Temple Baptist Church - 8-29-2010
2 Peter 2:1-9
Introduction:
A. The book of 2 Peter deals with the problems associated with the end-times and the second coming of Christ. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is a type of the impending doom of those who have rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Lord may come today and, if He does, those who have rejected Christ are eternally damned. Biblical examples show for God’s holiness and justice:
1. False Teachers judged in verse 1, 3 – “swift destruction … damnation slumbereth not”
2. Fallen Angels judged in verse 4 – “chains of darkness … reserved unto judgment”
3. The Old World judged in verse 5 – “spared not … flood upon the world”
4. Sodom and Gomorrah judged in verse 6 – “ashes … overthrow”
b. In every case, God judged the wicked but God spared Noah (verse 6) and had to “deliver” Lot (verse 7)! Lot is a type of both the backslidden, sinful believer as well as the end time church corporately with its association and consequent defilement just prior to the Rapture.
c. These Old Testament examples are written for our admonition and need to be carefully scrutinized in light of the times in which we live. The last mention of Lot finds him living in a cave, getting drunk, committing incest with his two daughters, with no mention of him ever getting right with the Lord.
d. Is he a lost man? Has he lost his salvation? There is no place in Scripture where a saved man was ever lost again. You will be seeing a “lot” of Lot in eternity! God did judge Lot’s sin but in a way that was different from the unsaved of Sodom.
e. I want to look at several things of interest in these verses that we have read this morning.
1) Lot vexed his righteous soul
2) Lot hexed his family
LOT VEXED HIS RIGHTEOUS SOUL
1. Let’s take a look at the marvelous grace of God manifested the eternal salvation of an Old Testament saint. Just Who And What Was Lot?
a. Lot was a man of great heritage - Genesis 12:4 So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.
b. Lot was a man of great wealth - Genesis 13:5 And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
c. Lot was a man of great rebellion - Genesis 13:8, 10-11 Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
d. Lot was a man of great compromise - Genesis 13:12-13 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
e. BUT, Lot was a man of great salvation - 2 Peter 2:7-9 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with [their] unlawful deeds;) The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
1) He was declared Just in verse 7 - a judicial term meaning “just as if he had never sinned”
2) He was declared Righteous in verse 8 – imputation of Christ’s righteousness
3) He was declared Godly in verse 9 – meaning pious or devout (like it or not, Lot was eternally saved!)
2. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons that Lot made “unhonorable mention” in 2 Peter instead of “honorable mention” in Hebrews chapter 11!
a. He dwelt among – verse 8 “dwelling among them” 2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
1) Lot “pitched his tent” toward Sodom at first. He realized their wickedness but the land was a place that was good for raising cattle.
2) He later is found living in the city and sitting in the gate which is a place of authority.
3) He possibly took a wife from Sodom as there no mention of either a wife or children previous to Genesis 19.
4) He chose to raise his children in that wicked city because he made it well financially.
b. He vexed his righteous soul – verses 7-8 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1) He was continually bombarded with their wickedness (seeing) but evidently got used to it. Everywhere we look, there is sexual perversion in our day just as there was in the days of Lot. Sodomites permeated his society. We see more pornography in Wal*Mart than men once saw in the “men’s magazines.”
Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
2) He was continually bombarded with their conversation (hearing) but got used to that also. Dirty jokes, filthy language, worldly music (just listen to what they play in most restaurants), etc. How many times do the lyrics of a worldly song from our past cause us to whistle or hum to its beat?
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
3. He “ vexed” his own soul! The world did not vex it, it did it himself. VEX - to torture: - annoy, cause perplexity, to puzzle, to distress, to plague, to afflict, to shake up, to cause pain, toil, torment, or to toss about. He saw, heard, and understood (because he was a righteous, just, godly man according to the Bible) but continued on anyway ignoring the conviction of his soul and the clear warning of God’s Word.
c. He understood their wickedness and continued anyway. Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
1) “From day to day” and the word “dwelling” say it all. He had opportunities every day to pack up and leave but the draw of prosperity chained his soul to the wickedness of the city.
2) He eventually called them “brethren” in Genesis 19. “Getting used to the dark” is a dangerous thing because, eventually, your eyes get adjusted to the dimness of light.
3) Before I was saved, I went into bars that were so dark that—after I entered and closed the door—I remained still until my eyes became adjusted in fear of stumbling over a table or chair.
LOT HEXED HIS FAMILY
1. Let us look at Lot’s “deliverance” in 2 Peter.
a. Because of God’s eternal life - John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (Salvation is not merit based! It is anchored in the finished work of Christ on Calvary.)
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
b. Because of God’s eternal love - Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Romans 8:34-39 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
2. Let us look at Lot’s judgment in Genesis 19.
a. He lost his testimony and usefulness for God:
1) Before the lost - Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
2) Before his family - Genesis 19:14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.
b. He lost his children and their spouses - Genesis 19:14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.
c. He lost his wealth and possessions - Genesis 19:16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
d. He lost his wife - Genesis 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
e. He ended up living in a cave - Genesis 19:30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.
f. He brought some liquor - Genesis 19:32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.
g. His daughters committed incest with him - Genesis 19:33-35 And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. (34) And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. (35) And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.
h. His children by incest grew up to be “thorns” in the side of the people of God - Genesis 19:36-38 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. (37) And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day. (38) And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.
Conclusion: We had better think about this “eternal life” that we have and consequences of sin that go along with it. We are saved eternally; therefore, our judgment is in this world.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The Christian Warfare
Temple Baptist Church - 8-22-2010
Matthew 10:32-40
Introduction:
A. Many who come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour have a misconception concerning the Christian life. The true Christian life is one of constant battles.
1. It is one of self-crucifixion and cross bearing.
2. It is a life of reproach and persecution.
B. No one with good sense likes to have problems, especially in the spiritual realm, but the Christian life is one of wars. There is a song that says, “It’s a battlefield, Brother, not a recreation room; it’s a fight and not a game.”
1. We fight battles WITHOUT! Battles with the enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ and the gospel. He was hated; the gospel was hated; we are hated!
2. We fight battles WITHIN! Some of the greatest battles that we face are the wars from within. We fight a battle with our flesh; we fight battles with our minds!
C. Our Lord said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
1. There Is A Possibility Of Fainting – 2 Corinthians 4:1, 16 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; … 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2. There Is A Possibility Of Failing – 2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
3. There Is A Possibility Of Fruit – 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
D. This war is:
1. An Intense One - Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (It is life of death!)
2. An Intentional One - 1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. (Fight the enemy, not everything that moves!)
3. An Involved One - 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. (You are in it, like it or not!)
Hebrews 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions.
4. An Important One - 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (Our faith, family, and friends are at stake!)
5. An Intrepid One - Hebrews 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight. Turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (It takes intestinal fortitude to win!)
1. THE OUTWARD BATTLE - 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
a. There Is A Battle With Satanic Powers - Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Identify your target – we do not want anyone killed by “friendly fire!” Satan is the enemy!)
b. There Is A Battle With Scriptural Perversion – 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (The enemy is both real and here!)
2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
c. There Is A Battle With Slipping Positions - Ezekiel 22:23-31 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation. There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken. The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD. (I looked in the world and found the church. I looked in the church and found the world.)
Isaiah 30:8-11 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.
Jeremiah 5:30-31 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
d. There Is A Battle With Sadistic Persecution – 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
1 John 3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
2. THE INWARD BATTLE - 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
a. There Is A Battle With Our Flesh - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (Your own worst enemy!)
1) The Heart - Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
2) The Flesh - Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,)dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
3) The Mind - 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
b. There Is A Battle With Our Fatness - Revelation 3:16-18 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (Take your spiritual temperature! Lukewarmness is a creeping enemy that affects all of us at one time or another.)
c. There Is A Battle With Our Failures - 1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (Like falling off a bicycle, you just get back on and keep trying. Eventually, you will fall less!)
Matthew 10:32-40
Introduction:
A. Many who come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour have a misconception concerning the Christian life. The true Christian life is one of constant battles.
1. It is one of self-crucifixion and cross bearing.
2. It is a life of reproach and persecution.
B. No one with good sense likes to have problems, especially in the spiritual realm, but the Christian life is one of wars. There is a song that says, “It’s a battlefield, Brother, not a recreation room; it’s a fight and not a game.”
1. We fight battles WITHOUT! Battles with the enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ and the gospel. He was hated; the gospel was hated; we are hated!
2. We fight battles WITHIN! Some of the greatest battles that we face are the wars from within. We fight a battle with our flesh; we fight battles with our minds!
C. Our Lord said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)
1. There Is A Possibility Of Fainting – 2 Corinthians 4:1, 16 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; … 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2. There Is A Possibility Of Failing – 2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
3. There Is A Possibility Of Fruit – 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
D. This war is:
1. An Intense One - Jude 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (It is life of death!)
2. An Intentional One - 1 Corinthians 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air.
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. (Fight the enemy, not everything that moves!)
3. An Involved One - 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. (You are in it, like it or not!)
Hebrews 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions.
