year is history! It is gone! It is over for better or worse so we need to move on.
2. We cannot change what happened to us or what happened through us. We made some mistakes. We endured some real problems. They are over so we resolve not to make the same mistakes. Problems are a way of life and 2010 will bring about its own particular set of them.
3. We need to both put the past in the past and to put the future in the present. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives and what we make of it is up to us. We can be angry and bitter about last year or we can resolve to be better because of it. We can cry tears of sorrow about our failures or we can get them right and resolve not to repeat them.
C. I pray that this coming year will be a better year for a lot of us. It was a rough one on my family and one several other families in the church. At this point, let me say:
1. We made it through! The devil didn’t “eat us!” We are here!
2. God’s grace was sufficient! It was rough but not more than we could bear!
3. It will make us tougher! Just don’t let it make you harder!
D. I can, at this point, hope that it will be better and let nature take its course or I can resolve to help next year be better by taking some positive steps. I want to look at some of those steps that can help to make 2010 a better year.
1. I want to FORGET the past And press forward - Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
2. I want to KEEP my eyes on the Lord - Psalms 121:1-2 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (2) My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3. I want to TRUST the Lord’s way and work - Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
4. I want to WALK in sweet fellowship with the Lord - Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
5. I want to CHOOSE the reproach of Christ over the pleasures of the world - Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
6. I want to LEARN to be more patient in trials - Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
7. I want to BE an encouragement instead of a discouragement to the brethren - Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
8. I want to REMAIN faithful to the things of God - 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
9. I want to Study God’s Word - 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
10. I want to be found WATCHING for our Lord’s return - Mark 13:35-37 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: (36) Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. (37) And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Philippians 3:13
Introduction:
A. I am not a lot of New Year’s Resolutions but, at the same time, do find some great benefits in them. Most people’s New Year’s Resolutions have to do with losing weight, quitting smoking, getting in shape, etc. and—while these things are important—the ones that count most are those with eternal value.
B. I used this same portion of Scripture last year to bring a different message but I find this verse a very important one as we enter into the year of 2010. In order to make the most of the New Year, we must put the last year in a right perspective.
1. Last year is history! It is gone! It is over for better or worse so we need to move on.
2. We cannot change what happened to us or what happened through us. We made some mistakes. We endured some real problems. They are over so we resolve not to make the same mistakes. Problems are a way of life and 2010 will bring about its own particular set of them.
3. We need to both put the past in the past and to put the future in the present. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives and what we make of it is up to us. We can be angry and bitter about last year or we can resolve to be better because of it. We can cry tears of sorrow about our failures or we can get them right and resolve not to repeat them.
C. I pray that this coming year will be a better year for a lot of us. It was a rough one on my family and one several other families in the church. At this point, let me say:
1. We made it through! The devil didn’t “eat us!” We are here!
2. God’s grace was sufficient! It was rough but not more than we could bear!
3. It will make us tougher! Just don’t let it make you harder!
D. I can, at this point, hope that it will be better and let nature take its course or I can resolve to help next year be better by taking some positive steps. I want to look at some of those steps that can help to make 2010 a better year.
1. I want to FORGET the past And press forward - Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
2. I want to KEEP my eyes on the Lord - Psalms 121:1-2 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (2) My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3. I want to TRUST the Lord’s way and work - Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
4. I want to WALK in sweet fellowship with the Lord - Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
5. I want to CHOOSE the reproach of Christ over the pleasures of the world - Hebrews 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
6. I want to LEARN to be more patient in trials - Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
7. I want to BE an encouragement instead of a discouragement to the brethren - Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
8. I want to REMAIN faithful to the things of God - 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
9. I want to Study God’s Word - 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
10. I want to be found WATCHING for our Lord’s return - Mark 13:35-37 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: (36) Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. (37) And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
What Jesus Means To Me
Temple Baptist Church - 12-23-2009
Isaiah 9:6
Introduction:
A. Friday, we will celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. What a wonderful event in that God became man! Not just any man nor just another man, but the “God-man!”
B. Most of the world lies in darkness tonight as to the meaning of the birth of Christ. Our Lord asked of the disciples:
Luke 9:18-20 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? (19) They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. (20) He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
C. If you know the correct answer to the question: “Whom say ye that I am?,” then you are more blessed than you know. The vast majority of mankind knows nothing of Christ, has a wrong perspective of Christ, or has rejected the truth of Christ. If you believe that Jesus is the Christ and have accepted Him as your personal Saviour, you are blessed beyond measure!
D. I am glad tonight that I both know who Jesus is and know Him as my Lord and Saviour! I am blessed tonight! I am blessed tonight beyond measure.
E. Now that we have established just who Jesus Christ is; why Jesus Christ came; and that He is our Lord and Saviour; my question is this: what does Jesus Christ mean to you and me? My fear tonight is this: that we that are saved forget just what it means to be called the “sons of God.”
1 John 3:1-2 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
F. There are many titles given to Jesus Christ but, when referring to the coming of the virgin born Son of God, the Holy Spirit gave some tremendous insight concerning His person in Isaiah 9:6. I want to look at just one of them for a few minutes. His names here are Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. He is certainly all of these.
G. The verse says, “His name SHALL be called!” Not is called but “shall be called” and the first name is Wonderful. He is the person of our praise. Wonderful means to excite wonder or admiration; exciting surprise; strange; or astonishing.
1. He Is Wonderful In His Person
2. He Is Wonderful In His Passion
3. He Is Wonderful In His Pardon
4. He Is Wonderful In His Protection
5. He Is Wonderful In His Provision
6. He Is Wonderful In His Promises
H. He is Wonderful to me because:
1. The Lord Saved My Unrighteous Soul
2. The Lord Saved My Life From Destruction
3. The Lord Filled My Marriage With Love
4. The Lord Gave Me Two Wonderful Sons And Seven Grandchildren
5. The Lord Called Me Into His Service
6. The Lord Has Given Me A Great Church Filled With Wonderful People
7. The Lord Has Provided Me With A Wonderful Home To Live In
8. The Lord Has Met Every Need In My Life
9. The Lord Has Never Let Me Down
10. The Lord Has Comforted, Strengthened, Guided, Provided For Me
11. The Lord Has Always Kept His Word
12. The Lord Has Given Me Assurance Of My Salvation
13. The Lord Has Given Me A Glimpse Of My Eternal Home
Conclusion: Now, I know why His name shall be called Wonderful! I did not know that years ago because He was the one that I had read about and heard about. Now, after 33 years, He is the one that I know!
Isaiah 9:6
Introduction:
A. Friday, we will celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. What a wonderful event in that God became man! Not just any man nor just another man, but the “God-man!”
B. Most of the world lies in darkness tonight as to the meaning of the birth of Christ. Our Lord asked of the disciples:
Luke 9:18-20 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? (19) They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. (20) He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
C. If you know the correct answer to the question: “Whom say ye that I am?,” then you are more blessed than you know. The vast majority of mankind knows nothing of Christ, has a wrong perspective of Christ, or has rejected the truth of Christ. If you believe that Jesus is the Christ and have accepted Him as your personal Saviour, you are blessed beyond measure!
D. I am glad tonight that I both know who Jesus is and know Him as my Lord and Saviour! I am blessed tonight! I am blessed tonight beyond measure.
