Contentment

Temple Baptist Church - 10-31-2012
Philippians 4:10-19

Introduction:

A. Life is full of “ups” and “downs.” Not just in the area of trials and tribulations but also in the area of finances. The area of finances is one that affects all of us at some point in life because of the natural flow of life.

1. Our youth, according to them, are basically “broke.” Been there and done that. I pushed a lawn mower around town, raked leaves, shoveled snow, and help clean one house (by the way, that was my last house cleaning job). Don’t worry, youth, one day you will have a JOB!

2. Our young families, who are raising children, are “truly” broke at times. Been there and done that but loved it. I had my wife and children around me in our home and they were good days; they were great days; they were wonderful days.

B. Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary. “Contentment is a state of mind in which one’s desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be. It is opposed to envy, greed, ambition, anxiety and fretting. It arises from the inward disposition. Contentment is the offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the integrity and generosity of divine providence, the greatness of the divine promises and our own unworthiness as well as from the view the gospel opens up to us of rest and peace hereafter.”

C. Contentment is Taught. Vs. 12. “Instructed” I call this the “School of Hard Knocks.” Life is hard and, when you know this, you can make it! “Every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Life will give you a college education.

D. Therefore, Contentment must be Learned! Vs. 11. “For I have learned.” It is no big deal to be content in good times. I have heard people say, “Life is good!” but they were not sitting where I sat and they were not walking in my shoes. Let me say that life is good but all of us have a tendency to not be as content in the hard times as we are in the good.

E. First of all, let us look at some verses dealing with our subject:

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Psalms 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

Proverbs 13:25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.

Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

F. Let say again that Paul was in PRISON! “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

1. State – Where you are. Paul was content in prison where he was! Paul was content to just serve the Lord in whatever capacity He would allow he to have.

2. State – What is going on. Paul was content with the persecution he suffered. 2 Corinthians 12:9 promised Paul the sufficient grace of God for suffering and it was enough.

3. State – Who you are with. Paul was content with the people who surrounded him during his incarceration. Paul had many, as all of us have had, who forsook him in the hard places of life but—thank the Lord—there were some who stood with him and he was content with these who loved him.

4. State – What you have. Paul was content with the possessions God gave him. Paul “lacked” but he did not “want.” The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want!

5. State – What you do not know is coming. Paul was content in the providence of God for his life. Paul was content with the “state” that God had allowed him to be in but was also content with what the Lord would do with him.

The Mutant Church

Temple Baptist Church - 10-28-2012
Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Introduction:

A. Our text for this morning is a familiar one because of its relevance to these last days before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Religion (religion is manmade while salvation is God made) has been changing drastically over the past 50-60 years.

1. In the sixties and seventies, the Bible became the subject of attack as wicked men began to cast doubt upon its inerrancy. That attack has remained until this day. I have the Word of God in my hand this morning and anyone who says otherwise is against the clear teaching of Scripture.

2. In the eighties and nineties, the sufficiency of Scripture was targeted. The charismatic movement (with its need for additional revelation from God) and Christian psychology (with its emphasis on neo-Freudian counseling techniques) attempted to undermine the fact that God "has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him," as revealed in Scripture. (2 Peter 1:3).

3. As 20th century drew to a close and we entered into the 21st millennium, the attack on God's revealed truth came in a new way. This time the relevance of Scripture was the point of attack.

4. Today, the attack is upon the clarity of the Scripture. Many of today’s preachers are questioning whether the Bible is clear enough on certain subjects to justify certainty on points of doctrine.

5. The attack upon the clarity of the Scripture has led to an attack upon the purity of the church.

B. Lately, we have seen the rise of several liberal “churches” in our community as well as a drastic change is some of the older ones. It is a phenomenon that needs to be understood because of its affect upon biblical Christianity and the structural relevance of the local church. We now hear terms such as:

1. The “Seeker Sensitive Church Movement” – These try to adapt the local church to the desires of the seekers in an effort to make the sinner feel right at home or comfortable in God’s house. Thus making the sinful seeker comfortable while feeling religious and good about themselves.

2. The “Emerging Church Movement” – These churches question the orthodoxy of the local church. They question the Bible as well as the doctrines, teachings, and traditions of old school or orthodox churches.

3. Movements like these along with the casual, worldly development within traditional churches is a blatant attack upon the holiness and purpose of the local church. We are to contrast the world while standing immovable upon the tenets of the faith found in the King James Bible.

C. The description of the members of the last day church is completely foreign to the biblical picture of the saved saint. These are worldly, arrogant, proud, self-serving, and lost—yet—calling themselves Christian while the biblical believer has experienced a change of life and desires while becoming a new creature in Christ!