4. An Important One - 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (Our faith, family, and friends are at stake!)
5. An Intrepid One - Hebrews 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight. Turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (It takes intestinal fortitude to win!)
1. THE OUTWARD BATTLE - 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
a. There Is A Battle With Satanic Powers - Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Identify your target – we do not want anyone killed by “friendly fire!” Satan is the enemy!)
b. There Is A Battle With Scriptural Perversion – 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (The enemy is both real and here!)
2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
c. There Is A Battle With Slipping Positions - Ezekiel 22:23-31 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, say unto her, Thou art the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation. There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken. The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully. And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD. (I looked in the world and found the church. I looked in the church and found the world.)
Isaiah 30:8-11 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.
Jeremiah 5:30-31 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
d. There Is A Battle With Sadistic Persecution – 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
1 John 3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.
2. THE INWARD BATTLE - 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
a. There Is A Battle With Our Flesh - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (Your own worst enemy!)
1) The Heart - Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
2) The Flesh - Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,)dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
3) The Mind - 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
b. There Is A Battle With Our Fatness - Revelation 3:16-18 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (Take your spiritual temperature! Lukewarmness is a creeping enemy that affects all of us at one time or another.)
c. There Is A Battle With Our Failures - 1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (Like falling off a bicycle, you just get back on and keep trying. Eventually, you will fall less!)
America And The Judgment Of God
Temple Baptist Church - 8-22-2010
Jonah 3:1-10; Nahum 1:1-3; 3:1-19
Introduction:
A. Nineveh was an exceedingly wicked city of great proportions. It was a three day journey from one side of it to the other. In the Book of Jonah, Jonah was called by God to go and cry against the wickedness of the city. He refused and later went under duress. He preached the impending destruction of the city and the city got right with the Lord from the king to the pauper. God graciously spared Nineveh though the prophet Jonah grieved.
B. Nineveh was an idolatrous city. Nineveh was known for the goddess Ishtar (goddess of war, fertility, love, and sex). Her “temple” was noted for its courtesans and “sacred prostitutes.” In Ishtar’s youth, she was noted for her relationship with Tammuz (the savior-fertility sun god who annually resurrected). In Ezekiel 8:14, the Bible says that “He brought me to the door of the gate of the LORD'S house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz.”
C. The Book of Nahum was written some 150 years later. In the space of that 150 years, Nineveh had corrupted itself to the point of no return in chapter 3:19
D. Her numerous sins were identified to show the holiness and justice of God. Full of lies and robbery, whoredoms, witchcrafts, her people were like women.” In 150 years, they went from great revival to total apostasy. God said that there was no longer a remedy for their sin and that judgment was imminent.
E. Sounds like America does it not? A nation founded under “In God We Trust” to a nation that our president said was no longer a “Christian nation!” From great revivals (The Great Awakening, the Westley Brothers, George Whitfield, Dwight Moody, Billy Sunday, and etc.) to almost total apostasy. Sinfulness permeates our nation, apostasy permeates “Christendom,” and apathy has filled our churches. Good is evil spoken of and evil is called good. Our nation is in a mess and if she does not repent and turn to God, God will turn her into Hell! He has so promised!
F. I am not saying that it is too late for America but I am saying that God will judge America for her sins!
WHY GOD WILL JUDGE AMERICA!
1. God Will Judge America For Her Rejection Of Biblical Law. (Our courts have ruled against the God of Heaven time and time again with their wicked decisions!)
2. God Will Judge America For Their Ungodly Life Style. (A Hollywood style of lasciviousness and plural marriages has permeated and destroyed our moral structure.)
3. God Will Judge America For Her Slaughter Of The Innocents. (Reprobate doctors have ruthlessly slaughtered Millions of innocents with both the sanction of our judicial system and pro-choice proponents!)
4. God Will Judge America For Her Acceptance Of Sodomy. (Sodomites have not only become socially acceptable but, also God has been blamed for their debauchery and reprobate lifestyle!)
5. God Will Judge America For Her Conspiracy To Give Away Israel’s Homeland. (America has tried to use their economic influence to bring about an unbiblical peace in Israel by giving away the land that God gave to them in Genesis 13:15! Nations will be judged according to their relationship with Israel and agreement with God’s will regarding the Jew.)
6. God Will Judge America For Her Squandering Of His National Blessings. (The Lord raised up America and has made it the most wonderful land on earth, truly a land flowing with mild and honey, and has been rewarded with unthankfulness and ungodliness!)
7. God Will Judge America For Her Spiritual Lukewarmness. (God’s people are worldly and Laodicean to the hilt! They have no love for either the Lord or the lost!)
8. God Will Judge America For Her Liberal Compromised Churches. (The local church has become more like the world than the world more like the church! Compromised pulpits and dead, ritualistic liturgies! GOD IS NOT THE LEAST BIT IMPRESSED!)
Jonah 3:1-10; Nahum 1:1-3; 3:1-19
Introduction:
A. Nineveh was an exceedingly wicked city of great proportions. It was a three day journey from one side of it to the other. In the Book of Jonah, Jonah was called by God to go and cry against the wickedness of the city. He refused and later went under duress. He preached the impending destruction of the city and the city got right with the Lord from the king to the pauper. God graciously spared Nineveh though the prophet Jonah grieved.
B. Nineveh was an idolatrous city. Nineveh was known for the goddess Ishtar (goddess of war, fertility, love, and sex). Her “temple” was noted for its courtesans and “sacred prostitutes.” In Ishtar’s youth, she was noted for her relationship with Tammuz (the savior-fertility sun god who annually resurrected). In Ezekiel 8:14, the Bible says that “He brought me to the door of the gate of the LORD'S house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz.”
C. The Book of Nahum was written some 150 years later. In the space of that 150 years, Nineveh had corrupted itself to the point of no return in chapter 3:19
D. Her numerous sins were identified to show the holiness and justice of God. Full of lies and robbery, whoredoms, witchcrafts, her people were like women.” In 150 years, they went from great revival to total apostasy. God said that there was no longer a remedy for their sin and that judgment was imminent.
E. Sounds like America does it not? A nation founded under “In God We Trust” to a nation that our president said was no longer a “Christian nation!” From great revivals (The Great Awakening, the Westley Brothers, George Whitfield, Dwight Moody, Billy Sunday, and etc.) to almost total apostasy. Sinfulness permeates our nation, apostasy permeates “Christendom,” and apathy has filled our churches. Good is evil spoken of and evil is called good. Our nation is in a mess and if she does not repent and turn to God, God will turn her into Hell! He has so promised!
F. I am not saying that it is too late for America but I am saying that God will judge America for her sins!
WHY GOD WILL JUDGE AMERICA!
1. God Will Judge America For Her Rejection Of Biblical Law. (Our courts have ruled against the God of Heaven time and time again with their wicked decisions!)
2. God Will Judge America For Their Ungodly Life Style. (A Hollywood style of lasciviousness and plural marriages has permeated and destroyed our moral structure.)
3. God Will Judge America For Her Slaughter Of The Innocents. (Reprobate doctors have ruthlessly slaughtered Millions of innocents with both the sanction of our judicial system and pro-choice proponents!)
4. God Will Judge America For Her Acceptance Of Sodomy. (Sodomites have not only become socially acceptable but, also God has been blamed for their debauchery and reprobate lifestyle!)
5. God Will Judge America For Her Conspiracy To Give Away Israel’s Homeland. (America has tried to use their economic influence to bring about an unbiblical peace in Israel by giving away the land that God gave to them in Genesis 13:15! Nations will be judged according to their relationship with Israel and agreement with God’s will regarding the Jew.)
6. God Will Judge America For Her Squandering Of His National Blessings. (The Lord raised up America and has made it the most wonderful land on earth, truly a land flowing with mild and honey, and has been rewarded with unthankfulness and ungodliness!)
7. God Will Judge America For Her Spiritual Lukewarmness. (God’s people are worldly and Laodicean to the hilt! They have no love for either the Lord or the lost!)
8. God Will Judge America For Her Liberal Compromised Churches. (The local church has become more like the world than the world more like the church! Compromised pulpits and dead, ritualistic liturgies! GOD IS NOT THE LEAST BIT IMPRESSED!)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Workmanship Of God
Temple Baptist Church - 8-18-2010
Ephesians 2:8-10
Introduction:
A. The basis of God’s workmanship is salvation and salvation is an act of God! Salvation is regeneration, not reformation!
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Regeneration is a spiritual or moral revival: an act of God whereby He imparts a new nature which affects a new life through the new birth.)
B. There are three major things that men try to do in order to change their lives spiritually:
1. Reformation! Change In Life Cannot Be Found In Reformation – some call this “turning over a new leaf.” Reformation is a change or improvement made for the better. Reformation is the effort of the one reformed to make changes in lifestyle in order to become more acceptable or to conform to a system of morals.