E. Now that we have established just who Jesus Christ is; why Jesus Christ came; and that He is our Lord and Saviour; my question is this: what does Jesus Christ mean to you and me? My fear tonight is this: that we that are saved forget just what it means to be called the “sons of God.”
1 John 3:1-2 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
F. There are many titles given to Jesus Christ but, when referring to the coming of the virgin born Son of God, the Holy Spirit gave some tremendous insight concerning His person in Isaiah 9:6. I want to look at just one of them for a few minutes. His names here are Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. He is certainly all of these.
G. The verse says, “His name SHALL be called!” Not is called but “shall be called” and the first name is Wonderful. He is the person of our praise. Wonderful means to excite wonder or admiration; exciting surprise; strange; or astonishing.
1. He Is Wonderful In His Person
2. He Is Wonderful In His Passion
3. He Is Wonderful In His Pardon
4. He Is Wonderful In His Protection
5. He Is Wonderful In His Provision
6. He Is Wonderful In His Promises
H. He is Wonderful to me because:
1. The Lord Saved My Unrighteous Soul
2. The Lord Saved My Life From Destruction
3. The Lord Filled My Marriage With Love
4. The Lord Gave Me Two Wonderful Sons And Seven Grandchildren
5. The Lord Called Me Into His Service
6. The Lord Has Given Me A Great Church Filled With Wonderful People
7. The Lord Has Provided Me With A Wonderful Home To Live In
8. The Lord Has Met Every Need In My Life
9. The Lord Has Never Let Me Down
10. The Lord Has Comforted, Strengthened, Guided, Provided For Me
11. The Lord Has Always Kept His Word
12. The Lord Has Given Me Assurance Of My Salvation
13. The Lord Has Given Me A Glimpse Of My Eternal Home
Conclusion: Now, I know why His name shall be called Wonderful! I did not know that years ago because He was the one that I had read about and heard about. Now, after 33 years, He is the one that I know!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
The Praise Of Christmas
Temple Baptist Church - 12-20-2009
Luke 2:1-14
Introduction:
A. Tonight, I want to go back to the story of the birth of the Saviour for a few minutes and concentrate on the last couple of verses, 10-14. We often forget what we celebrate this time of the year as the tinsel outshines the true meaning. Jesus Christ, Jehovah God of the Old Testament, became man that we might one day live with Him forever in Heaven.
B. Here, we find the angels of God praising their creator. They are not praising God for His goodness to them but for His goodness to the children of men. I fear that too often, we are taught to only praise God for what He has personally done for us. We should praise Him for that but if that is the only reason we praise Him, then our motive is simply selfish!
C. I know that it is joke around here when I say that I will be short tonight so let me just say that it is good sometimes for us to reevaluate our praise or lack of it. It is easy to praise the Lord in our good times but I believe that our praise is a more pure form of worship during our hard times.
D. I thank God for all of His “benefits.” I praise God for the simply things of life that allow us to enjoy living. Our health, wealth, comforts, freedoms, and etc. I thank God for who He is and what He does behind the scenes.
Psalms 18:6-18 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. 7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. 8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. 9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. 10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. 11 He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. 12 At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire. 13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. 14 Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. 15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. 16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. 18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
1. I Praise God Tonight Because Of His Sovereignty! Providence! Nothing touches me that He has not allowed for His glory and He turns it for my good. He does control! There are times in my life when I doubt God because I am human. But He does control our circumstances. He will not leave us nor will He forsake us. He will not give us over to our enemies; He will not let the wicked triumph over the right. He controls everything all of the time and nothing moves without His permission.
2. I Praise God Tonight Because Of His Being! He is a gracious, longsuffering, gently, good, and merciful God who loves us without being loved in return. Yes, He is holy and righteous but His love covers a multitude of sins and He is better to us than we are to Him.
3. I Praise God Tonight Because Of His Power! He as all power in Heaven and in Earth. Nothing is too big for Him to handle. Nothing or no one is powerful enough to make Him worry. He can do anything at all times. Satan, difficulties, and our enemies are subject to Him. I can do all things through Christ!
4. I Praise God Tonight Because Of His Sacrifice! I am Heaven bound tonight because of Calvary’s love. Greater love hath no man than this! He laid down His life for me that I might live eternally and have life abundant.
5. I Praise God Tonight Because Of His Faithfulness! I am glad that God is not faithful only when I am faithful. I would be in a mess for sure. He is faithful to His Word and His works all of the time. He cannot deny Himself! He will not deny Himself! He will do what He promises! It may not be in my time but it will be the right time and, when it gets done, it will be done right. He will bring my family out of the darkness of the past 3 years. He will bring our enemies to their knees because of their wickedness.
6. I Praise God Tonight Because I Am Over 60 And Closer To Home Than Ever! You young people rejoice in your youth because your strength is amazing and your troubles are few. The years will draw nigh when you will have no pleasure in them. I don’t want to start over again. I do not want to walk this life’s path again. I look forward to going hime one day just like today. Even so come, Lord Jesus!
7. I Praise God Tonight Because I Am Here With You! Everything in my life may not go to suit me but God put me here with you and I love you. What a wonderful church family we have. I just want to praise the Lord with you tonight and in the days to come, serve the Lord with you. I want to go home from this pulpit. Things will get better here at Temple. They are great now but, when we come out of this valley, God will add and multiply here because you are a great people and this is a great church.
Conclusion: Let us celebrate Christmas and a New Year with a glory that comes only through knowing Christ. I look forward to 2010! God will make it a better year than the past 2 have been and I am excited about it.
Psalm 7:17 “I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.”
Psalm 9:1 “I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.”
Psalm 35:18 “I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.”
Psalm 52:9 “I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.”
Psalm 54:6 “I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.”
Psalm 56:4 “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”
Psalm 57:9 “I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.”
Psalm 69:30 “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.”
Psalm 86:12 “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.”
Psalm 108:3 “I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.”
Psalm 109:30 “I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.”
Psalm 111:1 “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.”
Psalm 118:19 “Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD”
Psalm 118:21 “I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.”
Psalm 118:28 “Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.”
Psalm 119:7 “I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.”
Psalm 138:1 “I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.”
Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
Psalm 145:2Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.”
Luke 2:1-14
Introduction:
A. Tonight, I want to go back to the story of the birth of the Saviour for a few minutes and concentrate on the last couple of verses, 10-14. We often forget what we celebrate this time of the year as the tinsel outshines the true meaning. Jesus Christ, Jehovah God of the Old Testament, became man that we might one day live with Him forever in Heaven.
B. Here, we find the angels of God praising their creator. They are not praising God for His goodness to them but for His goodness to the children of men. I fear that too often, we are taught to only praise God for what He has personally done for us. We should praise Him for that but if that is the only reason we praise Him, then our motive is simply selfish!
C. I know that it is joke around here when I say that I will be short tonight so let me just say that it is good sometimes for us to reevaluate our praise or lack of it. It is easy to praise the Lord in our good times but I believe that our praise is a more pure form of worship during our hard times.
D. I thank God for all of His “benefits.” I praise God for the simply things of life that allow us to enjoy living. Our health, wealth, comforts, freedoms, and etc. I thank God for who He is and what He does behind the scenes.
