Our Blessed Hope

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-10-2026

1 Corinthians 15:19

 

Introduction: 

A.  I think, at this beginning point of this sermon, that it would be beneficial for me to define the word hope in relation to both the world and the believer. 

 

1.  The Hope of the world is a hopeless one.  Those who have a false hope have no hope.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:13  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.

a)  Those who have a false hope.   A merit-based salvation.  When asked, “If you were to die today, are you sure that you would go to Heaven?” the typical answer is “I hope so!”  This is a hope with no real basis of expectation but, rather, the grasping of some spiritual “straw” by those who have no concept of biblical salvation. 

 

Proverbs 14:12  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

 

b)  Those who have no hope.  Atheists and agnostics.  The lost individual certainly hopes to go to Heaven but has no assurance or expectation.  The lost man has no real hope.  He has wishes and desires accompanied by pain and anxiety.  Either that there is no hereafter or that hereafter is neither knowable nor attainable.

 

Job 8:13  So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite’s hope shall perish:

 

2.  The Believer’s Hope is a living hope.

 

1 Peter 1:3-4  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  (4)  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

 

Lively - A primary verb; to live (literally or figuratively): - life (-time), (a-) live (-ly), quick (made alive)

 

a)  When asked the same question, the believer says, “I certainly would go to Heaven!”  This is a blessed assurance that Heaven is his or hers through the grace of God and is not a matter of question. 

 

b)  This hope implies confidence coupled with both pleasure and joy. Hope: Expectation, confidence, trust.  Hope is the confident expectation of future good based on the promises and faithfulness of God.

 

1)  It is an assuring hope. It has substance and evidence.  Hebrews 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

 

2)  It is a consoling hope.  2 Thessalonians 2:16  Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

 

B.  There is little hope in this life of sorrow, and our hope and expectation are therefore eternal, not temporal.

 

Job 7:6  My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope.

 

C.  The Christian’s hope is not in a denomination or dogma but is found in the person and finished work of Christ Jesus alone.

 

Titus 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

 

1 Timothy 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

 

D.  Here are ten things that biblical hope brings to the life of the Christian.

 

1.  Our Blessed Hope Brings Confidence - Psalms 31:24  Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

 

Job 14:7  For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

 

Psalms 16:9  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

 

2.  Our Blessed Hope Brings Happiness - Psalms 146:5  Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:

 

Psalms 144:15  Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

 

3.  Our Blessed Hope Brings Peace In The Face Of Death - Proverbs 14:32  The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:13  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.

 

4.  Our Blessed Hope Brings Contentment - Jeremiah 17:7  Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

 

Lamentations 3:21-26   This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22  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. 24  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. 25  The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 26  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

 

5.  Our Blessed Hope Brings Patience - Romans 5:1-9  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4  And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 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. 6  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8  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.

 

6.  Our Blessed Hope Brings Expectation - Romans 8:14-25  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 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. 16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 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. 18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20  For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21  Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23  And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

 

Ephesians 1:15-18  Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16  Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

 

7.  Our Blessed Hope Brings Loving Service - Philippians 1:19-20  For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20  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:

 

Colossians 1:3-6  We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4  Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5  For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6  Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

 

8.  Our Blessed Hope Brings Longing - Titus 2:13  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

 

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

 

9.  Our Blessed Hope Brings Witness - 1 Peter 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

 

10.  Our Blessed Hope Brings Purification - 1 John 3:3  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

The Importance of the Resurrection

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-3-2026

1 Corinthians 15:12-23

 

Introduction: Last week, we found the perversion of the Gospel, called “another gospel,” spreading throughout Asia and now evidently creeping into the Corinthian church.  Tonight, we find the reason for Paul’s doctrinal definition (verses 3-4) and determined defense of the Gospel in chapter 15.  The importance of the resurrection!

A.  The resurrection of Jesus Christ is often called the “Capstone of the Gospel.”  Without the resurrection, the Gospel is not completed as stated:

 

1 Corinthians 15:3-4  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:

 

B.  An incomplete Gospel spells an unfinished work and, therefore, a failed means of salvation.

 

C.  The importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is also found in the satanic attacks made by wicked men.

 

1.  Hidden by the Saved. 

 

a)  The Gospel is found in our newness of life lived before the world. 2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 

 

b)  The Gospel is found in our sharing to those who are lost.  John 5:29  And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

 

2.  Attacked by Satan.  2 Corinthians 4:3  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.

 

a)  Satan blinds through the perversion of the Gospel.  Either by teaching a spiritual resurrection only or a denial of the resurrection.

