When That Which Is Perfect Is Come

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-6-2026

1 Corinthians 13:8-12

 

Introduction:  “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”

A.  Chapters 12-14 deal with spiritual gifts, both sign gifts, which were passing, and service gifts, which were permanent and viable today.

 

1.  Chapter 12 names the gifts.

 

2.  Chapter 13 gives the completion and finishing of the passing gifts listed in Chapter 12.

 

3. Chapter 14 gives the rules for the use of the most confusing of sign gift, tongues.

 

B.  The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians is often called the “love chapter,” yet it is more than poetic—it is corrective.

 

1.  The church at Corinth was elevating spiritual gifts, particularly tongues, above spiritual maturity. Paul redirects their focus from the temporary to the eternal.

 

2.  In verse 10, Paul gives a decisive statement about the future.  There is something perfect coming—and when it arrives, everything partial will disappear.

 

3.  Verse 10 is emphatic in nature.  It is not an argument concerning the passing of gifts; it is a statement that puts an end to both their need and use.

 

4.  These verses are not a contrast between heaven and earth; but between partiality and completeness.

 

C.  I reemphasize that the church at Corinth was a carnal, divided, and confused one.  The Book of 1 Corinthians was not a commendation, but an open rebuke in each of its chapters.  Chapters 12-14 were used to address the misuse and abuse of sign gifts, especially the gift of tongues.

 

D.  I understand that this may upset some, but if they are not teachable, then this pastor cannot help them.  My work is to teach and preach the Bible.

 

E.  Now, what was “that which is perfect?”  I believe that the Bible is perfectly clear on the subject.  Now, we will dissect our verses for tonight.  What does your Bible say?

 

1.  Verse 8.  “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”

 

a.  Identification of the gifts.  Three times in this verse, we see the word “shall.”  “Shall” is not “if”; it is “when.”  The three gifts mentioned were never meant to be permanent.  There were signs given in the absence of the Bible we hold in our hands.  We will look at the Word of God in a later verse.  Therefore, we see that these three gifts were partial.

 

b.  The function of the gifts.

 

1)  Prophecies: the gift of prediction: the ability to look into the future and see events not yet known.  God gave these men the ability to see the future.  Sages, Seers, Prophets. 

 

2)  Tongues: languages not naturally acquired or known to the speaker.  Last week, we said that every mention of tongues was a language unknown to the speaker but understood by the hearer.

 

3) Knowledge: to perceive or to understand.  This was not general knowledge, as we continue to seek knowledge in life, but a gift given to holy men of old who were used of God in the inspiration of the Scriptures.

 

c.  The termination of the gifts. 

 

1)  Prophecies shall fail.  Men today do not know what lies tomorrow. 

 

2)  Tongues shall cease.  All denominations must send their missionaries to language schools or tutors to learn other languages.

 

3)  Knowledge shall vanish away.  That which is perfect requires no additions or subtractions.  Thus, the three Sentinels of the Bible:  Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5-6. Revelation 22:18-19.

 

2.  Verse 9-10, 12.  Two of these gifts are mentioned in this verse: knowledge and prophecy. 

 

a.  Verse 9.  Both are described as “in part.”  They were never intended to be full or complete gifts and are referred to as “in part” or partial gifts.

 

b.  Verse 10, they were to be done away with, along with the gift of tongues.

 

c.  These men of God only knew what God gave to them personally as described in verse 12.  “For now we see through a glass, darkly… now I know in part.  The glass was a mirror of God’s Word, dimly lit and unclear, while “that which is perfect” would be a clear one.  This was spiritual sight, not physical.

 

3.  From Genesis to Revelation, God gave His Word progressively—piece by piece, truth by truth—until the day came when that which was complete replaced that which was partial.

 

a.  Those in the modern-day tongues movement interpret “that which is perfect” as the Second Coming of Christ.  This neither aligns with prophecy nor with the Word of God.

 

b.  The context of “that which is perfect” is Paul’s knowing, speaking, and revelation.  Our knowing today is through “that which is perfect,” the King James Bible.  We have nothing else, nor do we need anything else.

 

4.  The Word of God.

 

a.  The Word of God is perfect - Psalms 19:7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

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

c.  The Word of God is pure - Proverbs 30:5  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

d.  The Word of God is eternal -  Psalms 119:89  LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

 

e.  The Word of God is incorruptible - 1 Peter 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

 

f.  The Word of God is sufficient - 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:

 

g.  The Word of God is final - Revelation 22:18-19  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  (19)  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

 

h.  Thank God tonight, we are not left in the dark. We are not dependent upon signs, nor dreams, nor voices in the night. We have a more sure word of prophecy. The completed, preserved, and perfect Word of God. When that which is perfect is come, that which is in part is done away—and thank God, we are no longer living in the partial, but in the perfect. The question tonight is not, ‘Is the Word enough?’ The question is, ‘Will we believe it, obey it, and stand upon it?”