Psalms 18:6-18 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. 7 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. 8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. 9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. 10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. 11 He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. 12 At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire. 13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. 14 Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. 15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. 16 He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. 18 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
1. I Praise God Tonight Because Of His Sovereignty! Providence! Nothing touches me that He has not allowed for His glory and He turns it for my good. He does control! There are times in my life when I doubt God because I am human. But He does control our circumstances. He will not leave us nor will He forsake us. He will not give us over to our enemies; He will not let the wicked triumph over the right. He controls everything all of the time and nothing moves without His permission.
2. I Praise God Tonight Because Of His Being! He is a gracious, longsuffering, gently, good, and merciful God who loves us without being loved in return. Yes, He is holy and righteous but His love covers a multitude of sins and He is better to us than we are to Him.
3. I Praise God Tonight Because Of His Power! He as all power in Heaven and in Earth. Nothing is too big for Him to handle. Nothing or no one is powerful enough to make Him worry. He can do anything at all times. Satan, difficulties, and our enemies are subject to Him. I can do all things through Christ!
4. I Praise God Tonight Because Of His Sacrifice! I am Heaven bound tonight because of Calvary’s love. Greater love hath no man than this! He laid down His life for me that I might live eternally and have life abundant.
5. I Praise God Tonight Because Of His Faithfulness! I am glad that God is not faithful only when I am faithful. I would be in a mess for sure. He is faithful to His Word and His works all of the time. He cannot deny Himself! He will not deny Himself! He will do what He promises! It may not be in my time but it will be the right time and, when it gets done, it will be done right. He will bring my family out of the darkness of the past 3 years. He will bring our enemies to their knees because of their wickedness.
6. I Praise God Tonight Because I Am Over 60 And Closer To Home Than Ever! You young people rejoice in your youth because your strength is amazing and your troubles are few. The years will draw nigh when you will have no pleasure in them. I don’t want to start over again. I do not want to walk this life’s path again. I look forward to going hime one day just like today. Even so come, Lord Jesus!
7. I Praise God Tonight Because I Am Here With You! Everything in my life may not go to suit me but God put me here with you and I love you. What a wonderful church family we have. I just want to praise the Lord with you tonight and in the days to come, serve the Lord with you. I want to go home from this pulpit. Things will get better here at Temple. They are great now but, when we come out of this valley, God will add and multiply here because you are a great people and this is a great church.
Conclusion: Let us celebrate Christmas and a New Year with a glory that comes only through knowing Christ. I look forward to 2010! God will make it a better year than the past 2 have been and I am excited about it.
Psalm 7:17 “I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.”
Psalm 9:1 “I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.”
Psalm 35:18 “I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.”
Psalm 52:9 “I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.”
Psalm 54:6 “I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.”
Psalm 56:4 “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”
Psalm 57:9 “I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.”
Psalm 69:30 “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.”
Psalm 86:12 “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.”
Psalm 108:3 “I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.”
Psalm 109:30 “I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.”
Psalm 111:1 “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.”
Psalm 118:19 “Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD”
Psalm 118:21 “I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.”
Psalm 118:28 “Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.”
Psalm 119:7 “I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.”
Psalm 138:1 “I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.”
Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
Psalm 145:2Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.”
A Miracle In A Manger
Temple Baptist Church - 12-20-2009
Luke 2:1-7
Introduction:
A. It seems hardly possible that this week will be Christmas Week of 2009. As a child, I remember some things about Christmas. I remember the trees, the glitter, the snow, the Christmas Carols, the nativity scenes, the smells of fresh baked bread—cookies—candy—ham or turkey, opening the presents, and just the joy of the season. I am still a child at heart and enjoy that aspect of Christmas.
B. But, as a child, the nativity scene was beautiful and mysterious to me. I did not know fully what was so special about a babe born in a manger two thousand years ago. I sang about the shepherds, wise men, and baby Jesus without knowing just what took place that night so long ago.
C. Later, as a teen, I was remembered more of what I was taught in Sunday School but the sheer delight of the birth of Jesus Christ was not a part of Christmas to me. Once again, it was the trees, glitter, presents, etc., coupled with family dinners and breakfasts that held the pre-eminence during Christmas.
D. Because of this, after Christmas there was a letdown. The tree was bare because the gifts were gone. The stores were a madhouse with long sales and return lines. There would not be 12 months until Christmas came around again.
E. Now, after 33 years of salvation, the story of Christ’s birth has a very special place in my heart.
1. The Miracle Of The Birth – Vs. 5 “his espoused wife” Such reproach!
a. He was born the right way – The only virgin birth to ever take place! A medically impossible birth! Unheard of! Unprecedented! Unparalleled! His conception was right as well as His birth! The virgin born Son of God!
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (No Adamic nature; no sin nature; pure flesh; a prepared body born in a prepared way! What a miracle birth!)
b. He was born the right time – The only time in history when prophecy could be filled. Rome was in control. Bethlehem was full of people who came to pay their taxes. No one paid any particular attention to a young couple expecting their first child. Everyone was too busy with their own lives and problems to care about the birth of the Messiah.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, (Right on time. That’s God! Not on our time; never at the wrong time; never early; never late; always was, is, and will be RIGHT ON TIME!)
2. The Miracle Of The Place – Vs. 7 “a manger” Such A Lowly Place!
a. He was born in an obscure way. A manger was a feeding trough for animals; a not so a clean place. I think of the sterile environment into which our children are born in. When my children were born, I had to scrub up and wear mask and gown before even touching them. There were not brought into the hospital room until all of this was done. My Lord had no such niceties. No place for the birth of a King; not the place for the birth of a Prince; not the crib of royalty. The perfect place for a lamb to be born. The Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world was born in a manger among the other lambs.
b. He was born in an obscure night in an obscure place. While Bethlehem and the world slept, my Lord Jesus Christ was heard crying for the first time in a stable!
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Born in the city of David’s birth. Born in the right place; born in the exact place prophesied! I did not get to choose the place of my birth but He did!)
3. The Miracle Of The Person – vs. 11 “Christ the Lord” Such a wonder!
a. God became man! The incarnate God! Jehovah God; the Almighty God; the Omnipotent God; the Omnipresent God; the Omniscient God! The God who spanned the universe with His hand was conceived in a virgin’s womb! That same God now lives in my heart!
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
b. The Prince became a pauper! The richest of the rich! Wealth beyond our comprehension! He owned the universe! He owned Heaven! He owned the earth! If he needed more, He could simply speak it into existence.
2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
c. The King of Glory became a carpenter! He who created the universe with His Word now worked with His hands! Because of sin, man earned his bread by the sweat of his brow. Because of our sins, the Son of Man earned his bread by the sweat of His brow.
Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
d. The Lion became a Lamb! His fierce countenance became one of meekness. Meekness, not weakness! He was no long haired, soft, effeminate that pictures portray. He was a rugged man; He was a man’s man! It would have been no problem for a weak man to be a meek man but our Lord was a man’s man who became meek for our sakes and as a lamb before her shearers is dumb, He opened not His mouth!
Revelation 5:5-6 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
4. The Miracle Of The Purpose – Vs. 11 “a saviour” Such Grace!
a. His love for sinful man manifested! Such love! Such wondrous love! That God should love a sinner such as I!
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
b. His longing to be with them! More than we know, God wants to spend an eternity with us. He does not leave nor forsake us here and will come to take us to where He lives there!
