Temple Baptist Church - 7-28-2010
Ephesians 2:1-7
Introduction:
A. In these verses, we find just how great a salvation that we have. It shows us what we were, where we came from, and where we were headed when we were without Christ. Lost people never get it! They are so blinded by Satan that they think that they are alright and acceptable where they are.
B. Two of the greatest words in the Bible are found in verse 4 as the Scripture says, “But God!” Here lately, I have tried to show us just how blessed that we are to be saved. When was the last time that we have seen someone just stand up and say, “I thank God that I am saved!”
C. Everyone here can say that and we are grateful for it but there are times when we get “too earthly minded to be of any heavenly good” and forget to thank the Lord for what He has done for us.
D. I just want to take a short look at these verses to refresh our memories of where we were, what we were, what God did for us, and where we are going. Our Past – Helpless, Hopeless, Hell Bound; Our Present – Helped, Hopeful, Heaven Bound; Our Prospect – Eternal, Exceeding, Exciting!
1. Our Past
a. We Were Dead – “were dead” vs. 1
b. We Were Depraved – “trespasses and sins” vs. 1
c. We Were Deceived – “course of this world…the prince” vs. 2
d. We Were Disobedient – “children of disobedience” vs. 2
e. We Were Driven – “fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind” vs. 3
f. We Were Damned – “the children of wrath” vs. 3
2. Our Present
a. The Mercy Of God – “rich in mercy” vs. 4
b. The Love Of God – “his great love” vs. 4
c. The Grace Of God – “exceeding riches...grace” vs. 7
(Oh how simple, wonderful and yet incomprehensible is the deliverance of God on our behalf.)
3. Our Prospect
a. Our Prospect Is Exalted – “heavenly places in Christ Jesus” vs. 6
b. Our Prospect Is Exciting – “that in the ages to come” vs. 7
c. Our Prospect Is Eternal – “ages to come” vs. 7
d. Our Prospect Is Exceeding – “exceeding riches of his grace”
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Witnessing For Jesus Christ And The Local Church
Temple Baptist Church - 7-25-2010
Acts 5:41-6:1
Introduction:
A. Churches today have become “numbers orientated.” Much emphasis has been placed on numbers with many churches having a statistics board in the front of the sanctuary, displaying attendance and offerings.
B. The early church did not endeavor to multiply the number of the disciples. What it does say is that every day, publicly and privately, they told people about Jesus Christ.
Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
C. I am not against inviting people to church. I am not against membership campaigns that churches may carry out. These things are necessary tools in reaching people by getting them under the sound of preaching.
1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (It is the Word of God that brings about saving faith.)
D. One of the mistakes of church building is that church growth should not be the primary goal. We should not wait until we get enough good workers to start a soul-winning program. We should be winning souls no matter how many people we have in our churches.
E. There are several misconceptions concerning soul winning that I want to look at this morning that will give each of us help in this area.
1. Many believers believe that they are not capable of witnessing effectively. Witnessing, at this point, becomes a special gift of boldness and “gab” that only a few have. Witnessing is a command of God! Witnessing is not a special spiritual gift. Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
a. We all need to carry out the Great Commission! It takes every believer to “go into all the world.” Witnessing is not something that we pray about doing (though prayer should be involved). You just witness. Witnessing is simply telling others about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it did for you.
b. We need to teach our converts to win souls - Matthew 28:20 Teaching THEM to observe ALL things whatsoever I have commanded YOU!
2. Witnessing as become almost a thing of the past in our day. If the salvation of souls was the number one priority of the Lord Jesus Christ, then it should be at the top of our list also. 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
a. It was the priority of Christ!
1) He came into this world to save sinners.
2) He lived without sin so He could die as a sacrifice for sinners.
3) He died on the cross for sinners.
4) He rose again for sinners.
b. It is to be the mission of the church
Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
3. Witnessing is a sign of our love for both Jesus Christ and the souls of men! Witnessing is not solicitation! Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (To solicit is to ask for or plead for, especially in reference to receiving payment or money.)
a. Soul winning is the offer of a FANTASTIC gift – “eternal life”
b Soul winning is the offer of a FREE gift – “gift of God” (Free but not cheap! It is free, but it's not cheap! It was paid for by the most precious substance in the universe -- the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. You can't buy it. You can't earn it. You can't work in order to get it. You can only get it by receiving it as a free gift from God by faith in Christ Jesus.)
4. Witnessing is a corporate effort, not the efforts of a select few! 1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. (It is everybody’s job, either by visitation or giving out tracts.)
a. We cooperate with our Savior - 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
b. We cooperate with other soul-winners - 1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
5. Witnessing is a continuous effort, not a sporadic one! We are to be living epistles, read of men. We re the only Bible that most people read. “A life lived is worth a thousand sermons preached!” Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
a. It should be daily - Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (I believe in organized visitation but we are to be soul winners every where and every day.)
b. It should be deliberate - Mark 1:17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. (When I go fishing, it is planned! I do not accidentally end up in a boat on a lake. Fishing is a deliberate act. Fishers do not catch fish by accident!)
Conclusion: Years ago, Dr. Jack Hyles, years ago, wrote the following little poem:
INCOMPLETE
Like a fire with no glow,
Like a winter with no snow,
Like a river with no flow,
Like a conviction without a "NO,"
Like an oar without a row,
Like a wind without a blow,
Like a pitcher without a throw,
Like a harvest without a sow,
Like a trip without a go,
Like a kneader without dough,
Like a Santa without a Ho,
Like excess without overflow,
Like a foot without a toe,
Like a gardener without a hoe,
Like a cock without a crow,
Like a con without a pro,
Like a high without a low,
Like a truth without a know,
Like a fast without a slow,
Like a buck without a doe,
Like an actor without a show,
Like above without below,
Like a to without a fro,
Like violins without a bow,
IS A CHRISTIAN WHO WILL NOT GO.
Romans 10:13-15 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (May God bless the beautiful feet of the winner of souls!)
Acts 5:41-6:1
Introduction:
A. Churches today have become “numbers orientated.” Much emphasis has been placed on numbers with many churches having a statistics board in the front of the sanctuary, displaying attendance and offerings.
B. The early church did not endeavor to multiply the number of the disciples. What it does say is that every day, publicly and privately, they told people about Jesus Christ.
Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
C. I am not against inviting people to church. I am not against membership campaigns that churches may carry out. These things are necessary tools in reaching people by getting them under the sound of preaching.
1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (It is the Word of God that brings about saving faith.)
D. One of the mistakes of church building is that church growth should not be the primary goal. We should not wait until we get enough good workers to start a soul-winning program. We should be winning souls no matter how many people we have in our churches.
E. There are several misconceptions concerning soul winning that I want to look at this morning that will give each of us help in this area.
1. Many believers believe that they are not capable of witnessing effectively. Witnessing, at this point, becomes a special gift of boldness and “gab” that only a few have. Witnessing is a command of God! Witnessing is not a special spiritual gift. Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
a. We all need to carry out the Great Commission! It takes every believer to “go into all the world.” Witnessing is not something that we pray about doing (though prayer should be involved). You just witness. Witnessing is simply telling others about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it did for you.
b. We need to teach our converts to win souls - Matthew 28:20 Teaching THEM to observe ALL things whatsoever I have commanded YOU!