2. Religious Rituals! Two of the main “rituals” that are used in order to make one feel right with the Lord are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. You can be baptized in every baptistery, creek, lake, pond, or pool in the state of South Carolina and not be born again or judicially right with the Lord. You can partake of the “Lord’s Supper” every day of the week for the rest of your life and not be born again or judicially right with the Lord. These are ordinances given to the church that are partaken of by the saved, not in order to be saved.
3. Religion! Most people think that they are right with the Lord because of their church membership. You can join every church in the world and establish a new world record for church membership and spend eternity in a devil’s hell. Religionists crucified Christ, martyred the saints, and have denied and defied God’s Word on every hand.
C. The purpose of God’s workmanship is sanctification. When an individual is born again, the imparting of a new nature empowers the believer to live a consistent life for Christ. Verse 10 says that we are created unto good works, not created in good works!
1. Positional sanctification is the act of God whereby we are born again eternally and are forever set apart for His glory. Positional sanctification is God’s responsibility.
2. Practical sanctification is a continuing act of the redeemed, enabled by the power of God, whereby he or she becomes more Christ like in their actions. Practical sanctification is the child of God’s responsibility.
D. The believer is enabled in sanctification but must make personal choices in order to perform it. Living for Christ is a moment by moment self-crucifixion. A denying of one’s self and bowing of our will to His will in our lives. We have the power to live for Christ.
2 Peter 1:3 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:
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
E. As the clay is in the hands of the potter, our lives are in the hands of God. As the clay, so are we:
1. Free of impurity
2. Pliable to His molding
F. Ephesians 2:10 is one of the least quoted of all verses pertaining to sanctification. 2 Corinthians 5:17 is a more notable verse.
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.
1. His Destiny Changes. “if any man be in Christ” Real, lasting change is wrought through the new birth and the new birth alone. If is conditional and any man is conclusive. If we are in Christ Jesus, we are not the same as we were prior to salvation. Many professing Christians have never had such a new birth. When you have them define their salvation experience, you come up with a myriad of answers. There is only one answer that is acceptable to God. There has been a time and place where the individual knew that they were lost, repented of sin and turned to Jesus Christ alone for salvation!
2. His Desire Changes! “he is a new creature” The believer has a desire for God’s Word-you need it, you read it, you heed it; God’s house-it becomes a place of necessity, love, spiritual growth, and refreshment; God’s people-you will love them spend time with them, pray for them, and encourage them; and God’s fellowship-it will become sweet as it brings peace.
3. His Conscience Changes! “old things are passed away” Not only do your desires change but your sin and guilt is gone. We all are ashamed of parts of our past but, thank God, they are all under the blood of Christ—cast behind His back as far as the East is from the West, placed into the sea of forgetfulness never to be remembered again! Yes, we do still sin and are convicted of that sin but fear of hell is gone and heaven is assured.
4. His Perception Changes! “Behold, all things are become new” An old life of unfulfillment and despair changes to one of fullness and hope. We have a new Master, a new life, a new song to sing, and a new home awaiting on the other side.
Ephesians 2:8-10
Introduction:
A. The basis of God’s workmanship is salvation and salvation is an act of God! Salvation is regeneration, not reformation!
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Regeneration is a spiritual or moral revival: an act of God whereby He imparts a new nature which affects a new life through the new birth.)
B. There are three major things that men try to do in order to change their lives spiritually:
1. Reformation! Change In Life Cannot Be Found In Reformation – some call this “turning over a new leaf.” Reformation is a change or improvement made for the better. Reformation is the effort of the one reformed to make changes in lifestyle in order to become more acceptable or to conform to a system of morals.
2. Religious Rituals! Two of the main “rituals” that are used in order to make one feel right with the Lord are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. You can be baptized in every baptistery, creek, lake, pond, or pool in the state of South Carolina and not be born again or judicially right with the Lord. You can partake of the “Lord’s Supper” every day of the week for the rest of your life and not be born again or judicially right with the Lord. These are ordinances given to the church that are partaken of by the saved, not in order to be saved.
3. Religion! Most people think that they are right with the Lord because of their church membership. You can join every church in the world and establish a new world record for church membership and spend eternity in a devil’s hell. Religionists crucified Christ, martyred the saints, and have denied and defied God’s Word on every hand.
C. The purpose of God’s workmanship is sanctification. When an individual is born again, the imparting of a new nature empowers the believer to live a consistent life for Christ. Verse 10 says that we are created unto good works, not created in good works!
1. Positional sanctification is the act of God whereby we are born again eternally and are forever set apart for His glory. Positional sanctification is God’s responsibility.
2. Practical sanctification is a continuing act of the redeemed, enabled by the power of God, whereby he or she becomes more Christ like in their actions. Practical sanctification is the child of God’s responsibility.
D. The believer is enabled in sanctification but must make personal choices in order to perform it. Living for Christ is a moment by moment self-crucifixion. A denying of one’s self and bowing of our will to His will in our lives. We have the power to live for Christ.
2 Peter 1:3 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:
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
E. As the clay is in the hands of the potter, our lives are in the hands of God. As the clay, so are we:
1. Free of impurity
2. Pliable to His molding
F. Ephesians 2:10 is one of the least quoted of all verses pertaining to sanctification. 2 Corinthians 5:17 is a more notable verse.
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.
1. His Destiny Changes. “if any man be in Christ” Real, lasting change is wrought through the new birth and the new birth alone. If is conditional and any man is conclusive. If we are in Christ Jesus, we are not the same as we were prior to salvation. Many professing Christians have never had such a new birth. When you have them define their salvation experience, you come up with a myriad of answers. There is only one answer that is acceptable to God. There has been a time and place where the individual knew that they were lost, repented of sin and turned to Jesus Christ alone for salvation!
2. His Desire Changes! “he is a new creature” The believer has a desire for God’s Word-you need it, you read it, you heed it; God’s house-it becomes a place of necessity, love, spiritual growth, and refreshment; God’s people-you will love them spend time with them, pray for them, and encourage them; and God’s fellowship-it will become sweet as it brings peace.
3. His Conscience Changes! “old things are passed away” Not only do your desires change but your sin and guilt is gone. We all are ashamed of parts of our past but, thank God, they are all under the blood of Christ—cast behind His back as far as the East is from the West, placed into the sea of forgetfulness never to be remembered again! Yes, we do still sin and are convicted of that sin but fear of hell is gone and heaven is assured.
4. His Perception Changes! “Behold, all things are become new” An old life of unfulfillment and despair changes to one of fullness and hope. We have a new Master, a new life, a new song to sing, and a new home awaiting on the other side.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Let Me Not Be Ashamed
Temple Baptist Church - 8-15-2010
Psalm 25:1-22
Introduction:
A. A few months ago, as we were leaving LaForrest after a service, Chris Harris was leaning back on his car with his Bible in his hand and as I approached, he said that he wanted to give me a verse that would help me. The verse said in part, “Let me not be ashamed.” I have said before and want to say again, “Thank you, Chris, for giving me some encouragement that day.” I have thought of that verse often since. “Let me not be ashamed!”
B. There are many things that I am and have been ashamed of in my life.
1. I am ashamed of the things that I have done before my salvation. I do not brag on those things and thank God that they are under the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. He remembers them no more and I have no right to do so either. I did them but I am “not guilty!” I have been justified fully through Calvary’s payment. Just as if I had never sinned.
2. I am ashamed of some things that I have done since I have been saved. There have been times of sinfulness, unfaithfulness, failure, etc. I have not been perfect nor can I even claim that I have been good. I am not proud of myself; I am proud of my Lord. I thank God for 1 John 1:9. If a man could ever “wear out” a verse, I would worn that one our years ago.
C. I have been saved for almost 34 years now and have never been ashamed of the Lord. I have not always understood His ways but, looking back with spiritual hindsight, I have found that He has never let me down nor has He done wrong. Sometimes our hard times are long because sin has a course and must run that course until “sin is finished but God is still good all of the time.
D. The phrase “let me not be ashamed” is found only four times in the Bible with all of those references in found in the Psalms. Many of the Psalms rooted in the trials and tribulations of God’s people. Each of these verses that we have read have to do with trusting God in times when only He can bring our troubles to a right end.
We not only place our personal faith in a God that can do anything, anywhere, at any time—but also share that faith with others. How many times have I heard God’s people, in the midst of some great tragedy or trial tell others, “It will be alright! God will take care of us.”
E. The Bible teaches us that our confidence is to be in the Lord. Not in men; not in princes; not in horses; not in our flesh; etc. but in the Lord God Almighty!
Proverbs 3:26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (Faith in God brings about confidence in God which brings about peace in God which brings about rest in God!)
1. Let me not be ashamed in my trials - Psalms 25:2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
Psalms 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Daniel 6:20-22 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? (21) Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. (22) My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. (The Lord has promised to be there with me and for me in every circumstance of this life and I believe that He will do as He promised. At the end of this and every trial of life, I want to be able to stand before both the people of God and the world while saying, “The Lord is still good all of the time!” I never want anyone to know that God will let them down when they need Him most!)