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Luke 2:1-7
Introduction:
A. It seems hardly possible that this week will be Christmas Week of 2009. As a child, I remember some things about Christmas. I remember the trees, the glitter, the snow, the Christmas Carols, the nativity scenes, the smells of fresh baked bread—cookies—candy—ham or turkey, opening the presents, and just the joy of the season. I am still a child at heart and enjoy that aspect of Christmas.
B. But, as a child, the nativity scene was beautiful and mysterious to me. I did not know fully what was so special about a babe born in a manger two thousand years ago. I sang about the shepherds, wise men, and baby Jesus without knowing just what took place that night so long ago.
C. Later, as a teen, I was remembered more of what I was taught in Sunday School but the sheer delight of the birth of Jesus Christ was not a part of Christmas to me. Once again, it was the trees, glitter, presents, etc., coupled with family dinners and breakfasts that held the pre-eminence during Christmas.
D. Because of this, after Christmas there was a letdown. The tree was bare because the gifts were gone. The stores were a madhouse with long sales and return lines. There would not be 12 months until Christmas came around again.
E. Now, after 33 years of salvation, the story of Christ’s birth has a very special place in my heart.
1. The Miracle Of The Birth – Vs. 5 “his espoused wife” Such reproach!
a. He was born the right way – The only virgin birth to ever take place! A medically impossible birth! Unheard of! Unprecedented! Unparalleled! His conception was right as well as His birth! The virgin born Son of God!
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (No Adamic nature; no sin nature; pure flesh; a prepared body born in a prepared way! What a miracle birth!)
b. He was born the right time – The only time in history when prophecy could be filled. Rome was in control. Bethlehem was full of people who came to pay their taxes. No one paid any particular attention to a young couple expecting their first child. Everyone was too busy with their own lives and problems to care about the birth of the Messiah.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, (Right on time. That’s God! Not on our time; never at the wrong time; never early; never late; always was, is, and will be RIGHT ON TIME!)
2. The Miracle Of The Place – Vs. 7 “a manger” Such A Lowly Place!
a. He was born in an obscure way. A manger was a feeding trough for animals; a not so a clean place. I think of the sterile environment into which our children are born in. When my children were born, I had to scrub up and wear mask and gown before even touching them. There were not brought into the hospital room until all of this was done. My Lord had no such niceties. No place for the birth of a King; not the place for the birth of a Prince; not the crib of royalty. The perfect place for a lamb to be born. The Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world was born in a manger among the other lambs.
b. He was born in an obscure night in an obscure place. While Bethlehem and the world slept, my Lord Jesus Christ was heard crying for the first time in a stable!
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Born in the city of David’s birth. Born in the right place; born in the exact place prophesied! I did not get to choose the place of my birth but He did!)
3. The Miracle Of The Person – vs. 11 “Christ the Lord” Such a wonder!
a. God became man! The incarnate God! Jehovah God; the Almighty God; the Omnipotent God; the Omnipresent God; the Omniscient God! The God who spanned the universe with His hand was conceived in a virgin’s womb! That same God now lives in my heart!
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
b. The Prince became a pauper! The richest of the rich! Wealth beyond our comprehension! He owned the universe! He owned Heaven! He owned the earth! If he needed more, He could simply speak it into existence.
2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
c. The King of Glory became a carpenter! He who created the universe with His Word now worked with His hands! Because of sin, man earned his bread by the sweat of his brow. Because of our sins, the Son of Man earned his bread by the sweat of His brow.
Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
d. The Lion became a Lamb! His fierce countenance became one of meekness. Meekness, not weakness! He was no long haired, soft, effeminate that pictures portray. He was a rugged man; He was a man’s man! It would have been no problem for a weak man to be a meek man but our Lord was a man’s man who became meek for our sakes and as a lamb before her shearers is dumb, He opened not His mouth!
Revelation 5:5-6 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
4. The Miracle Of The Purpose – Vs. 11 “a saviour” Such Grace!
a. His love for sinful man manifested! Such love! Such wondrous love! That God should love a sinner such as I!
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
b. His longing to be with them! More than we know, God wants to spend an eternity with us. He does not leave nor forsake us here and will come to take us to where He lives there!
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Do We Need Revival?
Temple Baptist Church - 12-13-2009
Psalms 85
Introduction: Bro. Tommy Holbrooks will be with us tonight through Wednesday night. That will make 23 consecutive Decembers that he has been with us. My, how the time flies and what a blessing Bro. Tommy has been to this church over those years. He is not only a close personal friend to my family; he is a real friend to churches and this one in particular. It needs to be understood that revival cannot be brought, bought, or worked up. Revival is individual and not group related or church-wide.
A. A lack of life, which is revival, in a church brings about some real problems:
1. You lose the blessings of God – vs. 1 “favor
2. You become a slave to sin – vs. 1 “captivity”
3. You incur the chastening of the Lord – vs. 2-3 “wrath … anger”
4. You will bring judgment upon your children – vs. 5 “all generations”
5. You will lose the joy of your salvation – vs. 6 “rejoice in thee”
B. What is or is not revival?
1. Some Think That Revival Is Shouting – This is a result of revival, not revival itself.
2. Some Think That Revival Is Soul Winning – This is a result of revival, not revival itself.
3. Some Think That Revival Is Sanctification – This is a result of revival, not revival itself.
4. Some Think That Revival Is Service – This is a result of revival, not revival itself.
5. Revival Is Simply Getting Personally Right With God! Revive means to make alive. God has quickened us in salvation and yet we have a continual problem with leaving our “first love” and settling upon our lees.
C. When do we need revival? First of all let me say that we need revival all of the time. Psalms 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? (Again and again and again and again!)
1. We need revival when we do not love Him as we once did.
2. We need revival when earthly interests are more important to us to us than eternal ones.
3. We need revival when we would rather watch TV than read the Bible and pray.
4. We need revival when church dinners are better attended than prayer meetings.
5. We need revival when we have little or no desire to pray.
6. We need revival when we would rather make money than give money.
7. We need revival when our Christianity is joyless and passionless.
8. We need revival when we know truth in our heads that we are not practicing in our lives.
9. We need revival when we make little effort to witness to the lost.
10. We need revival when we have time for sports, recreation, and entertainment, but not for Bible study and prayer.
11. We need revival when we do not tremble at the Word of God.
12. We need revival when we seldom think thoughts of eternity.
13. We need revival when God’s people are more concerned about their jobs and their careers, than about the Kingdom of Christ and the salvation of the lost.
14. We need revival when church services are predictable and “business as usual.”
15. We need revival when believers can be at odds with each other and not feel compelled to pursue reconciliation.
16. We need revival when Christian husbands and wives are not praying together.
17. We need revival when our marriages are co-existing rather than full of the love of Christ. 18. We need revival when our children are growing up to adopt worldly values, secular philosophies and ungodly lifestyles.
19. We need revival when we are more concerned about our children’s education and their athletic activities than about the condition of their souls.
20. We need revival when we tolerate “little” sins of gossip, a critical spirit and lack of love.
21. We need revival when our singing is half-hearted and our worship lifeless.
22. We need revival when our prayers are empty words designated to impress others.
23. We need revival when our prayers lack fervency.
24. We need revival when our hearts are cold and our eyes are dry.
25. We need revival when we aren’t seeing regular evidence of the supernatural power of God.
26. We need revival when we have ceased to weep and mourn and grieve over our own sin more than the sins of others.
27. We need revival when we are content with explainable, ordinary Christianity and church services.
28. We need revival when we are bored with worship.
29. We need revival when people have to be entertained to be drawn to church.
30. We need revival when our music and dress become patterned after the world.
31. We need revival when we start fitting into and adapting to the world, rather than calling the world to adapt to God’s standard of holiness.
