Temple Baptist Church - 12-26-2010
John 1:1-14; 1 John 1:1-4
Introduction:
A. Over the past couple of weeks, we have said much about the birth of Christ and what He did for us through the incarnation. He sought us; He bought us; He convicted us; He illuminated us; He convinced us; He graciously saved us; He marvelously keeps us; He abides within us; He works through us; He protects us; He provides for us; He guides us; He succors us; and, one day, He is coming for us! That will preach!!
B. For a few minutes this morning, I want to look once again at the Lord Jesus Christ. I do not think that I can preach enough about Him. I do not think that I will ever understand everything about Him. I do know that He is a once in all eternity Person! There was none before Him; there is none like Him; there is none beside Him; and there will never be one after Him! He was that He was; He is that He is; and He will be what He will be!
C. Having said all of that, let us look at these few verses. In John 1, we find the manifestation of the Lord Jesus Christ in verse 14. In 1 John 1, we find the manifestation of Jesus Christ. The Apostles knew Him:
1. They Heard Him – John 7:46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. We Heard Him - Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
2. They Saw Him – John 20:27-28 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. We Have Not Seen And Yet Believe - 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
3. They Handled Him – Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. We Have Handled Him - 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
D. John 1:1-14 has perhaps the best description of who our Lord Jesus was as well as what He became and came to do. I just want to lift up His name for a few minutes this morning. He certainly is worthy of both our praise and our preaching. Dr. Harold Sightler taught us “preacher boys” to preach Christ. He often told us to never stray far from the cross for it was the preaching of Christ and Him crucified that would win the world to God.
1. Vs. 1-2 – His Person - We See Christ As God! He is the eternal God and the only true God!
John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. (I AM comes from a root word that simply means “to exist!” All that I can say about God is that HE IS! The world can accept Him or reject Him but that does not change the fact that HE IS!! When this world is gone and time is no more HE IS!!)
2. Vs. 3 – His Power - We See Christ As Creator – Jesus Christ is the Jehovah God of the Old Testament, the Creator of all things. Don’t take my word for it. Take God’s Word for it.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (that’s HIM) created the heaven and the earth.
Psalms 33:6 By the word of the LORD (that’s HIM) were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his (that’s HIM) mouth.
Colossians 1:16-17 For by him (that’s HIM) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him (that’s HIM), and for him (that’s HIM): 17 And he (that’s HIM) is before all things, and by him (that’s HIM) all things consist.
Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son(that’s HIM), whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom (that’s HIM) also he made the worlds; (All I can say is that HE DID IT! I do not have to understand it to believe it! I know that the Word of God declares that He formed the heavens and the earth through the spoken Word of His mouth and I believe it. HE DID IT!! Nothing has been created since He DID IT! Matter can neither be created nor destroyed. It can only be changed!)
3. Vs. 4-5 – His Purpose - We See Christ As Life! It is because of the very breath of God that you and I live. He is our mortal Life! He is our spiritual Life! It is through Him that we believe!
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
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.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
1 John 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (Without Him, there is no life. Without Him no life could possible exist! You may have physical life ([and that came from Him] but without Him you have no spiritual life. You are dead in trespasses and sins!)
4. Vs. 6-9 – His Purity - We See Christ As Light! I want to say this morning that He is THE LIGHT, not a light! THE LIGHT that shines through this sin darkened world to point the wandering sinner to Himself!
1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Psalms 18:28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. (To have Christ is to have Light, to not have Christ is to live a life of total darkness!)
5. Vs. 10-14 – His Pre-eminence - We See Christ As Saviour! If you e
ver get to Heaven, it will through Jesus Christ!
Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (Jesus Christ is my Lord and Saviour! All of my hope is found in Him! He is my eternal Life!)
Conclusion: What a wonderful Saviour is Jesus my Lord! Do you know Him this morning?
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Five Wonderful Things
Temple Baptist Church - 12-22-2010
Titus 2:11-14
Introduction:
A. Thanksgiving Day is history once again and Christmas is upon us! My, how time flies when you are having fun! Thanksgiving leads us into the Christmas Season. Throughout the season, we should continue to reflect upon God’s goodness. I love this time of the year. As a matter of fact, I often go around singing, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” before church. It is a special time. People can say “Happy Holidays” but I respond “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”
B. At Thanksgiving we thank God for His bountiful blessings and we have truly been blessed. These blessings are more of a physical, therefore of a temporal nature. No doubt we thank the Lord every day for our salvation, but as we sat at the table, we saw just how good God has been to us physically. Family, friends, and food aplenty! “There’s a roof up above me; I’ve a good place to sleep; there’s food on my table and shoes on my feet; you gave me your love, Lord, and a fine family; thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!”
C. Christmas is meant more for reflection on how good God has been to us spiritually. We will celebrate the birth of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The incarnation of the Son of God; born of a virgin in Bethlehem; lived, died, was buried, and rose again for our justification!
D. In verse 11, we see the First Advent in “the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men!” He came the first time to seek and to save that which was lost. He came to save, not to judge. He came to die, not to reign. God became man that we may live eternally with Him.
E. In verse 13, we see the promise of His Second Advent in “Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing. He will come the second time to receive His own, judge the world, and set up His earthly kingdom. It is time! His appearing is imminent! He may come today! I am excited and expectant!
