Working Out Your Salvation

Temple Baptist Church - 6-27-2012

Philippians 2:12-13

Introduction:

A. Before we make some applications, let us look at just what the Holy Spirit said in these verses. It is also very apparent what the Holy Spirit did not say also. It is important to observe both of these things in order to get the full message.

B. The message is not to the unsaved: they are not trying to be saved nor are they attempting to remain saved. Their salvation is settled in the words “my beloved.” They are “my” before they make a choice in sanctification. They are “beloved” before they make either a right or a wrong choice. Our salvation and God’s eternal love have nothing to do with our worthiness as they are unconditional towards the believer. This is certainly not license to sin. It is just a reality to be relished. I am His and He is mine. Whom the Lord LOVETH He chasteneth! He loves us even when we are not right with Him.

C. The “beloved” are not working something UP nor are they working something IN: they are working OUT. This tells us that everything that we need has already been placed within us when we were saved. Something was “born” in us! A new creature was formed in us. Just as conception gives birth to a human baby, the new birth brings forth a “babe” in Christ. Now begins the process of spiritual growth that brings about change and maturity in the believer. You do not get the Holy Ghost after you are saved. You receive Him when you get saved. You are not working for your salvation but working out the salvation that is already in your hearts. Something very special happened when you and I got saved. It is so much more than just being saved from hell and going to heaven when we die. There is no such thing as “falling from grace” (pertaining to salvation) that is found in your Bible. The only mention of “fallen from grace” is found in Galatians 5 as Paul is explaining salvation is by faith, not of works.

Galatians 5:2-4 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. (3) For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. (4) Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. (If you think that you are justified by keeping the law, you have “fallen” away from the grace of God. In other words, you have “missed it completely” and remain lost for salvation is an act of God’s amazing grace as none of us deserve it. Ephesians 2:8-9)

D. We also find here the danger of lack of accountability. Verse 12. Very few people can “work for themselves” in the business world. They must “punch a clock.” Otherwise, they would sit around and do nothing. I have found that to be so with pastors and missionaries. A lack of accountability brings about a lack of work ethic. Paul said that they should do more when he was not there to help than when he was around. People need to “step up” and help God’s men for the work is great. Three things we need to know about working out our salvation:

Romans 11:36 (1) For of him, and (2) through him, and (3) to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

1. We belong to God. “For of him”

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Philippians 3:12-14 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. (13) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Apprehended -to seize or to possess; to take. On several occasion, Paul referred to himself as the prisioner of Jesus Christ. That means to shackle or to chain: to be in bonds. I preached a few years on the subject “A Prison Without Bars.” We have been bought with a price: to go to the market and purchase. You are not your own. You and I belong to God!)

2. We are empowered by God. “Through him”

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: (He has given us all things pertaining to life: it is God that supplies, feeds, protects, leads, etc. He has taken great care of this preacher over the past 36 years. He also has given us all things pertaining to godliness: grace, mercy, His Word, the sweet Holy Spirit, mediation, forgiveness, guidance, and His presence. God is faithful in our temptation. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13)

3. We labor for God. “To him”

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (“To will and to do OF his good pleasure.” God’s children have a “will” to do that which is good and right. Paul said, “To will is present with me!” People who have no desire or will to live for God do not know God! Too often, we can say with the great Apostle Paul, “How to perform that which is good I find not,” but our will is to glorify God.)

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The Value of Forgiveness

Temple Baptist Church - 6-24-2012

Matthew 18:1-35

Introduction: We will read a lot of verses this morning so you know that I will not be able to expound them all in one service but I will read them for a purpose: there is a “common thread” that runs throughout the entire passage of Scripture.

A. In Matthew 18:1-10, our Lord speaks of the danger of offending the brethren. Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? It is you and I! Though our Lord speaks of offending little children, the interpretation is that of us becoming as little children in humility and the danger of offending one of God’s “little children.” 1 John 2:1 calls us “My little children!” In verse 10, He refers to them again as “little ones.”

B. In Verses 11-14, we find the “value of one” in the sight of the Lord as He leaves the ninety and nine in the fold while searching for the one lost sheep. When offended, God’s children have a tendency to stray from the fold and we are to recover them if we can. Again, in verse 14, the Lord refers to these wandering sheep as “little ones.” Lost means out of the fold where it belongs. We have many out of the fold this morning. They are sheep like us but are lost ones.