2. Let me not be ashamed before my enemies - Psalms 25:20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
Psalms 31:17 Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Psalms 42:10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
Micah 7:10 Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets. (There are those who desire to either hurt me and my family or see us hurt. I want my enemies to know my God! “Where is your God now?” they ask. I never want to have to report to them that my God decided not to “show up” on my behalf this time and let them know that their “god” was greater than mine! I desire that they see His integrity and character, not mine. This would give the both my enemies and the enemies of God an occasion to blaspheme!)
3. Let me not be ashamed before my family - Psalms 119:116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Matthew 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (Many years ago, the Lord saved and called my family to leave our homes, friends, and family to serve Him. We sold out and left, never doubting God’s call. I want our family to know that that same God who called us away is able to keep us and take care of us when times get tough. I want them to know my God! I never want to have to drop my head in shame and let them say “God let you down when you needed Him!”)
4. Let me not be ashamed of Thy provision - Psalms 37:19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (The Lord has promised to supply all my need according to riches in glory. He has said that He gives us all things pertaining to both life and godliness. I never want to have to go to someone, with my head hung in shame, and beg because my God did not supply!)
5. Let me never be ashamed of my God! 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.
Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. (I desire to spend the rest of my life telling both the saved and a lost world that you can trust God with your eternal life, your temporal life, and every need and circumstance that you will face!)
Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Psalm 25:1-22
Introduction:
A. A few months ago, as we were leaving LaForrest after a service, Chris Harris was leaning back on his car with his Bible in his hand and as I approached, he said that he wanted to give me a verse that would help me. The verse said in part, “Let me not be ashamed.” I have said before and want to say again, “Thank you, Chris, for giving me some encouragement that day.” I have thought of that verse often since. “Let me not be ashamed!”
B. There are many things that I am and have been ashamed of in my life.
1. I am ashamed of the things that I have done before my salvation. I do not brag on those things and thank God that they are under the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. He remembers them no more and I have no right to do so either. I did them but I am “not guilty!” I have been justified fully through Calvary’s payment. Just as if I had never sinned.
2. I am ashamed of some things that I have done since I have been saved. There have been times of sinfulness, unfaithfulness, failure, etc. I have not been perfect nor can I even claim that I have been good. I am not proud of myself; I am proud of my Lord. I thank God for 1 John 1:9. If a man could ever “wear out” a verse, I would worn that one our years ago.
C. I have been saved for almost 34 years now and have never been ashamed of the Lord. I have not always understood His ways but, looking back with spiritual hindsight, I have found that He has never let me down nor has He done wrong. Sometimes our hard times are long because sin has a course and must run that course until “sin is finished but God is still good all of the time.
D. The phrase “let me not be ashamed” is found only four times in the Bible with all of those references in found in the Psalms. Many of the Psalms rooted in the trials and tribulations of God’s people. Each of these verses that we have read have to do with trusting God in times when only He can bring our troubles to a right end.
We not only place our personal faith in a God that can do anything, anywhere, at any time—but also share that faith with others. How many times have I heard God’s people, in the midst of some great tragedy or trial tell others, “It will be alright! God will take care of us.”
E. The Bible teaches us that our confidence is to be in the Lord. Not in men; not in princes; not in horses; not in our flesh; etc. but in the Lord God Almighty!
Proverbs 3:26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (Faith in God brings about confidence in God which brings about peace in God which brings about rest in God!)
1. Let me not be ashamed in my trials - Psalms 25:2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
Psalms 37:23-24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Daniel 6:20-22 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? (21) Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. (22) My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. (The Lord has promised to be there with me and for me in every circumstance of this life and I believe that He will do as He promised. At the end of this and every trial of life, I want to be able to stand before both the people of God and the world while saying, “The Lord is still good all of the time!” I never want anyone to know that God will let them down when they need Him most!)
2. Let me not be ashamed before my enemies - Psalms 25:20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
Psalms 31:17 Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Psalms 42:10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?
Micah 7:10 Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets. (There are those who desire to either hurt me and my family or see us hurt. I want my enemies to know my God! “Where is your God now?” they ask. I never want to have to report to them that my God decided not to “show up” on my behalf this time and let them know that their “god” was greater than mine! I desire that they see His integrity and character, not mine. This would give the both my enemies and the enemies of God an occasion to blaspheme!)
3. Let me not be ashamed before my family - Psalms 119:116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Matthew 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (Many years ago, the Lord saved and called my family to leave our homes, friends, and family to serve Him. We sold out and left, never doubting God’s call. I want our family to know that that same God who called us away is able to keep us and take care of us when times get tough. I want them to know my God! I never want to have to drop my head in shame and let them say “God let you down when you needed Him!”)
4. Let me not be ashamed of Thy provision - Psalms 37:19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (The Lord has promised to supply all my need according to riches in glory. He has said that He gives us all things pertaining to both life and godliness. I never want to have to go to someone, with my head hung in shame, and beg because my God did not supply!)
5. Let me never be ashamed of my God! 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.
Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. (I desire to spend the rest of my life telling both the saved and a lost world that you can trust God with your eternal life, your temporal life, and every need and circumstance that you will face!)
Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
The Root Of All Evil
Temple Baptist Church - 8-5-2010
1 Timothy 6:6-10
Introduction:
A. In these verses, I find one of the most intriguing of all Bible statements: “the root of all evil.” When I think of “all evil,” there are so many wicked things in this world that automatically enter my mind: murder, rape, lying, robbery, perverted sex, etc. I could give a very long list of things that are evil but these things are simply the results or fruits of an evil tree and the root of that tree is the love of money. Greed is destroying our nation.
B. Every one of us will certainly agree that money in itself is not evil. It is a necessity. Money of some sort has always been around from simply exchanging necessities through the barter system to the actual currency or coins that we have in our pockets right now. Money has no morality. It is like a loaded gun. You can load a gun, place it on the bed, and walk off and leave it with no fear. It has no morality. It cannot do either good or bad unless it is in the hands of a person.
C. Things only have the morality that we give to them. Be they computers, TV sets, radios, guns, knives, automobiles, or anything else—they are only as good or as evil as we personally make them. Men who preach against the TV set own computers and internet. Men who preach against computers have TV sets and radios. That is why I do not attempt to legislate things because things are not the problem. They can be used for either good or bad. People are the problem and, if they love God, they will neither use nor misuse things in the fulfillment of their lusts.
D. Money in any form is not different. It is a wonderful tool to be used to meet our personal needs as well as to carry on the work of the Lord. When I speak of money as the “root of all evil,” I am speaking of more than just the actual currency or coins in your pocket or in your bank. I am speaking of both the means of getting as well as the way in which money is used. Jobs can become evil when they are put in place of the Lord. Money can become an evil device when it is used to purchase things that are evil. These things are driven by a lust for money.
E. Our text verses speak of the gain of contentment, not the gain of money. Contentment is a rarity in our days. Everyone has so much that nothing satisfies and there is a continual push in society to have more than enough. What is enough? That is a good question that needs to be answered. Our Lord said, “Having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” Not even the mention of lodging. The Apostle Paul quoted the Lord in verse 6 of our text.
F. What constitutes “enough” in the Bible? Food and clothing! There is not one of us here who does not have not only those things but a multitude of other things to go along with it. I want to keep this simple but we need to understand that the “love of money” will destroy us! Verses 9-10 give a vivid description of what can and will happen when money becomes our “god” and God becomes secondary in our lives. Let me give “US” some things that will help.
1. Realize that greed always brings about trouble! Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. (Read verses 9-10 again with me. Less is better, more is worse, and enough is best! Do not love money! It will ultimately destroy your life and family.)
2. Make money a “means to an end” instead of an end! Ecclesiastes 2:24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. (There is nothing wrong with enjoying the fruit of your labor as long as pleasure does not become your “god.” Learn to “take a day off” occasionally are enjoy life. When life comes to an end, money is a cold comfort to those who have lived for it. Your faithfulness to the Lord, family, friends, and fond memories are all that will matter then.)
3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3. Learn to be content with what God (not “god”) gives to you! Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (To the greedy, “how much is enough” is “just a little more!” The sleep of a hardworking man is sweet but riches cause sleep to flee from those who live for them. God has promised to supply all our need and all our need is all that we need.)
4. Learn to live within your means! Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (If you cannot afford it, do not buy it! Wait until you get the money to buy it with! If it will take away from the peace and joy of life, leave it alone! I had rather drive an older model car and be able to buy a hamburger or ice cream cone than to drive a new car and scrape by financially.)
5. Realize that life does not consist of the abundance of things that we possess! Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (I used this verse when I preached my mother’s funeral. Learn to have real fun. Take your family on an old-fashioned picnic instead of to dome theme park where you have to spend a fortune. Learn to cook a hot dog over a fire in the back yard instead of having to eat in a fine restaurant. Spend quality time with your children while they are at home. Spend time with the “wife of your youth” so that she will become the “wife of your old age.”)