D. Since the conception of the local church, it has always remained the same! For almost 2,000 years, the local church has been a “carbon copy” of the church described in Acts 2:41-47. God’s church has and is to remain true to its biblical beginnings in both faith and practice.

E. The word “church” or “ekklesia” means, by definition, a called out assembly. There are three uses of the word “church” in the New Testament:

1. “Church” refers to Israel.

2. “Church” refers to the local church – most references are used in this manner.

3. “Church” refers to the body of Christ.

F. In every reference to the word “church,” the meaning is that of “calling out of” and “separation from.”

1. Israel was called out of and separated from Egypt, a type of the world. Exodus 19:4-5 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. (5) Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

2. The local church is called out of the world and separated from the world. 2 Corinthians 6:14, 17 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? … (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

3. The child of God is called out of the world and is to live holy and unblamable in this present evil world. John 17:14-16 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (15) I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (16) They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

4. The body of Christ will be called out of the world and will be separated from it. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (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.

G. Thus the “mutant church!”

1. Instead of speaking evil of the Bible, they have quietly discarded it by teaching by saying that its relevance is not to be a major priority or it is not clear enough to cause the believer to be dogmatic.

2. As a result of supposed irrelevance and ambiguity, the church that has endured from the days of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles has become outdated and its proponents old fashioned and narrow-minded. Yes, that is this pastor!

H. The “mutant church” of our day is a mutation of the church of God’s making. The “mutant church” is constantly evolving or developing: i.e., changing. Mutation is a term normally used in Biology in relation to species but I think it is a term that is descriptive of what is going on in today’s “churches.”

MUTATION - a sudden departure from the parent type in one or more heritable characteristics, caused by a change in a gene or a chromosome. Malformed or distorted; abnormal!

Concerning the local church, this mutation is caused by a change in the genetic structure: that is, a change from within that causes an outward change or mutation.

1. The “mutant church” appeals to the youth. As the “pied piper of Hamelin,” these modern day preachers have taken aim upon our youth and are whisking them away from our churches. They are proselyting these young people away from the will of God!

a) Because of biblically ignorant pastors who allow both “traditional” and “contemporary” services.

b) Because of biblically ignorant parents who do not see the evils of such teachings and behavior.

c) Because of worldly young people who have cultivated a desire for worldly pleasure and entertainment instead of having a thirst for holiness.

2. The “mutant church” is worldly in its approach to God.

a) It is worldly in its approach to Christ and practices conformity to the world instead of holiness, thus bringing God down to man instead of elevating man to God.

b) It is worldly in its music. Their music is the music of the world with religious lyrics and accompaniment.

c) It is worldly in its praise. Praise leaders are used to “work” the audience and instead of the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of God’s people.

3. The “mutant church” is worldly in its authority of the Scriptures.

a) It places its authority in people instead of the Bible.

b) It replaces the Word of God with modern translations.

c) It tries to conform the Bible to its practices instead of its practices to the Bible.

4. The “mutant church” is worldly in its associations.

a) Their churches are made up of people of all denominations and beliefs who come together to worship.

b) Their churches work hand-in-hand with other non-bible believing churches.


I. The local church, in God’s mind, has never changed in:

1. Its headship - Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

2. Its authority - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

3. Its structure - 1 Peter 5:2-3 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; (3) Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

4. Its separation - 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

5. Its holiness - 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:

6. Its fellowship - 1 John 1:3-7 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (4) And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (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. (6) If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (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.

7. Its mission - Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

What To Do When You Can’t Do What You Want To Do

Temple Baptist Church - 10-24-2012
Philippians 4:10-13

Introduction:

A. What do you do when you can’t do what you want to do? That is the question that I want to field tonight and then find the biblical answer in our text.

1. The Apostle Paul was a very special missionary! I do not know if there has even been one of his equal. This man turned the gentile nations upside down for Christ in just a few short years and did so on foot! No telephone, no internet, no airplane, no automobile, not even a moped to travel on. Paul was attacked often, shipwrecked several times, and faced adversity from his own people almost everywhere he went.

2. The Philippian Church was a very special church! It sprang out of a “Riverside Prayer Meeting” coupled with a “Jailhouse Revival.” These Philippian believers were born in the fire and could not stand living in the smoke. They loved Paul and greatly aided him financially in his mission work.