 

b)  Satan blinds through the denial of his followers.

 

2 Timothy 2:17-18  And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;  (18)  Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

 

D.  Evidently, the Corinthian believers had some measure of influence that denied the resurrection.

 

1 Corinthians 15:12  Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

 

E.  The importance of the Gospel: 

 

1.  If Christ be not risen, then He is not who He said that He was! – vs. 13.  “then is Christ not risen”

 

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:

 

2.  If Christ be not risen, then we preachers are wasting both our time and yours. – vs. 14  “then is our preaching vain” We preachers need to get a job!

 

3.  If Christ be not risen, then you are simply deceived and no better off than the rest of the world. – vs. 14.  “and your faith is also vain”  You are wasting your time coming to church to hear God’s Word. 

 

4.  If Christ be not risen, then we are liars of the worst kind. – vs. 15.  “Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God”  Testified - to make a solemn declaration under oath, for the purpose of establishing or making proof of some act to a court.

 

5.  If Christ be not risen, then our sins remain. – vs. 17.  “ye are yet in your sins”

 

6.  If Christ be not risen, then our loved ones are gone forever. – vs. 18.  “Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished”

 

7.  If Christ be not risen, then we are the most miserable of all people. – vs. 19.  “we are of all men most miserable”  Let us eat, drink, and be merry like the rest of the world.

 

8.  But Christ arose, and all is well!  1 Corinthians 15:20-22  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.

 

a.  In The Resurrection, We Find Victory – vs. 20  He is who He said He was!

 

1 Corinthians 15:55-57  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

b.  In The Resurrection, We Find Encouragement – vs. 22  The gospel does work and sinners are eternally changed!

 

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

 

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.

 

c.  In The Resurrection, We Find Hope – vs. 23-26

 

1)  The Resurrection Is The Seal Of God’s Acceptance Of The Sacrifice Of Christ

 

2)  The Resurrection Is The Seal Of Our Salvation In Christ

 

3)  The Resurrection Is The Seal Of Our Security For Eternity

 

a)  Faith is not a farce, but a force.

 

2b)  Forgiveness is not a fallacy, but a fact.

 

c)  Faithful aren't finished, but forever.

 

d)  Future isn't a forfeit, but fantastic. 

The Blessedness of the Gospel

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-27-2026

1 Corinthians 15:1-8

 

Introduction: 

A.  The very word gospel simply means “good news” or “good tidings.” 

 

1.  The good news for a world dying in sin! 

 

2.  The good news that God’s Son, Israel’s Messiah, and our Lord and Saviour died once for all!   “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son!” 

 

3.  The good news is that the sinful do not have to spend eternity in a devil’s hell! 

 

4.  The good news is that all that is necessary for a sinner to be saved has been done.  Salvation is a finished work! 

 

5.  The good news is that every sinner who ever lived could be saved!  (2 Peter 3:9)  “The Lord is … not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

 

6.  The good news is that God’s prepared heaven is now freely accessible to both the greatest and the least of mankind!  The ground is level at the foot of the cross; no man stands higher than I.”

 

B.  Now, for the great danger of the Gospel: 1 Corinthians 15:2  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

 

1.  In the next few verses, we find the best definition of the Gospel found in the Scriptures. 

 

1 Corinthians 15:3-4  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:

 

2.  Notice the word “also” found in verse 3.  Paul states that both the Corinthian believers, along with himself, had “received” the Gospel.  A saved man writing to saved people.

 

3.  Here, we find that the perversion of “another gospel” can occur when false doctrinal teaching finds access in the local churches. 

 

a)  The Bearers of another Gospel.  They are agents of Satan.

 

2 Corinthians 11:1-4  Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.  (2)  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.  (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 in Christ.  (4)  For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

 

b)  The Beguiling of another Gospel.  God said twice that they were accursed. 

 

Galatians 1:6-9  I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  (7)  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.  (8)  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  (9)  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

 

Colossians 1:20-23  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.  (21)  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled  (22)  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:  (23)  If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

 

4.  What is a perverted Gospel?  Adding to or taking away from the Scriptural account of the Gospel by introducing personal merit to both or either side of the Gospel.  In both the Books of 2 Corinthians and Galatians, we find the perverting of the gospel.  In the First Century, as false teachers infiltrated the local churches and found willing followers, the gospel fell under attack.  Satan hates the gospel!  The gospel is God’s power unto salvation to those who believe on Christ. 