John 14:3-4 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. (Praise the Lord!)
F. Titus 2:1 says, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” These powerful verses tell of God’s great love for mankind and His great desire for His own. I want to look at these verses this evening and see “Five Wonderful Things” for which we can truly be grateful.
1. A Wonderful Grace – vs. 11 (What a wonderful thought! He loves even me!)
a. Seen In A Manger - 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Luke 1:46-47 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
b. Seen At Calvary - Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2. A Wonderful Saviour – vs. 13 (What a wonderful Saviour He is to me!)
Titus 3:4-7 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 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; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
a. A Great God – What a wonder that God would send His Son to die for sinful man.
John 3:13-17 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
b. A Wonderful Saviour – What a wonderful Lord and Saviour!
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
3. A Wonderful Conversion – vs. 14 (What a wonderful change has been wrought!)
a. Redemption - Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Romans 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
b. Sanctification - Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
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.
4. A Wonderful People – vs. 14 (The most wonderful people in all of the world!)
a. A Peculiar People – 1 Peter 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
b. A Zealous People - Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
5. A Wonderful Prospect – vs. 13 (I will live forever in Heaven with Him!)
a. A Hope That Is Sure – “Looking for” - John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Psalms 102:16 When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
b. A Future That Is Secure – “blessed hope” - 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Revelation 21:3-7 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Conclusion: What a wonderful time of the year for reflection and worship. The Lord has been so good to us and the best is yet to come!
Titus 2:11-14
Introduction:
A. Thanksgiving Day is history once again and Christmas is upon us! My, how time flies when you are having fun! Thanksgiving leads us into the Christmas Season. Throughout the season, we should continue to reflect upon God’s goodness. I love this time of the year. As a matter of fact, I often go around singing, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” before church. It is a special time. People can say “Happy Holidays” but I respond “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”
B. At Thanksgiving we thank God for His bountiful blessings and we have truly been blessed. These blessings are more of a physical, therefore of a temporal nature. No doubt we thank the Lord every day for our salvation, but as we sat at the table, we saw just how good God has been to us physically. Family, friends, and food aplenty! “There’s a roof up above me; I’ve a good place to sleep; there’s food on my table and shoes on my feet; you gave me your love, Lord, and a fine family; thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me!”
C. Christmas is meant more for reflection on how good God has been to us spiritually. We will celebrate the birth of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The incarnation of the Son of God; born of a virgin in Bethlehem; lived, died, was buried, and rose again for our justification!
D. In verse 11, we see the First Advent in “the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men!” He came the first time to seek and to save that which was lost. He came to save, not to judge. He came to die, not to reign. God became man that we may live eternally with Him.
E. In verse 13, we see the promise of His Second Advent in “Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing. He will come the second time to receive His own, judge the world, and set up His earthly kingdom. It is time! His appearing is imminent! He may come today! I am excited and expectant!
John 14:3-4 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. (Praise the Lord!)
F. Titus 2:1 says, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” These powerful verses tell of God’s great love for mankind and His great desire for His own. I want to look at these verses this evening and see “Five Wonderful Things” for which we can truly be grateful.
1. A Wonderful Grace – vs. 11 (What a wonderful thought! He loves even me!)
a. Seen In A Manger - 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Luke 1:46-47 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
b. Seen At Calvary - Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2. A Wonderful Saviour – vs. 13 (What a wonderful Saviour He is to me!)
Titus 3:4-7 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 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; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
a. A Great God – What a wonder that God would send His Son to die for sinful man.
John 3:13-17 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
b. A Wonderful Saviour – What a wonderful Lord and Saviour!
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
3. A Wonderful Conversion – vs. 14 (What a wonderful change has been wrought!)
a. Redemption - Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Romans 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
b. Sanctification - Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
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.
4. A Wonderful People – vs. 14 (The most wonderful people in all of the world!)
a. A Peculiar People – 1 Peter 2:9 But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
b. A Zealous People - Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
5. A Wonderful Prospect – vs. 13 (I will live forever in Heaven with Him!)
a. A Hope That Is Sure – “Looking for” - John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Psalms 102:16 When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
b. A Future That Is Secure – “blessed hope” - 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Revelation 21:3-7 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Conclusion: What a wonderful time of the year for reflection and worship. The Lord has been so good to us and the best is yet to come!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Why Do The Heathen Rage?
Temple Baptist Church - 12-12-2010
Psalms 2
Introduction:
A. Psalm 2 is an interesting Psalm. It shows the mentality of both the world and God’s people concerning the sovereignty and ability of God!
1. The “heathen rage!” Proverbs 14:16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. (The world has no respect for nor a fear of God!)
2. The “people imagine a vain thing!” The “people” is a reference to God’s nation of Israel: God’s people! Imagine? That means to ponder or to murmur about something blown up in one’s mind. We often “imagine” the very worst when in trouble. A “vain thing” means something of no avail: something that will probably never come to pass.
B. As the world has no fear of God, God’s people often have no confidence in Him. The heathen rage and God seemingly allows them to get away with it. God’s people then began to imagine: God does not care; God cannot do anything about it; God can but will not respond!
C. We live in a world gone mad. A world that has adopted an amoral philosophy: both ungodly and godless.
1. This world hates the Person of God – they have developed their own “god.” One who accepts the person of the wicked!
2. This world hates the Word of God – they have rejected both its veracity and its authority. Even among so called fundamental Baptists.