B. Now, let us look at the text for tonight and see what made the Philippian Church such a pleasing one to God.

1. The Heart of Missions. “wherein ye were also careful” Churches are known for a diversity of things.

a. I have known churches that had great preachers. There have been many “giants” in the pulpits of America. I could stand here and name them and you would easily recognize their names. I sat under Dr. Harold B. Sightler! He was just a man but he was a man greatly used of God and those years spent sitting under his ministry and pulpit were a blessing to my family. Not every church has a Harold B. Sightler in the pulpit but every church is as great in the sight of God if the truth is preached.

b. I have known churches that had great music programs. Their services were characterized by special from individuals, groups, and a great choir. Not all churches are thusly blessed. Don’t get me wrong, great singing does not make a great church and churches with lesser talent are just as great churches. Every church is just as great as the churches with musical talent.

c. I have known churches that had great missions programs. Temple Baptist Church has been and still is one of them. We have not had the greatest preacher in the world but the truth has been and is still preached here. We have not had the greatest singing program here but we have people with talent who live what they sing. But, we have done wonders is the area of missions over the past 25+ years. Millions of dollars have gone out of this church and to the mission fields of this world. Temple Baptist has been a church with a “heart” for missions. We need to keep it that way. The Philippian Church was “careful” in the matter of missions. “Careful” can be defined as “care full!” They were hurt when they could not perform as they wanted in the area of missions.

2. The Hindrance of Missions. “but ye lacked opportunity.” Missions can be hindered in more than one way.

a. The Hindrance of Finances. The Philippian Church wanted to help Paul but, for a season, they were not able for one reason or another. It could have been because of poverty but, Paul commended the Thessalonican Church who, out of their great trial of affliction and poverty, abounded in the riches of their liberality. The economy of today has affected the monetary power of our people. Many have lost their jobs or had hours cut because of poor fiscal policies of the government. These people would love to give but their giving is hindered beyond their control.

b. The Hindrance of Fickleness. Today’s churches are hindered in missions giving by people who are easily offended, always want a “change of scenery,” or desire a lack of accountability. Laodicea means “the rights of the people” and we live in that day: a day of low spiritual priorities. This generation will give an account for the souls of men as missions’ giving is constantly affected by fickleness.

c. The Hindrance of Faithfulness. Missions’ giving is to be regular because missionaries depend upon it. Some people just never “get it” when it comes to faithful giving. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him!” I understand that people get paid in different ways and at irregular times. Some are on fixed income and are paid once a month, others are paid on a bi-weekly basis, while many of us are paid each week. When God’s people are unfaithful to give on a regular basis, missions output changes from month to month in many churches.

3. The Help of Missions. “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again.”

a. It brings joy to the missionary. Missionaries are God’s “special people” who have left family, homes, jobs, friends, and home churches to go to the world and preach the gospel. Their supporting churches are a blessing to them as they communicate with these churches while the churches pray for them. These churches are a “haven of rest” to the missionary and his family while on the road. Missionaries are “friends for life!”

b. It affords care for the missionary. I understand that missionaries depend upon the Lord, but the missionary’s livelihood depends upon the faithful support of his supporting churches.

c. It works with others to bring about the desired results. While we may be “careful” and not able to do all that we once did, others may flourish to make up the difference and then vice versa.

Conclusion: Here is the key to successful missions: do what you can when you can and pray for the missionaries as well as other churches when you cannot do. Always be “care full!”

Live!

Temple Baptist Church - 10-21-2012

Ezekiel 16:1-14

Introduction:

A. The interpretation of this passage pertains to Jerusalem and the children of Israel. The nation of Israel is loved by God and is considered the “apples of His eye.” Deuteronomy 7:6-8 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. (7) The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: (8) But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

1. They are a Holy People – vs. 6 “holy people”
2. They are a Chosen Nation – vs. 6 “chosen thee”
3. They are a Special Nation – vs. 6 “special people”
4. They are a Small Nation – vs. 7 “fewest of all people”
5. They are a Loved Nation – vs. 8 “loved you”
6. They are a Protected Nation – vs. 8 “mighty hand … redeemed”

B. I am going to make some applications but before I do, I need to make it clear that the interpretation is to the “nation” of Israel, not to individual Israelites. Not to do so might lead someone in a wrong direction concerning election. The Nation of Israel is elect, not the individual.

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

C. In these verses, I want to make application to three things:

1. The Condition of the Sinner
2. The Compassion of the Saviour
3. The Character of the Salvation

1. Vs. 1-5 - The Condition Of The Sinner

a. Uncut – Vs. 4 (The uncut navel speaks of attachment to the world.)
b. Unclean – Vs. 4 (Unwashed from the filth of the world.)
c. Uncared For – Vs. 4-5 (Unsalted – No man cared for my soul.)
d. Unclothed – Vs. 4 (Naked! No covering of righteousness.)
e. Unclaimed – Vs. 5 (Left to die by the side of the road.)

1) Conceived In Sin – Vs. 3 – We had a sinful beginning - Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

We were nobodies! - Psalms 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?)