2. Witnessing as become almost a thing of the past in our day. If the salvation of souls was the number one priority of the Lord Jesus Christ, then it should be at the top of our list also. 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
a. It was the priority of Christ!
1) He came into this world to save sinners.
2) He lived without sin so He could die as a sacrifice for sinners.
3) He died on the cross for sinners.
4) He rose again for sinners.
b. It is to be the mission of the church
Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
3. Witnessing is a sign of our love for both Jesus Christ and the souls of men! Witnessing is not solicitation! Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (To solicit is to ask for or plead for, especially in reference to receiving payment or money.)
a. Soul winning is the offer of a FANTASTIC gift – “eternal life”
b Soul winning is the offer of a FREE gift – “gift of God” (Free but not cheap! It is free, but it's not cheap! It was paid for by the most precious substance in the universe -- the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. You can't buy it. You can't earn it. You can't work in order to get it. You can only get it by receiving it as a free gift from God by faith in Christ Jesus.)
4. Witnessing is a corporate effort, not the efforts of a select few! 1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. (It is everybody’s job, either by visitation or giving out tracts.)
a. We cooperate with our Savior - 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
b. We cooperate with other soul-winners - 1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
5. Witnessing is a continuous effort, not a sporadic one! We are to be living epistles, read of men. We re the only Bible that most people read. “A life lived is worth a thousand sermons preached!” Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
a. It should be daily - Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (I believe in organized visitation but we are to be soul winners every where and every day.)
b. It should be deliberate - Mark 1:17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. (When I go fishing, it is planned! I do not accidentally end up in a boat on a lake. Fishing is a deliberate act. Fishers do not catch fish by accident!)
Conclusion: Years ago, Dr. Jack Hyles, years ago, wrote the following little poem:
INCOMPLETE
Like a fire with no glow,
Like a winter with no snow,
Like a river with no flow,
Like a conviction without a "NO,"
Like an oar without a row,
Like a wind without a blow,
Like a pitcher without a throw,
Like a harvest without a sow,
Like a trip without a go,
Like a kneader without dough,
Like a Santa without a Ho,
Like excess without overflow,
Like a foot without a toe,
Like a gardener without a hoe,
Like a cock without a crow,
Like a con without a pro,
Like a high without a low,
Like a truth without a know,
Like a fast without a slow,
Like a buck without a doe,
Like an actor without a show,
Like above without below,
Like a to without a fro,
Like violins without a bow,
IS A CHRISTIAN WHO WILL NOT GO.
Romans 10:13-15 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (May God bless the beautiful feet of the winner of souls!)
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
You
Temple Baptist Church - 7-21-2010
Ephesians 2:1
Introduction:
A. Ephesians chapter one speaks of the believers corporately. It ends up with a discussion of the faith of the saints but Paul is still speaking corporately as every believer has the same faith. Many get confused with election and predestination because of their lack of rightly dividing the word of truth. Never do you find an individual elect to salvation. The pronouns are plural which speaks of the body of Christ corporately.
B. Ephesians chapter 2 speaks in the same manner. Corporately, every believer will have in common what these next few verses speak of. We are saved from the same thing to the same thing the same way! If you got into the body of Christ differently than I then there are more than just one way of salvation!
C. I said that in order to make a right biblical interpretation. We must learn to give a proper interpretation before attempting to make a practical application. The interpretation is in the “plural.” I am so glad that we all got saved from the same thing to the same thing by the same Person, Jesus Christ.
D. Now, by application, I want to bring that word “you” down to each of you personally. When soul winning (or soul warning), people need to realize the importance of “you.” When we quote John 3:16, many of the lost that we witness to can quote all or most of it with us. It is a verse of Scripture that is probably the most notable of all or at least the most quoted.
1. God does love the world but the world is again corporate. It signifies every person who has ever lived, is living, or will live in the future. I am glad that I know that God died for all instead of dying for the select elect. When we quote this verse, everyone will immediately agree with us that God does love the world and gave His only begotten Son to die for THEM!
2. Jesus Christ died for individuals! The “you” in verse 1 is made up on individual “you’s.” Please do not spell check the word “you’s” because you will not find it in your dictionary. It is my word! I tell people that “if you had been the only man (or woman) who ever lived that God would have still send His only begotten Son to die for you! That is how important that you are!
E. Now, having said that, let me say that you are that “you!” If you had been the only person to have ever lived on this earth, God would give you the individual attention of every great and precious promise found in the Bible! “’YOU’ hath he quickened!” Glory, Halleluiah!
F. I want to look at “you” tonight. When we get through, I want you to know just how special and blessed that you are!
1. You are so Special! You are one of a kind. They say that there are no two snowflakes alike. I’m not completely convinced but will say that, in all probability, that is a correct statement. I have never known anyone to see every snowflake, count every snowflake, or to microscopically inspect every snowflake! I do know that God made every person different. From the numbering of their hairs to the continuing of their structure, they are different. They are no genetically the same. Every individual’s DNA is different. Again, I am taking the people who supposedly know at their word. God made you just exactly like He wanted you! Do not try to change what you are and do not be ashamed of what you are. Be happy!
2. You are so Loved! While you were still dead in trespasses and sins, Jesus Christ not only died for you, He also had compassion upon you! He came to you when you could not and would not come to Him. He pursued you while you were still running from Him. If you had been the only man or woman in the world, He would have come to you. You are loved and you are special!
3. You are so Saved! The Lord did not partially or conditionally save you. From the guttermost to the uttermost. You are both saved and secure for time and eternity. Nothing in this world can separate you from the love of Christ and no power in this world can take you out of His wonderful, powerful, loving hand.
4. You are so Cared For! The Lord gives you His provision. Exactly what and when you need something, it is there. The Lord gives us His protection. Nothing can touch you without the Lord’s permission and nothing can go beyond the limitations that He sets. The Lord gives you His divine providence. He has mapped out your life from the moment that you are born until the day that He takes you home.
5. You are so Thought Upon! The Lord does not just think about occasionally but He thinks upon you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 ¼ days a year! His thoughts toward you are more than can be numbered. He “thinketh” upon you. That word is in a continuing sense. You are never out of His thoughts.
6. You are so Accompanied! He compasses you! He is before you; He is behind you; He is beside of you on the right hand and on the left. He will never leave you nor with He ever forsake you. You can count on Him to be there with and for you in every situation
7. You are so BLESSED!!!!! All of this and heaven too!
Ephesians 2:1
Introduction:
A. Ephesians chapter one speaks of the believers corporately. It ends up with a discussion of the faith of the saints but Paul is still speaking corporately as every believer has the same faith. Many get confused with election and predestination because of their lack of rightly dividing the word of truth. Never do you find an individual elect to salvation. The pronouns are plural which speaks of the body of Christ corporately.
B. Ephesians chapter 2 speaks in the same manner. Corporately, every believer will have in common what these next few verses speak of. We are saved from the same thing to the same thing the same way! If you got into the body of Christ differently than I then there are more than just one way of salvation!
C. I said that in order to make a right biblical interpretation. We must learn to give a proper interpretation before attempting to make a practical application. The interpretation is in the “plural.” I am so glad that we all got saved from the same thing to the same thing by the same Person, Jesus Christ.
D. Now, by application, I want to bring that word “you” down to each of you personally. When soul winning (or soul warning), people need to realize the importance of “you.” When we quote John 3:16, many of the lost that we witness to can quote all or most of it with us. It is a verse of Scripture that is probably the most notable of all or at least the most quoted.
