The Testimony of Conscience

 Temple Baptist Church - 11-1-2026

2 Corinthians 1:11-16; Verse 12

 

Introduction: 

A. Before I deal with the “Conscience” tonight, I believe that we need to understand just what the conscience is, what it is based upon, and how it works. What is conscience? 

 

1. A little girl replied, “It is grandmother!!!” 

 

2. The Readers' Digest, Nov. 1960, says, "Conscience is a thinking man’s filter.”

 

3. The Oxford Dictionary says, It is an inward knowledge or consciousness; the faculty that passes judgment on the moral quality of actions or of individuals. 

 

4. The Winston Dictionary says, 'The moral sense or consciousness within oneself that determines whether an action is right or wrong, good or bad. 

 

5. O. Hallesby says, one can have peace with God without a good conscience but his experience would not be a happy one; I trust this is not our story. 

 

6. Is conscience the voice of God crested within man?  No, definitely not! Conscience is something inborn and universal rather than an acquired faculty.  Who has a conscience, educated and civilized people only?  No, all have consciences.  2^nd Corinthians 4:2, '. . . commending ourselves to every man’s conscience . . .'

 

7. Conscience cannot be the voice of God for sometimes it leads people to do things contrary to the will of God is revealed in the Holy Scriptures. Conscience will direct a heathen man to bow down to idols of wood and stone.  Conscience approves of acts of sexual license in the temple in honor of the gods.  Sometimes conscience insists that a man must murder the one who killed his father.  Sometimes it causes him to forsake the sick, believing them to be cursed by deity and therefore to be left alone.  Conscience instructs heathen to throw away twin babies and do many frightful things.  In India, conscience did not prevent a man from burning his father’s widow in the same fire that was used to cremate his father’s remains.  Even though the thought of this horrifies us, his conscience has been conditioned to accept this as normal.

 

8. The word “conscience” does not appear in the Old Testament; in the Old Testament the word “heart” is substituted in 1^st Samuel 24:5, “David's heart (conscience) smote him.”

           

9. Conscience is an internal judge that examines all that we do and say.  Conscience expresses itself before, during, and after the act. Some feel that conscience will be the main tormentor in hell (Son, remember-Luke 16:25). 

 

10. Because the conscience of men vary, It is dangerous to “Let your conscience be your Guide.” 

 

B. The Conscience Defined - CONSCIENCE -  to perceive or to comprehend, to know in one’s mind or one’s self, to be conscience of, to inspect of to examine, the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other, internal judgment of right or wrong.

 

C.  The Basis Of Conscience – The word conscience refers to the inward knowledge or awareness of right and wrong. It is that inward witness that either accuses us or excuses us concerning our actions.

 

Romans 2:15 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.

 

Conscience is based upon the values one is taught or holds concerning what is right of wrong.  The individual conscience will vary from person to person.  In heathen societies, lying is acceptable and a part of normal life while in our society, lying is a sin and something to avoid.  Therefore, the conscience is based upon one’s perception of what is right or wrong.

 

D. The Conscience in the Bible Is Referred To As:

 

1.  The Candle Of The Lord - Proverbs 20:27   The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

 

2.  The Heart Of Man - Acts 2:37  Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

 

3.  The Reins - Psalms 73:21  Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.

 

E. We Are Not To Judge Another Man’s Conscience.

 

1 Corinthians 8:7  Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

 

1 Corinthians 8:10  For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

 

1 Corinthians 8:12  But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

 

Romans 14:5-6  One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.  He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

 

1 Corinthians 10:27-29  If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.  But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:  Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?

 

F. The Conscience Of The Lost May Become Seared - 1 Timothy 4:1-2  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 

 

Rejection of Truth eventually brings about a reprobate mind.

 

G. The Basis Of Conscience Must Be God’s Word.  There must be a standard!  Otherwise, every man will do that which is right in his own eyes.  Let us look at the conscience from a biblical perspective.

 

1. In Order To Be Saved The Conscience Of The Lost Must Be Convicted - Acts 9:5  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

 

John 8:9  And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

 

Romans 2:15  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;)

 

2. When The Sinner Is Saved, The Conscience Is Purged - Hebrews 9:14  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 

 

The Saint’s perspective is changed through the work of the Holy Spirit.  The natural man can neither understand nor receive spiritual things.  What once did not bother the sinner now convicts the saint.