2) Born In Sin – Vs. 4 – We had a sinful birth - Psalms 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

3) Lived In Sin – VS. 5 – We had a sinful life - Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

We were wicked! - Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

2. Vs. 6-8a – The Compassion Of The Saviour

a. I Passed – Vs. 6 – He came to us when we could not come to Him - Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

b. I Saw – Vs. 7 – He had compassion though He knew what we were - Luke 7:12-13 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

c. I Loved – Vs. 8a – He cared for us like no other could - Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

Isaiah 49:15-16 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. 16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of [my] hands; thy walls [are] continually before me.

3. Vs. 8-13 – The Character Of The Salvation

a. God Covered – vs. 6 “I said” – vs. 8 “I spread” - Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

b. God Claimed –vs. 8 “thou becamest mine” - Song of Solomon 2:16 My beloved [is] mine, and I [am] his: he feedeth among the lilies.

c. God Cleaned – vs. 9 “thoroughly washed” - Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

d. God Communed – vs. 9 “anointed thee with oil” (oil is a type of the Holy Ghost) - Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

e. God Clothed – vs. 10-13 - Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Conclusion: He saw us in the Field, pitiful at best but He also saw us righteous and complete in Him! I am glad that God sees us as we are in Hi and how we will be for all eternity!

Follow the Leader

Temple Baptist Church - 10-17-2012

Philippians 4:9

Introduction:

A. Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (In His absence, our Lord gave four gifts to the local church of which two were passing gifts and two were permanent gifts.)

1. The passing gifts were the apostles and prophets.

a) The Apostolic Age passed with the death of the 12 apostles. As the Old Testament priests represented man to God, the New Testament apostles represented God to man. There are no apostles today.

b) There are two means of prophesying: fore telling and forth telling. The gift of prophecy ceased with tongues and knowledge when the canon of Scripture was completed. There are no prophets today!

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

2. The permanent gifts were the evangelists and pastor-teacher.

a) The biblical evangelist is the missionary and what a wonderful gift they are! They are to be loved, respected, and received by the local church. You love missionaries and you will be blessed. They are God’s special people.

b) The pastor-teacher is the bishop or overseer of the local church. He is to be God called, God led, and God purposed.

Ephesians 4:11-16 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (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; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

1) Perfecting of the saints – to bring to maturity.

2) Work of the ministry – to lead in the work and mission of the local church.

3) Edifying of the body of Christ – to build and encourage the saints.

4) Unity of the faith – to bring about doctrinal correctness within the church.

5) Protection of the flock – to watch for wolves.

6) Truth in love – to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

B. In many of his epistles, Paul dealt with pastoral authority and leadership. In today’s churches, many pastors do not command respect because of their lifestyles are contrary to the truth that they preach and teach. Also, there are many church members who are “heady” and will not follow God’s men. Therefore, the Holy Spirit often mentioned tonight’s subject.

C. At the end of verse 9, we see both a commandment and a blessing.

1. The commandment is “do.” This is the will of God for each of His children. It is not to be a burden but rather a blessing. So often, Satan tells God’s children that serving the Lord is a burden to be shunned. He is a liar!

2. The blessing is “the God of peace shall be with you.” We know that we always have the presence of God but we often lack the peace that should come with that presence. The God of peace gives rest to those who are obedient.

Two things we are to do!

1. Do those things which you have learned and received. 2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

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. (Learned and embraced! We are exposed to truth; we learn truth; and we embrace truth. This is a personal recognition of truth and personally taking it into our lives as our guiding principle. Many people adhere to certain truth because the pastor and church believe it but, when they choose to leave those circumstances, they quickly become distant to that truth.)

2. Do those things which you have heard and seen. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. (10) Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: (11) As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, (12) That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. (Heard and seen! We hear the truth preached and taught by God’s man then watch as he walks within the realm of that truth. A vital part of the work of the pastor is that of example and steadfastness. If you have heard the truth and recognize it as truth; watch the consistency of the pastor’s walk in truth; then follow him as he follows Christ.)

Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Departing From The Faith

Temple Baptist Church - 10-14-2012
1 Timothy 4:1-6

Introduction:

A. In these last days, we are seeing 2 Thessalonians 2:3 being fulfilled before our very eyes.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

B. This falling away is two-fold:

1. We see the “falling away” of the world and especially our great nation. America was founded upon biblical principles (no matter what the liberal historians are now telling the people) and has turned her back upon the God of Israel who gave us this blessed land. America is quickly becoming a reprobate nation where God is booed at the Democratic National Convention and the god of Mormonism is being exalted at the Republican National Convention! This certainly disturbs God’s people.

2. We see the “falling away” of the “Christian” denominations and especially that of the once fundamental churches. Few are standing in the “Old Paths” of Scripture and Sanctification while the vast majority have deteriorated from the pulpit to the pew and gone the way of the world. This is even more disturbing to those of us who are saved and know the truth.