3. This World hates the People of God – a generic “Christianity” and a “social gospel” is the rage of the day while the “Old Paths” are despised and rejected. Even among so called fundamental Baptist who have accepted the methods and philosophy of the liberals.
D. The actions of the world occasionally induce the Christian to react as the Psalmist and say, “Why, Lord!” This is a problem that God’s people have faced through the ages and this generation is possibly the worst of all. Why does God allow certain things to happen?
1. Because He is longsuffering. The Lord is not willing that any should perish and takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.
2. Because sin must run its course. James 1 says that there is a finishing to sin. God does not always judge at the moment one begins to sin. Sin has a course and God lets it run.
3. Because God’s ways are not our ways. Just leave “God’s Toys” to God. He knows what He is doing.
E. It is easy for the believer to get his or her eyes on the circumstances and fall from their own steadfastness. This Psalm should be an encouragement to God’s people.
F. The Lord answers the Psalmist’s question in these few verses by summing up man’s rebellion and God’s righteous judgment.
1. The Attitude Of The Ungodly – vs. 1-3
a. The Fact Of Their Rebellion – “Why do the heathen rage” - Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (They are not atheistic, but rather anti-God! It is one thing to use the name of the Lord as a byword in ignorance and entirely another to curse His person!)
b. The Fierceness Of Their Rebellion – “rage” - Zechariah 7 says, “But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.” (The world has gone “wild!” There is nothing sacred; there is nothing “black or white” morally; the conscience of many people has been seared! “If it feels good, do it” is the theme of our day.)
c. The Focus Of Their Rebellion – “against the Lord” - Acts 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. Romans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (This world system is anti-God. Anything and everything that God says or stands for is under attack. It will climax in the battles of “Armageddon” and “God and Magog.” Just how foolish can man get? Fight against the God of heaven who can create or destroy with the Word of His mouth? This world has no concept of just who God is.)
2. The Answer From The Lord – vs. 4-9
a. God’s Derision – vs. 4 “shall laugh…derision” - Proverbs 1:26-30 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. (God laughs at man’s foolishness; God will mock them in the day of calamity.)
b. God’s Displeasure – vs. 5 “He shall speak unto them in his wrath” Psalms 50:21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. (Don’t think that God is going to take what man does to Him! He is still angry with the wicked every day. God hates sin and loves sinners but there will one day be an end to His graciousness and mercy.)
c. God’s Destruction – vs. 5 “and vex them in his sore displeasure” Psalms 50:22 Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
d. God’s Declaration – vs. 7 “I will declare”
1) A Declaration Of Kingship – vs. 6 (The world rejected the King!)
2) A Declaration Of Kinship – vs. 7
a) Jesus was eternally the Son of God - 1 John 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
b) Jesus was incarnately the Son of God - Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
c) Jesus was manifestly the Son of God - 1 John 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
d) Jesus was gloriously the Son of God - John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)full of grace and truth.
e. God’s Desire – vs. 8 “Ask of me, and I shall give thee” - Psalms 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
f. God’s Determination – vs. 9 “Thou shalt break them...dash them” - Psalms 21:8 Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.
3. The Advice To The Wicked – vs. 8-12
a. They Need To Hear Him – vs. 10 “be instructed” - Hosea 14:9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
b. They Need To Fear Him – vs. 11 “with fear…with trembling” - Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
c. They Need To Near Him – vs. 12 “Kiss the Son” - 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Psalms 2
Introduction:
A. Psalm 2 is an interesting Psalm. It shows the mentality of both the world and God’s people concerning the sovereignty and ability of God!
1. The “heathen rage!” Proverbs 14:16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. (The world has no respect for nor a fear of God!)
2. The “people imagine a vain thing!” The “people” is a reference to God’s nation of Israel: God’s people! Imagine? That means to ponder or to murmur about something blown up in one’s mind. We often “imagine” the very worst when in trouble. A “vain thing” means something of no avail: something that will probably never come to pass.
B. As the world has no fear of God, God’s people often have no confidence in Him. The heathen rage and God seemingly allows them to get away with it. God’s people then began to imagine: God does not care; God cannot do anything about it; God can but will not respond!
C. We live in a world gone mad. A world that has adopted an amoral philosophy: both ungodly and godless.
1. This world hates the Person of God – they have developed their own “god.” One who accepts the person of the wicked!
2. This world hates the Word of God – they have rejected both its veracity and its authority. Even among so called fundamental Baptists.
3. This World hates the People of God – a generic “Christianity” and a “social gospel” is the rage of the day while the “Old Paths” are despised and rejected. Even among so called fundamental Baptist who have accepted the methods and philosophy of the liberals.
D. The actions of the world occasionally induce the Christian to react as the Psalmist and say, “Why, Lord!” This is a problem that God’s people have faced through the ages and this generation is possibly the worst of all. Why does God allow certain things to happen?
1. Because He is longsuffering. The Lord is not willing that any should perish and takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.
2. Because sin must run its course. James 1 says that there is a finishing to sin. God does not always judge at the moment one begins to sin. Sin has a course and God lets it run.