1. God does love the world but the world is again corporate. It signifies every person who has ever lived, is living, or will live in the future. I am glad that I know that God died for all instead of dying for the select elect. When we quote this verse, everyone will immediately agree with us that God does love the world and gave His only begotten Son to die for THEM!
2. Jesus Christ died for individuals! The “you” in verse 1 is made up on individual “you’s.” Please do not spell check the word “you’s” because you will not find it in your dictionary. It is my word! I tell people that “if you had been the only man (or woman) who ever lived that God would have still send His only begotten Son to die for you! That is how important that you are!
E. Now, having said that, let me say that you are that “you!” If you had been the only person to have ever lived on this earth, God would give you the individual attention of every great and precious promise found in the Bible! “’YOU’ hath he quickened!” Glory, Halleluiah!
F. I want to look at “you” tonight. When we get through, I want you to know just how special and blessed that you are!
1. You are so Special! You are one of a kind. They say that there are no two snowflakes alike. I’m not completely convinced but will say that, in all probability, that is a correct statement. I have never known anyone to see every snowflake, count every snowflake, or to microscopically inspect every snowflake! I do know that God made every person different. From the numbering of their hairs to the continuing of their structure, they are different. They are no genetically the same. Every individual’s DNA is different. Again, I am taking the people who supposedly know at their word. God made you just exactly like He wanted you! Do not try to change what you are and do not be ashamed of what you are. Be happy!
2. You are so Loved! While you were still dead in trespasses and sins, Jesus Christ not only died for you, He also had compassion upon you! He came to you when you could not and would not come to Him. He pursued you while you were still running from Him. If you had been the only man or woman in the world, He would have come to you. You are loved and you are special!
3. You are so Saved! The Lord did not partially or conditionally save you. From the guttermost to the uttermost. You are both saved and secure for time and eternity. Nothing in this world can separate you from the love of Christ and no power in this world can take you out of His wonderful, powerful, loving hand.
4. You are so Cared For! The Lord gives you His provision. Exactly what and when you need something, it is there. The Lord gives us His protection. Nothing can touch you without the Lord’s permission and nothing can go beyond the limitations that He sets. The Lord gives you His divine providence. He has mapped out your life from the moment that you are born until the day that He takes you home.
5. You are so Thought Upon! The Lord does not just think about occasionally but He thinks upon you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 ¼ days a year! His thoughts toward you are more than can be numbered. He “thinketh” upon you. That word is in a continuing sense. You are never out of His thoughts.
6. You are so Accompanied! He compasses you! He is before you; He is behind you; He is beside of you on the right hand and on the left. He will never leave you nor with He ever forsake you. You can count on Him to be there with and for you in every situation
7. You are so BLESSED!!!!! All of this and heaven too!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Pulpit And The Church
Temple Baptist Church - 7-18-2010
Nehemiah 8:1-4a
Introduction:
A. In Nehemiah 8:4, we have not only the first mention principle of the word pulpit (God will never change His mind concerning this subject); we also have a full mention principle (God said all that He needs to say on the subject). This is also the only mention of the word “pulpit!” God said all that needs to be said on the subject in one short context. I would behoove us to look at this important piece of furniture that is found in a prominent place in the local church and check out its purpose.
B. In most churches, the pulpit is the central piece of furniture in the most conspicuous place. The new and more modern (liberal) churches are built around the Family Life Center. This “falling away” from the preaching of God’s Word is not new. I remember my days in Bible College when we observed “shift change” at Tabernacle Baptist Church. There were many who came for Preaching but never Sunday School. There were those who came for Sunday School and left before the preaching.
C. The pulpit was once a place of reverence by the man of God. It is often called the “sacred desk.” In our day, men climb into pulpits that have no love for the Word of God or the people of God. They are hireling prophets who are more interested in their own personal agendas than they are standing true to the Bible. These are men with no call of God on their lives.
D. The pulpit was once held in respect by the people of God but times have changed that also. Now people come and hear the Word of God preached with a “take it of leave it” attitude. We live in the Laodicean Church Age and “Laodicea” means “the rights of the people.” People care little for what God says or what God wants. They do what they want to do.
1. God’s Man – vs. 2 “Ezra the priest”
2. God’s Method – vs. 2 “brought”
3. God’s Message – vs. 2 “the law”
a) The Value of God’s Word - Psalms 19:10 - More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:
b) The Sweetness of God’s Word - Psalms 19:10 sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
c) The Importance of God’s Word - Job 23:12 I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
LET US TAKE A LOOK AT THAT PULPIT AND GIVE SOME APPLICATIONS TO THE PULPIT AND THE CHURCH OF OUR DAY
1. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Desire – 1 “gathered themselves” (The people initiated the Service)
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Psalms 119:97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. (Three Results of Loving God’s Word.)
Psalms 119:113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
Psalms 119:163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
a. Hate vain thoughts (wicked thinking)
b. Hate lying
c. Not easily offended
2. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Unity – 1 “all...as one man” (The people were in One Accord)
Ephesians 4:11-15 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Acts:, 41-42 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place....Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
3. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Purpose - 1-2 “bring the book” (The people wanted to hear God’s Word)
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
a. Purpose of Salvation - Romans 10:17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
b. Purpose of Edification - 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
c. Purpose of Exhortation - Hebrews 13:22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
4. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Attentiveness – 3 “were attentive” (When God’s man speaks, God’s people should heed.)
a. Heeding God’s Word Brings Salvation To Others - 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt bothsave thyself, and them that hear thee.
b. Heeding God’s Word Brings Cleansing - Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
5. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Elevation – 4 “pulpit” (A “pulpit” is an elevated place.The people elevated it, not the preacher. Place of Authority.)
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
6. The Pulpit Should Be A Place Of Understanding. Vs. 4 “pulpit of wood” (It was made of perishable wood.) God’s infallible, perfect Word being preached by fallible, imperfect men! This is God’s way.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. (4) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: (5) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
7. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Reverence – 5 “all the people stood up” (Reverence God’s Word.)
Psalms 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
Psalms 119:117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
8. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Blessing and Praise – 6 (Place of Elevation of Christ.)
Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
9. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Agreement – 6 “Amen”
Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
10. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Worship and Humility – 6 “Bowed…worshiped”
Psalms 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
11. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Attendance - 7 “their place”
a. The Importance of the People
b. The Implication of their Place (cannot be filled by another)
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.
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
12. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Teaching and Understanding – 8 “caused them to understand the reading”
a. The Pulpit is a place of teaching - Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
Hebrews 5:12, 14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat...But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
b. The Pulpit is a place of preaching - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
13. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Joy and Gladness – 10 “the joy of the Lord is your strength”
a. The Joy of the people - 1 John 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
b. The Joy of the pulpit - 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Nehemiah 8:1-4a
Introduction:
A. In Nehemiah 8:4, we have not only the first mention principle of the word pulpit (God will never change His mind concerning this subject); we also have a full mention principle (God said all that He needs to say on the subject). This is also the only mention of the word “pulpit!” God said all that needs to be said on the subject in one short context. I would behoove us to look at this important piece of furniture that is found in a prominent place in the local church and check out its purpose.