C. We need not be discouraged though people with whom we once walked have departed from the faith. This Bible is RIGHT! This “falling away” has been PROPHESIED! Our Lord and Savior is COMING! And we who know Him are LEAVING!

D. Notice with me the first verse of chapter 4:

1. The Prophecy of Apostasy - “Spirit speaketh expressly” Expressly - two fold meaning: 1) To be plain or direct 2) Intended or sent for a particular purpose, or on a particular errand; as, to send a messenger

2. The Period of Apostasy - “in the later times” We are there! Lift up your heads for redemption drawteth nigh!

3. The People of Apostasy - “some” Thank God not “all!”

Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

4. The Progression of Apostasy - “faith...seducing spirits...doctrines of devils...speaking lies in hypocrisy...conscience seared”

a. Departing From The Faith (body of truth from which we get our doctrine)

1) They Minimize the Importance of God’s Word - Psalms 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

2) They Humanize the Inspiration of God’s Word - 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

Psalms 56:10 In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.

Isaiah 42:21 The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make it honourable.

Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

John 10:35 The scripture cannot be broken;

3) They Rationalize the Interpretation of God’s Word. (Through the use Human Reasoning and do not give a literal rendering of the Scripture)

2 Peter 1:20 Kowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

2 Timothy 3:5-9 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

b. Giving Heed To Seducing Spirits

1) The Spirit of Error - 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2) The Spirit of Deception - 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is n Christ.

3) The Spirit of Hypocrisy - 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

4) The Spirit of Questioning - Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

c. Giving Heed To Doctrines of Devils

1) They Attack God’s Word

2) The Attack Upon God’s Way of Salvation

3) Attacked the Blood

4) Attacked Repentance

5) Attacked Faith In Christ Only

d. Speaking Lies In Hypocrisy

2 Peter 23 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Titus 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

Jude 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

e. Having Their Consciences Seared

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

2 Peter 21-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they withfeigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Ephesians 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

f. Bringing Men Back Under The Law And Tradition

1 Timothy 4:3-4 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. (4) For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

5. The Prevention of Apostasy - “remembrance of these things”

a. Once again, let me remind you that we are to be Biblicists first and foremost! This blessed old book that I hold in my hand and preach to you comes before and overrules everything!

b. It is our Anchor in the shifting sands of human theology and our Final Authority for both faith and practice.

c. It alone will prevent you and I from the deception that has come upon the churches.

Free Indeed

Temple Baptist Church - 10-14-2012
John 8:25-36

Introduction:

A. So often, verse 32 is quoted and, if not careful, can become a pretext instead of a text. Verses 25-31 established the criteria for knowing the truth and being made free.

B. The liberating factor of truth is:

1. Salvation – Jews “which believed on him.” Salvation is the beginning of freedom and, unfortunately, most people only get “religion.” Without salvation, a person will never be free!

2 Timothy 3:5-8 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (6) For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (7) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (8) Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

2. Discipleship – “If ye continue in my word.” Faithfulness and desire to serve the Lord is the second step to freedom.

C. The world lies in bondage: they would have you to believe that we are in bondage to rules and regulations. As in politics, it is an effective tactic to demonize those with whom you disagree. It is not us but rather the world that is in bondage. It is “the god of this world,” who is their god that binds them through unbelief and ignorance.

1. Bondage of Fear – Hebrews 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

2. Bondage of Sin - 2 Peter 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

3. Bondage of Law - Galatians 5:1-4 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (2) 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.

4. Bondage of Confusion - Luke 21:25-26 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (26) Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

D. I am thankful:

1. That I am saved!
2. That I am secure!
3. That I am faithful!
4. That I am serving!
5. That I am free!

1. I am free from want - Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

2. I am free from fear - 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

3. I am free from Satan - 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

4. I am free from the bondage of sin - Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

5. I am free from worry - 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

6. I am free from defeat - 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

7. I am free from condemnation - Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

8. I am free from an eternal hell - 1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

Think On These Things

Temple Baptist Church - 10-10-2012
Philippians 4:8

Introduction:

A. Our verse for tonight says to “think” on these things. I want to look at that word “think” for a few minutes. The mind is one of the marvels of creation and is to be differentiated from the brain. The mind is a function of the brain but the brain does so much more than just “think.” The brain:

1. The brain is the “computer” that operates the motor functions of the body.

2. The brain is the “computer” that processes the responses of nerve endings in the body.

3. The brain is the “computer” that controls the involuntary work of the heart, lungs, and other vital organs of the body.