3. Because God’s ways are not our ways. Just leave “God’s Toys” to God. He knows what He is doing.
E. It is easy for the believer to get his or her eyes on the circumstances and fall from their own steadfastness. This Psalm should be an encouragement to God’s people.
F. The Lord answers the Psalmist’s question in these few verses by summing up man’s rebellion and God’s righteous judgment.
1. The Attitude Of The Ungodly – vs. 1-3
a. The Fact Of Their Rebellion – “Why do the heathen rage” - Isaiah 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (They are not atheistic, but rather anti-God! It is one thing to use the name of the Lord as a byword in ignorance and entirely another to curse His person!)
b. The Fierceness Of Their Rebellion – “rage” - Zechariah 7 says, “But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.” (The world has gone “wild!” There is nothing sacred; there is nothing “black or white” morally; the conscience of many people has been seared! “If it feels good, do it” is the theme of our day.)
c. The Focus Of Their Rebellion – “against the Lord” - Acts 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. Romans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (This world system is anti-God. Anything and everything that God says or stands for is under attack. It will climax in the battles of “Armageddon” and “God and Magog.” Just how foolish can man get? Fight against the God of heaven who can create or destroy with the Word of His mouth? This world has no concept of just who God is.)
2. The Answer From The Lord – vs. 4-9
a. God’s Derision – vs. 4 “shall laugh…derision” - Proverbs 1:26-30 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. (God laughs at man’s foolishness; God will mock them in the day of calamity.)
b. God’s Displeasure – vs. 5 “He shall speak unto them in his wrath” Psalms 50:21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes. (Don’t think that God is going to take what man does to Him! He is still angry with the wicked every day. God hates sin and loves sinners but there will one day be an end to His graciousness and mercy.)
c. God’s Destruction – vs. 5 “and vex them in his sore displeasure” Psalms 50:22 Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
d. God’s Declaration – vs. 7 “I will declare”
1) A Declaration Of Kingship – vs. 6 (The world rejected the King!)
2) A Declaration Of Kinship – vs. 7
a) Jesus was eternally the Son of God - 1 John 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
b) Jesus was incarnately the Son of God - Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
c) Jesus was manifestly the Son of God - 1 John 1:2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
d) Jesus was gloriously the Son of God - John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)full of grace and truth.
e. God’s Desire – vs. 8 “Ask of me, and I shall give thee” - Psalms 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
f. God’s Determination – vs. 9 “Thou shalt break them...dash them” - Psalms 21:8 Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.
3. The Advice To The Wicked – vs. 8-12
a. They Need To Hear Him – vs. 10 “be instructed” - Hosea 14:9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
b. They Need To Fear Him – vs. 11 “with fear…with trembling” - Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
c. They Need To Near Him – vs. 12 “Kiss the Son” - 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
The Miracle Of The Birth Of Christ
Temple Baptist Church - 12-12-2010
Matthew 1:18-25 (vs. 18, 23)
Introduction: Oft times, as we think of the coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ—we fail to contemplate upon the marvelous miracle of His birth. God became man! Many religions recognize Jesus in one way or another as either an angel who came to earth or a great prophet but He was much more that that! He was Jehovah God born in the flesh! The “seed of the woman” born without the seed of man! The absolute purity of a young virgin womb gave birth to the absolutely pure Son of God!
A. Matthew 22:41-42a While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?
B. There are many doctrines that are called “Cardinal Doctrines” or “Fundamentals Of The faith.” The doctrine of the Virgin Birth is one of the most sacred. It is a miracle beyond human comprehension!
1. The Virgin Birth Of Christ Is “A Doctrine of Holy Ground!” The wording in verse 18 differentiates the birth of Christ from the series of “begats” of the preceding verses. “Espoused wife” and “before they came together” declares a birth like none other that preceded it. The virgin birth of Christ is the pivotal point between Promise or Prophecy and Performance. It is a doctrine both Sweetly Adored and Severely Attacked.
2. It is the mystery of all mysteries, the jewel of all ages, the hope of mankind, and the love of God manifested. It was a miraculous event. The Virgin Birth of Christ is the piviotable point between Promise or Prophesy and Performance!
3. A miracle is a phenomenon that cannot be explained outside the realm of supernatural intervention. It is an event that supersedes natural law.
a) The immortal became mortal that the mortal may become immortal - 1 Timothy 6:16a Who only hath immortality
1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
b) The untouchable became touchable - 1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life.
C. Dr. Herbert Lockyer said it this way, “The incarnation is the most stupendous miracle comprehending and involving all other miracles, and because it is a theme both deep and delicate, infinite and incomprehensible, how about ‘finding out acceptable words.’ The ground we approach is holy calling for the putting off of our shoes.”
D. G. Campbell Morgan said that in the presence of such a holy miracle “there can be no fitting attitude of the human intellect save that of acceptance of the truth without any attempt to explain the mystery.”
E. Another writer expressed it this way, “I will seek to believe rather than to reason, to adore rather than to explain, to give thanks rather that to penetrate; to love rather than to know; to humble myself rather than to speak.”
F. In the Virgin Birth, God and man became one Person, our Lord Jesus Christ! (100% God! 100% man! Otherwise, He would have been less that God and less than man!)