 

3. The Saint’s Conscience Is Constantly Convicted Through The Holy Spirit And God’s Word - 1 John 1:8-10  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all

unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

 

Hebrews 10:21-22  And having an high priest over the house of God;  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

 

a. It Can Cause A Lack Of Assurance Of Salvation - Isaiah 57:21  There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

 

b. It Can Cause A Lack Of Spiritual Usefulness - Psalms 66:18  If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

 

Psalms 51:12-13  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.  Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

 

c. It Can Cause A Feeling Of Unworthiness - Luke 15:21  And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

 

4. The Saint Needs A Good Conscience - Acts 24:16  And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.  (Kept pure and void of offense.)

 

Romans 9:1  I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

 

2 Corinthians 1:12  For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you–ward.

 

a. Clean Before God - Acts 23:1  And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

 

b. Clean Before Men - Acts 24:16  And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

 

1 Timothy 1:5  Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

 

c. Clean Before Self - 1 Timothy 1:19  Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

 

2 Timothy 1:3  I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

 

1 Peter 3:16  Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

 

We must learn to forgive ourselves as God forgives us. I believe this to be the case for all of us from time to time. We sin, we confess, God forgives, and we do not forgive ourselves. 2 Corinthians 2:7 says, “swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.”

 

Conclusion: God gave to each of us a “conscience” or self-awareness that protects us from the shame of a sinful condition while keeping us in communion with the Lord.  I thank God each day for the blessing of conviction in my life.  There was a time when little bothered me, other than getting caught.  Now, everything bothers me and the precious Holy Spirit continually works in my life to bring me to a place of holiness.

 

Acts 24:16  And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

The Church and Faithfulness - Part 2 - Thankfulness and Faithfulness

Temple Baptist Church - 11-1-2026

Proverbs 20:6

Introduction:

A. Last week we saw the faithfulness of God. Because God is faithful, we should also be faithful. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, a time of reflection upon the goodness of God!  We have so much to be thankful for and true thankfulness should turn into faithfulness to the One who is faithful to us!

 

B. This morning, I will use a “stand alone” verse out of the Book of Proverbs.

 

Proverbs 20:6  Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

 

C.  The search is on this morning! God is looking for faithful people.  “But a faithful man who can find?” This tells me that faithfulness was a rare commodity in 3,000 years ago!  Solomon lived around 1,000 BC. Self-centeredness and, therefore, selfishness is rampant today as everyone does his or her thing with little regard to others.  I want to be found faithful.  How about you?

 

D. Faithfulness is a command of God.

 

1. Faithfulness is greater than talent – you may be the greatest singer in the world, but if you are not here to sing, you are useless!

 

2. Faithfulness is greater that giving - you may be the greatest giver in the world, but if you are not here to give, you are useless!

 

3. Faithfulness is greater than ability – you may be the greatest teacher in the world, but if you are not here to teach, you are useless!

 

4. Faithfulness is greater than soul winning ability – you may be the greatest soul winner in the world, but if you are not witnessing, you are useless!

 

5. The list could go on indefinitely, but I believe you understand the importance of faithfulness.

 

Hebrews 10:22-23  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

 

E.  In Matthew 25:14-27, the phrase “Well done, good and faithful servant” is used twice while the phrase “Thou wicked and slothful servant” is used once. 

 

1. Faithful is a commandment, not an option. 

 

2. Faithfulness is a blessing, not a curse.

 

F. Here is my short list of areas of our faithfulness:

 

1. Faithful To The Lord. Faithfulness is actually a requirement, not a choice! 1 Corinthians 4:1-2  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  (2)  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

 

a. Faithful Out Of Love. But, because of God’s love for us, we should be faithful to Him. 

 

b. Faithful Out Of Fear. Because God rewards those who are faithful and takes away from those who are not faithful to Him.

 

c. Faithful Out Of Debt. I don’t know about others, but I owe a debt that I can never repay.

 

2. Faithful To Your Family. The first and most important of institutions is the family.  As goes the family, so goes the church and the nation.  Satan hates the family!

 

a. Husbands To Their Wives. God give you a good wife? Take care of her!