4. The brain is a marvel of God’s creation that is so much more that “gray matter.”

5. The brain is also called the “mind” because it is there that the process of thinking occurs.

B. Mind – a thing framed or to mold into a form – thus the “MIND” is not just “gray matter” but is the capability to frame thoughts. The mind has the ability to reason with logic; to frame emotions and desires; to ponder upon something specific; to store in memory; to forget and recall; to imagine; to have curiosity; etc.

c. The “mind” has three basic functions:

1. Thinking – by which we make sense of the world or of the things that we perceive. It constitutes judging, perceiving, analyzing, clarifying, determining, comparing, and synthesizing.

2. Feeling – by which we understand “how we are doing.” It constitutes happiness, sadness, depression, anxiousness, stress, calmness, anger, worry, excitement, etc.

3. Wanting – by which it motivates us to action. These actions constitute our goals, desires, purposes, agendas, values, and motives.

D. In the mind, our thinking, feeling, and wanting are interwoven.

1. Where there is one, the other two are present as well. These three functions continually interact and influence one another in a dynamic process.

2. Thinking, feeling, and wanting produce “doing.” Our doing is the product of these three things and are controlled by our “heart.”

E. Each of us have an intimate relationship to our minds because the processes of our minds dictate what we desire and do. Because we are made after the image of God, we find biblically that our minds and our hearts are also related.

1. The “heart” of man is not our physical organ but, according to the Bible, it is “who we are.” I often call the heart the “seat of our affection.”

2. The “heart” of man is also made up of the “conscience.” The Conscience is an aptitude, faculty, intuition or judgment of the intellect that distinguishes right from wrong.

3. To the world, the conscience is made up of circumstances and perceived values of an individual and, therefore, varies from person to person according to race, sex, surroundings, religion, place of birth, upbringing, etc. alone. No doubt these things affect the conscience but the Christian perspective goes beyond these things.

4. To the Christian, the conscience also involves divine intervention as God places within man certain innate values.

Romans 2:14-15 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: (15) Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;

F. It should now be clear that everyone lives in a special and intimate relationship to his or her mind—both consciously and unconsciously.

1. The mind and the heart are connected in thought but, at the same time, the mind can work independently from the heart as it can be attacked from the outside or devise wicked thoughts from the inside that we hate.

a) The mind can be subject to satanic attack. Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

b) The mind can be subject to dreams and imaginations. Daniel 2:3 And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.

2. The heart never works independently from the mind. Our affections show forth in our thinking and desires.

a) We think in our hearts - Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

Matthew 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

b) Our of our hearts, we set forth who and what we are. Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (What we are in our hearts is the real “me!”

G. Thoughts are bold and daring; they are both strong and persistent.

1. Like armed men they force themselves into the mind. They come enticingly; they come insinuatingly; they come threateningly; they come in a thousand ways; they come singly; they come in droves; and they come unceasingly!

2. Therefore, we now know the importance of controlling our minds. Our verse for tonight admonishes us to think “right” things and sets forth the possibility of thinking “wrong” things.

H. Now, the message for tonight is simple:

1. We Must Protect Our Minds - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (4) (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2. We Must Program Our Minds - Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3. We Must Prioritize Our Minds - Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Shew Me Thy Glory

Temple Baptist Church - 10-7-2012
Exodus 33:12-34:8

Introduction:

A. An insurmountable task! In our text, Israel is at Mt. Sinai.

1. God used Moses to bring them out of Egypt and through the Red Sea to this place where God gave him the Law. God “handpicked” this man for the task ahead.”

2. Now, Moses has been given a seemingly insurmountable task of taking the nation of Israel through the great wilderness and into Canaan’s land. Moses is looking for assurance.

B. An awesome responsibility!

1. Do not send me alone! In verse 12, God had promised grace to Moses for the task but Moses is looking for someone to go with him. He understood the awesome responsibility because these were God’s people and knew that the way would be hard.


2. Show me thy way! In verse 13, Moses asked God to lead him. Moses was a ruler in Egypt and knew the “short way” to Canaan and, therefore, knew that the Sinai Peninsula was neither the easy way nor the shortest way to go.

C. A rebellious and stiff necked people!

1. They rebelled in Egypt! Exodus 5:21 And they said unto them, The LORD look upon you, and judge; because ye have made our savour to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.

2. They rebelled at the Red Sea. Exodus 14:11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?

3. They rebelled at the waters of Marah! Exodus 15:24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

4. They rebelled by making the calf at Sinai! Exodus 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

D. A twofold promise! Jehovah God, in verse 14, made a twofold promise to Moses:

1. The promise of His presence in a hard place. “MY presence shall go with thee!” That alone should be enough.

2. The promise of His rest in a hard place. “AND I will give thee rest! Resting in His presence in the hard places ahead.

