The Eye Of The Pharisee

Temple Baptist Church - 3-31-2019

Acts 15:1-5; Romans 14:1-23

Introduction:

A.  I have been preaching lately about sin.  Sin can manifest itself in a myriad of ways within the local church.  When we think of sinfulness within the body of Christ, we normally think about such sins as adultery, fornication, drunkenness, drug abuse, etc.  These sins are certainly “No-no’s” in the church, but one of the most prevalent sins of the believer is often either over looked or justified.

B.  The sin of Phariseeism!  On occasion, I preach on the subject that I will preach on today because it is an area of sin that remains problematic in our fundamental churches.  Phariseeism!  You will not find that word in your dictionary because it is one that is used within fundamental churches.  Liberal churches have little or no problem with it because there is no strict adherence to the Scripture and every one does that which is “right in his own eyes.”  Though it does show occasionally in other churches, Phariseeism—as a rule—is a fundamentalism problem!

C.  I have said often and will reiterate again that knowledge without compassion is a dangerous thing!  With great knowledge come great responsibility and that responsibility encompasses our relationship with not only the world but with each other. 

D.  The key verse of Romans 14 is verse 12.  God requires a personal accounting at the Judgment Seat of Christ and that should be our concern.  I am all for standards and holy living.  I believe that it is the obligation of the believer to be non-conformist when it comes to the standards set by the world.  We will give an account for the knowledge that we have and our testimony of the grace of God in this world, butTHIS WILL BE A PERSONAL ACCOUNTING TO GOD—NOT TO MAN!

E.  I want to call your attention to verse 10.  The verse actually speaks of judgments being made by both the pharisaical brother and the brother that claims liberty in grace.  The more “liberal” brother can look down on the pharisaical brother and be just as wrong in his judgments.  Such words as “legalists, etc., become “straw men” that the liberal uses to vindicate his loose standard of living.  Chapter 15:1 says, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”  This verse speaks of the “brother at liberty” as the strong.

F.  When studying chapter 14, it immediately becomes obvious that the “weak” brother is the one who “eateth herbs.”  I am not against a vegetarian who does so simply by personal preference.  In the American Indian vocabulary, a vegetarian is one who does not know how to hunt!  By “eateth herbs,” the Holy Ghost is speaking of one who abstains from meats because of “religious conviction.”  You can live on a “Hallelujah Diet” as far as I am concerned and be right with God.  You can live on a “Hog Diet” as far as I am concerned and still be right with God.  You may see God a little sooner though!

Colossians 2:20-23  Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21  (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22  Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23  Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

G.  The “Eye of the Pharisee” is found in verse 10.  He is characterized by the judgment of others.  The Bible teaches self-judgment!  I can preach on not judging one another until I am blue in the face and the problem continues to persist because the Pharisee can only see through the “eye of the Pharisee!”

1 Corinthians 11:31  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

Matthew 23:4  For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 

John 9:39 -41  And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. 40  And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? 41  Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

H.  Our Lord condemned Phariseeism! 

1.  Phariseeism Violates The Fellowship Of Believers – vs. 3-4 – When believers stand argue their “convictions” and “preferences,” it is just that:  an argument!  What I stand for is between the Lord and me!  What you stand for is between the Lord and you!  When what we stand for becomes an issue between you and me, it divides the fellowship of the church.  Despise - to look down on with contempt or aversion.

2.  Phariseeism Withstands The Man Of God - Acts 15:1-2, 5  And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2  When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question… 5  But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command [them] to keep the law of Moses.   (The enemy of Christ was the Pharisee!  Even God’s man cannot withstand the scrutiny of the “letter of the law,” as can no one else.  They will hold him to a holy standard that no man can attain to or they will hold him to “their” standard that even cannot live up to.  Pharisees are not “followers,” they are “leaders.”  They must have “followers” in order to lead!  Pharisees are not “students,” they are “teachers.”  They must have “students” in order to teach!  Pharisees are not “edifiers,” they are “destroyers!”)

3.  Phariseeism Is Detrimental To Evangelism - Matthew 23:13  But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.  (The Lord called the Pharisees “hypocrites.”  Have you ever heard the lost say that they would not come to church and sit on the pews with all of those hypocrites?  Most of the time, their claims are unjust but, on occasion, they are right!  The lost hear what the Pharisee says and then see how the Pharisee both acts and reacts!  How many times have I heard of people who have said, “I will never come to your church as long as “so-in-so” is there!”  Or, “If he (or she) is a Christian, I do not want to be one!”  Or, “If they are going to Heaven, I do not want to go there!”  Or, “If that is the way their God is, then I do not want their God!”)

4.  Phariseeism Drives Away The New Families And New Believers – Matthew 23:15  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.  (Pharisees automatically “migrate” to new “blood.”  They are proselyters!  Grace teaches the new converts while Phariseeism chastises them!  It is not that they do not want to get right with God.  God is merciful, compassionate, longsuffering, and gentle with the new believer.  They leave because they cannot live up to the standards and expectations of the Pharisee.  I am still glad that, when I was newly saved, people let God work in my heart as I heard the Word of God preached.  God “grew” me at His pace and His way was perfect!)