B. In most churches, the pulpit is the central piece of furniture in the most conspicuous place. The new and more modern (liberal) churches are built around the Family Life Center. This “falling away” from the preaching of God’s Word is not new. I remember my days in Bible College when we observed “shift change” at Tabernacle Baptist Church. There were many who came for Preaching but never Sunday School. There were those who came for Sunday School and left before the preaching.
C. The pulpit was once a place of reverence by the man of God. It is often called the “sacred desk.” In our day, men climb into pulpits that have no love for the Word of God or the people of God. They are hireling prophets who are more interested in their own personal agendas than they are standing true to the Bible. These are men with no call of God on their lives.
D. The pulpit was once held in respect by the people of God but times have changed that also. Now people come and hear the Word of God preached with a “take it of leave it” attitude. We live in the Laodicean Church Age and “Laodicea” means “the rights of the people.” People care little for what God says or what God wants. They do what they want to do.
1. God’s Man – vs. 2 “Ezra the priest”
2. God’s Method – vs. 2 “brought”
3. God’s Message – vs. 2 “the law”
a) The Value of God’s Word - Psalms 19:10 - More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:
b) The Sweetness of God’s Word - Psalms 19:10 sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
c) The Importance of God’s Word - Job 23:12 I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
LET US TAKE A LOOK AT THAT PULPIT AND GIVE SOME APPLICATIONS TO THE PULPIT AND THE CHURCH OF OUR DAY
1. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Desire – 1 “gathered themselves” (The people initiated the Service)
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Psalms 119:97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. (Three Results of Loving God’s Word.)
Psalms 119:113 I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
Psalms 119:163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
a. Hate vain thoughts (wicked thinking)
b. Hate lying
c. Not easily offended
2. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Unity – 1 “all...as one man” (The people were in One Accord)
Ephesians 4:11-15 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Acts:, 41-42 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place....Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
3. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Purpose - 1-2 “bring the book” (The people wanted to hear God’s Word)
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
a. Purpose of Salvation - Romans 10:17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
b. Purpose of Edification - 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
c. Purpose of Exhortation - Hebrews 13:22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
4. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Attentiveness – 3 “were attentive” (When God’s man speaks, God’s people should heed.)
a. Heeding God’s Word Brings Salvation To Others - 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt bothsave thyself, and them that hear thee.
b. Heeding God’s Word Brings Cleansing - Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
5. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Elevation – 4 “pulpit” (A “pulpit” is an elevated place.The people elevated it, not the preacher. Place of Authority.)
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
6. The Pulpit Should Be A Place Of Understanding. Vs. 4 “pulpit of wood” (It was made of perishable wood.) God’s infallible, perfect Word being preached by fallible, imperfect men! This is God’s way.
1 Corinthians 2:3-5 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. (4) And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: (5) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
7. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Reverence – 5 “all the people stood up” (Reverence God’s Word.)
Psalms 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
Psalms 119:117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
8. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Blessing and Praise – 6 (Place of Elevation of Christ.)
Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
9. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Agreement – 6 “Amen”
Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
10. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Worship and Humility – 6 “Bowed…worshiped”
Psalms 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
11. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Attendance - 7 “their place”
a. The Importance of the People
b. The Implication of their Place (cannot be filled by another)
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.
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
12. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Teaching and Understanding – 8 “caused them to understand the reading”
a. The Pulpit is a place of teaching - Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
Hebrews 5:12, 14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat...But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
b. The Pulpit is a place of preaching - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
13. The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Joy and Gladness – 10 “the joy of the Lord is your strength”
a. The Joy of the people - 1 John 1:4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
b. The Joy of the pulpit - 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
How To Listen To A Sermon
Temple Baptist Church - 7-18-2010
James 1:17-27
Introduction: This morning, I preached on the importance of the Pulpit in the local church. A Pulpit is of little or no value when the preaching and teaching is not heard.
A. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” What a wonderful gift God has given to us in our King James Bible. The very Word of God! What a blessing to have bibles all over the house. I do not know just how many that I have but I have stacks of them.
B. What a blessing to sit and read these precious words of God. Some may fault me for this statement but I love to sit with several cups of black coffee and read my bible! I normally sit in my recliner in the living room when I read the bible and it gets my day off to a great start.
C. Many times though, I find my mind wandering as I read the bible and find that I am seeing the words but not comprehending what they are saying. I have had to go back and read whole chapters because of not paying strict attention to what I read. As bible believers, we believe that every word of God is pure an then scan over them.
D. The verses that we read this morning describe the importance of hearing and doing the Word instead of simply “hearing.” In Romans 10:17, there are two hearings. Our faith comes by hearing with the ear and also hearing with our hearts. Many hear the Word but are never saved because they do not “hear” what it says.
E. The same with preaching! In order for the Word of God to help us, we MUST learn how to listen to the sermons from God’s men.
1. We should come to hear what is to be preached. So many times we come to church just because it is either Sunday or Wednesday. In the book of Nehemiah, the people stood while the Word was read for a fourth part of the day. David was excited to go to the house of the Lord. There must be a desire to hear and be helped or we will leave as empty as when we came.
2. We should acknowledge that the Word preached is God’s Word! As the man of God stands and preaches the Word of God, it should be a time of great concentration and self examination. Paul, when writing to the believers at Thessalonica, said, “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
a. They received it as it was: the Word of God.
b. It effectually worked in their lives.
3. We should learn to lay aside the cares and circumstances of this world while concentrating on what is being said. Preaching needs our utmost attention. Not the baby on the pew in front of you; not what someone else is doing on another pew; but zeroing in and hearing every word.
4. We should examine lives in respect to what God’s man is preaching. I have found out long ago that, when the Lord lays upon my heart a particular message, there is someone that needs it at that particular time. Most of the time, my preaching is “preventive maintenance” preaching. You may not need it this morning, but by concentrating upon it and “filing it away” in your heart, it will help you later. Instead of seeing others who “need it,” we need to seek God’s will in our lives.
5. We should “earnestly heed” the spoken Word when preached. James speaks of “hearers” and “doers” in these verses. If it is God’s Word, then it should not be optional! God only wants that which is best for you and me. His Word is not given to be a burden or cursing to our lives but to be a blessing and an encouragement. The Word of God defines areas of both safety and danger.
6. We should earnestly pray before, during, and after the sermon. Before the sermon, “Lord, please give me what I need today from your precious Word as I am a sinful creature and need your help.” During the sermon, “Lord, is it me?” After the sermon, “Thank you, Lord, for caring enough for me to allow me to be able to hear and please do not let me forget what I have heard.”
7. We should learn to accept that men of God are still just men. So many times, we receive the preaching of God’s Word as simply one man’s opinion. People “turn off” certain preachers before they hear what he has to say because of personal likes and dislike. We all like and dislike “styles” of preaching as well as the personalities of God’s men but, when they preach, they are God’s men and it is God’s Word. I do understand that preacher’s have opinions and often give them, but when the bible is being preached, it is God’s Word and needs to be heard as such. Every preacher who gets into this pulpit needs to be given the same attention as you (supposedly) give to your pastor.
8. We should come expecting a blessing! If we expect something then we will get something. If we expect nothing, we will get exactly what we expected!
James 1:17-27
Introduction: This morning, I preached on the importance of the Pulpit in the local church. A Pulpit is of little or no value when the preaching and teaching is not heard.
A. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” What a wonderful gift God has given to us in our King James Bible. The very Word of God! What a blessing to have bibles all over the house. I do not know just how many that I have but I have stacks of them.