6.Spend time laying up for eternity as well as enjoying the temporal! Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (When your eternity begins, it will no longer matter what size home you had or what model and year auto you drove. It will no longer matter what brand name clothes or shoes that you wore. The only thing that will matter is what you did for Christ! What you did for your family! What you did for your church! What you did for souls!)
7. Learn to make God your confidence and security! Proverbs 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: (Learn to tithe, give to missions, give to those who have needs, help the poor and God will take care of you! Many earn wages and put them into a “bag with holes.” God blows upon it and it is gone. Take care of God’s’ business and He will take care of yours. It is as simple as that!)
8. Be careful to treat rich and poor equally! James 2:1-9 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. (2) For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; (3) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: (4) Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (5) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (6) But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? (7) Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (8) If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: (9) But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. (Respect of person is sin. Love people for who they are and not for what they can do for you! You will make more good friends and a lot few enemies in this life.)
1 Timothy 6:6-10
Introduction:
A. In these verses, I find one of the most intriguing of all Bible statements: “the root of all evil.” When I think of “all evil,” there are so many wicked things in this world that automatically enter my mind: murder, rape, lying, robbery, perverted sex, etc. I could give a very long list of things that are evil but these things are simply the results or fruits of an evil tree and the root of that tree is the love of money. Greed is destroying our nation.
B. Every one of us will certainly agree that money in itself is not evil. It is a necessity. Money of some sort has always been around from simply exchanging necessities through the barter system to the actual currency or coins that we have in our pockets right now. Money has no morality. It is like a loaded gun. You can load a gun, place it on the bed, and walk off and leave it with no fear. It has no morality. It cannot do either good or bad unless it is in the hands of a person.
C. Things only have the morality that we give to them. Be they computers, TV sets, radios, guns, knives, automobiles, or anything else—they are only as good or as evil as we personally make them. Men who preach against the TV set own computers and internet. Men who preach against computers have TV sets and radios. That is why I do not attempt to legislate things because things are not the problem. They can be used for either good or bad. People are the problem and, if they love God, they will neither use nor misuse things in the fulfillment of their lusts.
D. Money in any form is not different. It is a wonderful tool to be used to meet our personal needs as well as to carry on the work of the Lord. When I speak of money as the “root of all evil,” I am speaking of more than just the actual currency or coins in your pocket or in your bank. I am speaking of both the means of getting as well as the way in which money is used. Jobs can become evil when they are put in place of the Lord. Money can become an evil device when it is used to purchase things that are evil. These things are driven by a lust for money.
E. Our text verses speak of the gain of contentment, not the gain of money. Contentment is a rarity in our days. Everyone has so much that nothing satisfies and there is a continual push in society to have more than enough. What is enough? That is a good question that needs to be answered. Our Lord said, “Having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” Not even the mention of lodging. The Apostle Paul quoted the Lord in verse 6 of our text.
F. What constitutes “enough” in the Bible? Food and clothing! There is not one of us here who does not have not only those things but a multitude of other things to go along with it. I want to keep this simple but we need to understand that the “love of money” will destroy us! Verses 9-10 give a vivid description of what can and will happen when money becomes our “god” and God becomes secondary in our lives. Let me give “US” some things that will help.
1. Realize that greed always brings about trouble! Proverbs 15:27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live. (Read verses 9-10 again with me. Less is better, more is worse, and enough is best! Do not love money! It will ultimately destroy your life and family.)
2. Make money a “means to an end” instead of an end! Ecclesiastes 2:24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. (There is nothing wrong with enjoying the fruit of your labor as long as pleasure does not become your “god.” Learn to “take a day off” occasionally are enjoy life. When life comes to an end, money is a cold comfort to those who have lived for it. Your faithfulness to the Lord, family, friends, and fond memories are all that will matter then.)
3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3. Learn to be content with what God (not “god”) gives to you! Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (To the greedy, “how much is enough” is “just a little more!” The sleep of a hardworking man is sweet but riches cause sleep to flee from those who live for them. God has promised to supply all our need and all our need is all that we need.)
4. Learn to live within your means! Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (If you cannot afford it, do not buy it! Wait until you get the money to buy it with! If it will take away from the peace and joy of life, leave it alone! I had rather drive an older model car and be able to buy a hamburger or ice cream cone than to drive a new car and scrape by financially.)
5. Realize that life does not consist of the abundance of things that we possess! Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (I used this verse when I preached my mother’s funeral. Learn to have real fun. Take your family on an old-fashioned picnic instead of to dome theme park where you have to spend a fortune. Learn to cook a hot dog over a fire in the back yard instead of having to eat in a fine restaurant. Spend quality time with your children while they are at home. Spend time with the “wife of your youth” so that she will become the “wife of your old age.”)
6.Spend time laying up for eternity as well as enjoying the temporal! Matthew 6:19-20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (When your eternity begins, it will no longer matter what size home you had or what model and year auto you drove. It will no longer matter what brand name clothes or shoes that you wore. The only thing that will matter is what you did for Christ! What you did for your family! What you did for your church! What you did for souls!)
7. Learn to make God your confidence and security! Proverbs 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: (Learn to tithe, give to missions, give to those who have needs, help the poor and God will take care of you! Many earn wages and put them into a “bag with holes.” God blows upon it and it is gone. Take care of God’s’ business and He will take care of yours. It is as simple as that!)
8. Be careful to treat rich and poor equally! James 2:1-9 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. (2) For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; (3) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: (4) Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (5) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (6) But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? (7) Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? (8) If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: (9) But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. (Respect of person is sin. Love people for who they are and not for what they can do for you! You will make more good friends and a lot few enemies in this life.)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Free Course
Temple Baptist Church - 8-8-2010
2 Thessalonians 3:1
Introduction:
A. Anytime you have a 2nd or 3rd of a book in the Bible, it prophesies of the end times and the rise of apostasy. The theme of 2 Thessalonians is the “falling away” and the revealing of “that Wicked” one: the Antichrist. We are there! Apostasy is everywhere and the spirit of antichrist permeates our society.
B. As the Apostle Paul brings this little book to its conclusion, he uses the word “finally.” It is both the summation and conclusion of the epistle. “Finally, brethren, pray for us!” If you have ever prayed for God’s men, you had better pray for them now.
C. Two things are mentioned here: a) Pray for the preacher to preach the Word of God and b) that he will be delivered from “unreasonable and wicked men.” I will only deal with the former this morning. This prayer is for God’s man, not for the preaching. When the Word of God is preached, it will flow unrestricted. It will have “free course” and stem the “tide of apostasy” of these last times. What restricts the “free course” of God’s Word is when the men of God no longer preach its fullness with uncompromising power from the pulpits of our churches.
D. I could spend the entire sermon on the purpose and importance of preaching but I believe that you and I already know these things. The most important aspect of a church service is the preached word.
1. Many churches build their church upon singing programs. While singing is important in both worship and a prelude to the preaching, it is not to be the single most important aspect of a worship service.
2. Many churches build their church upon youth programs. The number one question asked of this pastor by prospective “church members” is “What programs do you have for the youth. I am all for working with our youth and trying to do things with them but I do not find “youth programs” in the Bible.
3. Many churches build their church upon entertainment and extra-curricular activities. I know churches that always have to have something going on. (Ladies Meetings, Youth Meetings, Camps, Seminars, Sweetheart Banquets, Plays, etc.)
E. While these are not entirely wrong, the main thrust of the church or the primary purpose of the church is preaching and teaching God’s Word. The local church is called the “pillar and ground of the truth.”
F. The list could go one but I think that you get the “gist” of what I am trying to preach. Let us look at these few simple things in order to get the reason for the Word of God having “free course.” When speaking of water, “free course” means allowing the water to flow unrestricted. It would mean to let the water seek its own level and run where it will. Power companies dam up rivers and creeks in order to harness the power of the water by changing its natural course. Grist mills often cut channels in order to redirect the natural flow of water in order to turn the wheels and grind the meal.
G. The Word of God is not bound; therefore, when it is allow to flow unrestricted, it becomes effectual in the lives of God’s people. The only way that Satan can “bind” the Word of God is to effectively stop its preaching. He is trying to do so today in society through such things as the “Hate Crime Bill.” In Canada, it is against the law to preach against sodomy. America is following suit. Same sex marriages, etc., are secretly directed at the Word of God. Someone told me yesterday that I would get in trouble because of our church sign which said that sodomy is not an alternate lifestyle. Sodomy is sin! Sodomites do not mind terms such as “gay” or “homosexual” but the Bible term “sodomite” has free course and exposes the very depravity of the act.
H. The greatest tool that Satan has to effectively restrict the preached Word is the people of the church: the pew! Most of the denominations today are liberal and filled with apostasy for this reason. As the times of not enduring sound doctrine approached, the churches filled up more and more with lost people. These individuals soon became the majority in most churches and, therefore, had a majority vote in church decisions including the calling of a pastor.
I. I do not want to deal with these liberal compromised churches for this reason: WHEN SOMETHING DIES IT NORMALLY REMAINS DEAD!