C. In Verses 15-20, we see the first mention of “church discipline.” Once again, the context remains the same. The “offended brother” is the crux of the message here and our efforts to restore him. “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” (Proverbs 18:19) Now, because of one not getting right with the offended brother and not becoming obedient to the church, a brother is now treated as a publican and heathen. He is out of the fold and “lost.”

D. In Verses 21-35, we see that Peter understood full well the interpretation of the preceding verses when he asked the question, “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?” Humanly speaking, I believe that would be a reasonable response. Seven times is a lot of forgiveness for the same brother who continually trespasses against us. Seven times takes a lot of grace.

E. But our Lord has a greater lesson in store for the disciples and for us in His response to the question. His response goes far beyond just the simple act of our forgiving and is shown in the parable that He sets forth. You see, the “common thread” found in all of these verses is not that you and I have been “hurt” by someone. The “common thread” is that a brother has been lost and has need of restoration. He is a “little one” who now sits outside of the fold and is in need of our forgiveness.

F. The Lord begins with the number 70x7, which equals 490, and tells the parable of the man who was forgiven a great debt: an impossible amount to repay. Ten thousand talents! The “heavy talent” used in Israel during the times of Christ averaged almost 130 lbs. With there being 14 Troy Oz. to a pound and gold, at today’s prices, $1571.90 this morning, the amount the servant owed would be $28, 608, 580,000.00. It is a beautiful type of God’s forgiveness. He has forgiven you and me more than we could every repay. He did it immediately, He did it completely, and He did it eternally. Ten thousand talents is a King’s Ransom! This immense sum represents our boundless obligations to God, and our utter incapacity, as sinners infinitely indebted to Divine justice, of paying one mite out of the talent. 

G. A good analogy of the parable is this: a man catches an individual embezzling from the company and the amount runs into the tens of millions of dollars. The money is now spent and the thief has no means with which to repay. Instead of bringing the culprit before the court, the boss—though he has been greatly hurt—frankly forgives and continues to allow this person to work for him. The boss comes in the next day and finds the forgiven worker mad at a co-worker who owes him for a five dollar meal that has not been repaid.

H. God does not forgive because His laws mean little to Him. He forgives even though our disobedience and sinfulness hurt Him deeply and break His perfectly holy laws, trample the precious blood of Christ under our feet, and do despite to the Spirit of Grace. When people do things to hurt us, they leave wounds and these wounds often cause us great pain. It hurts when someone intentionally does something that they know will either damage or hurt us.

I. God does not forgive because He thinks that what we did to break His law was unintentional. He knows that we willfully sinned with full knowledge of what God’s Word says on the subject. We willfully sin against His Word and we willfully sin against His precious Son, Jesus Christ—who died for that sin. We are to forgive when people intentionally and purposefully do things to cause us pain. They did it; they meant to do it; they gladly did it! It was not an accident and it hurt.

J. God has forgiven us so much, a debt that we could never pay, and we fail to forgive those who trespass against us. God not only has forgiven us immediately when we asked and completely in the light of eternity, but also forgives us daily as we sin and never fails when we ask! All of us have “worn 1 John 1:9 out” since we have been saved! He is faithful and just to forgive us each and every time that we fail God; though we hurt Him immensely when we intentionally trespass against Him. He sent His only begotten Son to die for the sins that we have and continue to commit!

K. Now, let us look at our acts of forgiveness for a while. In the “Model Prayer,” we find the will of God in praying for forgiveness: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) “Lord, teach us to pray!” He did and, in that prayer, said that we are to ask God to forgive us AS we forgive! What are the ramifications of such a request? Lord, if I do not forgive, then do not forgive me! Would that not be a travesty? No forgiveness for our sins but a certain, fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation. Then, if we do not forgive completely and eternally, our forgiveness will also not be immediate, complete, or eternal. I am so glad that God forgives much more graciously than we. If we confess our sins, He takes care of them in a just manner because He is a faithful Creator!

L. Now, according to Verses 34-35, in our forgiveness, we find forgiveness. This is a strong statement and shows the importance and value of our forgiveness. We are so quick to ask God to forgive our sins while “praying down” the judgment of God on those who intentionally and continually hurt us. When church discipline is instituted, the offender is to get right with the Lord and the one whom he or she hurt before restoration can take place. They are to be admonished as a brother and treated like a publican and a heathen until things are made right. Verse 29 says that the “fellowservant” fell down at his feet and “besought” him.