B. What a blessing to sit and read these precious words of God. Some may fault me for this statement but I love to sit with several cups of black coffee and read my bible! I normally sit in my recliner in the living room when I read the bible and it gets my day off to a great start.
C. Many times though, I find my mind wandering as I read the bible and find that I am seeing the words but not comprehending what they are saying. I have had to go back and read whole chapters because of not paying strict attention to what I read. As bible believers, we believe that every word of God is pure an then scan over them.
D. The verses that we read this morning describe the importance of hearing and doing the Word instead of simply “hearing.” In Romans 10:17, there are two hearings. Our faith comes by hearing with the ear and also hearing with our hearts. Many hear the Word but are never saved because they do not “hear” what it says.
E. The same with preaching! In order for the Word of God to help us, we MUST learn how to listen to the sermons from God’s men.
1. We should come to hear what is to be preached. So many times we come to church just because it is either Sunday or Wednesday. In the book of Nehemiah, the people stood while the Word was read for a fourth part of the day. David was excited to go to the house of the Lord. There must be a desire to hear and be helped or we will leave as empty as when we came.
2. We should acknowledge that the Word preached is God’s Word! As the man of God stands and preaches the Word of God, it should be a time of great concentration and self examination. Paul, when writing to the believers at Thessalonica, said, “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
a. They received it as it was: the Word of God.
b. It effectually worked in their lives.
3. We should learn to lay aside the cares and circumstances of this world while concentrating on what is being said. Preaching needs our utmost attention. Not the baby on the pew in front of you; not what someone else is doing on another pew; but zeroing in and hearing every word.
4. We should examine lives in respect to what God’s man is preaching. I have found out long ago that, when the Lord lays upon my heart a particular message, there is someone that needs it at that particular time. Most of the time, my preaching is “preventive maintenance” preaching. You may not need it this morning, but by concentrating upon it and “filing it away” in your heart, it will help you later. Instead of seeing others who “need it,” we need to seek God’s will in our lives.
5. We should “earnestly heed” the spoken Word when preached. James speaks of “hearers” and “doers” in these verses. If it is God’s Word, then it should not be optional! God only wants that which is best for you and me. His Word is not given to be a burden or cursing to our lives but to be a blessing and an encouragement. The Word of God defines areas of both safety and danger.
6. We should earnestly pray before, during, and after the sermon. Before the sermon, “Lord, please give me what I need today from your precious Word as I am a sinful creature and need your help.” During the sermon, “Lord, is it me?” After the sermon, “Thank you, Lord, for caring enough for me to allow me to be able to hear and please do not let me forget what I have heard.”
7. We should learn to accept that men of God are still just men. So many times, we receive the preaching of God’s Word as simply one man’s opinion. People “turn off” certain preachers before they hear what he has to say because of personal likes and dislike. We all like and dislike “styles” of preaching as well as the personalities of God’s men but, when they preach, they are God’s men and it is God’s Word. I do understand that preacher’s have opinions and often give them, but when the bible is being preached, it is God’s Word and needs to be heard as such. Every preacher who gets into this pulpit needs to be given the same attention as you (supposedly) give to your pastor.
8. We should come expecting a blessing! If we expect something then we will get something. If we expect nothing, we will get exactly what we expected!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Enemy Of The Tongue
Temple Baptist Church - 7-11-2010
James 3:1-10
Introduction:
A. I preach on the tongue every now and again because it is not only a potential problem, it is a persistent problem. Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. (The more we say, the more potential that we have for saying what we ought not to say.)
1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; (That is strong language! Study to be quiet and mind your own business are words to the wise.)
B. These verses concerning the tongue constitute what is called the Full Mention Principle Of Bible Interpretation. I believe that God said about all that He needs to say concerning that little member “set on fire of hell.” The tongue is influenced, instigated, and stirred up by Satan, to speak evil things but—more often than not—it is our own wicked, sinful flesh that is the problem.
C. Don’t think that I am just preaching to you tonight. I have problems with my tongue just like you do. Preachers are sometimes the world’s worst about talking “out of turn.” There have been so many things over the years that I wish that I had not said and, yet, still “run my mouth” at times. Someone once said, “Never leave your tongue in gear when you brain is idling!”
D. We often say, “Keep your words short and sweet for you never know which ones you will eat.” Speaking without thinking, in times of reaction, or in times of anger can do untold damage. Once words are turned loose, there is neither stopping nor gathering them back up again.
E. One of the greatest tools and most wicked devices that we have is the tongue. Can you imagine being mute? But look at the two ends of the spectrum concerning the tongue:
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Notice that death comes before life. The tongue is so devastating when used in a wicked manner and “what goes around comes around” also.)
F. The tongue must be guarded, even in times of hurt and anger because words spoken cannot be taken back. My wife’s life verse is Proverbs 21:23 and it is a good one.
Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Psalms 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Psalms 39:1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
Psalms 39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: [then] spake I with my tongue,
1 Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
G. The tongue shows where the condition of the heart.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
HERE ARE SOME TONGUES THAT WILL DESTROY THE WORK OF THE LORD!
1. A Divisive Tongue - Proverbs 6:16-19 These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
2. A Gossiping Tongue - Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Here are some questions that will stop the gossiping tongue”
a. What is your reason for telling me?
b. Where did you get your information?
c. Have you gone to those directly involved?
d. Have you personally checked out all of the facts?
e. Can I quote you if I check this out?
3. A Backbiting Tongue - Psalms 15:1-3 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
Romans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Leviticus 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I [am] the LORD.
1 Timothy 3:11 Even so [must their] wives [be] grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
4. A Prating Tongue - 3 John 9-10 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church.
1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. (Not gossipers!)
5. A Deceitful Tongue - Psalms 50:19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.
Psalms 52:2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
Psalms 52:4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O [thou] deceitful tongue.
6. A Murmuring Tongue – Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Exodus 16:8 And Moses said, [This shall be], when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what [are] we? your murmurings [are] not against us, but against the LORD.
1 Corinthians 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
7. A Discouraging Tongue - Deuteronomy 1:28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
8. A Lying Tongue - Psalms 109:2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.
Psalms 120:2-3 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, [and] from a deceitful tongue. 3 What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
Proverbs 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
James 3:1-10
Introduction:
A. I preach on the tongue every now and again because it is not only a potential problem, it is a persistent problem. Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. (The more we say, the more potential that we have for saying what we ought not to say.)
1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; (That is strong language! Study to be quiet and mind your own business are words to the wise.)
B. These verses concerning the tongue constitute what is called the Full Mention Principle Of Bible Interpretation. I believe that God said about all that He needs to say concerning that little member “set on fire of hell.” The tongue is influenced, instigated, and stirred up by Satan, to speak evil things but—more often than not—it is our own wicked, sinful flesh that is the problem.
C. Don’t think that I am just preaching to you tonight. I have problems with my tongue just like you do. Preachers are sometimes the world’s worst about talking “out of turn.” There have been so many things over the years that I wish that I had not said and, yet, still “run my mouth” at times. Someone once said, “Never leave your tongue in gear when you brain is idling!”
D. We often say, “Keep your words short and sweet for you never know which ones you will eat.” Speaking without thinking, in times of reaction, or in times of anger can do untold damage. Once words are turned loose, there is neither stopping nor gathering them back up again.