 

b. Wives To Their Husbands. God give you a good husband? Take care of him!

 

c. Parents To Their Children. God give you children? Take care of them!

 

d. Children To Their Parents.

 

3. Faithful To Your Church. The falling away is in full swing so do not become a part of it.

 

a. Faithful To Attend. There are fewer and fewer in our day who are faithful to the church.

 

b. Faithful To Give. Bills, your pastor, and missionaries do not get paid in “I Owe You.”

 

c. Faithful To Labor. One person can do ten jobs but ten people can do them more easily.

 

d. Faithful To Exhort And Edify. We all, from the pulpit to the back pew, need each other.

 

4. Faithful To Your Fellow Man. You are the only Bible that most people will ever read.  Make sure you are the Right Verson!

 

a.  Faithful In Example. Light and Salt.

 

b. Faithful In Prayer. Find someone that is lost and pray for their salvation.

 

c. Faithful In Witness. Find someone that is lost and share the gospel with them.

 

5. Faithful To Your Country.  When America needs us the most, we often believe through actions that we need it least.

 

a. Faithful To Be A Good Citizen. Obey the laws of our land. Our liberty is in law.

 

b. Faithful To Be A Good Intercessor. Pray for those in authority over us.

 

c. Faithful To Be A Good Voter. Get out to vote Tuesday!  It is both your right and your duty.

 

Conclusion:  Proverbs 20:6  Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?  (May the Lord help us to be faithful in these last days!)

The Value of Intercessory Prayer

 Temple Baptist Church - 10-28-2026

2 Corinthians 1:11

Introduction:

A.  We have seen the deliverance of the Lord in verse 10.  His faithfulness to the believer in every circumstance of life is obvious in that verse.

 

B.  But there is an interesting addition to the Lord’s faithfulness in tribulation.

 

1. Verse 11 says that the intercessors in prayer helped!  They helped by holding these men of God in their prayers.  I do not think that any of us here tonight really knows the value and effect of our prayers to God for others? 

 

2. That amazes me! I try to call out the names of our missionaries each day, not knowing their needs or whereabouts.  I often tell the Lord, I don’t know what they need today, but they do.

 

3. For the most part, we offer up prayers without ever knowing the results of those prayers.  Tonight, I want to encourage you to prayer, make supplications and intercessions for others.  Your children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, those in authority, our nation, church family, missionaries, pastors, etc!

 

4. In 2 Corinthians (4:7-12, 11:23-28, 12:7-10), Paul speaks of the magnitude of his sufferings, and in 2 Timothy, he concludes his life giving glory to God for his past, present, and future deliverances. Evidently, in our text, we find that this baby, often carnal church, had much to do with his deliverances!

 

5. All I can say at this point is “Glory!”   

 

C.  Prayer is possibly the most underrated of all Christian privileges! 

 

Hebrews 4:14-16  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  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.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 

Psalms 34:15  The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.

 

James 5:16-18  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.  (17)  Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.  (18)  And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

 

D.  In verse 11, we find once again that we are “labourers together with God!”  God delivered and we helped!  Satan certainly trembles when the “least” of God’s saints fall upon their knees!

 

1.  The Privilege Of Prayer – Matthew 6:9  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

 

Mark 14:36  And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this up from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

 

Our Lord called His Father “Abba, Father!”  “Abba” is Aramaic for “Father.”  “Father, Father!” The repetition is made, to express the vehemence of his affection, and his strong confidence in God, as his Father, amidst his distress.

 

Romans 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

 

Galatians 4:6  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  (Notice here that we have the same privilege as the only begotten Son of God in prayer!)

 

2.  The Power of Prayer - Isaiah 45:11  Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. 

 

Command ye me?  Command MY hands said the Almighty God!  Now, that is power!

 

Matthew 17:20  And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Luke 1:37  For with God nothing shall be impossible.

 

John 16:24  Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.  (Notice the indictment!  Notice the promise!)

 

Jeremiah 33:3  Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.  (Notice again the three promises:  ask…will answer…show thee.)

 

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: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

 

3.  The Persistence Of Prayer – Luke 18:2-8  Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:   And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.   And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;   Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.   And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.   And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?   I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

 

Romans 1:9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

 

Romans 12:12  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

 

Ephesians 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 

Colossians 1:3  We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17  Pray without ceasing.  (We do not spend all of our time in a Prayer Closet, but we are commanded to be in constant communion with God.)