M. We need to forgive in our hearts those who offended us. No, restoration cannot take place until he or she gets right with the Lord and with us, but our forgiveness needs to be immediate, complete, and eternal in our hearts. Our personal forgiveness has great temporal value! Let us look at the value of forgiveness:

1. When we forgive, our forgiveness shows God’s forgiveness! The forgiveness of God cannot be seen. Though He has forgiven us so wonderfully and completely, the world and other Christians cannot see that forgiveness. God’s forgiveness is a reality to all of us as we know the peace and relationship that it brings. It is real and we feel it but it cannot be seen by others. When we forgive as God has forgiven us, then the world can see the forgiveness of Christ through us. When we fail to get victory in the matter of forgiveness, we constantly think evil towards those who have hurt us and the greater hurt is done by us, not them. They are not around to hurt us; we have hurt ourselves.

Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: (32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

Notice what happens when we fail to forgive: Hebrews 12:15 “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”

1. Bitterness! We become bitter of heart and that bitterness does more to hurt us than the one who offended us! It grows out of a hidden root but soon “springing” up becomes visible to others: both saved and lost. 

2. Troubling! Uncared for, bitterness continually “troubles” us though the “enemy” is not around to do so. Now, we are hurting ourselves as we walk around thinking about our hurt and having malice towards someone else. Their malice towards us has now turned into our malice towards them which is just as bad. The result is wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, and bitterness.

3. Defilement! The end result is “thereby many be defiled.” Our unforgiveness has now offended many others who have done nothing to us.

2. When we restore, our restoration shows God’s restoration! In 1 Corinthians 5, a man was disciplined by the local church for fornication. He would not get right with the Lord and was “put out” and “turned over” until such a time that he repented and made it right with the church. Evidently this man got right with the Lord and tried to get right with the church but, in the church, we find unforgiveness:

2 Corinthians 2:6-8 “Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. (7) So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. (8) Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.”

I want to give the understanding here: when we sin, God forgives but—when we do not forgive ourselves—we cannot “get right” because we will not let ourselves do so. God has forgiven but we have not forgiven ourselves. The product is “overmuch sorrow.” I have often stated that the Holy Spirit brings conviction when we sin but not condemnation. When we sin and ask God for forgiveness, we are forgiven at that point and—as far as God is concerned—as white as snow. Because of our godly sorrow for the sinfulness, we often beg God time and time again to forgive the sin. The product of personal unforgiveness is condemnation and condemnation is of the devil. We have “overmuch” sorrow. The result of not forgiving the man in 2 Corinthians 2 meant “overmuch” sorrow which will not allow him to get right with us.

3. When we forgive and restore, we resist Satan which causes him to flee! In 2 Corinthians, they were to forgive corporately; they were to forgive immediately; and they were to forgive completely. This was for two reasons: 

a. Lest the sinful brother have overmuch sorrow. We have dealt with this but I want to recap before I go to the second reason for forgiveness. He should be sorry for his sin but not “overmuch” sorrowful. That means to sorrow too much. We need to be sorry for our sin but we must also be able to “get over it.” 

b. For the spiritual welfare of the church.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11 “To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; (11) Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

One of Satan’s devices is to gain the upper hand in this matter of forgiveness. He battles us on many fronts at the same time and though we fight him off in most of these areas, he continues to get a “toehold” in our lives in different places. I preach often on the enemy from within and that is the saved but carnal man who sits upon our pews. More people are out of church because of hurt and misunderstanding than we can count. We must be mindful of others in our expressions of love, equality, and forgiveness.

4. When we forgive in a biblical manner, it helps the repentant brother to be able to get victory over his sin! I want to use a verse that we are so familiar with but only make application to the first part as a norm.

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

When we confess our sinfulness, God is ever so faithful to forgive us but there is a second part to that verse. He does two things: He forgives our sin but He also cleanses us from all unrighteousness! When others sin against us, we forgive for the same reason. As they see the forgiveness of God in us as it is exercised toward them, it helps to cleanse them of the unrighteousness that causes the sin and hurt in the first place. It helps them to get right and stay right. Notice what happens when we forgive and restore properly:

1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Now the repentant brother is right with the Lord, right with the church, right with his brothers, and is cleansed from all sin. I want to make an application at this point. Now the brother is not only forgiven and restored but he also can make the wrong in his life right and be cleansed from it. If not cleansed from all unrighteousness, he will offend again and again in the same area but, if he gets right in that area, he is “good to go.”

Conclusion: One of the most valuable things that we can do within the church is to forgive: immediately, completely, and eternally! Everyone including the lost will gain from it as they see the forgiveness of God manifested in His people.