2 Corinthians 3:6  Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

5.  Phariseeism Eventually Destroys the Pharisee! - Luke 11:52  Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.  (A key is made to unlock a door.  Grace is the key that unlocks the door to the believer.  Grace brings both love and liberty to the believer and is the key to holy living.)

Titus 2:11-12  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;  (I am so glad that I was saved by GRACE!  I am so glad that I have been taught by GRACE!)

Conclusion:  Beware of becoming pharisaical!  All of us have that potential!  Pharisees not only destroy those around them, but eventually destroy themselves because—even they cannot live up to the letter of the law!  We want to have a good, separated church.  We want to have a loving, kind church.  I believe that God can reconcile these two positions.  The key to holy living is not standards set but seeing God’s people fall in love with Him!

The Love of God - Manifested In Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 3-31-2019

John 1:11-14, 3:16-17; 1 John 1:1-4

Introduction: 

A.  As Easter approaches this year, our hearts and minds naturally turn to the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1.  We read a story that never grows old. 

2.  We read a story that has thrilled our hearts from our youth. 

3.  We read a story shrouded with the mystery of the ages, the birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection of God’s only begotten Son!  A story that will never be fully understood because it is beyond the realm of human experience, but a story believed and beloved.

B. This morning, I want to look at the love of God that compelled Him to give His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, for the sins of mankind.  John 3:16 is often called “The Gospel in a Nutshell.”  It can be preached word by word and give a complete understanding of the salvation found in the new birth.  Nicodemus heard and believed on Christ through this one verse.

C.  One of the most blessed truths found in the Bible is that of the love of God for sinners.  John 3:16 is possibly the most noted and quoted of all verses of scripture and the least comprehended. 

1.  When I see the world, I see the sin and sorrow that permeates it.  My heart is saddened by what is taking place in the world and across this great nation this morning.  With the reject of spiritual light comes great spiritual darkness.

2.  When God sees the world, He sees sinners in need of the Saviour!  What love!

D.  We can never fathom the love of God that was displayed in John 3:16 where God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son! 

Ephesians 3:17-19  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,  (18)  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  (19)  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.  (I have often referred to this words as knowing the unknowable!)

1.  The Breadth Of God’s Love – 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.  (His love is from Pole to Pole.  His love is from the East to the West.  His love is from Wall to Wall.  The Love of God covers every man, woman, and child.  There are none exempt and there are none excluded!  There is not a race, color, or creed rejected!  His love is for the whole world!  I cannot understand it, but I believe it!)

2.  The Length Of God’s Love – Psalms 86:15  But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.  (God’s love is not only universal in its scope; it is longsuffering in its forbearance.  God is compassionate, gracious, longsuffering, and merciful.  I did not deserve to receive it nor do I deserve to keep it.  The Lord has been far better to me than I deserve and I am eternally grateful for it.  I cannot understand it, but I have seen it!)

3.  The Depth Of God’s Love – 1 Timothy 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (The wickedest man in the world is a candidate for His great salvation.  It matters not what you have done; it matters not what you have thought; it matters not where you came from!  His love goes to the deepest in sin and despair.  I cannot understand it, but I have received it!)

4.  The Height Of God’s Love – Romans 5:20  Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:  (His wonderful love is far greater than all of our sin put together.  God’s gracious love is always there and you cannot sin your salvation away.  He will forgive 70 times 7 and never exhaust his love or forgiveness.  I cannot understand it, but I have experienced it!)

E.  In the Book of Luke, the angel proclaimed, “Good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people!”  It is the Lord’s desire that all people know and experience the love of God which the angel spoke of on that night. 

F.  I want to look at some aspects of that love this morning:

1.  In Bethlehem We Find God’s Love Manifested In The Gift Of Christ - 1 John 4:9  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

2.  At Calvary We Find God’s Love Commended At The Cross - Romans 5:8-9  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

3.  In Salvation We Find God’s Love Bestowed In Our Sonship - 1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

4.  In Choice We Find God’s Love Believed By The Sinner - 1 John 4:16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

5.  In Relationship We Find God’s Love Perceived By The Saint - 1 John 3:16  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

6.  In Witness We Find God’s Love Shed Abroad In The Spirit - Romans 5:5  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

7.  In Fellowship We Find God’s Love Dwelling  In The Heart - 1 John 3:17  But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Conclusion:  Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.  His love was manifested in the giving of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. 

“Oh, how He loves you and me!  Oh, how He loves you and me!” 

“Jesus to Calvary did go.  His precious blood to bestow.  He gave His life; what more could He do!  Oh, how he loves you!  Oh, how He loves me!  Oh, how He loves you and me!”