E. One of the greatest tools and most wicked devices that we have is the tongue. Can you imagine being mute? But look at the two ends of the spectrum concerning the tongue:
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Notice that death comes before life. The tongue is so devastating when used in a wicked manner and “what goes around comes around” also.)
F. The tongue must be guarded, even in times of hurt and anger because words spoken cannot be taken back. My wife’s life verse is Proverbs 21:23 and it is a good one.
Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Psalms 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Psalms 39:1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
Psalms 39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: [then] spake I with my tongue,
1 Peter 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
G. The tongue shows where the condition of the heart.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
HERE ARE SOME TONGUES THAT WILL DESTROY THE WORK OF THE LORD!
1. A Divisive Tongue - Proverbs 6:16-19 These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
2. A Gossiping Tongue - Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Here are some questions that will stop the gossiping tongue”
a. What is your reason for telling me?
b. Where did you get your information?
c. Have you gone to those directly involved?
d. Have you personally checked out all of the facts?
e. Can I quote you if I check this out?
3. A Backbiting Tongue - Psalms 15:1-3 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
Romans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Leviticus 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I [am] the LORD.
1 Timothy 3:11 Even so [must their] wives [be] grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
4. A Prating Tongue - 3 John 9-10 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church.
1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. (Not gossipers!)
5. A Deceitful Tongue - Psalms 50:19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.
Psalms 52:2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
Psalms 52:4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O [thou] deceitful tongue.
6. A Murmuring Tongue – Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
Exodus 16:8 And Moses said, [This shall be], when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what [are] we? your murmurings [are] not against us, but against the LORD.
1 Corinthians 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
7. A Discouraging Tongue - Deuteronomy 1:28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
8. A Lying Tongue - Psalms 109:2 For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.
Psalms 120:2-3 Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, [and] from a deceitful tongue. 3 What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?
Proverbs 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth [those that are] afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Be Not Ashamed
Temple Baptist Church - 7-11-2010
2 Timothy 1:1-12
Introduction:
A. In these years of “falling away,” believers who are willing to take a stand for the things of God are becoming fewer and fewer. I often quote Luke 18:8b, which says, “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” What a shame when believers become ashamed Jesus Christ.
B. One of Satan’s devices is that of making saved people ashamed of the things of God! He often uses friends and family as well as the unsaved to shame us.
1. They will shame us through slander. Often, our good is evil spoken of and, if we are not careful, we have a natural tendency to back off and slack off because of it.
2. They will shame us through ridicule. Our children are made fun of at school if they live for God. Parents are mocked at work if they live for God. Peer pressure is a real threat to our walk with God.
3. They will shame us through ostracizing us. If we live for God, we will not be invited to certain events because our lives bring conviction to those who have none. I am not ashamed of the patches on the knees of my swim suit!
C. Being ashamed is related to sinfulness - Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Numbers 12:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.
2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
D. Not being ashamed is related to holiness - Psalms 69:6 Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel. (It is a shame when we are ashamed of the things of God!)
E. The Lord is not ashamed of us! Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. (I personally find this verse amazing. As poor of a Christian as I am and He still is not ashamed of me is simply amazing. I can find not better word to fit. How can I, in light of this verse, be ashamed of either Him or the things of God?)
F. I just want to list some things this morning that I am not personally ashamed of.
1. I Am Not Ashamed Of My Gracious Salvation – the Lord did a wonderful thing for me when He save my sinful soul with an eternal salvation! I will spend the rest of my life telling a lost world about my conversion.
2. I Am Not Ashamed Of My Wonderful Saviour – He is the most wonderful Being in the universe. He was not ashamed to take my shame upon Him at Calvary. He is not ashamed to call me Brother. He has never turned His back on me or given up on me.
3. I Am Not Ashamed Of My Local Church – I thank God for Temple Baptist Church! I have no problem inviting people to our church and know that they will be welcomed, no matter who they are. I am not ashamed of how our people dress and conduct themselves. I am not ashamed of our music or any other part of our church.
4. I Am Not Ashamed Of My Spiritual Family – the best people on earth grace these pews and they are my family and friends. We are brethren; we are friends; we are blessed
5. I Am Not Ashamed Of The Old Paths Our Fathers Trod – I still believe the old way! I was old fashioned saved and I have been taught the old fashioned doctrines of our fathers. They were persecuted unto death in order to preserve the doctrines and traditions that we have today. I am straight laced and as narrow minded as the Word of God! I am not ashamed of the faith once delivered.
6. I Am Not Ashamed Of The Inerrant, Infallible, Inspired, Perfectly Preserved Word Of God – I not only use one Bible, King James, but I also believe that there is only one Bible. It is without error and I can preach it with both boldness and authority! I will not compromise it nor with I be ashamed of it. We are laughed at and called ignorant and unlearned men. We are in good company for so called they the apostles. The King James Bible is God’s Word!
7. I Am Not Ashamed Of Being Different From This Present Evil World – this world system is not a friend of God and, therefore, not a friend of mine. I am not a Pharisee. I am saved and peculiar to this world. I am crucified to the world and the world is crucified unto me. God changed my heart and gave me a new life in 1976 and I have never been nor do I ever want to be the same again.
8. I Am Not Ashamed Of Being A Fundamental Baptist Preacher – I am not a liberal! I am both fundamental and conservative! I do not lower our biblical standards so that the world can feel comfortable in our church. Two kinds of people should be uncomfortable in a bible preaching church: the unsaved and the backslidden! I preach the truth in love but I preach the truth in truth! I preach the whole counsel of God so that our people are both knowledgeable and accountable. It is only through such preaching that we can get the spiritual help that we need.
9. I Am Not Ashamed Of Our Missionaries – they are the most special people in the world as they have left all for the gospel’s sake. They are welcome here and our church should be a breath of fresh air to those who grace us with their presence. We cannot support all but we can love all of them. God only had one Son and He was a Missionary!
10. I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel Of Christ – it is still the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth! It is only the gospel that can save and to pervert the gospel is to damn sinners. There are not many ways to heaven. There is one way and that way is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who shed His precious blood at Calvary. He took sinful man’s place that they might go to heaven one day.
11. I Am Not Ashamed Of Being A Friend Of Sinners – they are welcome at Temple Baptist Church! They are wanted at Temple Baptist Church! They are loved at Temple Baptist Church! God loves them and so do we! If we ever get to the place where sinners are not welcome, we have failed the grace of God and need to shut our doors. Our Lord was a friend of sinners!
2 Timothy 1:1-12
Introduction:
A. In these years of “falling away,” believers who are willing to take a stand for the things of God are becoming fewer and fewer. I often quote Luke 18:8b, which says, “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” What a shame when believers become ashamed Jesus Christ.
B. One of Satan’s devices is that of making saved people ashamed of the things of God! He often uses friends and family as well as the unsaved to shame us.
1. They will shame us through slander. Often, our good is evil spoken of and, if we are not careful, we have a natural tendency to back off and slack off because of it.
2. They will shame us through ridicule. Our children are made fun of at school if they live for God. Parents are mocked at work if they live for God. Peer pressure is a real threat to our walk with God.
3. They will shame us through ostracizing us. If we live for God, we will not be invited to certain events because our lives bring conviction to those who have none. I am not ashamed of the patches on the knees of my swim suit!
