The Word of God And Faithfulness in Guidance

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-31-2024

Psalm 119:105-112

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Psalm 119: 176 verses, 22 stanzas, 8 verses in each stanza, each verse in the Hebrew begins with the corresponding letter of the Hebrew Alphabet.  An amazing example of Divine Design. 

 

1.  In Psalm 119, we find the magnification of the Word of God.

 

2.  In Psalm 119, we find a reciprocal relationship.

 

a)  The relationship of the Word of God to the believer and

 

b)  The relationship of the Believer to the Word of God.

 

3.  In Psalm 119, we find that a one-way relationship is no relationship at all!  If the Bible means little or nothing to the believer, then the Bible is of little or no help to him/her.

 

B.  Thus, the importance of our Bible, the Word of God is magnified in this Psalm.  Think about it.

 

1.  What would we do without our Bible?

 

2.  What would we know about God, Jesus Christ, creation, sin, and salvation without our Bible.

 

3.  How would we fare in this life without our Bible.  We would be like sheep without a Shepherd!  A life of accident with no meaning.

 

C. Tonight, the Hebrew letter NUN is the fourteenth letter of the Hebrew Alphabet.  NUN means “faithfulness.”   The Psalm begins with Guidance in verse 105.  The older that we get in the Lord, the more we understand His faithfulness.

 

2 Timothy 2:13  If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

 

D.  In the first verse of NUN, we find the faithfulness of God in guidance from beginning to end.

 

Psalms 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

 

1.  A Lamp to guard our Steps.  Our walk with God has a beginning and the Lamp of God’s Word begins to guide each step.

 

Job 23:11  My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

 

Psalms 37:23  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

 

2.  A Light to light our Path.  Our walk with God has an ending as God’s Word lights our Path till the end of the road. 

 

a)  His Paths are Old Paths as God does not change.  Jeremiah 6:16  Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

 

b)  His Paths are often hidden Paths as to keep our eyes upon both our steps and ultimate home. Psalms 77:19  Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.

 

E.  The Word of God shows the Believer that God is Faithful to guide and teaches the Believer to be Faithful to follow!

 

1.  Verse 105.  We will be Faithful in our Walk with God.

 

a.  The Word of God is faithful to guide our Walk.  Each step we take is a step in the light of the Lamp of God’s Word.  If you have ever walked with a lamp, you will understand what the Psalmist is saying.  You cannot see much around or ahead of you when using a lamp.  But it shows you where you are stepping.  So many, when come to a place where a hard decision is made, we must rely on the Bible to show us the next step to take.  One step at a time and you will be fine.

 

b.  The Word of God is faithful to guide our Path.  While working in the coal mines, I wore a light on my hard hat. You could turn the button on the side of it to broaden the beam of light as to use it for close work.  You could also narrow the beam of light and see at a great distance.  We would call it a seal beamed light.  It show you down the path but did not reveal the individual steps that it would take to get there.

 

c.  We can see up close so as not to stumble and we can also see afar so as not to waver.

 

1 John 1:5-7  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.

 

2.  Verse 106-108.  The Word of God is faithful to guide our Words.

 

a.  Verse 106.  Faithful to Keep our Word.  Our words or vows made to the Lord are to be kept in faithfulness.  So many begin right but end wrong.  They begin down the road of service but are distracted and enticed by other things that take precedence. 

 

b.  Verse 107.  Faithful in our Afflictions.  So many serve the Lord when the going is good and great things are happening, but the Word of God helps us to trust the Lord with trial come and discouragement soon follows.  They use such words as “I used to do this or that but no longer do.  Faithful to death is what Paul said in 2 Timothy, chapter 4.  “I finished my course.”

 

c.  Verse 108.  The Word of God is faithful to guide our Worship.  Our offerings to God will be directed by being Bible oriented.  In Bible College, most young preachers with families were about as poor as a “church mouse.”  One preacher said that he was to broke to pay attention.  There was some thing that we said to encourage each other:  “Just praise the Lord anyhow!”  Worship is not based upon good or bad.  Worship is based upon Who and What our precious Lord means to us.