God Remembers

Temple Baptist Church - 3-27-2019

Hebrews 6:10

Introduction:

A.  What a tremendous verse of Scripture!  So often, we feel that no one cares about the our labor in the work of the Lord.  I know of pastors in small churches who, when looking at the “big churches,” feel that they are accomplishing nothing for the Lord. 

B.  There are no “big churches.”  A church is a church and equally appreciated by the Lord.  Some people do much in places of little resistance while others seemingly do little but in places of great resistance.  God sees Quality, not Quantity.

Matthew 20:9-10  And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.  (10)  But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. 

C.  God’s work is rewarding!  Galatians 6:9-10  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in (1)  due season (2) we shall reap, if we faint not.  (10)  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Mark 12:41-44  And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.  (42)  And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.  (43)  And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:  (44)  For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. (She probably thought that what she put in the treasury was of little value but she did not see as God sees.  She did not know what Jesus said but she certainly found out when she got to heaven!)

D.  Our labor “in the Lord” is:

1.  A labor of love.  “your work and labour of love”

2.  A labor in His name.  “which ye have shewed toward his name”

3.  A labor of for others.  “ye have ministered to the saints”

4.  A labor of continuation.  “and do minister”

E.  Our labor “in the Lord” can be either:

1.  Physical - Matthew 10:42  And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

2.  Spiritual - Philippians 2:16  Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

F.  Our labor “in the Lord” does not go unnoticed.

1.  By God.  Hebrews 6:10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

a.  God is not unrighteous!  2 Timothy 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.  (Already waiting.)

b.  God is not forgetful!  Nehemiah 5:19  Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.  (Though we may not be rewarded for our labor in this life, God will not forget us in eternity.) 

Revelation 14:13  And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

1 Corinthians 3:11-14  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  (12)  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;  (13)  Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.  (14)  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

2.  You Labor of Love is not forgotten by your pastor.

a.  We are not ungrateful.  1 Thessalonians 1:2-3  We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;  (3)  Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

b.  We are not forgetful.  Romans 16:6  Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

3.  Your Labor of Love is not forgotten by those you bestow labor upon.

Matthew 25:35-45  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  (36)  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.  (37)  Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  (38)  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  (39)  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?  (40)  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  (41)  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  (42)  For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:  (43)  I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.  (44)  Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  (45)  Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

Conclusion: 

1 Corinthians 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

John 6:27  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

It’s High Time To Awake Out Of Sleep

Temple Baptist Church - 3-24-2019

Romans 13:11-14

Introduction: 

A.  I fear that the church is sleeping in perilous times!  This is not a new phenomenon.  Paul had to deal with this problem 2,000 years ago.  It is easy for us to be charmed to sleep with so many good things to occupy our free time. 

B.  We have so much in these last days of Laodicea.  Things that people have never experienced in the history of man.  A “rocket paced,” automated society where our “poor” are the envy of the world and it has caused the prophecy of the Church at Laodicea come true in our lifetime.

Revelation 3:15-17  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  (16)  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.  (17)  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

C.  To quote an old saying, “We are about as snug as a bug in a rug.”

D.  These are perilous times physically.  2 Timothy 3:1-5

Proverbs 30:11  There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.  (No fear of God-no reverence to parents-disobedient)

Proverbs 30:12  There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.   (Self righteous, yet blinded by the god of this world)

Proverbs 30:13  There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. (Full of pride-not recognizing their weakness and God’s graciousness)

Proverbs 30:14  There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.  (Not caring – cruel and inhuman)

E.  These are perilous times spiritually.  Revelation 3:14-22  (This is not the dead sleep of sin, but rather the apathy of the redeemed.)

1.  It is the carnal security of the believer – we have need of nothing!

2.  It is the slothfulness of the duty of the believer – the harvest is perishing!

3.  It is the unconcern about personal sins of both omission and commission – Laodicea: the rights of the people!

4.  It is the weariness of lack of spiritual exercise – fat bodies and lean souls!

5.  It is a willingness to continue in such a state of unconcern – my four and no more!

Isaiah 10:16  Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.

F.  These are perilous times doctrinally.  2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

1.  Doctrinal impurity is widely accepted because of both carnal believers.

2.  Doctrinal impurity is widely accepted because of subtle wolves.

3.  Doctrinal impurity is widely accepted because of shallow pulpits.

1.  Time To Wake Up!

            a.  “knowing the time” (The times are certainly knowable)

Matthew 16:3  And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3   But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

            b.  “high time” – a definite time or appointment

Job 14:13  O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!

            c.  “salvation nearer” – the very threshold of His appearing

2 Peter 3:13-14  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.   Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Revelation 22:12  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

d.  “night is far spent, the day is at hand” – the night of sin will soon be the light of the Son of God

2.  Take Off The Night Clothes!

Colossians 3:8-9   But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

James 1:21  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

1 Peter 2:1   Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

Ephesians 4:21-22  If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:   That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

3.  Put On The Light Clothes!

Colossians 3:1   If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:12-17   Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;   Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1 Thessalonians 5:8  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.