1. The Virgin Birth Was Prophesied - Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
2. The Virgin Birth Was Performed - Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (“On this wise” sets the birth of Christ apart from the “begats” of the first 17 verses!)
espouse 5x to woo her and ask her in marriage; to be promised in marriage, be betrothed
Matthew 1:18 - “before they came together”
Matthew 1:23 “a virgin shall be with child”
Matthew 1:25 - “and knew her not till”
Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
1 John 1:1-2 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (2) (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
Just How Important Is This “Cardinal Doctrine” or “Fundamental Of The faith?”
1. Scriptural Credibility Depends Upon It - Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (If the Scripture errs on this point, how can we trust any other supernatural event such as the death, burial, and resurrection?)
2. The Deity Of Christ Depends Upon It - 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
3. The Sinless Humanity Of Christ Depends Upon It - John 1:1-2, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (If man had been His father, then He would have had inherent sin!)
1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1 Peter 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
4. The Vicarious Atonement Of Christ Depends Upon It - Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
5. The Ultimate Defeat Of Evil Depends Upon It - Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
6. The Security Of The Believer Depends Upon It - Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Conclusion: Our eternal destiny depends upon how we answer the question, “What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?”
Matthew 1:18-25 (vs. 18, 23)
Introduction: Oft times, as we think of the coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ—we fail to contemplate upon the marvelous miracle of His birth. God became man! Many religions recognize Jesus in one way or another as either an angel who came to earth or a great prophet but He was much more that that! He was Jehovah God born in the flesh! The “seed of the woman” born without the seed of man! The absolute purity of a young virgin womb gave birth to the absolutely pure Son of God!
A. Matthew 22:41-42a While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?
B. There are many doctrines that are called “Cardinal Doctrines” or “Fundamentals Of The faith.” The doctrine of the Virgin Birth is one of the most sacred. It is a miracle beyond human comprehension!
1. The Virgin Birth Of Christ Is “A Doctrine of Holy Ground!” The wording in verse 18 differentiates the birth of Christ from the series of “begats” of the preceding verses. “Espoused wife” and “before they came together” declares a birth like none other that preceded it. The virgin birth of Christ is the pivotal point between Promise or Prophecy and Performance. It is a doctrine both Sweetly Adored and Severely Attacked.
2. It is the mystery of all mysteries, the jewel of all ages, the hope of mankind, and the love of God manifested. It was a miraculous event. The Virgin Birth of Christ is the piviotable point between Promise or Prophesy and Performance!
3. A miracle is a phenomenon that cannot be explained outside the realm of supernatural intervention. It is an event that supersedes natural law.
a) The immortal became mortal that the mortal may become immortal - 1 Timothy 6:16a Who only hath immortality
1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
b) The untouchable became touchable - 1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life.
C. Dr. Herbert Lockyer said it this way, “The incarnation is the most stupendous miracle comprehending and involving all other miracles, and because it is a theme both deep and delicate, infinite and incomprehensible, how about ‘finding out acceptable words.’ The ground we approach is holy calling for the putting off of our shoes.”
D. G. Campbell Morgan said that in the presence of such a holy miracle “there can be no fitting attitude of the human intellect save that of acceptance of the truth without any attempt to explain the mystery.”
E. Another writer expressed it this way, “I will seek to believe rather than to reason, to adore rather than to explain, to give thanks rather that to penetrate; to love rather than to know; to humble myself rather than to speak.”
F. In the Virgin Birth, God and man became one Person, our Lord Jesus Christ! (100% God! 100% man! Otherwise, He would have been less that God and less than man!)
1. The Virgin Birth Was Prophesied - Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
2. The Virgin Birth Was Performed - Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (“On this wise” sets the birth of Christ apart from the “begats” of the first 17 verses!)
espouse 5x to woo her and ask her in marriage; to be promised in marriage, be betrothed
Matthew 1:18 - “before they came together”
Matthew 1:23 “a virgin shall be with child”
Matthew 1:25 - “and knew her not till”
Luke 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
1 John 1:1-2 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (2) (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
Just How Important Is This “Cardinal Doctrine” or “Fundamental Of The faith?”
1. Scriptural Credibility Depends Upon It - Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (If the Scripture errs on this point, how can we trust any other supernatural event such as the death, burial, and resurrection?)
2. The Deity Of Christ Depends Upon It - 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
3. The Sinless Humanity Of Christ Depends Upon It - John 1:1-2, 14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (If man had been His father, then He would have had inherent sin!)
1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
1 Peter 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
4. The Vicarious Atonement Of Christ Depends Upon It - Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
5. The Ultimate Defeat Of Evil Depends Upon It - Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
6. The Security Of The Believer Depends Upon It - Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Conclusion: Our eternal destiny depends upon how we answer the question, “What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?”
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Walking Worthy - Unity in Following
Temple Baptist Church - 12-8-2010
Ephesians 4:7-16
Introduction:
A. We have seen that “Walking Worthy” begins within the local church. If we do not maintain a proper testimony within the church, we will have no positive spiritual influence without the church. Someone once said, “A life lived is worth a thousand sermons preached.” “Walking Worthy” within the local church prepares us for a consistent life lived without the church.
B. We are to walk worthy in our Fellowship. Unity within the local assembly is essential to a good testimony. Satan will always try to begin conflict within the local body through personality conflicts, family squabbles and differences of opinion. Be watchful!