32. We need revival when we don’t long for the company and fellowship of God’s people.
33. We need revival when people have to be begged to give and to serve in the church.
34. We need revival when our giving is measured and calculated, rather than extravagant and sacrificial.
35. We need revival when we aren’t exercising faith and believing God for the impossible.
36. We need revival when we are more concerned about what others think about us what God thinks about us.
37. We need revival when we are unmoved by the fact that over 2.5 billion people in the world have never heard the name of Jesus.
38. We need revival when we are unmoved by the thought of neighbors, business associates and acquaintances who are lost and without Christ.
39. We need revival when the lost world around us doesn’t know or care that we exist.
40. We need revival when the fire has gone out in our hearts, our marriages and the church.
41. We need revival when we are blind to the extent of our need and don’t think we need it.
D. Why do we need revival?
1. We need revival in order to increase our zeal for the Lord.
2. We need revival in order to increase our soul winning efforts.
3. We need revival in order to increase our sacrificial giving.
4. We need revival in order to increase our love for one another.
5. We need revival in order to increase our joy.
6. We need revival in order to increase our praise and worship of the Lord.
E. When we fail to have revival:
1. We lose the freshness of salvation – the excitement and wonder is gone.
2. We lose our burning love for a wonderful Savior.
3. We lose our desire for service – we become mechanical and go through the motions.
Psalms 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
1. There Needs To Be A Discernment Of Need. “Wilt” (Notice the personal pronouns in these verses. Revival is personal. You cannot expect others to get right, but must make sure that you are perfectly right. It is so easy to judge others while walking at a guilty distance from God yourself.)
Psalms 51:1-13 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 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. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
2. There Needs To Be A Direction Of Help. “Thou” (Life comes from the Lord and revival comes from Him also.)
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Ezra 9:8 And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
3. There Needs To Be A Desire For Change. “Revive” (As long as we are satisfied with our spirituality and life, we are not even a candidate for revival.)
Psalms 121:1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalms 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
4. There Needs To Be A Determination To Achieve. “Again” (Revival is a constant need of God’s people and does not exist in a simple 3-7 day meeting. Revival needs to be daily and perpetual.)
Philippians 1:20-21 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Psalms 85
Introduction: Bro. Tommy Holbrooks will be with us tonight through Wednesday night. That will make 23 consecutive Decembers that he has been with us. My, how the time flies and what a blessing Bro. Tommy has been to this church over those years. He is not only a close personal friend to my family; he is a real friend to churches and this one in particular. It needs to be understood that revival cannot be brought, bought, or worked up. Revival is individual and not group related or church-wide.
A. A lack of life, which is revival, in a church brings about some real problems:
1. You lose the blessings of God – vs. 1 “favor
2. You become a slave to sin – vs. 1 “captivity”
3. You incur the chastening of the Lord – vs. 2-3 “wrath … anger”
4. You will bring judgment upon your children – vs. 5 “all generations”
5. You will lose the joy of your salvation – vs. 6 “rejoice in thee”
B. What is or is not revival?
1. Some Think That Revival Is Shouting – This is a result of revival, not revival itself.
2. Some Think That Revival Is Soul Winning – This is a result of revival, not revival itself.
3. Some Think That Revival Is Sanctification – This is a result of revival, not revival itself.
4. Some Think That Revival Is Service – This is a result of revival, not revival itself.
5. Revival Is Simply Getting Personally Right With God! Revive means to make alive. God has quickened us in salvation and yet we have a continual problem with leaving our “first love” and settling upon our lees.
C. When do we need revival? First of all let me say that we need revival all of the time. Psalms 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? (Again and again and again and again!)
1. We need revival when we do not love Him as we once did.
2. We need revival when earthly interests are more important to us to us than eternal ones.
3. We need revival when we would rather watch TV than read the Bible and pray.
4. We need revival when church dinners are better attended than prayer meetings.
5. We need revival when we have little or no desire to pray.
6. We need revival when we would rather make money than give money.
7. We need revival when our Christianity is joyless and passionless.
8. We need revival when we know truth in our heads that we are not practicing in our lives.
9. We need revival when we make little effort to witness to the lost.
10. We need revival when we have time for sports, recreation, and entertainment, but not for Bible study and prayer.
11. We need revival when we do not tremble at the Word of God.
12. We need revival when we seldom think thoughts of eternity.
13. We need revival when God’s people are more concerned about their jobs and their careers, than about the Kingdom of Christ and the salvation of the lost.
14. We need revival when church services are predictable and “business as usual.”
15. We need revival when believers can be at odds with each other and not feel compelled to pursue reconciliation.
16. We need revival when Christian husbands and wives are not praying together.
17. We need revival when our marriages are co-existing rather than full of the love of Christ. 18. We need revival when our children are growing up to adopt worldly values, secular philosophies and ungodly lifestyles.
19. We need revival when we are more concerned about our children’s education and their athletic activities than about the condition of their souls.
20. We need revival when we tolerate “little” sins of gossip, a critical spirit and lack of love.
21. We need revival when our singing is half-hearted and our worship lifeless.
22. We need revival when our prayers are empty words designated to impress others.
23. We need revival when our prayers lack fervency.
24. We need revival when our hearts are cold and our eyes are dry.
25. We need revival when we aren’t seeing regular evidence of the supernatural power of God.
26. We need revival when we have ceased to weep and mourn and grieve over our own sin more than the sins of others.
27. We need revival when we are content with explainable, ordinary Christianity and church services.
28. We need revival when we are bored with worship.
29. We need revival when people have to be entertained to be drawn to church.
30. We need revival when our music and dress become patterned after the world.
31. We need revival when we start fitting into and adapting to the world, rather than calling the world to adapt to God’s standard of holiness.
32. We need revival when we don’t long for the company and fellowship of God’s people.
33. We need revival when people have to be begged to give and to serve in the church.
34. We need revival when our giving is measured and calculated, rather than extravagant and sacrificial.
35. We need revival when we aren’t exercising faith and believing God for the impossible.
36. We need revival when we are more concerned about what others think about us what God thinks about us.
37. We need revival when we are unmoved by the fact that over 2.5 billion people in the world have never heard the name of Jesus.
38. We need revival when we are unmoved by the thought of neighbors, business associates and acquaintances who are lost and without Christ.
39. We need revival when the lost world around us doesn’t know or care that we exist.
40. We need revival when the fire has gone out in our hearts, our marriages and the church.
41. We need revival when we are blind to the extent of our need and don’t think we need it.
D. Why do we need revival?
1. We need revival in order to increase our zeal for the Lord.
2. We need revival in order to increase our soul winning efforts.
3. We need revival in order to increase our sacrificial giving.
4. We need revival in order to increase our love for one another.
5. We need revival in order to increase our joy.
6. We need revival in order to increase our praise and worship of the Lord.
E. When we fail to have revival:
1. We lose the freshness of salvation – the excitement and wonder is gone.
2. We lose our burning love for a wonderful Savior.
3. We lose our desire for service – we become mechanical and go through the motions.
Psalms 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
1. There Needs To Be A Discernment Of Need. “Wilt” (Notice the personal pronouns in these verses. Revival is personal. You cannot expect others to get right, but must make sure that you are perfectly right. It is so easy to judge others while walking at a guilty distance from God yourself.)