The Name Of Jesus

Temple Baptist Church - 6-20-2012

Philippians 2:5-11

Introduction:

A. A good name is a chosen one - Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. (The name of Jesus was not one randomly given. Many children are named in our generation because of the popularity of that particular name or because of how it sounds but, in times past, children were given names that meant something to that particular family or time. The Governor of South Carolina at the beginning of the Civil War named his son States Rights. The name “Jesus” was one that was particularly chosen and purposefully chosen.)

B. A good name is an important one - Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth. (We are given names at birth but it is important for us to protect our names throughout our lives. Nehemiah asked the LORD several times to remember him for good. We need to be remembered for good. Jesus Christ was certainly remembered for good.)

C. The name of Jesus is a special name. 

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. (The word “Jesus” was derived from a Hebrew word meaning Jehoshua: Jehovah Saved. “Jehoshua” comes from two root words meaning “eternal” and “to be safe.” What a blessing that those of us who are saved are both safe and saved eternally through Christ Jesus our Lord.)

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.

Hebrews 1:1-4 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, (2) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (3) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (4) Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

D. The name of Jesus has changed our lives forever. We have bowed our hearts and souls to Him. The verse says, “Should bow,” but the majority of people will not. They should but, because of their love for sin and the things of this world, have rejected His eternal salvation. Because of Jesus, our lives and longings have been eternally changed.

E. Many of the Latino people have named their sons Jesus because, in their religion, He is only the son of their beloved Mary. I would not and could not name my son Jesus because He is not the son of Mary to me: He is my Saviour!

F. The world may not bow to the Lordship of our Lord Jesus in this life but they will bow to Him in the life to come as they stand before Him in eternal judgment. Too little too late though as their eternity will already be settled and the Lake of Fire waiting their arrival. Bow now or bow later.

Why Bow At The Name Of Jesus?

1. His Name Is The Only Name In Which We Find Salvation

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 

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. 

Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

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. 

   

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

2. His Name Is The Only Name In Which We Find Forgiveness of Sins

Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

1 John 2:12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

3. His Name Is The Only Name Through Which We Find Answered Prayer

John 14:13-14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

4. His Name Is The Only Name In Which We Find Victory Over Sin And Satan

Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

Romans 7:24-25 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

5. His Name Is The Only Name Through Which We Find Assurance 

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

6. The Only Name In Which God Has Placed His Authority

Ephesians 1:18-23 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

7. His Name Is The Only Name Which Brings Condemnation

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Revelation 15:4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Who Will Have ALL Men To Be Saved!

Temple Baptist Church - 6-17-2012

1 Timothy 2:4-6

A. As one of the Pastoral Epistles, the Holy Spirit sets forth the proper and expected way that a local church is to be operated. I find it of no little interest that people with spiritual “agendas” will recognize the importance of first Timothy in the organization and running of the local church and, yet, will overlook or try to explain away perfectly clear doctrinal teaching found within it.

B. These 3 verses that I just read correspond with Matthew 28:18-20. We often call this the Apostolic Commission, the Great Commission, or the Great Command.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Notice the two parts of the commandment: lead them to Christ and then teach them the doctrines of faith.)

C. These verses clearly refute some of the false teachings that we are well acquainted with by making it clear that God wills all men to 1) Be saved 2) To come unto the knowledge of truth. This refutes:

1. The “election” of a few.

2. The “predestination” of a few.

3. The false perception of a God who loves or hates individuals based upon divine sovereignty alone.

D. Can we, as Bible believers, agree with any precept of the TUPIP? The answer is “No.” Why would we not agree?

T – Total Depravity – Calvinist Theology teaches this as Total Inability! Total depravity I can agree with but God has given man both ability and choice. Man has the power to choose both right and wrong in the Scripture.

U – Unconditional Election – Calvinism teaches that the sovereignty of God demands unconditional election. The Bible believer cannot agree with this tenet either. I find conditions for salvation all through the Bible in such words as “except” a man repent or be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God. There is the condition of believing, coming to Christ, etc.

L – Limited Atonement – Calvinism teaches Christ’s sacrifice for only a few who are elect or predestined. Neither can the Bible believer agree here but I will deal with this later.

I – Irresistible Grace – Calvinism teaches that man cannot reject the drawing of the Holy Ghost. We certainly know better than that as much is said in the Bible with such wording as “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye!” “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”

P - Perseverance of the Saints – Calvinism teaches that if a man is saved, he will persevere. Bible believers know that eternal life is an act of God, not the faithfulness of man and we do not persevere, we are eternally saved through the blood of Christ.