Revelation 3:1-2 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. (2) Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. (I find it interesting that God did not say to resurrect the things which have died! I am not saying to stop trying to reverse the satanic trends in the churches but I am saying that once something is gone, church people will rarely let it be resurrected.)
J. Satan has always deliberately attacked the Word of God from “Yea, hath God said?” in Genesis 3 to the “falling away” of the end-time church. He is trying to destroy the preached Word in our churches today!
1. How Do Churches Restrict The Free Course Of God’s Word?
a. By Hearing And Not Obeying – I made the statement not long ago that most church members like “Buffet Preaching.” Many things are on a food bar but there are many that I never sample. I pick and choose what I like. I often do not eat some foods because I can eat them at home. Sometimes, I like the foods that I reject because I simply like others better. On occasion, I do not eat certain things because I do not like them! Most sermons are heard but unheeded! I guess “if they had been here, I would have got them!” Eventually, the preacher will quit preaching on certain subjects because no one wants to hear or obey them.
b. By Bucking Every Standard Of The Church – I have found that most people will try to find out just where the line that marks the border of liberalism is and then put their toes to the line and lean over it as far as they can. Standards are an area of constant attack. Most churches of our day have absolutely no standards for dress. People come dressed like they are going to Six Flags. Worldly, immodest clothing permeate churches. You can seem more bosoms and legs in church than you can at Wal*Mart. There was a grand time when a woman’s ankles were covered. Those were days of greater morality! Dress standards also need to apply for outings and youth meetings. Church outings are for our people and youth meetings are for our youth but others are welcome to come but are not welcome to “come as they are.” I know that lost people often attend church functions and they do not know better but many know what the church standards are and simply reject them. If they want to enjoy these things with the church, they should dress and act accordingly.
c. By Unfaithfulness In Attendance – God’s Word is ineffectual in the lives of those who are not there to hear! Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves has become more of “as the manner of some is!” Churches are closing their doors on Sunday night and Wednesday nights because of lack of attendance. I blame most of this on the pulpit because, if the pastor’s family wanted to come to church, there would be the two or three where the Lord is in the midst. Apathy will cause a preacher to stop preaching and start entertaining in order to get the people to come more often.
d. By Rejecting Doctrinal Truth – Doctrinal truth must be “endured!” Sound doctrine is a must in the local church but there is often a mixed multitude on the pews. 2 Timothy says that the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine. Therefore, the man of God is to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. You correct some people with either a reproof or a rebuke and they are gone. They are looking for churches and pastors who will allow them to remain in their sinfulness and rebellion by keeping his mouth shut. If a pastor “likes his job,” he must be careful not to offend these “goats.”
e. By Running Off Preachers Who Preach God’s Word – This is not a problem here but many preachers go through several churches before they find one where they can stay and minister in the Word. A good man of God will not be limited in what he can or cannot preach. Endure the preached word if it comes from God’s Word and “Amen” the preacher even if it hurts! Then run off the crowd who wants to run the preacher off! Let godliness become the majority in the church and the preached word will take care of the rest.
2. What Will Be The Effects Of Restricting The Free Course Of God’s Word.
a. Our Preachers Will Either Leave Or Quit Preaching The Whole Counsel Of God – You will never keep a good pastor and preacher by restricting what he can preach. God’s man will preach or move on. Then, more often than not, God’s man will become discouraged and just “slack off” a little. Then, our children will not hear the clear message from God’s Word. Where we had a choice, their choices will be made by us.
b. Our Pulpits Will Become Sounding Boards For The Will Of The People – Good preachers will leave and Pulpit Committees will find preachers of “like un-precious faith!” Good men of God have become a rarity in these last days. Hireling prophets abound along with many men in pulpits who have no divine call. These are men who go into the “ministry” for various reasons and look forward to the day when they can retire. They preach what the people want to hear and make sure that they step on no “toes” in the process.
c. Our Principles Will Become Distorted And Eventually Die – Bible principles will diminish and God’s Word will be compromised or changed. Look around you here in our county. How many good, Bible preaching, God loving churches do you know of?
d. Our People Will Become Worldly And Rebellious And Good Christians Will Leave – Christian Schools have suffered this problem for years. As the need for money grows, standards are let down and as standards are let down, good people move on. I know separation is a “bad subject” in these worldly times but the Bible still says to separate from the standards of this world. As the church gets more worldly, the world gets more religious because they can now fit comfortably on the pews with no conviction power because God’s Word has been diverted or restricted.
e. Our Purity Will Become Tainted And Sinful Living Will Permeate Our Pews – Instead of good, godly people who love the Lord and one another, there will be people who are ungodly, worldly, and care nothing about the things of the Lord. Now people can shack up and be good church members. Sodomites can now sit comfortably on the pews. Sinners will always be welcome here at Temple Baptist but they cannot join our fellowship without getting saved and, if they get saved, shacking up and sodomy, etc. will be history in their lives.
f. Our Posterity Will Sniff Out Our Hypocrisy And Will Leave Never To Return – Churches are losing young people at a record pace because of the hypocrisy and double standards that they see. Kids are really smart! I look around and grin a little but, really, they are very intelligent. They may not always do right but, for the most part, they know right from wrong and look to God’s men and God’s people for examples. Unfortunately, to most of the young people in churches, their parent’s lives, church standards, and preachers fail to give a proper example and—with their lives—say, “Don’t do as I do, do as I say do!”
g. Our Purpose Will Come To A Standstill And Our Churches Will Become Social Clubs – Sinners will neither be welcome nor saved. Missions will die and sinners will perish. Most churches have neither a visitation program nor a strong missions outreach. Churches become hospitals for the sinfully sick; rest homes for those who have spiritually “retired;” safe havens for “goats” and “false prophets;” and generally despicably lukewarm and apathetic.
h. Our Power Will Soon Be Gone And We Will Become The Spiritually Anemic – May God help us to remember that it is God’s Word and allow God’s men to faithfully instead of fearfully preach its “whole counsel!”
2 Thessalonians 3:1
Introduction:
A. Anytime you have a 2nd or 3rd of a book in the Bible, it prophesies of the end times and the rise of apostasy. The theme of 2 Thessalonians is the “falling away” and the revealing of “that Wicked” one: the Antichrist. We are there! Apostasy is everywhere and the spirit of antichrist permeates our society.
B. As the Apostle Paul brings this little book to its conclusion, he uses the word “finally.” It is both the summation and conclusion of the epistle. “Finally, brethren, pray for us!” If you have ever prayed for God’s men, you had better pray for them now.
C. Two things are mentioned here: a) Pray for the preacher to preach the Word of God and b) that he will be delivered from “unreasonable and wicked men.” I will only deal with the former this morning. This prayer is for God’s man, not for the preaching. When the Word of God is preached, it will flow unrestricted. It will have “free course” and stem the “tide of apostasy” of these last times. What restricts the “free course” of God’s Word is when the men of God no longer preach its fullness with uncompromising power from the pulpits of our churches.
D. I could spend the entire sermon on the purpose and importance of preaching but I believe that you and I already know these things. The most important aspect of a church service is the preached word.
1. Many churches build their church upon singing programs. While singing is important in both worship and a prelude to the preaching, it is not to be the single most important aspect of a worship service.
2. Many churches build their church upon youth programs. The number one question asked of this pastor by prospective “church members” is “What programs do you have for the youth. I am all for working with our youth and trying to do things with them but I do not find “youth programs” in the Bible.
3. Many churches build their church upon entertainment and extra-curricular activities. I know churches that always have to have something going on. (Ladies Meetings, Youth Meetings, Camps, Seminars, Sweetheart Banquets, Plays, etc.)
E. While these are not entirely wrong, the main thrust of the church or the primary purpose of the church is preaching and teaching God’s Word. The local church is called the “pillar and ground of the truth.”
F. The list could go one but I think that you get the “gist” of what I am trying to preach. Let us look at these few simple things in order to get the reason for the Word of God having “free course.” When speaking of water, “free course” means allowing the water to flow unrestricted. It would mean to let the water seek its own level and run where it will. Power companies dam up rivers and creeks in order to harness the power of the water by changing its natural course. Grist mills often cut channels in order to redirect the natural flow of water in order to turn the wheels and grind the meal.
G. The Word of God is not bound; therefore, when it is allow to flow unrestricted, it becomes effectual in the lives of God’s people. The only way that Satan can “bind” the Word of God is to effectively stop its preaching. He is trying to do so today in society through such things as the “Hate Crime Bill.” In Canada, it is against the law to preach against sodomy. America is following suit. Same sex marriages, etc., are secretly directed at the Word of God. Someone told me yesterday that I would get in trouble because of our church sign which said that sodomy is not an alternate lifestyle. Sodomy is sin! Sodomites do not mind terms such as “gay” or “homosexual” but the Bible term “sodomite” has free course and exposes the very depravity of the act.
H. The greatest tool that Satan has to effectively restrict the preached Word is the people of the church: the pew! Most of the denominations today are liberal and filled with apostasy for this reason. As the times of not enduring sound doctrine approached, the churches filled up more and more with lost people. These individuals soon became the majority in most churches and, therefore, had a majority vote in church decisions including the calling of a pastor.