 

4.  The Passion Of Prayer – 1 Samuel 1:13-17  Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.  And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.  And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.  Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.  Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

 

Romans 15:30  Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

 

James 5:16b  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

2 Corinthians 9:14  And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 

 

The passion of praying under a burden!  Pouring out our hearts to God.

 

5.  The Pointedness Of Prayer – Matthew 6:6-7  But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.  But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

 

James 5:16b  The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

a.  Pray For Each Other - Ephesians 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 

b.  Pray For Those In Authority - 1 Timothy 2:1-3  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

 

c.  Pray For Your Needs - Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

James 4:2-3  Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

 

d.  Pray For Wisdom - James 1:5  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.

 

e.  Pray For Israel - Psalms 122:6  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

 

f.  Pray For Pastors, Missionaries, and Evangelists - Romans 15:30  Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

 

1 Thessalonians 5:25  Brethren, pray for us.

 

Thessalonians 3:1  Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

 

g.  Pray For The Lord To Come - Matthew 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

 

Revelation 22:20  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

 

Conclusion: And we fail to pray!  May we spend time with Him all during the day and see Him be enabled to work through our prayers.

The Importance of Law - Part 2 - Civil Law

Temple Baptist Church - 10-25-2026

1 Timothy 1:8-11

 

Introduction:

A. Last week, we saw the trichotomy of man, made in the image of God, body, world conscious; soul, self-conscious; spirit, God conscious. Thus, God gave the Law in three distinct parts of the Law of God to cover each of these individual parts.

 

1. Body – Civil law dictates how man behaves outwardly in society. It is to be ruled by God!

 

2. Soul – Moral Law dictates how man behaves inwardly and approaches God personally. It is to be ruled by God!

 

3. Spirit – Ceremonial Law dictates how we approach God. In the Old Testament, Atonement until Messiah would come. In the New Testament, Redemption because Messiah, Christ Jesus, did come and salvation is finished as God promised.

 

B. We found out that the foundation of God’s Law was based upon several things:

 

1. The Holiness of God found in His perfect person. God did not and could not sin!

 

1 John 1:5  This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

 

2. The Righteousness of God found in His perfect actions.

 

2 Corinthians 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

James 1:13  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

 

3. The Judgment of God found in His knowledge and execution.

 

Deuteronomy 32:13  He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;

 

C. The foundation of Civil Law was based upon the Moral Law. This brings us to verse eight in pour reading of text: “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.” — 1 Timothy 1:8.

 

D. What is Paul saying here? He is saying that there is a right and wrong way to use God’s Civil Law. The Civil Laws of God were never intended to circumvent the Moral Laws of God.  I will give you a couple of examples of what I am saying.

 

1. Civil government does not possess the authority to determine ultimate moral truth independently of God. Its authority is limited and accountable, and its administration of justice should reflect righteousness of God.

 

a) “Thou shalt not kill” is superseded by man in the killing of countless innocent children through abortion.  In today’s society, not all murder is against the law.

 

b) Righteous judgment is superseded by “catch and release” practices which allow perpetrators to be released without judgment to prey again..

 

2. Civil government has authority, but it is not the highest authority. God stands above the government, above the judge, above the legislature, and above every individual.

 

E. Let’s look at the importance and implementation of Civil Law.

 

1. Creation of Civil Law. God is the ultimate source of moral authority, and civil government is to operate under His sovereignty.

 

Romans 13:1-2  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  (2)  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 

 

2. Objectivity of Civil Law. Justice must be measured by righteous standards rather than personal preference, favoritism, or political power.

 

Romans 13:5  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  (2)  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

 

3. Structure of Civil Law. Law requires legitimate authority, defined responsibilities, fair procedures, and accountability.

 

Deuteronomy 16:18  Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

 

Titus 3:1  Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

 

4. Implementation of Civil Law. Justice must be enforced honestly, impartially, and proportionately.

 

Romans 13:3-4  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  (4)  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

 

Ecclesiastes 8:11  Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

 

Habakkuk 1:4  Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.

 

5. Submission to Civil Law. Citizens should submit to legitimate civil authority, but all human authority remains subordinate to God.