Psalms 51:1-13 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 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. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
2. There Needs To Be A Direction Of Help. “Thou” (Life comes from the Lord and revival comes from Him also.)
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Ezra 9:8 And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
3. There Needs To Be A Desire For Change. “Revive” (As long as we are satisfied with our spirituality and life, we are not even a candidate for revival.)
Psalms 121:1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalms 34:14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Psalms 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
4. There Needs To Be A Determination To Achieve. “Again” (Revival is a constant need of God’s people and does not exist in a simple 3-7 day meeting. Revival needs to be daily and perpetual.)
Philippians 1:20-21 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Fruit Of The Spirit
Temple Baptist Church - 12-9-2009
Galatians 5:16-26
Introduction:
A. In our previous study, we have found that you and I, as believers, either walk in the flesh or we walk in the Spirit. There is not middle ground as these two walks are contrary one to another. Amos 3:3 declares that a walk together constitutes agreement with one another. The Flesh will never walk in agreement with the Spirit and the Holy Spirit will never walk in agreement with the Flesh!
B. The Flesh lusts against the Spirit: it seeks to control the believer. The Holy Spirit lusts against the Flesh: He seeks to control the believer. Therefore, because of the continual presence of both the flesh and the Spirit, the war is perpetual and powerful.
C. It is a never ending, daily, moment by moment battle of evil vs. good in our lives. Which controls us, either the flesh or the Spirit, is contingent upon which we feed and, therefore, walk in. It is powerful in that “ye cannot do the things that ye would.” We are hindered, horrified, and hurt by the presence and often control by or flesh.
D. I want to look at the fruit of the Spiritual Walk for a few minutes tonight. The Walk of the Flesh produces a myriad of individual works. A backslidden believer can have any one or even a combination of two or more of these works but rarely will he have every one of them on that list.
E. The spiritual walk is different in that aspect. The word “fruit” is singular. It is one fruit manifesting itself in nine different ways. To be lacking in any one of these nine aspects of spiritual fruit is to be, to some extent, walking in the flesh. If we do not have all nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, then we still have areas where we are controlled by our flesh and we cannot do the things that we are supposed to do or want to do.
F. We may look outwardly spiritual but inwardly we know what we are! That is, if we are His! Some folks lack spiritual fruit and think that they are right with God. They are deceived. The worst possible deception is that of self-deception. I know when I am right with God and I know when I am wrong with God because of the inward abiding of His Holy Spirit.
1. There Are The Three Inward Aspects Of The Fruit Of The Spirit
a. Love - Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (God is love and to be right with Him and to be like Him is to love as He loves. We are to love one another; we are to love sinners; we are to love the things that God loves and hate the things that God hates.)
b. Joy - Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (To know God and to be right with God brings an inner joy. Not because everything is right in our circumstances but because everything is right in our Father’s House and we are saved, secure, and soon to be removed from this present evil world through either death or the rapture.)
c. Peace - John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (Love and joy bring about peace! Peace with God and the peace of God. How often are our souls disquieted because of our mistrust in dire circumstances. Peace in the storm is knowing that the Master of the Sea is in the boat. He may seemingly “sleep” at times, but—when the boat fills with water and the waves are in the ship—He will arise and say, “Peace be still!”)
2. There Are The Three Outward Aspects Of The Fruit Of The Spirit
a. Longsuffering - Ephesians 4:1-2 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. (Patience in tribulation is a virtue so often missing in our lives. We want and expect others to be longsuffering with us in our faults and failures. We are to forgive others as God has forgiven us. We are to forbear as God forbears! This takes a spiritual man or woman to do this!)
b. Gentleness - 1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children. (Gentleness is a lost virtue in this generation. The terms “gentlemen” is no longer used. Gentleness is not a sign of weakness but an aspect of controlled manliness! Some of the kindest, gentlest men that I have ever known were men to be feared when confronted with war. If we walk in the Spirit, we will be gently with others as God has been gentle with us.)
c. Goodness - Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Ephesians 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (God’s people are to be good people. God is good and His people are to have that same characteristic. Good friends, good neighbors, good children, good parents, good citizens, good church members, good followers, etc.)
3. There Are The Three Upward Aspects Of The Fruit Of The Spirit
a. Faith - Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Faith that believes against hope; faith that removes mountains; faith that sees light in the darkness of trials; faith is steadfast and sure.)
b. Meekness - 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is know who and what we are; meekness is glorifying God for what is wrought in our lives; meekness is putting others before self. Moses was the meekest man in all the earth.)
c. Temperance - 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (Controlling of the fleshly appetites. All of us struggle in areas of temperance. There are things that we love to do that often glorifies the flesh to the place of pre-eminence.)
Galatians 5:16-26
Introduction:
A. In our previous study, we have found that you and I, as believers, either walk in the flesh or we walk in the Spirit. There is not middle ground as these two walks are contrary one to another. Amos 3:3 declares that a walk together constitutes agreement with one another. The Flesh will never walk in agreement with the Spirit and the Holy Spirit will never walk in agreement with the Flesh!
B. The Flesh lusts against the Spirit: it seeks to control the believer. The Holy Spirit lusts against the Flesh: He seeks to control the believer. Therefore, because of the continual presence of both the flesh and the Spirit, the war is perpetual and powerful.
C. It is a never ending, daily, moment by moment battle of evil vs. good in our lives. Which controls us, either the flesh or the Spirit, is contingent upon which we feed and, therefore, walk in. It is powerful in that “ye cannot do the things that ye would.” We are hindered, horrified, and hurt by the presence and often control by or flesh.
D. I want to look at the fruit of the Spiritual Walk for a few minutes tonight. The Walk of the Flesh produces a myriad of individual works. A backslidden believer can have any one or even a combination of two or more of these works but rarely will he have every one of them on that list.
E. The spiritual walk is different in that aspect. The word “fruit” is singular. It is one fruit manifesting itself in nine different ways. To be lacking in any one of these nine aspects of spiritual fruit is to be, to some extent, walking in the flesh. If we do not have all nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, then we still have areas where we are controlled by our flesh and we cannot do the things that we are supposed to do or want to do.
F. We may look outwardly spiritual but inwardly we know what we are! That is, if we are His! Some folks lack spiritual fruit and think that they are right with God. They are deceived. The worst possible deception is that of self-deception. I know when I am right with God and I know when I am wrong with God because of the inward abiding of His Holy Spirit.
1. There Are The Three Inward Aspects Of The Fruit Of The Spirit
a. Love - Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (God is love and to be right with Him and to be like Him is to love as He loves. We are to love one another; we are to love sinners; we are to love the things that God loves and hate the things that God hates.)
b. Joy - Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. (To know God and to be right with God brings an inner joy. Not because everything is right in our circumstances but because everything is right in our Father’s House and we are saved, secure, and soon to be removed from this present evil world through either death or the rapture.)
c. Peace - John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (Love and joy bring about peace! Peace with God and the peace of God. How often are our souls disquieted because of our mistrust in dire circumstances. Peace in the storm is knowing that the Master of the Sea is in the boat. He may seemingly “sleep” at times, but—when the boat fills with water and the waves are in the ship—He will arise and say, “Peace be still!”)