I. I do not want to deal with these liberal compromised churches for this reason: WHEN SOMETHING DIES IT NORMALLY REMAINS DEAD!
Revelation 3:1-2 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. (2) Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. (I find it interesting that God did not say to resurrect the things which have died! I am not saying to stop trying to reverse the satanic trends in the churches but I am saying that once something is gone, church people will rarely let it be resurrected.)
J. Satan has always deliberately attacked the Word of God from “Yea, hath God said?” in Genesis 3 to the “falling away” of the end-time church. He is trying to destroy the preached Word in our churches today!
1. How Do Churches Restrict The Free Course Of God’s Word?
a. By Hearing And Not Obeying – I made the statement not long ago that most church members like “Buffet Preaching.” Many things are on a food bar but there are many that I never sample. I pick and choose what I like. I often do not eat some foods because I can eat them at home. Sometimes, I like the foods that I reject because I simply like others better. On occasion, I do not eat certain things because I do not like them! Most sermons are heard but unheeded! I guess “if they had been here, I would have got them!” Eventually, the preacher will quit preaching on certain subjects because no one wants to hear or obey them.
b. By Bucking Every Standard Of The Church – I have found that most people will try to find out just where the line that marks the border of liberalism is and then put their toes to the line and lean over it as far as they can. Standards are an area of constant attack. Most churches of our day have absolutely no standards for dress. People come dressed like they are going to Six Flags. Worldly, immodest clothing permeate churches. You can seem more bosoms and legs in church than you can at Wal*Mart. There was a grand time when a woman’s ankles were covered. Those were days of greater morality! Dress standards also need to apply for outings and youth meetings. Church outings are for our people and youth meetings are for our youth but others are welcome to come but are not welcome to “come as they are.” I know that lost people often attend church functions and they do not know better but many know what the church standards are and simply reject them. If they want to enjoy these things with the church, they should dress and act accordingly.
c. By Unfaithfulness In Attendance – God’s Word is ineffectual in the lives of those who are not there to hear! Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves has become more of “as the manner of some is!” Churches are closing their doors on Sunday night and Wednesday nights because of lack of attendance. I blame most of this on the pulpit because, if the pastor’s family wanted to come to church, there would be the two or three where the Lord is in the midst. Apathy will cause a preacher to stop preaching and start entertaining in order to get the people to come more often.
d. By Rejecting Doctrinal Truth – Doctrinal truth must be “endured!” Sound doctrine is a must in the local church but there is often a mixed multitude on the pews. 2 Timothy says that the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine. Therefore, the man of God is to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. You correct some people with either a reproof or a rebuke and they are gone. They are looking for churches and pastors who will allow them to remain in their sinfulness and rebellion by keeping his mouth shut. If a pastor “likes his job,” he must be careful not to offend these “goats.”
e. By Running Off Preachers Who Preach God’s Word – This is not a problem here but many preachers go through several churches before they find one where they can stay and minister in the Word. A good man of God will not be limited in what he can or cannot preach. Endure the preached word if it comes from God’s Word and “Amen” the preacher even if it hurts! Then run off the crowd who wants to run the preacher off! Let godliness become the majority in the church and the preached word will take care of the rest.
2. What Will Be The Effects Of Restricting The Free Course Of God’s Word.
a. Our Preachers Will Either Leave Or Quit Preaching The Whole Counsel Of God – You will never keep a good pastor and preacher by restricting what he can preach. God’s man will preach or move on. Then, more often than not, God’s man will become discouraged and just “slack off” a little. Then, our children will not hear the clear message from God’s Word. Where we had a choice, their choices will be made by us.
b. Our Pulpits Will Become Sounding Boards For The Will Of The People – Good preachers will leave and Pulpit Committees will find preachers of “like un-precious faith!” Good men of God have become a rarity in these last days. Hireling prophets abound along with many men in pulpits who have no divine call. These are men who go into the “ministry” for various reasons and look forward to the day when they can retire. They preach what the people want to hear and make sure that they step on no “toes” in the process.
c. Our Principles Will Become Distorted And Eventually Die – Bible principles will diminish and God’s Word will be compromised or changed. Look around you here in our county. How many good, Bible preaching, God loving churches do you know of?
d. Our People Will Become Worldly And Rebellious And Good Christians Will Leave – Christian Schools have suffered this problem for years. As the need for money grows, standards are let down and as standards are let down, good people move on. I know separation is a “bad subject” in these worldly times but the Bible still says to separate from the standards of this world. As the church gets more worldly, the world gets more religious because they can now fit comfortably on the pews with no conviction power because God’s Word has been diverted or restricted.
e. Our Purity Will Become Tainted And Sinful Living Will Permeate Our Pews – Instead of good, godly people who love the Lord and one another, there will be people who are ungodly, worldly, and care nothing about the things of the Lord. Now people can shack up and be good church members. Sodomites can now sit comfortably on the pews. Sinners will always be welcome here at Temple Baptist but they cannot join our fellowship without getting saved and, if they get saved, shacking up and sodomy, etc. will be history in their lives.
f. Our Posterity Will Sniff Out Our Hypocrisy And Will Leave Never To Return – Churches are losing young people at a record pace because of the hypocrisy and double standards that they see. Kids are really smart! I look around and grin a little but, really, they are very intelligent. They may not always do right but, for the most part, they know right from wrong and look to God’s men and God’s people for examples. Unfortunately, to most of the young people in churches, their parent’s lives, church standards, and preachers fail to give a proper example and—with their lives—say, “Don’t do as I do, do as I say do!”
g. Our Purpose Will Come To A Standstill And Our Churches Will Become Social Clubs – Sinners will neither be welcome nor saved. Missions will die and sinners will perish. Most churches have neither a visitation program nor a strong missions outreach. Churches become hospitals for the sinfully sick; rest homes for those who have spiritually “retired;” safe havens for “goats” and “false prophets;” and generally despicably lukewarm and apathetic.
h. Our Power Will Soon Be Gone And We Will Become The Spiritually Anemic – May God help us to remember that it is God’s Word and allow God’s men to faithfully instead of fearfully preach its “whole counsel!”
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Saving Grace
Temple Baptist Church - 8-4-2010
Ephesians 2:8-10
Introduction:
A. The Book of Ephesians is all about the grace of God and the grace of God is probably the misunderstood of all doctrines. What is it about grace that people cannot understand? People use the word grace without ever properly understanding the word.
B. Grace by definition, in a theological sense, means unmerited favor; unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; a virtue coming from God; a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace; approval; favor; mercy; pardon; privilege; a disposition or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency; exemption; or reprieve!
C. Is that definition ambiguous? Is that definition plain or what? The Bible declares, concerning grace and works, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” You cannot, in any form, mix works with grace for one automatically destroys the other. Grace means you do not deserve it and works demands a just reward!
D. Another great misconception is that salvation by grace and grace alone is a license for the believer to sin. Grace in salvation does not open the door of disobedience! True saving grace teaches us just the opposite.
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
E. Religion has “muddied” the simple truth of biblical salvation. “Cain Worship” is still the common practice of the vast majority of those who profess salvation. This is a practice of works and personal merit which cannot save! I often say, “Salvation required Heaven’s best, not our best!” Our best is the “filthy rags” of Isaiah 64:6. Though we know that salvation is not of works, even we do not entirely understand the realm of grace. I can only sum it up on two words: Amazing Grace!
F. There are three things that I want us to look at as we begin tonight: the words “by,” “through,” and “unto.” These three simple prepositions define the grace of salvation for us.
1. Salvation Is A Present Of Grace To Be Believed – “by grace” A person will never be saved until they grasp the truth of grace. As long as an individual is adding personal merit to the finished work of Christ, they remain eternally lost. “For by grace” means just that: it is either grace and grace alone or it is not salvation!
Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (6) And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (Paul makes it clear here that election is by grace! Verse 6 is not arguing grace verses works but simply explaining that salvation is of grace and grace cannot be mixed with any amount of works!)
a. By grace means undeserved! Isaiah 64:6-8 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (7) And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. (8) But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. (Is this portion of Scripture not clear? All means all and that’s all all means!)
b. By grace means unearned! Titus 3:4-7 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (6) Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; (7) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (There can be no mixture of grace and works as they destroy each other.)
2. Salvation Is A Possession Of Grace To Be Received – “through faith” Faith is a gift that God gives to each individual. The Bible says that “God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
a) Through grace means personal enablement to believe! Acts 16:31-34 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (32) And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. (33) And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (34) And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. (Every person who has ever lived, lives, or will live has the God given ability to come to Christ unless they do not have the mental capacity to do so in which case they remain innocent and therefore safe. Notice I said safe, not saved. I do not fully understand this but the innocent are safe before accountability.)
b) Through grace means personal responsibility to believe! Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Along with ability comes responsibility! In God’s absolute sovereignty, He gave man both ability and responsibility. No lost man will ever be able to indict God for his lack of salvation. I do not fully understand this either but believe it with all of my heart.)