 

3.  Verses 109-110.  The Word of God is faithful to guide:

 

a.  Verse 109.  The Word of God is faithful to guide our Thinking.  Our soul is in our hands.  The Word of God will help us to keep our hearts in line.  In order to remember something, we must have seen something, heard something, experienced something, or read something.  The value of having God’s Word to read, hear, and study can expose us to Truth and have Scripture to remember when needed.  We also have the precious Holy Spirit to help us to recall what we have read, heard, and studied. The Old Testament believers did not have a house full of Bibles or carry electronic devices that have the Bible on them.

 

b.  Verse 110.  The Word of God is faithful to guide us around the Pitfalls and Traps of the wicked.  Satan is devious in his ways and his followers joy in watching the godly fall.

 

John 8:32  “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 

 

Job 33:26-28  He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.  (27)  He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;  (28)  He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.

 

4.  Verses 111-112.  The Word of God is faithful to guide:

 

a.  Verse 111.  The Word of God is faithful to guide our Heart and our ways.  Many believers have not had a godly heritage and have, after salvation, adapted to the ways of God’s Word and people.  What a wonderful spiritual heritage we have in common.  The same Father, the same Bible, the same family.

 

Proverbs 23:19  Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

 

2 Peter 1:1-3  Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:  (2)  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  (3)  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

 

b.  Verse 112.  The Word of God is faithful to guide our Lives for the rest of our lives.

 

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.

 

Philippians 1:20-21  According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.  (21)  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

 

Conclusion:  We live in a “dark world.”  A world darkened by sin and wickedness.  A dark world where right has become the enemy and wrong the friend.  The Word of God will Faithfully Guide the believer from beginning to end.  The Word of God is our Friend!

The Resurrection

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-31-2024

Luke 24:1-12

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  Resurrection Sunday.  A day set apart to celebrate our Risen Lord. 

 

Matthew 28:6  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

 

B. Once again, we come to the Garden Tomb and find it, as always, still empty!  The “Stone” which the builders rejected became the “Chief Corner Stone” and, ultimately, the “Capstone of Christianity.” 

 

C. There are many “Cardinal Doctrines” in the Bible:  Fundamental, Key, Basic, Central, Principal.  When I use the term “Cardinal Doctrine”, I want you to understand that all doctrine is of major importance, but without the doctrine of the Resurrection, all others would be in vain. 

 

D. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was both the end and the beginning.  The finishing of the Gospel, a completed work.  The Beginning of a new life in Christ Jesus for the believer.

 

1.  The resurrection was the finishing of the Gospel.  In our text for this morning, we find the Gospel. 

 

a)  The death of Christ - Luke 24:7  Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

 

b)  The burial of Christ - Luke 24:1  Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

 

c)  The resurrection of Christ - Luke 24:6  He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

 

d)  1 Corinthians, chapter 15, speaks of the magnitude of the resurrection.  In 1 Corinthians, chapter 15:1-4, we find the Gospel is perfectly defined.

 

1 Corinthians 15:1-4  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;  (2)  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  (3)  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  (4)  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

 

1)  Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.  The Son of God died once for all.  Sin’s payment was made in full.  The Father looked upon the travail of His Son and was satisfied.

 

John 19:30  When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

 

Romans 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 

1 Timothy 2:4  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

 

2)  Christ was buried.  Placed in a Garden Tomb for 3 days and 3 nights.  There is no Good Friday found in the Bible!  Christ died on Wednesday.

 

Matthew 12:40  For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

 

3)  Christ rose again the third day according to the scriptures.  The Father’s Acceptance of the price paid.

 

Romans 1:4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

 

Matthew 28:6  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

 

Mark 16:1-6  And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.  (2)  And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

 

4)  There is the presentation of the Blood of Christ. 