E. I am not going to deal with election and predestination in detail as that is a study within itself but I do want to say that there are no individual elect before they come to Christ and predestination has to do with those with the body of Christ being conformed to the image of Christ. Both election and predestination have to do with foreknowledge.

F. What I want us to see is this: these verses are “stand alone” when it comes to salvation. There is no election or predestination mentioned within the context nor are they implied. This is a simple statement of fact that Christ died for all mankind and wills them to be saved and taught right. That is the work of the local church! Timothy needed to know nothing else.

G. Let us look at these two things that God wants for sinners and I believe that the Bible will be very clear. Most who get into false doctrines such as Calvinism try to explain simple, clear verses such as John 3:16 and our text with much harder to understand verses. Always explain the hard verses with the simple ones, not the other way around.

Who will have all men to be saved!

1. God Loves All Mankind And Gave His Son - John 3:16-18 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. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

2. God Wills All To Be Saved - 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

3. God Does Not Will For One To Perish - 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

4. Christ Died For The Sins Of Both Saved And Lost - 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

5. God Has Made Salvation Free To All - Isaiah 55:1-3 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (2) Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. (3) Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

6. God Has Made Salvation Available - Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

7. God Has Given Man Responsibility And Choice In Salvation - Isaiah 45:21-22 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. (22) Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

8. God Takes No Pleasure In The Death Of The Unsaved - Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Father’s Day - 2012 - Holy Men

Temple Baptist Church - 6-17-2012

1 Timothy 2:8

Introduction:

A. First of all, I want to say, “Happy Father’s Day” to each of you men this morning. I pray that you have a wonderful day and thank you for being a part of this pastor’s life.

 

B. Secondly, I want to say to you ladies and young people, “I pray that you will make this a special day for that man in your lives! I wish mine was here so that I could call him and tell him how much I love and respected him.” You will never know how much he does for you and what he means to you until he is taken out of your lives. He is irreplaceable! God made him that way.

1. He is the spiritual leader of your homes.

2. He is the head of the wife.

3. He is the glory of his children.

4. He is the loving grandfather to his grandchildren.

C. I want to thank each of you good men for your faithfulness and example to our people. In these last days, Good men are hard to find!

Isaiah 4:1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach. (Good men are like “hen’s teeth:” they are hard to find and this is a shame. God made man in His own image to oversee the works of His hands as well as lead in example and worship.)

D. Today’s world is full of the wrong kind of men.

1. Men who are sissies. They dress in “gay” apparel; they walk with a “twitch;” they speak with a “lisp;” they grow their hair like women; and I would hate to be in a foxhole with one of them! There was a time when men were known for their toughness. I am not advocating anything but even Hollywood actors have changed from:

1. Peter Lawford – a highly decorated British general.

2. Marlene Dietrich – who renounced her homeland (Germany) because of the Nazis and rejected Hitler’s request for her to return.

3. Michael Caine – British rifleman, Michael Caine fought as a rifleman in the Royal Fusiliers during the Korean War conflict. Caine was enlisted from 1952 to 1954.

4. David Niven – British Army Commando, Rifleman, Later Commando

Was initially present at the Dunkirk evacuation, before later seeing combat action during Normandy. Also took part in missions behind enemy lines as a Royal Marine Commando.

5. Audie Murphy – First Lieutenant U.S. Army - Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star (x2), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (x2), Purple Heart (x3), French Legion of Honor, French Croix de Guerre, Belgian Croix de Guerre. Audie Murphy became one of the most highly decorated soldiers of World War II. After lying about his age in order to enlist at 16-years-old, Murphy was rejected several times from different military branches for his small stature. Murphy was prolific in Sicily and Italy, before his division invaded France where he won the Medal of Honor.

6. James Stewart – Brigadier General, Bomber Pilot – Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross (x2), Air Medal (x4), Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Presidential Medal of Freedom, French Croix de Guerre . Initially rejected from the air force for being underweight, Stewart beefed up and became the first major Hollywood star to enlist during World War II. Stewart eventually flew in 25 bombing missions over occupied Europe as well as starting a pilot training school which educated 200,000 pilots during the course of the conflict.

7. Charles Bronson – U.S. Air Force, Bronson served as a tail-gunner in 25 long-range bombing runs over Japan. Received a purple heart for wounds sustained when his B-29 was hit by anti-aircraft fire.