C. We are to walk worthy in our Faith. Doctrinal and Ecclesiastical purity is essential to both our protection and testimony. Satan will always attempt to either get you to compromise what you believe or he will send infiltrators with false doctrine into the local church. Who you “run with” is who you are!
D. Tonight, I want to look at “Walking Worthy” in our Following. The next thing that Satan will do is try to cause you to lose confidence in God’s man through confusion. There are times when you may not agree with your pastor’s decisions through misunderstanding of his purpose. I will touch on this shortly.
E. In these verses we read tonight, we find the gifts that God has given to the local church. In verse 11, we find four gifts: two are passing gifts and two are permanent gifts. We no longer have “prophets” or “apostles” within the local church. We prophesy in that we “forth tell” instead of “foretell.” There are only 12 apostles. One was a lost man and God replaced him with “one born out of due time.” Today, the gifts to the church are the evangelists and pastor-teachers.
F. These are purposed gifts. Often, for birthdays or Christmas, you will receive a gift that you either do not need or do not want. Thank the Lord for receipts! These gifts to the local church are necessary to the wellbeing of the local assembly. Satan knows that you cannot do without them and, therefore, tries his best to deter God’s plan for both your life and the church. In the absence of the Lord (when He resurrected), He let captivity captive and gave gifts to men. He gave the church a pastor in His absence.
G. Make sure that your relationship with the pastor is a right one. The church needs to have a right relationship with the pastor and your individual relationship is just as important.
The Pastor’s Person
1. He is a Pastor! Vs. 11 “Pastor” literally means a shepherd. Hebrews 13 says it all: remember him, obey him, submit to him, etc. This is not a pride thing, it is a God thing! “Walking Worthy” is being in a right relationship with God’s Man. He is both family and friend.
a. A shepherd guides the flock
b. A shepherd guards the flock
c. A shepherd gives his life for the flock.
2. He is a Teacher! Vs. 11 The pastor is not to be a novice and is to be able to teach the Word of God. He is to rightly divide the Bible; he is to feed the flock of God. Learn from him!
a. He Educates
b. He Edifies
c. He Energizes
d. He Equalizes – “all come”
e. He Exhorts
f. He Equips
1. He Is Your Shepherd - Follow Him
a. Follow Him Wholly - Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
b. Follow Him Fervently - Hebrews 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
c. Follow Him Conditionally - 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (If you do not understand or agree with what he is doing, ask him about it! He may know something that you do not know for a good pastor will never knowingly compromise the Bible or do anything contrary to it.)
2. He Is Your Watchman - Heed Him
a. It Will Save You And Your Family - 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
b. It Will Keep You From Slipping - Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip
c. It Will Show You The Way - 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:.
3. He Is Your Preacher - Obey Him
a. Obey and Submit To Him - Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
b. Respect and Esteem Him - Philippians 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
c. Honor Him - 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
4. He Is Your Teacher - Learn From Him
a. Steadfastly Follow In Doctrine - Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
b. Obey In Doctrine- Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
c. Separate In Doctrine - Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
d. Be Anchored In Doctrine - Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
e. Study In Doctrine - 1 Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
f. Continue In Doctrine - 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
5. The Pastor Is Your Friend - Befriend Him
a. Love Him - Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
b. Help Him - 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
c. Know Him - 1 Thessalonians 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
Ephesians 4:7-16
Introduction:
A. We have seen that “Walking Worthy” begins within the local church. If we do not maintain a proper testimony within the church, we will have no positive spiritual influence without the church. Someone once said, “A life lived is worth a thousand sermons preached.” “Walking Worthy” within the local church prepares us for a consistent life lived without the church.
B. We are to walk worthy in our Fellowship. Unity within the local assembly is essential to a good testimony. Satan will always try to begin conflict within the local body through personality conflicts, family squabbles and differences of opinion. Be watchful!
C. We are to walk worthy in our Faith. Doctrinal and Ecclesiastical purity is essential to both our protection and testimony. Satan will always attempt to either get you to compromise what you believe or he will send infiltrators with false doctrine into the local church. Who you “run with” is who you are!
D. Tonight, I want to look at “Walking Worthy” in our Following. The next thing that Satan will do is try to cause you to lose confidence in God’s man through confusion. There are times when you may not agree with your pastor’s decisions through misunderstanding of his purpose. I will touch on this shortly.
E. In these verses we read tonight, we find the gifts that God has given to the local church. In verse 11, we find four gifts: two are passing gifts and two are permanent gifts. We no longer have “prophets” or “apostles” within the local church. We prophesy in that we “forth tell” instead of “foretell.” There are only 12 apostles. One was a lost man and God replaced him with “one born out of due time.” Today, the gifts to the church are the evangelists and pastor-teachers.
F. These are purposed gifts. Often, for birthdays or Christmas, you will receive a gift that you either do not need or do not want. Thank the Lord for receipts! These gifts to the local church are necessary to the wellbeing of the local assembly. Satan knows that you cannot do without them and, therefore, tries his best to deter God’s plan for both your life and the church. In the absence of the Lord (when He resurrected), He let captivity captive and gave gifts to men. He gave the church a pastor in His absence.
G. Make sure that your relationship with the pastor is a right one. The church needs to have a right relationship with the pastor and your individual relationship is just as important.