 

a)  Another Gospel.  Personal merit essential to the Gospel for Salvation.  By adding baptism, good works, etc., to the finished work of Christ!  Teaching that the Gospel is both ALL sufficient for salvation, and also ONLY sufficient for salvation.

 

b)  Another Gospel.  Adding personal merit to the Gospel for Security.  Personal merit is essential to maintain salvation.  The teaching that they said is kept by personal merit or good works instead of the power of God through the Gospel alone.

 

c)  I fear, my beloved brethren, that we have become acceptant of these denominations of false teachings concerning salvation, which are perversions of the Gospel of Christ.

 

Romans 1:1-4  Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,  (2)  (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)  (3)  Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;  (4)  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

 

Romans 1:15-17  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.  (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.  (17)  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

 

5.  Once saved by the pureness of the Gospel, we must preach and share that same pure Gospel to the lost so that they can be saved and have full assurance of their salvation.

 

6.  To the unlearned and ignorant, this may sound hard, but we can neither allow the infiltration of a false Gospel, nor can we associate with those who preach such!

 

C.  This evening, I want to look at some aspects of the Gospel found in these verses of Scripture. 

 

1.  The Purity Of The Gospel - The Gospel Defined – vs. 3-4  Many do not understand the gospel and refer to themselves as “full gospel” by adding other things to it.  This is “another gospel which is not another!”

 

a.  Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.  (Involves the prophecies [such as not having a bone broken, etc.], doctrines of sin, Christ, and salvation.)

 

b.  Christ was buried.  (Involves prophecies fulfilled, such as that He made His grave with the rich.)

 

c.  Christ rose again the third day according to the scriptures.  (A glorious bodily resurrection.)

 

2.  The Preaching Of The Gospel - The Gospel Delivered – vs. 1, 3  The gospel must be preached in all of its purity in order to be effective.

 

a.  The Gospel Daringly Declared – vs. 1 “declared”  (Unashamedly and boldly preached.)

 

b.  The Gospel Dutifully Delivered – vs. 3 “delivered”  (In fulfillment of the Great Commission, preached to every creature both at home and abroad.)

 

3.  The People Of The Gospel – The Gospel Desired – vs. 1  A realization that salvation is through Christ alone brings about two things.

 

a.  The Gospel Brings Conversion – vs. 1 “received”  (A realization that works cannot obtain salvation.)

 

b.  The Gospel Brings Confidence – vs. 1 “stand”  (A realization that works cannot maintain salvation.)

 

4.  The Power Of The Gospel – The Gospel Demonstrated - vs. 3-4  The Gospel message works as well today as it did two thousand years ago.  It is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.

 

a.  The Power Of Propitiation – vs. 3 “Christ died” (For every man, woman, and child who ever has or ever will live.)

 

b.  The Power Of Salvation – vs. 3 “our sins” (For all of our sins, past, present, and future.)

 

c.  The Power Of Resurrection – vs. 4 “rose again”  (Brings resurrection presently in holiness of life and then resurrection future into His eternal presence.)

 

5.  The Protection Of The Gospel – The Gospel Defended - vs. 2  The Gospel has always been under attack because it alone brings salvation.  The Gospel was attacked through the denial of the resurrection of the Sadducees, those who were religious zealots who crucified Christ, the soldiers who were to keep the tomb.

 

a.  Against Apostasy’s Deviation – vs. 2 “keep in memory”  (We live in days where the virgin birth, blood atonement, and other major gospel doctrines are under attack.)

 

b.  Against Apathy’s Dereliction - vs. 2, 10 “believed in vain…I laboured”  (If the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and it is, then we must be busy telling others the glorious news that Christ died for them and they can be eternally saved through trusting His finished work at Calvary.)

The Regulation of Biblical Tongues

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-20-2026

1 Corinthians 14

 

Introduction:

A.  I would like to finish spiritual gifts and, especially tongues, tonight.  First, I would like to answer an obvious question that no one has asked.  Why, out of all the sign gifts that were passing, did the Bible only mention three in chapter 13?  Because these three, prophecies-tongues-knowledge, are the only ones that can be faked!

 

1.  You cannot fake miracles by walking on the water, parting the Red Sea, stopping and restarting the water cycles, etc.  Only God can do that.

 

2.  You cannot fake healings, though many have tried.  I tell these fake healers to go to St. Jude, where these precious children are dying of cancer, and empty the beds.

 

3. You cannot fake prophecies or see into the future.  Tell me what is going to happen in my future or the future of our nation.  No man or woman can do this.  Seers, sages, prognosticators, dreams, and visions are gone.  Even the weatherman or woman, with all their tools, cannot predict the weather next with complete accuracy.