 

2 Peter 1:19  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Denying The Power Thereof

 Temple Baptist Church - 7-13-2025

2 Timothy 3:1-5

 

Introduction:

 

A.  As Paul writes to Timothy in this second epistle, he describes the characteristics of religion 2,000 years ago.  Religion, not salvation!  These verses describe what is going on in America, in our state, in our city, and in our local communities. 

 

B.  As we left for church this morning, most of our neighbors, who claim to be members of or affiliated with some church or denomination, will stay at home and treat Sunday as just another day off, a day for personal pleasure and entertainment.

 

C.  Paul’s description of these individuals paints a picture of what we face today. 

 

D.  Paul’s admonition is “from such turn away.”  We live in days of “universal acceptance” and “political correctness” instead of spiritual separation. 

 

1.  Religion says, “It does not matter where you go to church as long as you go to church.”  It does matter where you go to church! 

 

2.  Religion says, “It does not matter what you believe as long as you go to church.”  Religion says, “Doctrine divides but love unifies.”  It does matter what you believe.

 

E.  Fear of God is gone, morals are gone, national pride is gone, common sense is dead, religion is hodge-podge, and an old-fashioned conversion is a rarity. 

 

F.  I believe that it all “boils down to this: “denying the power thereof!” Religion without the Power of Change. 

 

1.  The Holy Spirit used the word “denying,” which means to refuse, reject, contradict, or change.  This world has heard and known the Truth, but is in a constant state of denying it. 

 

2.  THE WORLD DOES NOT WANT WHAT WE HAVE, therefore, they refuse it and contradict it and change it.  Romans 1:25 says, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie.” 

 

G.  The word “thereof” is intriguing. It originates from a root meaning “to breathe unconsciously.” Breathing involves two main parts: inspiration, or drawing air in, and expiration, or breathing air out. 

 

H.  Breathing is one of the body’s Autonomic Responses of the nervous system: heart beat and breathing are two of the most significant of these responses. 

 

1.  These are things that we do without thinking.  The beat of the heart is the more regulated of the two as, when, you think about it, you can hold your breath or change the way that you breathe. 

 

2.  Thus it is with the life of the child of God.  We are new creatures by birth and have a new nature that is an Autonomic Response to the work of the New Birth. 

 

J.  Thus the word “thereof.”  As a legal term, one of its meanings is “from that” or “because of that.” 

 

K.  In contrast to those in the previous verses who profess Christ, but their lives deny the influence of biblical salvation, we see these two words, “power thereof” that salvation:

 

L.  Salvation is a Powerful experience.  A “change of life” is ALWAYS there when one gets saved because it is “breathed out unconsciously.”  We do not necessarily feel a change but, suddenly, things take on a different perspective.  Change in the life of the believer is a natural part of our salvation.

 

M.  I want to look at the “power thereof” for a few minutes.  Things in our lives that automatically take place.

 

1.  The Power of Conversion.  The world wants “A Salvation without a Conversion.”  True biblical salvation ALWAYS makes a change in your life! 

 

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  (Raised to walk in newness of life.)

 

a.  A changed life.  We act differently.  Conversion is an automatic response as it is done spiritually without thinking.  When I was saved, something forever changed in our lives, and we did not realize it.  Get saved and your life will NEVER be the same!

 

b.  A changed mind.  We think differently.  We see things of the world through spiritual eyes.

 

c.  A changed desire.  We desire differently.  “For to me to live is Christ.”  We do not want the old life any longer.

 

2.  The Power of Conviction.  The world wants “A Spirit without Conviction.”  When we are saved, the Holy Ghost of God begins to dwell within us. 

 

John 16:13-14  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.  (14)  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

 

a.  A sensitivity to sin.  When we sin, we know it because we become sensitive to it.

 

b.  A conviction about sin.  Sinfulness becomes wrong to the child of God.

 

c.  A desire to change from sin.  A turning away from sin to Christ.

 

3.  The Power of Conformity.  The world wants “A Scripture without Commandment.”  If the Bible is the pure Word of God, and it is, then it demands obedience.

 

Philippians 3:8-11  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  (9)  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  (10)  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;  (11)  If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

 

a.  Conformity to the Son of God.

 

b.  Conformity to the Word of God.

 

4.  The Power of Continuance.  The world wants “A Security without Cost.”  Biblical salvation is eternal and free, BUT it will cost you the world!