C. Being ashamed is related to sinfulness - Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Numbers 12:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.
2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
D. Not being ashamed is related to holiness - Psalms 69:6 Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel. (It is a shame when we are ashamed of the things of God!)
E. The Lord is not ashamed of us! Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren. (I personally find this verse amazing. As poor of a Christian as I am and He still is not ashamed of me is simply amazing. I can find not better word to fit. How can I, in light of this verse, be ashamed of either Him or the things of God?)
F. I just want to list some things this morning that I am not personally ashamed of.
1. I Am Not Ashamed Of My Gracious Salvation – the Lord did a wonderful thing for me when He save my sinful soul with an eternal salvation! I will spend the rest of my life telling a lost world about my conversion.
2. I Am Not Ashamed Of My Wonderful Saviour – He is the most wonderful Being in the universe. He was not ashamed to take my shame upon Him at Calvary. He is not ashamed to call me Brother. He has never turned His back on me or given up on me.
3. I Am Not Ashamed Of My Local Church – I thank God for Temple Baptist Church! I have no problem inviting people to our church and know that they will be welcomed, no matter who they are. I am not ashamed of how our people dress and conduct themselves. I am not ashamed of our music or any other part of our church.
4. I Am Not Ashamed Of My Spiritual Family – the best people on earth grace these pews and they are my family and friends. We are brethren; we are friends; we are blessed
5. I Am Not Ashamed Of The Old Paths Our Fathers Trod – I still believe the old way! I was old fashioned saved and I have been taught the old fashioned doctrines of our fathers. They were persecuted unto death in order to preserve the doctrines and traditions that we have today. I am straight laced and as narrow minded as the Word of God! I am not ashamed of the faith once delivered.
6. I Am Not Ashamed Of The Inerrant, Infallible, Inspired, Perfectly Preserved Word Of God – I not only use one Bible, King James, but I also believe that there is only one Bible. It is without error and I can preach it with both boldness and authority! I will not compromise it nor with I be ashamed of it. We are laughed at and called ignorant and unlearned men. We are in good company for so called they the apostles. The King James Bible is God’s Word!
7. I Am Not Ashamed Of Being Different From This Present Evil World – this world system is not a friend of God and, therefore, not a friend of mine. I am not a Pharisee. I am saved and peculiar to this world. I am crucified to the world and the world is crucified unto me. God changed my heart and gave me a new life in 1976 and I have never been nor do I ever want to be the same again.
8. I Am Not Ashamed Of Being A Fundamental Baptist Preacher – I am not a liberal! I am both fundamental and conservative! I do not lower our biblical standards so that the world can feel comfortable in our church. Two kinds of people should be uncomfortable in a bible preaching church: the unsaved and the backslidden! I preach the truth in love but I preach the truth in truth! I preach the whole counsel of God so that our people are both knowledgeable and accountable. It is only through such preaching that we can get the spiritual help that we need.
9. I Am Not Ashamed Of Our Missionaries – they are the most special people in the world as they have left all for the gospel’s sake. They are welcome here and our church should be a breath of fresh air to those who grace us with their presence. We cannot support all but we can love all of them. God only had one Son and He was a Missionary!
10. I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel Of Christ – it is still the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth! It is only the gospel that can save and to pervert the gospel is to damn sinners. There are not many ways to heaven. There is one way and that way is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who shed His precious blood at Calvary. He took sinful man’s place that they might go to heaven one day.
11. I Am Not Ashamed Of Being A Friend Of Sinners – they are welcome at Temple Baptist Church! They are wanted at Temple Baptist Church! They are loved at Temple Baptist Church! God loves them and so do we! If we ever get to the place where sinners are not welcome, we have failed the grace of God and need to shut our doors. Our Lord was a friend of sinners!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power
Temple Baptist Church - 7-7-2010
Ephesians 1:17-23
Introduction:
A. In the first chapter of Ephesians, we see Christ as He is—not as the world perceives Him.
1. The world has a warped view of our wonderful Lord. They see Him as “god” but not as “God!” If we see Jesus Christ through human eyes and mind, we get a worldly perception of Him.
2. Often, the believer has such a view of Jesus Christ. We see Him as “God” when things go right and as “god” when circumstances change and doubt arise! As faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, so our perception of Jesus Christ must (and I re-emphasis MUST) come from God’s Word. Our faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Whom having not seen you love! Whom having not seen you believe! We must believe what the Bible says about Him in order to perceive Him right.
B. The Holy Spirit is giving us a right perception of Jesus Christ in these verses. This perception has nothing to do with our circumstances. It is a perception that is “far above” anything and everything that can touch us or threaten us. We cannot have a right perception of God unless we see Him as both all-powerful and all-wise.
C. Jesus Christ has no weaknesses; He has no limitations; He has no doubts or worries. There is nothing that He cannot do; nothing that He does not know; there is no place where He cannot be found; and He knows the end from the beginning so we have absolutely nothing to worry about! That is the “God” that Ephesians speaks of.
D. I want to look at these verses tonight for a few minutes in such a way as to possibly change our view of Jesus Christ. I say “possibly” because no matter what God said, it is up to each individual believer as to how we perceive our Lord Jesus Christ.
E. I find it of great interest that the chapter ends with a dissertation on the Power of God. As the Spirit of God is our Earnest, the Power of God is our Guarantee!
F. Notice the wording: “exceeding greatness.” God has power that is limitless in both its scope and demand. Not power “in us” but power “to us-ward!” His power is used in relationship to our daily needs. He not only can but will perform upon our behalf! He is “God” and He loves us. He cares what we feel, think, and need. He is not only able but He is also willing to meet “all your need” in every respect.
G. What a wonderful description verses 21-23 give us concerning the “exceeding greatness” of His power:
1. Jesus Christ Is Far Above Principality! The commencement, order, time, or rank of God’s power. The first estate. God had power before anything was!
2. Jesus Christ Is Far Above Power! Any force, influence, capacity, or strength.
3. Jesus Christ Is Far Above Might! It speaks of miraculous power. Force beyond any and all ability to do.
4. Jesus Christ Is Far Above Dominion! Mastery, dominion, or government. God still rules in the affairs of men; setting up and taking down authority at His sovereign will.
5. Jesus Christ Is Far Above Every Name! Either literally or figuratively! In both majesty and importance.
6. Jesus Christ Is Far Above All Things! Things in heaven, earth, and under the earth! All things were made by Him and for Him. They are both inferior in position and power.
7. Jesus Christ Is The Head Of The Church!
H. Psalms 62:11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (Power both belongs to God and comes from God.)
1. God has power over things in heaven. Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. (Angels are subject to Him. Satan is under God’s authority and power.)
2. God has power over creation. Psalms 135:6-7 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. (7) He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries. (The wind and waves obey His voice.)
3. God has power over human government. Romans 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (He raise authorities up and He takes authorities down.)
4. God has power over authorities. Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. (All nations and all kings are under his control.)
5. God has all power and nothing is impossible with Him. 1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (He can do anything, anywhere, and at any time.)
I. We all know what I have just said is true but none of the above areas of God’s power are of any use to us if they are just facts concerning His omnipotence.
J. Our text says, “to us-ward!” This affects our circumstances and, therefore, our confidence. Each of us, in one manner or the other, have trouble in the area of faith. We can talk of faith when we are up on the mountain but, when we get in the valley, it is another thing. We believe and yet sometimes live in unbelief.