 

B.  The three passing gifts mentioned that ceased when the complete revelation of God that we call the Bible was done.  Today, there are no prophecies, extrabiblical knowledge, and no tongues!

 

C.  I am not going to try to convince the Charismatic Movement, Pentecostals, Assemblies of God, etc., because they have a Bible, and if they have the Author of the Scriptures living inside, they are ignorant at best of what it says (though accountable because they have a Bible to read and study), or they are willfully ignorant because they will not hear the Word of God.

 

D.  Though vanishing at the time, the Holy Spirit set parameters or regulations to guide the believer.  Paul stated their irrelevance within the local church.  There are no instances in the Bible where they were ever spoken in local churches, but Paul regulated them because, at times, there were unbelieving Jews who assembled with them.

 

1.  Paul gave their irrelevance in preaching or testifying. 

 

1 Corinthians 14:8-11  For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?  (9)  So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.  (10)  There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.  (11)  Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

 

1 Corinthians 14:19-20  Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.  (20)  Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

 

2.  Paul gave their irrelevance in prayers. 

 

1 Corinthians 14:14-15  For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.  (15)  What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

 

E. The word unknown is mentioned six times in six verses.  All six are italicized, indicating they were inserted by the translators, not by God.  There is no such thing as an unknown tongue in the bible.

F.  Let’s look at the regulations quickly.

1.  Rule #1.  1 Corinthians 14:21-22  In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.  (22)  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

 

Biblical tongues were meant to be spoken in the presence of unbelieving Jews, both indigenous and proselytes.  I wonder how many tongue-speaking churches have ever heard that.  No doubt many have read it, but apply that to the time it was written.  They are right in that respect, but wrong in thinking they have the gift without any regulations.

 

Isaiah 28:11  For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

 

2.  Rule #2.  1 Corinthians 14:27  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

 

“If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three”

 

I wonder how many tongue-speaking churches have ever heard that.  No doubt many have read it, but apply that to the time it was written.  They are right in that respect, but wrong in thinking they have the gift without any regulations.

 

3.  Rule #3.  1 Corinthians 14:27  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

 

“and that by course;”

 

Tongues were to be used in an orderly fashion, one at a time.  Today’s tongue-speaking is done with as many as will speak anytime they feel like it.

 

I wonder how many tongue-speaking churches have ever heard that.  They are wrong in thinking they have the gift without any regulations.

 

4.  Rule #4.  1 Corinthians 14:27-28  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.  (28)  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

 

“and let one interpret.  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church.”

 

All Biblical tongues were to have immediate interpretation.  No interpreter, no tongues!

 

I wonder how many tongue-speaking churches have ever read or heard that.  They want these passing gifts with no biblical regulations.

 

5.  Rule #5.  1 Corinthians 14:32-33  And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  (33)  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

 

Biblical tongues were to be controlled by the speaker.  These out-of-control speakers cause confusion.

 

“And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

 

I wonder how many tongue-speaking churches have ever heard that.  They want these passing gifts with no biblical regulations.

 

6.  Rule #6.  1 Corinthians 14:34-35  Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.  (35)  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

 

Biblical tongues were to be spoken by men only! 

 

1 Timothy 2:11-14  Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.  (12)  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.  (13)  For Adam was first formed, then Eve.  (14)  And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

 

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” 

 

These verses in 1 Timothy and 1 Corinthians are in perfect agreement. 

 

I wonder how many tongue-speaking churches have ever heard or been taught that.  Pentecostal Movements are women-driven ones.  The vast majority of tongue-speakers are women, and this is clearly stated and forbidden by the Bible.

 

Conclusion:  1 Corinthians 14:38  But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

The Charity That Binds

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-13-2026

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

 

Introduction:

A.  Over the past few weeks, we have been dealing with the spiritual gifts that the Lord gave to both individuals and the local church.  In the three lists of spiritual gifts, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4, we find that, biblically, there were given sign gifts, which were passing gifts given until the completion of the scriptures, and permanent gifts that were to be used within the local churches, along with the completed scriptures.

 

1.  All three of these chapters that deal with spiritual gifts are an open rebuke! 

 

2.  Chapter 12 rebukes them for choosing the least (last mentioned gift of tongues) of all gifts, which tend to glorify the individual, and encourages them to choose the best gifts (service gifts), which are all about others.

 

3.  Paul uses the words “earnestly covet” in chapter 12 because they were coveting the least of the sign gifts that glorified themselves rather than the service gifts that glorified God and others. Covet and covetousness are used 41 times in your Bible, and the First Mention, the Last Mention, and almost all of those in between are used in a negative spiritual light!