The Pastor’s Person
1. He is a Pastor! Vs. 11 “Pastor” literally means a shepherd. Hebrews 13 says it all: remember him, obey him, submit to him, etc. This is not a pride thing, it is a God thing! “Walking Worthy” is being in a right relationship with God’s Man. He is both family and friend.
a. A shepherd guides the flock
b. A shepherd guards the flock
c. A shepherd gives his life for the flock.
2. He is a Teacher! Vs. 11 The pastor is not to be a novice and is to be able to teach the Word of God. He is to rightly divide the Bible; he is to feed the flock of God. Learn from him!
a. He Educates
b. He Edifies
c. He Energizes
d. He Equalizes – “all come”
e. He Exhorts
f. He Equips
1. He Is Your Shepherd - Follow Him
a. Follow Him Wholly - Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
b. Follow Him Fervently - Hebrews 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
c. Follow Him Conditionally - 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (If you do not understand or agree with what he is doing, ask him about it! He may know something that you do not know for a good pastor will never knowingly compromise the Bible or do anything contrary to it.)
2. He Is Your Watchman - Heed Him
a. It Will Save You And Your Family - 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
b. It Will Keep You From Slipping - Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip
c. It Will Show You The Way - 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:.
3. He Is Your Preacher - Obey Him
a. Obey and Submit To Him - Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
b. Respect and Esteem Him - Philippians 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:
c. Honor Him - 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
4. He Is Your Teacher - Learn From Him
a. Steadfastly Follow In Doctrine - Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
b. Obey In Doctrine- Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
c. Separate In Doctrine - Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
d. Be Anchored In Doctrine - Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
e. Study In Doctrine - 1 Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
f. Continue In Doctrine - 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
5. The Pastor Is Your Friend - Befriend Him
a. Love Him - Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
b. Help Him - 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
c. Know Him - 1 Thessalonians 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Coming Of Christ
Temple Baptist Church - 12-5-2010
Isaiah 9:1-7
Introduction:
A. In these prophetical verses, we find the spiritual setting in which the Christ came over two thousand years ago. Israel, at the time of Christ, was in bondage to Rome and it was one of the darkest hours of her history.
B. The long prophesied Messiah had not come and Israel slept in spiritual darkness. Israel had looked for a King, an earthly Deliverer BUT God saw her need: a Saviour, a spiritual Deliverer.
C. Israel was under the iron foot of Rome and cried as in the days of Moses for a Deliverer. In Isaiah 9:1-5, we find the world into which Jesus Christ was born. (In these verses, we find the analogy of our times)
1. A World In Distress – 1
2. A World In Darkness - 2
3. A World In Condemnation - 2
4. A World In Sadness - 3
5. A World In Bondage - 4
6. A World In Confusion – 5
7. A Few Waiting – 6-7
Their King was to be their Deliverer, but with a cross instead of a crown!
1. In Christ’s First Advent, We Find The Greatest Love Story Ever Told - Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
2. In Christ’s First Advent, We Find The Greatest Gift Ever Given - 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.
3. In Christ’s First Advent, We Find The Greatest Sacrifice Ever Made - 2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
4. In Christ’s First Advent, We Find The Greatest Grace Ever Received - Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
5. In Christ’s First Advent, We Find The Greatest Forgiveness Ever Extended – all our iniquities - Psalms 103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
6. In Christ’s First Advent, We Find The Greatest Promise Ever Kept – “shall be saved” to “hath saved us” - Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
1. The Sins – “their sins”
a. It Showed The Magnitude Of Their Sins – Someone Had To Die! - Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
b. It Showed The Misery Of Their Sins – There Was Nothing That They Could Do To Atone For It! - Isaiah 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
2. The Sinners – “his people”
a. We Find The Salvation Of Israel - Isaiah 45:17 But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.
b. We Find The Salvation Of Individuals - Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
3. The Salvation – “shall save”
a. There Is A Promise - Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
b. There Is A Performance - 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
4. The Saviour – “JESUS”
a. We Find Here God The Son - Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
b. We Find Here God The Sacrifice - John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Isaiah 9:1-7
Introduction:
A. In these prophetical verses, we find the spiritual setting in which the Christ came over two thousand years ago. Israel, at the time of Christ, was in bondage to Rome and it was one of the darkest hours of her history.
B. The long prophesied Messiah had not come and Israel slept in spiritual darkness. Israel had looked for a King, an earthly Deliverer BUT God saw her need: a Saviour, a spiritual Deliverer.
C. Israel was under the iron foot of Rome and cried as in the days of Moses for a Deliverer. In Isaiah 9:1-5, we find the world into which Jesus Christ was born. (In these verses, we find the analogy of our times)
1. A World In Distress – 1
2. A World In Darkness - 2
3. A World In Condemnation - 2
4. A World In Sadness - 3
5. A World In Bondage - 4
6. A World In Confusion – 5
7. A Few Waiting – 6-7
Their King was to be their Deliverer, but with a cross instead of a crown!
1. In Christ’s First Advent, We Find The Greatest Love Story Ever Told - Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
2. In Christ’s First Advent, We Find The Greatest Gift Ever Given - 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.