K. My problem is most often this: I do not doubt that God can do something for I believe that He can do anything but I sometimes doubt if He will!
1. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Salvation - Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Saved by God’s power alone. You do not get any more saved or secure than that. Many try to add personal merit to either saving or keeping or both. I am so glad that my salvation is entire of and depends entire upon God’s power.)
2. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Preservation - Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (The exceeding greatness of our salvation is in its eternality! What can separate us from the love of God? Romans 7 says, “NOTHING!”)
3. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Sanctification - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (We can do all things through Christ which strengthens us! We can be anything and all things for Him.)
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
4. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Protection - Psalms 121:1-8 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) He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. (4) Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (5) The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. (6) The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. (7) The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. (8) The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (We are truly “hedged in” by the Lord! The only things that can touch us are the things that He allows. As tough as this may seem at times, God knows what He is doing and He can be trusted in our hard times, which brings us to our next point.)
5. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Predicaments - Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (This one is a little hard for my family at this time but I still believe that God can be trusted with our lives as well as with our things. My family has been protected and will face December with the full assurance that the God of this Bible that I preach will do what He says! When thou “passeth through the waters … walkest through the fire” they will neither overflow us nor kindle upon us! You can trust God in the bad times just as well as you can trust Him in the good times.)
6. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Provision - Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (31) Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (God has promised to supply all my need! I have not starved as you can well see. God has been so good to my family and I fully expect Him to take care us until He takes us home!)
7. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Promises - 2 Peter 1:3-4 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (I still believe that you can take the promises of God to the “bank” and expect them to be made good! God cannot lie nor can He break His promises. We just have to learn to trust them.)
8. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Providence - Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ: (What a God! He is sovereign in all things and completely controls our lives. He will bring us to a right end! He both knows our future and has prepared for it. We will all make it to our desired destination.)
Psalms 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
Ephesians 1:17-23
Introduction:
A. In the first chapter of Ephesians, we see Christ as He is—not as the world perceives Him.
1. The world has a warped view of our wonderful Lord. They see Him as “god” but not as “God!” If we see Jesus Christ through human eyes and mind, we get a worldly perception of Him.
2. Often, the believer has such a view of Jesus Christ. We see Him as “God” when things go right and as “god” when circumstances change and doubt arise! As faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, so our perception of Jesus Christ must (and I re-emphasis MUST) come from God’s Word. Our faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Whom having not seen you love! Whom having not seen you believe! We must believe what the Bible says about Him in order to perceive Him right.
B. The Holy Spirit is giving us a right perception of Jesus Christ in these verses. This perception has nothing to do with our circumstances. It is a perception that is “far above” anything and everything that can touch us or threaten us. We cannot have a right perception of God unless we see Him as both all-powerful and all-wise.
C. Jesus Christ has no weaknesses; He has no limitations; He has no doubts or worries. There is nothing that He cannot do; nothing that He does not know; there is no place where He cannot be found; and He knows the end from the beginning so we have absolutely nothing to worry about! That is the “God” that Ephesians speaks of.
D. I want to look at these verses tonight for a few minutes in such a way as to possibly change our view of Jesus Christ. I say “possibly” because no matter what God said, it is up to each individual believer as to how we perceive our Lord Jesus Christ.
E. I find it of great interest that the chapter ends with a dissertation on the Power of God. As the Spirit of God is our Earnest, the Power of God is our Guarantee!
F. Notice the wording: “exceeding greatness.” God has power that is limitless in both its scope and demand. Not power “in us” but power “to us-ward!” His power is used in relationship to our daily needs. He not only can but will perform upon our behalf! He is “God” and He loves us. He cares what we feel, think, and need. He is not only able but He is also willing to meet “all your need” in every respect.
G. What a wonderful description verses 21-23 give us concerning the “exceeding greatness” of His power:
1. Jesus Christ Is Far Above Principality! The commencement, order, time, or rank of God’s power. The first estate. God had power before anything was!
2. Jesus Christ Is Far Above Power! Any force, influence, capacity, or strength.
3. Jesus Christ Is Far Above Might! It speaks of miraculous power. Force beyond any and all ability to do.
4. Jesus Christ Is Far Above Dominion! Mastery, dominion, or government. God still rules in the affairs of men; setting up and taking down authority at His sovereign will.
5. Jesus Christ Is Far Above Every Name! Either literally or figuratively! In both majesty and importance.
6. Jesus Christ Is Far Above All Things! Things in heaven, earth, and under the earth! All things were made by Him and for Him. They are both inferior in position and power.
7. Jesus Christ Is The Head Of The Church!
H. Psalms 62:11 God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (Power both belongs to God and comes from God.)
1. God has power over things in heaven. Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. (Angels are subject to Him. Satan is under God’s authority and power.)
2. God has power over creation. Psalms 135:6-7 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. (7) He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries. (The wind and waves obey His voice.)
3. God has power over human government. Romans 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (He raise authorities up and He takes authorities down.)
4. God has power over authorities. Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. (All nations and all kings are under his control.)
5. God has all power and nothing is impossible with Him. 1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (He can do anything, anywhere, and at any time.)
I. We all know what I have just said is true but none of the above areas of God’s power are of any use to us if they are just facts concerning His omnipotence.
J. Our text says, “to us-ward!” This affects our circumstances and, therefore, our confidence. Each of us, in one manner or the other, have trouble in the area of faith. We can talk of faith when we are up on the mountain but, when we get in the valley, it is another thing. We believe and yet sometimes live in unbelief.
K. My problem is most often this: I do not doubt that God can do something for I believe that He can do anything but I sometimes doubt if He will!
1. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Salvation - Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Saved by God’s power alone. You do not get any more saved or secure than that. Many try to add personal merit to either saving or keeping or both. I am so glad that my salvation is entire of and depends entire upon God’s power.)
2. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Preservation - Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (The exceeding greatness of our salvation is in its eternality! What can separate us from the love of God? Romans 7 says, “NOTHING!”)
3. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Sanctification - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (We can do all things through Christ which strengthens us! We can be anything and all things for Him.)
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
4. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Protection - Psalms 121:1-8 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) He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. (4) Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (5) The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. (6) The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. (7) The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. (8) The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (We are truly “hedged in” by the Lord! The only things that can touch us are the things that He allows. As tough as this may seem at times, God knows what He is doing and He can be trusted in our hard times, which brings us to our next point.)
5. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Predicaments - Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (This one is a little hard for my family at this time but I still believe that God can be trusted with our lives as well as with our things. My family has been protected and will face December with the full assurance that the God of this Bible that I preach will do what He says! When thou “passeth through the waters … walkest through the fire” they will neither overflow us nor kindle upon us! You can trust God in the bad times just as well as you can trust Him in the good times.)
6. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Provision - Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. (31) Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (God has promised to supply all my need! I have not starved as you can well see. God has been so good to my family and I fully expect Him to take care us until He takes us home!)
7. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Promises - 2 Peter 1:3-4 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (I still believe that you can take the promises of God to the “bank” and expect them to be made good! God cannot lie nor can He break His promises. We just have to learn to trust them.)
8. The Exceeding Greatness Of His Power In Our Providence - Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ: (What a God! He is sovereign in all things and completely controls our lives. He will bring us to a right end! He both knows our future and has prepared for it. We will all make it to our desired destination.)
Psalms 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
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