 

1 Corinthians 12:31  But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

 

4.  Chapter 14 sets the rules for the gift of tongues because of the Corinthians' misuse of them.

 

B.  2,000 years ago, certain of the passing gifts brought self-glory, confusion, and division within the Corinthian church.  This carnal church was the only one mentioned by the Holy Spirit in the Bible that had such division. 

 

1.  Elevation of individual sign gifts brought about pride in self.  The same happens today with pseudo-spiritual gifts.  They are saved, but we are not.  They are filled with the Holy Ghost, but we are not.

 

2.  Elevation of individual sign gifts brought about confusion within the body of Christ.  Now, instead of the sign gifts being given to certain individuals, they are given only to certain denominations.

 

3.  Dividing and classification within the body of Christ, which brings about confusion and contention.  God is not the Author of confusion, but of peace within the Church.

 

C.  The middle chapter concerning spiritual gifts gives the recipe for unity in the Corinthian church.  A refocusing upon the things that unite instead of divide, along with gifts that will remain instead of those that are passing.  Christian charity that binds, rather than passing gifts that divide.

 

D.  The meaning of Charity.  Many of the new perversions called “bibles” have changed the word to “love.”  This is a cardinal mistake!  The word “love” is an “umbrella” that covers many kinds of love.  Charity is a peculiar love.  It is the love of the brotherhood. 

 

1 Thessalonians 4:9  But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

 

1.  Many churches are measured by their highly educated, articulate preachers. Make a beautiful, articulate speech, impress the people, but—without charity—your message is just another hollow sound.

 

2.  Many churches are measured by their social standing.  Have all the doctors, lawyers, etc. that you want and be “nothing.”  A local church is not a social club.

 

3.  Many churches are measured by their beautiful buildings.  When I was stationed in Germany, I saw the beautiful architecture of 500-plus-year-old churches that are now just that, beautiful architecture.  A local church is not an ornate building but a “called out assembly of saints” to worship.

 

4.  Many churches are measured by the size of their membership.  The Bible is clear on the direction of the “many” and the “few.”  Most of the time, many are headed in the wrong direction because they are popular with this world.  A local church is measured in quality, not quantity.

 

E.  You can have all of these things and become a “sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” and be “nothing” in the sight of God. 

 

John 13:35  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

 

1 John 4:7-12  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  (8)  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  (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.  (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.  (11)  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.  (12)  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

 

1.  Charity must be a universal love of the brethren.  Verses 1-3.  It loves all and loves all equally.

 

a.  Charity has nothing to do with social status.

 

b.  Charity has nothing to do with financial clout.

 

c.  Charity has nothing to do with ethnicity.

 

d.  Charity has nothing to do with gender.

 

e.  Charity has nothing to do with faithfulness.

 

e.  Charity is equal from the pulpit to the pew.  From the pew to the pulpit.  From the back pew to the front pew. 

 

2.  Charity supersedes the passing, charismatic gifts of chapter 12.  The Corinthians could have these spiritual gifts and continue to be a “sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”  Simply stated, hollow and meaningless.  With that said, let us look at the best definition of charity, which is found in 1 Corinthians 13, with the Word of God giving it these characteristics:

 

3.  Charity is a binding love of the brethren.  Verses 4-7.  It is what holds the local church together.

 

a.  Charity Suffers Long – “Charity suffereth long” 

 

b.  Charity Is Kind – “and is kind”

 

c.  Charity Is Happiness For Others - “charity envieth not”

 

d.  Charity Puts Others First – “charity vaunteth not itself”

 

e.  Charity Has A Proper Opinion Of Self – “is not puffed up”

 

f.  Charity Behaves – “Doth not behave itself unseemly”

 

g.  Charity Does Not Get Mad – “is not easily provoked”

 

h.  Charity Gives The Benefit Of The Doubt – “thinketh no evil”

 

i.  Charity Is Broken Hearted Over Sin – “Rejoiceth not in iniquity”

 

j.  Charity Loves Right – “but rejoiceth in the truth”

 

k.  Charity Is Forbearing – “Beareth all things”

 

l.  Charity Hopes For The Best – “hopeth all things”

 

m.  Charity Remains Constant – “endureth all things”

 

n.  Charity Never Fails – “Charity never faileth”

 

o.  Charity trumps all things – “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity”

 

4.  The three gifts remaining that unite instead of divide: 1 Corinthians 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.