E. Moses, in verse 15, simply said:

1. Do not let me go alone! If you will not go with me, do not let me go at all. Moses knew that the task was too great, the people too rebellious, and the way too long and hard for a man to lead this great people.

2. What an assurance! Verse 14. What a blessing it is to know that the Lord goes with His people through the trying times of life. I can honestly say that He has never left me no forsaken me nor will He leave or forsake you when troubles and trials come our way. He has promised His presence to us just as He did to Moses.

F. It is the grace and presence of God that separates you and me from the world. The world has no one to lean on when they feel alone as Moses felt but we have our wonderful Lord.

1. God gives His children the grace needed for the trial. God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” God’s grace is abundant and sufficient for every day in every way that we travel. Often we fail the grace of God and complain or fear but that grace never diminishes.

2. God shows His person during each of our trials. Paul said, “Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me.” God will stand with us as He did Moses and give us what we need every day for the trial or task at hand.

G. Then, in verse 18, Moses asked the Lord to give him a vision of the glory of God’s person.

1. This was not an unreasonable request because the task before Moses was so great that he needed the assurance that brings about rest.

a) I believe that this same request was made by John the Baptist when he sent two of his disciples and told them to ask Jesus if He was the one or should they look for another.

b) The glory of God is wonderful to see during the midst of a trial but getting a glimpse of Him before the trial is even better.

2. Moses asked to see His glory and the Lord promised to show Moses His goodness! The glory of God is manifested in the goodness of God when we need Him most.

H. God called Moses back to the mount, gave him the Ten Commandments again, and then placed Moses in position to see His glory. I believe that a biblical principle is established here: in order to see the glory of God, you must be in the right spiritual position as seen in verses 21-22.

1. Fellowshipping with Christ – “a place by me”

2. Standing upon Christ – “stand upon a rock”

3. Positioned in Christ – “in a clift of the rock”

4. Secured by Christ – “cover thee with my hand”

I. In verse 19 we find the phrase “all my goodness” and that “goodness” is proclaimed in 34:6-7.

1. The Glory of His Person. “The LORD, the LORD God” “LORD” is the Jewish national name for God. “JAH” or “the LORD most vehement.” The self-existing One; the eternal One; the I AM THAT I AM!

a. The Glory of God is found in His condescension! Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. (That God Almighty, who needs nothing or anyone, would even recognize a poor lost sinner like you and me is beyond comprehension.)

b. The Glory of God is found in His compassion! 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (He not only knows me but He also cares for me.)

2. The Glory of His Salvation. “merciful and gracious”

a. The Glory of God is found in His mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (23) They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Mercy means that we do not get what we deserve. Every person in this church deserves nothing but hell! I am so glad that hell will never be my eternal home because of the great love and compassion of the Lord. He certainly has not rewarded any of us after our iniquity. If you are saved, you should thank God every day for His mercy.)

b. The Glory of God is found in His grace. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Grace means that we get what we do not deserve. Not only is hell not my eternal home but heaven is my eternal home! God has been more that gracious to all of us and, one day by God’s marvelous grace, we will step on “the other side” and experience all of the goodness of God for all of eternity.)

3. The Glory of His Longsuffering. “longsuffering” God not only saves and secures us through His wonderful grace but He also “puts up with us!”

a. The Glory of God is found in His longsuffering. Psalms 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (He never gives up on us and l0ves us in spite of who and what we are. As we continue to love our children, He continues to love us. He’s still working on me!)

b. The Glory of God is found in His forgiveness. 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. (Until seventy times seven” shows the forgiveness of God. As often and as many times as we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness!)

4. The Glory of His Faithfulness. “goodness and truth” Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

a. The Glory of God is found in His goodness. Psalms 100:4-5 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (5) For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (God is good to us all of the time. We have need of nothing today because of His goodness. Every good gift and every perfect gift comes from God. God is good!)

b. The Glory of God is found in His truthfulness. Psalms 100:5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (What God says is right and He will never change His mind on the subject. He is the same today as He always was and will be the same tomorrow as He is now. You can completely depend upon Him!)

Conclusion: The glory of God is not found in our situations; the glory of God is not found in just His creation; the glory of God is found in His person!

Be Careful For Nothing

Temple Baptist Church - 10-3-2012
Philippians 4:6-7

Introduction:

A. “Be careful for nothing” means that we are not to allow our fears of the unknown overcome our faith in our ever present Lord.

1. The Lord cares about what we care about. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

2. He is affected by what affects us. 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.

3. He has promised to be there with us and there for us. If God be for us, who can be against us? 1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

4. He has guaranteed perfect peace to those who trust Him. (verse 7) Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

B. “Be careful for nothing” means that there is a possibility of the failure of our trust. Worry causes stress and stress is possibly the greatest killer in America. People today are stressed out because of the economy, the wickedness in our Land, the uncertainty of the future of our children and grandchildren, and the list could go on and on.