 

Romans 13:1-2  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  (2)  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 

 

Romans 13:5  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 

 

Titus 3:1  Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

 

1 Peter 2:13-14  Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;  (14)  Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

 

6. Admonition of Civil Law. When civil law and God's law appear to conflict, and at times the will, the Authority of God’s Word, which is the final authority from faith and practice, must govern the Christian's conscience!  Scripture's answer is clear:

 

Acts 5:28-29  Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.  (29)  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

 

7.  The Supplication for Civil Law and Authority.

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2  I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  (2)  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

 

Conclusion: Civil Law is both good and necessary if it is used lawfully!

The Church and Faithfulness - Part 1

 Temple Baptist Church - 10-25-2026

2 Timothy 2:11-13

 

Introduction:

A. As I continue to preach on the local church, it’s imperative that I preach on faithfulness.  As I thought on our faithfulness, I realized that we cannot be faithful outside of the faithfulness of God.  The faithfulness of God needs to be the foundation for the faithfulness of the believer. So, first things first.

 

2 Timothy 2:11-13  It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:  (12)  If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:  (13)  If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

 

Four times we find the word “if,” in these verses which is conditional on our part.  God’s faithfulness does not depend upon ours.

 

B. I want to testify this morning to the faithfulness of the Lord to His children.  The person and purposes of God never vary.  GOD IS FAITHFUL! 

 

C. Once again, notice the supposedly “archaic” (supposedly outdated) word “abideth.”  From eternity past until eternity future (I use these two expressions of eternity because we cannot fully understand it), God has been, God is, and God will always be faithful.

 

D. The great “I AM THAT I AM,” the One who inhabits eternity which has no past nor future.  “I AM THAT I AM” means eternally self-existing.  Not “I WAS” or “I WILL BE,” but “I AM!”

 

1. Our perspective of God as Paul said, “That I may know Him.” is great in one manner but extremely limited in another because we cannot understand anything without beginning or end, therefore, we use the words past and future when speaking of eternity which means infinity and perpetuality: constancy.

 

2. Eternity is an eternal moment, just one tick of time: a moment, an instance. Unfathomable! One day, we shall see Him as He is and then be like Him in our purity and eternality. Just sit and think about that for a while!

 

E. “Abideth” is in a present continuing sense. In our understanding, the same yesterday, today, and forever! Ever present, ever the same, ever faithful to Himself as verse 13 says, “He abideth faithful: He cannot deny himself!”

 

F. I do not understand all that I know, but I believe that the Lord wants me to “hammer home” the blessed truth that our God is FAITHFUL!  If we can ever grasp this one truth, then we can not only survive in this world, but we can also thrive in this world.

 

G. The importance is found in 2 Peter 1:3:  “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

 

H. Notice the phrase “All things that pertain into!” All means ALL, and that’s ALL ALL means.  We need to grasp this! 

 

1. ALL things that pertain unto life.  This is the life that we all live now.  We spend half our lives worrying about temporal things when the Bible says that God has got this!

 

2. ALL things that pertain unto godliness.  We who are saved are perfectly capable of living lives that are holy and acceptable unto God. This is mentioned in Romans 12:1:  “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.” 

 

3. We can do this!  We can live our lives in faith and holiness because: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) And, yes, another ‘Archaic,” “eth” ending!

 

J. We can be faithful because our God is and remains faithful!

 

1.  God Is Faithful To His Person - Malachi 3:6  For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

 

2.  God Is Faithful To His People - Lamentations 3:22-23  It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

 

3.  God Is Faithful In His Preservation - 1 Peter 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

 

John 10:28-30  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.  I and my Father are one.

 

4.  God Is Faithful In His Protection - Psalms 4:8  I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

 

5.  God Is Faithful In His Provision - Philippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

6. God Is Faithful To His Promises - 2 Timothy 2:13  If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

 

7.  God Is Faithful To His Purposes - Job 23:13-15  But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.  For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.  Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

 

8.  God Is Faithful Perpetually - Hebrews 13:8  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.  (Hallelujah, what a Savior!)

 

Conclusion: If God is this faithful to His person, promises, purposes, and people, and He is —is it not a valid request that His people be found faithful to him?