3. Salvation Is A Power Of Grace For Works To Be Achieved – “unto good works”
a) Unto good works denotes purpose in sanctification! Romans 8:29-30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (30) Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Biblical salvation always brings about biblical sanctification. Salvation is positional sanctification while the effect of it is practical sanctification.)
b) Unto good works denotes power in sanctification! Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Practical sanctification is the result of both the new birth and God’s power to change.)
Ephesians 2:8-10
Introduction:
A. The Book of Ephesians is all about the grace of God and the grace of God is probably the misunderstood of all doctrines. What is it about grace that people cannot understand? People use the word grace without ever properly understanding the word.
B. Grace by definition, in a theological sense, means unmerited favor; unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; a virtue coming from God; a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace; approval; favor; mercy; pardon; privilege; a disposition or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency; exemption; or reprieve!
C. Is that definition ambiguous? Is that definition plain or what? The Bible declares, concerning grace and works, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” You cannot, in any form, mix works with grace for one automatically destroys the other. Grace means you do not deserve it and works demands a just reward!
D. Another great misconception is that salvation by grace and grace alone is a license for the believer to sin. Grace in salvation does not open the door of disobedience! True saving grace teaches us just the opposite.
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
E. Religion has “muddied” the simple truth of biblical salvation. “Cain Worship” is still the common practice of the vast majority of those who profess salvation. This is a practice of works and personal merit which cannot save! I often say, “Salvation required Heaven’s best, not our best!” Our best is the “filthy rags” of Isaiah 64:6. Though we know that salvation is not of works, even we do not entirely understand the realm of grace. I can only sum it up on two words: Amazing Grace!
F. There are three things that I want us to look at as we begin tonight: the words “by,” “through,” and “unto.” These three simple prepositions define the grace of salvation for us.
1. Salvation Is A Present Of Grace To Be Believed – “by grace” A person will never be saved until they grasp the truth of grace. As long as an individual is adding personal merit to the finished work of Christ, they remain eternally lost. “For by grace” means just that: it is either grace and grace alone or it is not salvation!
Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (6) And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (Paul makes it clear here that election is by grace! Verse 6 is not arguing grace verses works but simply explaining that salvation is of grace and grace cannot be mixed with any amount of works!)
a. By grace means undeserved! Isaiah 64:6-8 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (7) And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. (8) But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. (Is this portion of Scripture not clear? All means all and that’s all all means!)
b. By grace means unearned! Titus 3:4-7 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (6) Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; (7) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (There can be no mixture of grace and works as they destroy each other.)
2. Salvation Is A Possession Of Grace To Be Received – “through faith” Faith is a gift that God gives to each individual. The Bible says that “God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
a) Through grace means personal enablement to believe! Acts 16:31-34 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (32) And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. (33) And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (34) And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. (Every person who has ever lived, lives, or will live has the God given ability to come to Christ unless they do not have the mental capacity to do so in which case they remain innocent and therefore safe. Notice I said safe, not saved. I do not fully understand this but the innocent are safe before accountability.)
b) Through grace means personal responsibility to believe! Hebrews 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Along with ability comes responsibility! In God’s absolute sovereignty, He gave man both ability and responsibility. No lost man will ever be able to indict God for his lack of salvation. I do not fully understand this either but believe it with all of my heart.)
3. Salvation Is A Power Of Grace For Works To Be Achieved – “unto good works”
a) Unto good works denotes purpose in sanctification! Romans 8:29-30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (30) Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Biblical salvation always brings about biblical sanctification. Salvation is positional sanctification while the effect of it is practical sanctification.)
b) Unto good works denotes power in sanctification! Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Practical sanctification is the result of both the new birth and God’s power to change.)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
A Testimony Of Salvation
Temple Baptist Church - 8-1-2010
Luke 18:35-43
Introduction:
A. Do you remember when, where, and how you got saved. I knew a man once who got mad because Bro. Jimmie Clark preached a message titled “How, When, And Where?”
B. Every child of God should have a testimony of salvation that is clear. That testimony brings about:
1. Assurance to the believer
2. Joy to the saints
3. The way of salvation to the lost.
C. In these verses that I have read, we find all three of these aspects of a testimony. A lost man who came to Christ is such a way as to produce assurance, joy, and testimony to others.
D. I love to hear people talk about how, when, and where they came to Christ. I want to look at this precious brother’s conversion tonight in order to produce these things.
1. The Condition Of The Lost – vs. 35 - 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (Spiritually blinded to the fact of two eternities; spiritually blinded to the fact of their spiritual state; spiritually blinded to the holiness and justice of God; spiritually blinded to the fact of impending death; blinded to the fact of the White Throne Judgment Of God; blinded to the reality of a Devil’s Hell.)
2. The Mercy Of The Lord – vs. 35 – The blinded could not come to Him so He came to them. How important it is that sinners realize the love of Calvary and the mercy of the Lord as He comes to them. The blinded can neither see Christ nor the way to Him.
3. The Opportunity Of Salvation – vs. 37 – The Lord passed by at a specific time and in a specific place. He may or may not have ever passed that way again so to presume that one will get more than one chance to be saved is dangerous. Today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time. He may never call again or we may be dead or unable to respond (Jimmy Smith).
4. The Misery Of The Lost – vs. 38 – He cried out! I do not know how long that he had been in that condition but I do know that he was tired of it and wanted a change of life. He knew his need and he knew who could meet it. Sinners will never be saved until they become miserably lost and see their need to be saved.
5. The Opposition Of The Multitudes – vs. 39 – The world will do all that it can to hinder the salvation of the Lord. Peer pressure, uncertain riches, the pleasures of “sin for a season,” and pride will stop a person from coming to Christ. Often, Satan will throw stumbling blocks in their way. “Big Boy”
6. The Persistency Of The Sinner – vs. 39 – Nothing could stop him from calling upon the Lord.
7. The Love Of The Saviour – vs. 40 – Jesus stood still at the cry of the sinful. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners! The love of Calvary is accessable to every sinner who wants the wonderful salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
8. The Obligation Of The Saints – vs. 40 – The Lord commanded the sinner to be brought to Him. We that are saved should love both the sinner and the Lord enough to bring them to Christ.
9. The Effect Of Salvation – vs. 43 – Immediately the blinded man could see. Immediately he followed Christ. Immediately he praised the Christ. The saints rejoiced in the miracle that had transpired.
Luke 18:35-43
Introduction:
A. Do you remember when, where, and how you got saved. I knew a man once who got mad because Bro. Jimmie Clark preached a message titled “How, When, And Where?”
B. Every child of God should have a testimony of salvation that is clear. That testimony brings about:
1. Assurance to the believer
2. Joy to the saints
3. The way of salvation to the lost.
C. In these verses that I have read, we find all three of these aspects of a testimony. A lost man who came to Christ is such a way as to produce assurance, joy, and testimony to others.
D. I love to hear people talk about how, when, and where they came to Christ. I want to look at this precious brother’s conversion tonight in order to produce these things.
1. The Condition Of The Lost – vs. 35 - 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (Spiritually blinded to the fact of two eternities; spiritually blinded to the fact of their spiritual state; spiritually blinded to the holiness and justice of God; spiritually blinded to the fact of impending death; blinded to the fact of the White Throne Judgment Of God; blinded to the reality of a Devil’s Hell.)
2. The Mercy Of The Lord – vs. 35 – The blinded could not come to Him so He came to them. How important it is that sinners realize the love of Calvary and the mercy of the Lord as He comes to them. The blinded can neither see Christ nor the way to Him.
3. The Opportunity Of Salvation – vs. 37 – The Lord passed by at a specific time and in a specific place. He may or may not have ever passed that way again so to presume that one will get more than one chance to be saved is dangerous. Today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time. He may never call again or we may be dead or unable to respond (Jimmy Smith).
4. The Misery Of The Lost – vs. 38 – He cried out! I do not know how long that he had been in that condition but I do know that he was tired of it and wanted a change of life. He knew his need and he knew who could meet it. Sinners will never be saved until they become miserably lost and see their need to be saved.
5. The Opposition Of The Multitudes – vs. 39 – The world will do all that it can to hinder the salvation of the Lord. Peer pressure, uncertain riches, the pleasures of “sin for a season,” and pride will stop a person from coming to Christ. Often, Satan will throw stumbling blocks in their way. “Big Boy”
6. The Persistency Of The Sinner – vs. 39 – Nothing could stop him from calling upon the Lord.
7. The Love Of The Saviour – vs. 40 – Jesus stood still at the cry of the sinful. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners! The love of Calvary is accessable to every sinner who wants the wonderful salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
8. The Obligation Of The Saints – vs. 40 – The Lord commanded the sinner to be brought to Him. We that are saved should love both the sinner and the Lord enough to bring them to Christ.
9. The Effect Of Salvation – vs. 43 – Immediately the blinded man could see. Immediately he followed Christ. Immediately he praised the Christ. The saints rejoiced in the miracle that had transpired.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)