1. Worry will damage both your physical and mental health. Look at the people on medication for mental health. The Mayo Clinic states that statistically 80-85 % of their case load of ill people was either directly or indirectly related to stress. “Seventy percent of all patients who come to physicians could cure themselves if they only got rid of their fears, worries, and bad eating habits.”


2. Worry will cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts. The Bible says that we are to think upon good things. (Philippians 4:8) Most social, family, and church problems are stress related.

3. Worry will disrupt your productivity and purposes. You cannot give yourself over to worry and do what needs to be done diligently. Job performance across our land is caused by apathy and stress. People who do not care or people who are consumed with their problems.

4. Worry will negatively affect the way you treat and interact with others. You will be self-centered because of the load of your cares. You will seek your own good instead of the good of others.

5. Worry will adversely affect your emotions. Your “fuse will be short” and your outward demeanor will not glorify the Lord.


6. Worry will cause you to say things that you would not ordinarily say.

a) Out of the heart are the issues of life.

b) As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.

c) Out of the abundance of the heart, a man speaketh.

7. Worry will reduce your faith and trust in the Lord. You cannot trust and worry at the same time. These two are like oil and water, they cannot mix!

8. Worry is more harmful than helpful! It is a total waste of time and effort. Some confuse worry and concern. Here is the difference between worry and genuine concern: Worry immobilizes, but concern moves you to action. We should be concerned and not neglect matters of importance. We shouldn't worry about them and do nothing about it.

C. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, told the country during the Great Depression that the greatest fear was fear itself. Here are some good quotes concerning worry.

“A day of worry is more exhausting than a day of work.”

“Work won't kill, but worry will.”

“Don't tell me that worry doesn't do any good. I know better. The things I worry about don't happen.”

“Tain't worthwhile to wear a day all out before it comes.”

“It ain't no use putting up your umbrella till it rains.”

“Happy is the man who is too busy to worry by day, and too sleepy to worry at night.”

D. George McDonald wrote the following about worry. "No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow’s burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. Never load yourselves so. If you find yourselves so loaded, at least remember this: It is your doing, not God’s. He begs you to leave the future to Him, and mind the present."

Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

1. Christians Are Not Immune To Worry!

a. Though We Know That God Is In Control – He is in control of all that exists and that includes our circumstances!

b. Though We Know That All Will End Well – Our life story has already been recorded in Heaven. The final chapter of our life has been written and it is alright!

c. Though We Know That Worry Is Sin And Distrust – It is one thing to have concerns and another to worry. We are concerned because we do not know the end of a thing but worry is a “horse of another color!” Worry is our failure to trust our lives, families, finances, protection, and provision to the One who holds it all in His hand.

d. And Yet, We Still Have A Tendency To Worry

1) We worry because we are affected by the world.

2) We worry because we are robed in frail flesh.

3) We worry because we are still imperfect in our faith.

2. And, Most Of The Time:

a. We worry about things that either never occur or do not measure up our expectations.

b. We worry about things that we cannot change.

c. We worry often times about things that really do not matter.

3. How To Handle Worry:

a. We Should Not Worry Because We Are Children Of God -

Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

b. We Should not worry because, as Christians, we are people of faith - Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

c. We should not worry because our focus is to be on kingdom of God, on the spiritual - not the material - Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

d. We Need To Realize That God Cares - 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Said the Robin to the Sparrow,
"I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and hurry so."
Said the Sparrow to the Robin,
"Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me."

-- Elizabeth Cheney

God’s Prescription For Peace

1. The Requirement of Prayer. Prayer is our worship. Too often, when we get into a crisis or valley, we rely upon worldly means for the solution to our problems.

a. The Bible says not to put our confidence in either man or things. Our confidence is to be the Lord: maker of heaven and earth: He who is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent.

b. We belong to Him and He belongs to us. His love, compassion, and pity belong to us and His thoughts toward us are more than can be numbered. He truly “thinketh” upon us. He loves us enough that He gave His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, for our sins.

c. He holds our future just as He held our past and present. God can handle all of our problems, take down all of our enemies, and supply all of our needs.

2. The Requirement of Supplication.

a. We are to pray for God’s will in our lives. 1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (15) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

b. We are to pray in specifics. Luke 11:9-13 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (10) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (11) If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? (12) Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (13) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

c. We are to pray in faith. James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

3. The Requirement of Thanksgiving.

a. Thankful to God for who He is. Job 1:20-22 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, (21) And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (22) In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

b. Thankful to God for what He has done. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

c. Thankful to God for what He will do. Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Conclusion: Here is the outcome of verse 6: Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.