 

John 6:67-68  Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?  (68)  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

 

a.  Where will we go?  We cannot, by the grace of God, we will not go back to where God found us!

 

b.  To follow Christ has a cost but the price must be willingly paid!

The Judgment Seat of Christ

 Temple Baptist Church - 6-18-2025

1 Corinthians 3:9-15

 

Introduction:

 

A.  In this portion of 1 Corinthians, we have seen that Paul, the masterbuilder, has laid the “Foundation” upon which every child of God builds their lives.  I cannot emphasize enough the importance of living a consistent life for Christ, as He is the Foundation on which we must build, good or bad. 

 

1.  In the Second Corinthian Epistle, the Holy Ghost clarifies this judgment.  The best commentary on the Scriptures is the Scriptures! It is here that we find the phrase “the judgment seat of Christ.”

 

2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

 

B.  Many preachers and teachers refer to the Judgment Seat as the Bema Seat.  Bema is the Greek word for “judgment seat.”  One word in the Greek but two words in English. 

 

1.  Bema - a step, that is, foot breath; by implication a rostrum, that is, tribunal (a place of judgment): - judgment-seat, set [foot] on, throne.

 

2.  Millions of viewers watched this year’s Olympics and were amazed at the feats achieved by the bronze, silver, and most notably gold medal winners. The medal ceremony models a practice begun by the ancient Greeks, who instituted the Olympics in the eighth century B.C. A judge sat at what they called the Bema Seat at a respective race’s finish line. It was that judge who determined the winner and gave him an award immediately after the completion of the race.

 

3.  The Judgment Seat Is: 

 

a)  A place of elevation – in a large Olympic arena, there was an elevated seat on which the judge of the contest sat.

 

b)  A place of reward – the bema seat was not a judicial bench where someone was condemned; it was a reward seat.

 

C.  There has been much confusion concerning this judgment because of careless preaching on the subject.  Many, though not specifying it as a judgment for sin, leave hearers not fully informed on the subject.  Therefore: What The Judgment Seat Is Not:

 

1.  The purpose of the Judgment Seat is not to determine whether a particular individual enters Heaven or not.

 

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 

Galatians 3:11-14  But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of od, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.  And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

 

2.  The purpose of the Judgment Seat is not to punish believers for their sins committed before or after their salvation.

 

Psalms 103:10-12  He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.  For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.  As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

 

Isaiah 38:17  Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

 

Isaiah 44:22  I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

 

Micah 7:19  He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

 

Hebrews 8:12  For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

 

D.  The Fact Of The Judgment Seat:  Every believer will stand before the Lord at the Judgment Seat.  As one old preacher once said,  “There’s gonna be a great recompensing day!”

 

Romans 14:10-12  But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.  So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

 

1 Corinthians 3:13  Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.

 

2 Corinthians 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

 

E.  The Purpose Of The Judgment Seat:

 

          1.  In the past, God dealt with us as sinners.

 

Ephesians 2:1-3  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  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:  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

 

Romans 5:6   For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

 

          2.  In the present, God deals with us as sons.

 

Romans 8:14-15  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  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.

 

Hebrews 12:5-8  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

 

1 John 3:1-2  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

 

          3.  In the future, God deals with us (at the Judgment Seat) as stewards.

 

F.  The Material To Be Tested At The Judgment Seat

 

          1.  Those that are indestructible – gold, silver, and precious stones.

 

          2.  Those that are destructible – wood, hay, and stubble.

 

G.  The Works To Be Judged:

 

          1.  How we treat other believers.

 

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

 

Matthew 10:41-42  He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.  And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

 

          2.  How we employ our God-given abilities.

 

1 Peter 4:10  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

 

Matthew 15:14-29 – The parable of the Talents.

 

Luke 19:11-26 – The parable of the Pounds.

 

          3.  How we use our money.

 

2 Corinthians 9:6-10  But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.  Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

 

4.  How we suffer for Jesus.

 

Matthew 5:11-12  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

 

1 Peter 4:12-13  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

 

          5.  How we spend our time.

 

1 Peter 1:17  And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

 

          6.  How we run that particular race which God has chosen for us.

 

1 Corinthians 9:24  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

 

Philippians 3:13-14  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

 

          7.  How we control the old nature.

 

1 Corinthians 9:25-27  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

 

8.  How we witness to and help bring souls to Christ, either by planting or watering.

 

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?  For ye are our glory and joy.

 

Daniel 12:3  And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

 

Proverbs 11:30  The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.   