8. Paul Newman – U.S. Air Force, gunner and radioman, South Pacific WWII.

9. Clark Gable – U.S. Air Force, reconnaissance, gunner, highly decorated.

10. Lee Marvin – U.S. Marine Corp – Fought with the US Marines in the Pacific theatre of World War II. Wounded during the Battle of Saipan.

11. Henry Fonda – U.S. Navy – Also served in the Pacific, aboard the Destroyer USS Satterlee. Fonda had previously raised funds for the defence of Britain and was awarded a Bronze Star for bravery.

12. Ernest Borgnine – U.S. Navy – Gunner’s Mate, Borgnine has remained a staunch supporter of the US Navy since his stint in the Pacific theatre during World War II.

13. Eddie Albert – U.S. Navy – Awarded the Bronze Star for his exploits as a landing craft driver in Tarawa, for successfully extracting over 70 wounded allied soldiers whilst under enemy fire.

14. Kirk Douglas – U.S. Navy – Douglas was a member of an Anti-Submarine unit in the Pacific. Purple Heart

2. Men who are self-centered. They do not care about their family, home, church, or nation! Being a man is accepting the God given responsibility given to him.

3. Men who are sinful. They do what they want and care nothing for those who have to pay the price. Drink, drugs, and perversion. They care not what God or man says. 

E. The need for godly fathers and strong homes achieved through husbands with Biblical standards is great. I preached last Sunday on the fall of our nation, churches, and homes. Much of this is because of a lack of good men.

F. The word “Father” is not only the identity of biological kinship, it is a title of honor given to those who establish anything important in human affairs. 

1. George Washington is called the “Father of Our Nation.”

2. Herodotus is called The “Father of History.”

3. Hippocrates is called the Father of Medicine.”

4. Adam is called the “Father of the Human Race.”

G. So, when I use the word “Fathers” this morning, I am speaking to all of you dear men! You may not even be a “father” but you are role models for our children here in the church. 

H. I do not want to preach a negative message this morning but I do feel obligated to say these things. Our text verse for this Father’s Day says, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”

I. These words were written by Paul but through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. What kind of men does the Holy Ghost speak of?

1. God give us some Strong Men. “men” God said men, not women. Thank God for you women but you cannot replace the man. God never intended for the woman to compete with your man. God intended for you to complete your man. God give us men!

1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

a. Men who are strong but do not fear to be compassionate.

b. Men who are strong but do not fear to be gentle.

c. Men who are strong but do not fear meekness.

d. Men who are strong but are giving instead of demanding.

2. God give us Praying Men. “pray” Prayer Warriors! Prayer in their closets; prayer their homes; prayer in their churches. The greatest power in Heaven and Earth is available through prayer. Through prayer we can cast down our strongholds, overcome our temptations, outlast our enemies, uphold our families, hedge about our pastor, help deliver our nation, and remove our obstacles and mountains.

Job 1:4-5 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

3. God give us Many Men. “every where” The marines may be looking for a few good men but the work of the LORD needs countless men! Most missionary churches are characterized by a lot of women and children but an absence of men. We find that true here also as good men are harder to find and, therefore, fewer in number. The laborers are few today and the harvest is overwhelming! Multitudes are in the Valley of Decision with no one to lead them to Christ. There are few to show them the true way of salvation through both witness and Christian walk.

Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

4. God give us some Worshipping Men. “lifting up holy hands” Men who are not ashamed to publically worship! Throughout the Bible, it is the men who set the example in worship. Thank God for worshipping women who praise their wonderful Lord. We need men who will stand and declare what great things the Lord has done for them. We need men who sing with all of their hearts and give a hearty “Praise the Lord” or “Amen” once in a while.

2 Samuel 6:13-15 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings. 14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

5. God give us some Spiritual Men. “holy hands” Men who live lives of purity and godliness. Clean hearts, clean lives, and clean lips. Men who, if followed, will lead others in right paths. Paths of righteousness for the Lord’s sake.

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

6. God give us Gentle Men. “without wrath” Men who do not take offense to everything said and read. Men not easily offended or angered by the actions of others. Men who are not offended or angry at the Word preached from the pulpits. Men who recognize the Word of God as it is and bow to its precepts. Men who can forgive their enemies in a Christ like manner. Men who are not brawlers and strikers. We need men, not machismo! 

Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

7. God give us Faithful Men. “without…doubting” Faithful to their nation; faithful to their families; and faithful to their churches. When the Lord returns, will He find faithful men?

1 Timothy 1:12-14 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Conclusion: Again, I want to wish each of you Fathers and all men a wonderful day. I love and appreciate you more than you will ever know. God bless!