 

John 20:17  Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

 

Hebrews 9:11-12  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;  (12)  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

 

2.  The resurrection was the beginning of a new life in Christ. 

 

a.  The Resurrection gives the believer hope in eternity.  I thank God that there’s a better day coming! 

 

1) Without the Resurrection of Christ, Calvary would have been in vain; we would still be in our sins; and there would be no hope of life after death!

 

2) Without the Resurrection of Christ, there would be no finishing!  No finishing of the Cross.  I am glad this morning that it is finished for time and eternity. Sin paid for in full and redemption purchased.  Hallelujah, what a Saviour!

 

3) Without the Resurrection of Christ, there would be no faithfulness to the Scriptures!  This Bible that I hold in my hands would be just another fiction book.

 

1 Corinthians 15:19-22  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.  (20)  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  (21)  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  (22)  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  (14)  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  (15)  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  (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.  (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

 

Titus 2:11-14  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;  (13)  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  (14)  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

 

b.  The Resurrection gives the believer confidence in life.  Everything is going to be alright!

 

Philippians 1:20-24  According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.  (21)  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  (22)  But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.  (23)  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:  (24)  Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

 

c.  The Resurrection gives the believer peace in death.  Death is the “door” through which we enter into the eternal presence of the Lord!

 

Psalms 23:4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 

John 11:25  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

 

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.

 

d.  The Resurrection gives the believer boldness in witness.  The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth!

 

Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 

2 Timothy 1:12  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

 

Conclusion:  The Gospel is now finished as Christ has died for the sins of the world, was buried, and rose again for our Justification. 

 

Let’s stand and sing together: “Because He Lives.”

 

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; because He lives, all fear is gone; because I know I know He holds my future; life is worth the living just because He lives!

 

And then one day, I’ll cross that river; I’ll fight life’s final war with pain; and then as death gives place to victory; I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.”

The Prince of This World

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-27-2024

John 14:28-31

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  In verse 30, we find the prophecy of coming of the “accuser” to find fault in Christ Jesus.  Satan will find none!  After the crowd took Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, He spoke very little to His disciples or in His defense.  This will be the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:7, which reads:

 

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”

 

1.  The “prince of this world” led Israel to its demise.

 

2.  The “prince of this world” leads all who reject and accuse Christ Jesus to their demise.

 

B.  In the word “prince” we find Description.  Satan is called “the prince of this world.” 

 

1.  In the word “prince” we see Power - Luke 22:53  When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

 

2.  In the word “prince” we see Position - 2 Corinthians 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

3.  In the word “prince” we see Prominence - Ephesians 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

 

4.  In the word “prince” we see Pleasure - Matthew 4:8-9  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;  (9)  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

 

C.  In the word “prince” we find Delusion:

 

1.  He is “god” but only by permission - Matthew 4:9-10  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.  (10)  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

 

2.  He has control, and he is not in control - John 12:31  Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

 

3.  He is powerful and yet he is not omnipotent - Jude 9  Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

 

4.  He is wealthy and yet he owns nothing - Matthew 4:8-9  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

 

Psalms 24:1  The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

 

D.  How did the arch enemy of both God and man become the “god of this world?”

 

1.  Because He Is Worshiped - 2 Corinthians 11:14  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (This prince is transformed into an angel of light; a thing of great beauty.)

 

Isaiah 14:12-14  How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!  13  For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 

 

2.  Because He Is Adored - Matthew 4:9  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (The world loves their prince because they love their sin.)

 

2 Corinthians 11:14  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 

 

3.  Because He Is Emulated - Ephesians 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  (The world conforms to image of their god just as we are to conform to the image of our God.)

 

John 8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

 

4.  Because He Is In Control - John 8:43-44  Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.  (As a father controls his children, this prince controls his.)

 

Conclusion:  The world is deceived by the “prince of this world” but the redeemed are looking for to their “Prince” who is coming soon.

 

Revelation 1:5-8  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,  (6)  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  (7)  Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.  (8)  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.