 

9.  How we continue to be faithful to Christ.

 

Revelation 2:10  Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

 

          10.  How we look forward to His glorious appearing.

 

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

The Restoration of the Nation of Israel

 Temple Baptist Church - 8-4-2024

Romans 11:25

 

Introduction:

 

A.  We have looked at the Selection of the Nation of Israel, God’s Glory—apple of God’s eye—God’s Elect Nation—the Nation God loves over all others!  Again, this love is national, not personal.  God loves every man, woman, and child.  God wants them to be saved through faith in the finished work of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

 

B.  My opening statement will be distasteful to many in our day as the nations of the world, including the United States of America, are turning their backs on Israel and backing Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

 

1.  I find this to be amazing as Israel has been the victim of unprovoked attacks against its civilians by all three of these groups.  Murder, rape, torture, hostages, missile attacks along with constant incursions into Israel to attack innocent civilians.

 

2.  Israel strikes back as they should and there will be collateral damage as these ungodly cowards hide and attack behinds the skirts of women and children. Hospitals, schools, daycare centers, etc.

 

3.  Israel MUST respond, and the world and fake news makes them the aggressors instead of the victims.

 

4.  Why?  Because God is setting up “Jacob’s Trouble” also called the “Tribulation Period,” where the nations of the world, under the leadership of their “god,” Satan will attack Israel in an attempt (notice I said attempt) to destroy the nation and annihilate the Jewish people.

 

C.  We saw the Rejection of the Nation of Israel.  Notice again I said the Nation of Israel, not individual Israelis.  Romans 10 speaks of their “righteousness” and ignorant of God’s “righteousness” as a rejection of Christ Jesus, who is the end of the Law of Righteousness.

 

1.  Man’s righteousness leads to spiritual death and hell.

 

2.  God’s righteousness leads to a state of impeccability because it is His and not ours.  Our righteousness is the imputed righteousness of Christ Jesus and it is the only righteousness that will take the sinner to heaven!

 

D.    This morning, we will look at the Restoration of the Nation of Israel.  Several questions were asked and answered in chapters 10 and 11 of Romans.  God gives immediate answers to each question so as to stop people from drawing their own conclusions.  Someone said that if you ask 10 people a question, you may get as many as 15 answers.

 

E.  These questions give us the biblical ability to know what God’s plan is for an elect but partially blinded (nation and not individual) nation.

 

1.  The answer to salvation.  Isarel Slipped, Stumbled, Slept, and Sleeps On.  It is all of Christ Jesus or it is nothing at all!

 

a.  The Nation of Israel Slipped.  Romans 10:3-4  For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.  (4)  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

 

b.  The Nation of Israel Stumbled.  Romans 11:9  And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:

 

c.  The Nation of Israel Slept.  God broke off the natural branches (Israel) and grafted in the Gentile nations.

 

d.  The Nation of Israel Continues today to sleep.  There is a vail over their hearts when the Word of God is read or heard.

 

2.  Is God done with Israel.  “Hath God cast away his people?”  Chapter 11:1.  The answer is no:

 

Romans 11:1-2  God forbid ... God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew.

 

a.  Nationally blinded to the gospel.

 

Romans 11:10  Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

 

Romans 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

 

b.  Individually open to the gospel. 

 

Romans 11:5  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

 

3.  Have they stumbled that they should fall.  God forbid!  Their fall was the salvation of the Gentiles.  It also provokes Israel to jealousy.  Israel’s “fall” is only partial and temporary.

 

Romans 11:11  I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

 

4.  When will Israel be restored?  At the end of “Jacob’s Trouble!”

 

Romans 11:25-27  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.  (26)  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:  (27)  For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

 

5.  Prophecy fulfilled with Israel.  God’s “Time Piece!”

 

a.  Two thousand years ago, Israel rejected Christ (John 1:11) and became nationally blinded.

 

b.  For the past two thousand, the gospel has been preached to the Gentiles as God is calling out His Church, the Body of Christ made up of every born-again believer.

 

c.  At the end of the church age, we find the Gentiles falling away from biblical salvation and embracing religion which is a mixture of faith and works.  It is either works or faith and, like oil and water, they CANNOT mix.

 

Romans 11:5-6  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.  (6)  And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

 

d.  The next major event on God’s Calendar.  The Rapture of Catching Away of God’s Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14) and the beginning of Jacob’s Trouble, the Tribulation Period.

 

e.  The Second Coming of Christ at the end of the Tribulation Period; the destruction of the nations who war against Israel. Revelation, chapter 19.

 

f.  Israel’s restoration through the knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and King.

 

Romans 11:25-26  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.  (26)  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

 

Zechariah 13:6-9  And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.  (7)  Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.  (8)  And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.  (9)  And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

 

6.  One day soon, Israel will be grafted back in and will walk in the light of the New Jerusalem forever.  What a day that will be but, until then, we will continue to bless and pray for Israel.  The Nation of Israel belongs to God!