2. There Are The Three Outward Aspects Of The Fruit Of The Spirit
a. Longsuffering - Ephesians 4:1-2 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. (Patience in tribulation is a virtue so often missing in our lives. We want and expect others to be longsuffering with us in our faults and failures. We are to forgive others as God has forgiven us. We are to forbear as God forbears! This takes a spiritual man or woman to do this!)
b. Gentleness - 1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children. (Gentleness is a lost virtue in this generation. The terms “gentlemen” is no longer used. Gentleness is not a sign of weakness but an aspect of controlled manliness! Some of the kindest, gentlest men that I have ever known were men to be feared when confronted with war. If we walk in the Spirit, we will be gently with others as God has been gentle with us.)
c. Goodness - Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Ephesians 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (God’s people are to be good people. God is good and His people are to have that same characteristic. Good friends, good neighbors, good children, good parents, good citizens, good church members, good followers, etc.)
3. There Are The Three Upward Aspects Of The Fruit Of The Spirit
a. Faith - Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Faith that believes against hope; faith that removes mountains; faith that sees light in the darkness of trials; faith is steadfast and sure.)
b. Meekness - 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is know who and what we are; meekness is glorifying God for what is wrought in our lives; meekness is putting others before self. Moses was the meekest man in all the earth.)
c. Temperance - 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (Controlling of the fleshly appetites. All of us struggle in areas of temperance. There are things that we love to do that often glorifies the flesh to the place of pre-eminence.)
Sunday, December 6, 2009
But Continue In The Things Which Thou Hast Learned
Temple Baptist Church - 12-6-2009
2 Timothy 3:13-15
Introduction:
A. In these days of “falling away,” it is essential that the believer knows what he or she believes. Biblical ignorance is the rule of the day! No wonder the Apostle Paul said so often: “I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren!” One man said that the largest denomination in the word is the Church of the Ignorant Brethren.
B. It is essential that the believer not only what he believes but also why he believes what he believes. I have had so many people come to me and want me to give then Bible for the doctrine of Eternal Life, what the Bible says about spiritual gifts such as tongues, why baptism is not essential to salvation or why salvation is not of works, where do babies go when they die a premature death, what does the Bible say about capital punishment, etc.
C. Every believer who has been saved for years should have already been taught or studied each of these doctrinal questions. Basic or what we refer to “Cardinal Doctrines” of the faith should be easily explained to others by believers.
D. It is essential that the believer know where they got what they believed. I know that, in the beginning of our walk with the Lord, we get our doctrine from those who were instrumental to leading us to the Lord or the church that we were saved in. I do not believe what I believe just because I am an independent Baptist. I believe what I believe because I am a Biblicist! I can go to God’s Word for the foundation of my doctrinal beliefs.
E. Because of biblical ignorance, people are either falling away when troubles come or are “blown about” with every of doctrine.
F. While writing to a young pastor, Timothy, the aged apostle exhorted him to continue in the “things” that he had learned. The word “things” is plural. Not just continuing in one thing but in many. Often, good people will continue in some things while letting down in other things.
Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. (To possess or keep)
1. We Are To Continue In Doctrine – 2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (There is an old saying, “Love unifies, doctrine divides.” This is the theme of the one world church. Lay aside your doctrine and let us love one another. Doctrine does divide and the division is both right and essential! God commands it! We are to love but true love must be love in truth.)
2. We Are To Continue In Love - John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. (We are to love both Saints and Sinners! We are not to love the world or the things of the world but we are to love the lost, pray for them, live before them, and try to win them. We are to love one another and charity covers a multitude of sins!)
3. We Are To Continue In Separation – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (This is the Bible speaking, not this pastor! We are to separate from worldliness, apostasy, and ecumenism. We are not to be pharisaical but we are to be examples of godliness and Christ like. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world!)
4. We Are To Continue In Soul Winning - Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Through personal evangelism and world-wide missions. In the highways and hedges of the country side; in the streets and the lanes of the cities; from our Jerusalem to the uttermost part of the world! We are to do all at once and that can only be accomplished through personal effort and sending missionaries. He that winneth souls is wise!)
5. We Are To Continue In Prayer - Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (We are to pray frequently and faithfully. We are to pray without ceasing. We are to pray for family, friends, church, our nation, and the world. We are to pray for purity of heart, desire to serve, the souls of men, and boldness to stand for right!)
6. We Are To Continue In Watching – 1 Thessalonians 5:6-10 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 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. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (He is coming, apostasy is creeping, and we are LEAVING!)
2 Timothy 3:13-15
Introduction:
A. In these days of “falling away,” it is essential that the believer knows what he or she believes. Biblical ignorance is the rule of the day! No wonder the Apostle Paul said so often: “I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren!” One man said that the largest denomination in the word is the Church of the Ignorant Brethren.
B. It is essential that the believer not only what he believes but also why he believes what he believes. I have had so many people come to me and want me to give then Bible for the doctrine of Eternal Life, what the Bible says about spiritual gifts such as tongues, why baptism is not essential to salvation or why salvation is not of works, where do babies go when they die a premature death, what does the Bible say about capital punishment, etc.
C. Every believer who has been saved for years should have already been taught or studied each of these doctrinal questions. Basic or what we refer to “Cardinal Doctrines” of the faith should be easily explained to others by believers.
D. It is essential that the believer know where they got what they believed. I know that, in the beginning of our walk with the Lord, we get our doctrine from those who were instrumental to leading us to the Lord or the church that we were saved in. I do not believe what I believe just because I am an independent Baptist. I believe what I believe because I am a Biblicist! I can go to God’s Word for the foundation of my doctrinal beliefs.
E. Because of biblical ignorance, people are either falling away when troubles come or are “blown about” with every of doctrine.
F. While writing to a young pastor, Timothy, the aged apostle exhorted him to continue in the “things” that he had learned. The word “things” is plural. Not just continuing in one thing but in many. Often, good people will continue in some things while letting down in other things.
Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. (To possess or keep)
1. We Are To Continue In Doctrine – 2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (There is an old saying, “Love unifies, doctrine divides.” This is the theme of the one world church. Lay aside your doctrine and let us love one another. Doctrine does divide and the division is both right and essential! God commands it! We are to love but true love must be love in truth.)
2. We Are To Continue In Love - John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. (We are to love both Saints and Sinners! We are not to love the world or the things of the world but we are to love the lost, pray for them, live before them, and try to win them. We are to love one another and charity covers a multitude of sins!)
3. We Are To Continue In Separation – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (This is the Bible speaking, not this pastor! We are to separate from worldliness, apostasy, and ecumenism. We are not to be pharisaical but we are to be examples of godliness and Christ like. We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world!)
4. We Are To Continue In Soul Winning - Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Through personal evangelism and world-wide missions. In the highways and hedges of the country side; in the streets and the lanes of the cities; from our Jerusalem to the uttermost part of the world! We are to do all at once and that can only be accomplished through personal effort and sending missionaries. He that winneth souls is wise!)
5. We Are To Continue In Prayer - Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (We are to pray frequently and faithfully. We are to pray without ceasing. We are to pray for family, friends, church, our nation, and the world. We are to pray for purity of heart, desire to serve, the souls of men, and boldness to stand for right!)