3. In Christ’s First Advent, We Find The Greatest Sacrifice Ever Made - 2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
4. In Christ’s First Advent, We Find The Greatest Grace Ever Received - Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
5. In Christ’s First Advent, We Find The Greatest Forgiveness Ever Extended – all our iniquities - Psalms 103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
6. In Christ’s First Advent, We Find The Greatest Promise Ever Kept – “shall be saved” to “hath saved us” - Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Matthew 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
1. The Sins – “their sins”
a. It Showed The Magnitude Of Their Sins – Someone Had To Die! - Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
b. It Showed The Misery Of Their Sins – There Was Nothing That They Could Do To Atone For It! - Isaiah 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
2. The Sinners – “his people”
a. We Find The Salvation Of Israel - Isaiah 45:17 But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.
b. We Find The Salvation Of Individuals - Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
3. The Salvation – “shall save”
a. There Is A Promise - Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
b. There Is A Performance - 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
4. The Saviour – “JESUS”
a. We Find Here God The Son - Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
b. We Find Here God The Sacrifice - John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Walking Worthy - Unity in Faith
Temple Baptist Church - 12-1-2010
Ephesians 4:4-6
Introduction:
A. Last week, we saw that walking worthy in our “Unity In Fellowship.” The unity of the church is of the utmost importance and that is why it is so fervently attacked. The enemies of God hate the bible believing local church.
B. Tonight, I want to preach on walking worthy in our “Unity In Faith.” Last Sunday night, I preached on the commanded “separatism” of the local assembly. It was not a battle ground of my choosing but a commandment of God! We are not “separatists” because we are hard hearted or unloving; we are “separatists” because that is God’s way of protecting both the believer and the local church.
C. One of the “wiles” of the devil is to attack the foundations of our faith. He does this for a reason: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Satan cannot destroy our salvation but he can destroy our effectiveness in building saints and winning souls. I cannot over emphasis the importance of doctrinal purity! Jude 3 says that we are to “earnestly contend” for the faith ONCE delivered. Why? Because God will not “deliver” it again.
D. Doctrinal truth is a battle ground of great proportion and importance. It is the “basis” for our faith! It is the “seed” of salvation to a lost world! It is the only “hope” of our children!
E. In these verses, we find ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism, ONE God and Father of all! This leaves no room for doctrinal difference! God is not the Author of confusion but of peace and unity in the local church. Doctrinal differences bring about schisms within the body and a rift between the pulpit and the pew.
F. Doctrinal ignorance abounds in most churches. I am proud of our people because, for the most part, they are mature in the faith and know what they believe. Doctrinal ignorance has several sources:
1. A lack of Spiritual Growth - Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Hebrews 5:11-12 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. (12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
2. A lack of Spiritual Discernment - 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
3. A lack of Spiritual Separation - Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
4. A lack of Spiritual Teaching – 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Ezekiel 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
5. A lack of Spiritual Concern – John 7:16-17 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. (17) If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
6. A lack of the Spirit Himself - 1 Corinthians 2:10-14 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
SOUND DOCTRINE AND THE BELIEVER
1. We Are To Continue Steadfastly in Sound Doctrine - Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
2. We Are To Guard Against False Doctrine – 1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
3. We Are To Teach Sound Doctrine – 1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
4. We Are To Heed The Doctrine – 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
5. We Are To Appreciate Sound Doctrine – 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Ephesians 4:4-6
Introduction:
A. Last week, we saw that walking worthy in our “Unity In Fellowship.” The unity of the church is of the utmost importance and that is why it is so fervently attacked. The enemies of God hate the bible believing local church.
B. Tonight, I want to preach on walking worthy in our “Unity In Faith.” Last Sunday night, I preached on the commanded “separatism” of the local assembly. It was not a battle ground of my choosing but a commandment of God! We are not “separatists” because we are hard hearted or unloving; we are “separatists” because that is God’s way of protecting both the believer and the local church.
C. One of the “wiles” of the devil is to attack the foundations of our faith. He does this for a reason: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Satan cannot destroy our salvation but he can destroy our effectiveness in building saints and winning souls. I cannot over emphasis the importance of doctrinal purity! Jude 3 says that we are to “earnestly contend” for the faith ONCE delivered. Why? Because God will not “deliver” it again.
D. Doctrinal truth is a battle ground of great proportion and importance. It is the “basis” for our faith! It is the “seed” of salvation to a lost world! It is the only “hope” of our children!
E. In these verses, we find ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism, ONE God and Father of all! This leaves no room for doctrinal difference! God is not the Author of confusion but of peace and unity in the local church. Doctrinal differences bring about schisms within the body and a rift between the pulpit and the pew.
F. Doctrinal ignorance abounds in most churches. I am proud of our people because, for the most part, they are mature in the faith and know what they believe. Doctrinal ignorance has several sources:
1. A lack of Spiritual Growth - Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Hebrews 5:11-12 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. (12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
2. A lack of Spiritual Discernment - 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
3. A lack of Spiritual Separation - Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
4. A lack of Spiritual Teaching – 1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Ezekiel 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
5. A lack of Spiritual Concern – John 7:16-17 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. (17) If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
6. A lack of the Spirit Himself - 1 Corinthians 2:10-14 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (11) For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (12) Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
SOUND DOCTRINE AND THE BELIEVER
1. We Are To Continue Steadfastly in Sound Doctrine - Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
2. We Are To Guard Against False Doctrine – 1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
3. We Are To Teach Sound Doctrine – 1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
4. We Are To Heed The Doctrine – 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
5. We Are To Appreciate Sound Doctrine – 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
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