6. We Are To Continue In Watching – 1 Thessalonians 5:6-10 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 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. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (He is coming, apostasy is creeping, and we are LEAVING!)
Preaching The Word
Temple Baptist Church - 12-6-2009
2 Timothy 3:1-4:4
Introduction:
A. When you have a 2nd or 3rd epistle with the same name such as Corinthians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Peter, and John—the 2nd and 3rd books deal with the apostasy in the end times. Apostasy and the spirit of antichrist were already prevalent in the days of the apostles but, according to the Bible; escalate as we near the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
B. 2 Timothy is one of the Church Epistles that is pastoral in nature. The Church Epistles are doctrinal books that set forth the guidelines for operating the local church. They are written for everyone while the Pastoral Epistles were written directly to pastors with application made to each of us.
C. 2 Timothy was written to young Timothy as he pastored a church. Paul had been instrumental in the conversion of Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2) and mentored him throughout Paul’s ministry. 1 Timothy sets forth a right behavior in regards to the local church (1Timothy 3:15) while 2 Timothy gives warning concerning the advancement of apostasy and wickedness among professing believers: both professing and possessing.
D. Paul admonishes Timothy to remain faithful to the Word of God in chapter 3 for two reasons:
1. Knowing of whom he had received it. He had learned his doctrine from men of God who knew the Lord Jesus Christ. Holy men of old penned the Holy Scriptures and holy men of God preached the Holy Scriptures!
2. Knowing how desperately he would need it. The inspired, preserved Word of God is the fundamental of the faith and the foundation upon which all faith and doctrine stand. The Word of God is an anchor in the shifting sands of human theology and is essential to the “throughly furnishing” of the man of God.
E. I want to preach for a few minutes this morning on the essentials of preaching God’s Word. In a day when God’s Word is attacked, minimized, slandered, rendered, slaughtered, denied, and privately interpreted—we need to make sure we hold the ropes for each other, our families, and the lost.
1. The Admonition Of God’s Word – 3:14-15
a. Stay With God’s Word! God only wrote one Bibles! There is only one faithful translation! We have the inerrant, infallible, verbal, plenary, preserved, inspired, perfect in every way Word of God! I make no apologies to either man or devil for this blessed Bible that I preach. If I am ignorant and unlearned, please leave me alone because I am saved beyond human help!!
b. Stay With God’s Men! I mean men of God who stay with this blessed old King James Bible and remain faithful to the doctrines of the faith. I am all for education but totally against intellectualism! So many today have been educated beyond their intelligence. Their faith has been affected by human reason. You cannot reason out either God or His Word as it is either faith of sight and only faith saves.
2. The Authority Of God’s Word – 3:16
a. It Is The Authority For Indoctrination - it is the straight and narrow way that leads to Heaven – salvation is God’s way or Hell is in man’s way.
b. It Is The Authority For Admonition – it admonishes and convicts the sinful.
c. It Is The Authority For Rectification - it restores the repentant.
d. It Is The Authority For Education - its precepts are right: historically, scientifically, morally, and prophetically.
3. The Application Of God’s Word – 3:17
a. The Word Of God Edifies The Believer - it brings to maturity and guides us.
b. The Word Of God Equips The Believer - it stands alone as to meeting our spiritual needs.
4. The Assignment Of God’s Word – 4:1-2
a. The Charge Of Its Preaching - pure before God and purposed before man.
b. The Purpose Of Its Preaching – it reproves, rebukes, and exhorts.
5. The Apostasy Of God's Word – 3-4
a. The Period Of The Apostasy – the time will come and now is.
b. The People Of The Apostasy – they will not endure sound doctrine and argue with God’s Word.
c. The Preachers Of The Apostasy – they are teachers, not preachers – they are teachers of fables – if you can’t follow the reading of their bible, do not follow the teaching of the preacher.
2 Timothy 3:1-4:4
Introduction:
A. When you have a 2nd or 3rd epistle with the same name such as Corinthians, Thessalonians, Timothy, Peter, and John—the 2nd and 3rd books deal with the apostasy in the end times. Apostasy and the spirit of antichrist were already prevalent in the days of the apostles but, according to the Bible; escalate as we near the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
B. 2 Timothy is one of the Church Epistles that is pastoral in nature. The Church Epistles are doctrinal books that set forth the guidelines for operating the local church. They are written for everyone while the Pastoral Epistles were written directly to pastors with application made to each of us.
C. 2 Timothy was written to young Timothy as he pastored a church. Paul had been instrumental in the conversion of Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2) and mentored him throughout Paul’s ministry. 1 Timothy sets forth a right behavior in regards to the local church (1Timothy 3:15) while 2 Timothy gives warning concerning the advancement of apostasy and wickedness among professing believers: both professing and possessing.
D. Paul admonishes Timothy to remain faithful to the Word of God in chapter 3 for two reasons:
1. Knowing of whom he had received it. He had learned his doctrine from men of God who knew the Lord Jesus Christ. Holy men of old penned the Holy Scriptures and holy men of God preached the Holy Scriptures!
2. Knowing how desperately he would need it. The inspired, preserved Word of God is the fundamental of the faith and the foundation upon which all faith and doctrine stand. The Word of God is an anchor in the shifting sands of human theology and is essential to the “throughly furnishing” of the man of God.
E. I want to preach for a few minutes this morning on the essentials of preaching God’s Word. In a day when God’s Word is attacked, minimized, slandered, rendered, slaughtered, denied, and privately interpreted—we need to make sure we hold the ropes for each other, our families, and the lost.
1. The Admonition Of God’s Word – 3:14-15
a. Stay With God’s Word! God only wrote one Bibles! There is only one faithful translation! We have the inerrant, infallible, verbal, plenary, preserved, inspired, perfect in every way Word of God! I make no apologies to either man or devil for this blessed Bible that I preach. If I am ignorant and unlearned, please leave me alone because I am saved beyond human help!!
b. Stay With God’s Men! I mean men of God who stay with this blessed old King James Bible and remain faithful to the doctrines of the faith. I am all for education but totally against intellectualism! So many today have been educated beyond their intelligence. Their faith has been affected by human reason. You cannot reason out either God or His Word as it is either faith of sight and only faith saves.
2. The Authority Of God’s Word – 3:16
a. It Is The Authority For Indoctrination - it is the straight and narrow way that leads to Heaven – salvation is God’s way or Hell is in man’s way.
b. It Is The Authority For Admonition – it admonishes and convicts the sinful.
c. It Is The Authority For Rectification - it restores the repentant.
d. It Is The Authority For Education - its precepts are right: historically, scientifically, morally, and prophetically.
3. The Application Of God’s Word – 3:17
a. The Word Of God Edifies The Believer - it brings to maturity and guides us.
b. The Word Of God Equips The Believer - it stands alone as to meeting our spiritual needs.
4. The Assignment Of God’s Word – 4:1-2
a. The Charge Of Its Preaching - pure before God and purposed before man.
b. The Purpose Of Its Preaching – it reproves, rebukes, and exhorts.
5. The Apostasy Of God's Word – 3-4
a. The Period Of The Apostasy – the time will come and now is.
b. The People Of The Apostasy – they will not endure sound doctrine and argue with God’s Word.
c. The Preachers Of The Apostasy – they are teachers, not preachers – they are teachers of fables – if you can’t follow the reading of their bible, do not follow the teaching of the preacher.
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