I Thank God for You

 Temple Baptist Church - 12-26-2024

Philippians 1:1-6

 

Introduction: 

A. The Apostle Paul had a great love for the people that he associated with in the ministry.  They certainly were not a perfect people, but they were God’s people. 

B. Often, in his epistles, Paul had to “straighten out” problems that hindered the spiritual growth and work of the gospel but always did so with love and longsuffering. 

 

Galatians 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. 

 

1. The first three aspects of the fruit of the Spirit are inward, the second three are outward, and the third three are upward.

 

2. Notice with me the outward manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit:  longsuffering, gentleness, and goodness.  Paul was certainly a Spirit filled preacher!

 

C.  Paul thanked God for them upon “every remembrance.”  Often, we pray for each other and our known needs, but how often do we thank God for each other?  As we take for granted the blessings of life, we are also often guilty of taking each other for granted. 

 

1.  We are not perfect people.  We are not a perfect church.  I am not a perfect pastor. 

 

2.  But, through the Holy Spirit of God, we are a loving people.  We are a forgiving people.  We are a unified people. 

 

3.  We are an inclusive people, and everyone is welcome at Temple Baptist Church.

 

D.  The Apostle Paul was thankful for the Lord’s people!

 

1.  Paul Thanked God For Their Faithfulness - Romans 1:8  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

 

2.  Paul Thanked God For Their Obedience - Romans 6:17  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

 

1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

 

3.  Paul Thanked God For Their Graciousness - Romans 14:6  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.

 

4.  Paul Thanked God For Their Helpfulness - Romans 16:3  Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

 

5.  Paul Thanked God For Their Loyalty - Romans 16:4  Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

 

6.  Paul Thanked God For Their Maturity - 1 Corinthians 1:4-5  I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5  That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

 

7.  Paul Thanked God For Their Prayers - 2 Corinthians 1:11  Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

 

8.  Paul Thanked God For Their Caring - 2 Corinthians 8:16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

 

9.  Paul Thanked God For Their Unity - Colossians 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

 

10.  Paul Thanked God For Their Love - 2 Thessalonians 1:3  We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

 

1 Peter 4:8  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

 

Conclusion:  I thank God for each of you tonight.  We are not a perfect people, but we are a special people because we are God’s people!

The Work of the Local Church

Temple Baptist Church - 1-22-2014

Colossians 4:7-18

 

Introduction:

A. The work of the local church is a diverse one with each believer an integral part of the “machinery” that runs it. God has placed each of us within the body as the Holy Spirit willed.

1. Every piece of the “machinery” is different - 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

2. Every piece of the “machinery” is necessary – 1 Corinthians 12:22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

3. Every piece of the “machinery” is to be unified - Colossians 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

B. As we finish the Book of Colossians, we find the Apostle Paul commending some of those who labored fervently in the work of the local church and the Lord.

1. I find no place recorded where they ever labored for the purpose of being commended. Our motivation should be to please the Lord and see souls come to Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

2. I do know that God sees, keeps a record, and will one day commend them though!

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

1. Tychicus – vs. 7 - a faithful and beloved brother who labored with Paul in communicating with the church of the Colossians. A faithful man who could keep the message right! He could be trusted with their only true means of communication. Today, there is little of this as we have telephones, cell phones, laptops, texts, and emails to communicate with but it is still important that people hear right and repeat right if necessary. By the way, you do not have to repeat everything that you hear!

2. Onesimus – vs. 9 - a true and faithful convert who remained with Paul to labor with him. What a blessing: a runaway slave became one of Paul’s greatest converts. He was a young man who saw the error of not only his ways but the eternal path that he was on, repented of his sin and turned to Christ. His master (Book of Philemon) allowed him to remain with Paul after his conversion and he never forgot nor forsook his spiritual father.

3. Aristarchus – vs. 10 - a fellow prisoner who remained true to the Lord in a dire circumstance and greatly encouraged Paul in his bonds through example and fellowship. Though in prison, this precious man never got disappointed with the Lord nor bitter concerning his circumstances. What an encouragement to the Apostle Paul to have another brother in which he could confide and with whom he could fellowship. Can you imagine the prayer meetings that these men had?

4. Marcus – vs. 10 - a young man who went not to the work with Paul and Barnabas, later matured and was rejected by Paul but, instead of being hurt and quitting, became both a blessing and essential to the great apostle in his imprisonment and later years. He was a young man who not only continued to grow in the Lord after being rejected but was given a second chance by Barnabas and, eventually the great apostle. He was truly profitable to Paul in the ministry as he could now be counted on.

5. Jesus, called Justus – vs. 11 - a converted Jew who suffered the rejection that comes to a Jewish believer through conversion to Christ. Most of us that are saved never pay a price in this country for confessing Christ as our personal Saviour. We are truly blessed but there are certain races or religions that ostracize those who convert to Christianity. Orothodox Jews are often known to have your “funeral” when you convert. He never forgot what price the Lord paid for his redemption.

6. Epaphras – vs. 12 - a member of the church of the Colossians who was a faithful prayer warrior who prayed fervently for those of his local church along with other churches in the region. Lately, I have preached much on the subject of prayer because of its importance to both our personal walk with the Lord and the work of the ministry. This man labored fervently in prayer for those in the church. What a blessing to know that someone in the church is praying for you each day.

7. Luke, the beloved physician – vs. 14 – Paul’s faithful companion who never left his side during his incarceration. “Only Luke is with me” is one of the most quoted verses concerning faithfulness. Luke was Paul’s attending physician and, yes, he could keep his own doctor! Paul said that his bodily presence was weak (2 Corinthians 10:10) and so possibly needed medical care. The gift of healing was one of the passing gifts and the “healer” could no longer heal (Philippians 2:25-27; 2 Timothy 4:20) at this time and had need of a physician.

8. Demas – vs. 14 – At the time of this epistle, Demas continued to faithfully labor with the Apostle Paul in the ministry and was a blessing to many. Demas labored with Paul for years but would later forsake him, having loved this present world. It is a sad commentary and discouragement when we lose a good brother or sister in the Lord to the world. I believe that this is a warning to all of us, from the pulpit to the pew! You may be faithful and laboring fervently today but allow sinfulness to overtake you and be gone tomorrow. None of us are exempt from this possibility.

9. Nymphas – vs. 15 – this man chose to allow the church to locate in his home bringing all of the reproach of Christ down upon his family. He chose to suffer much for the cause of Christ in a wicked city by identifying not only himself but his household with his beloved Saviour. There was enough persecution for a believer to turn to Christ as it is but to allow the local church to assemble in your home was to place a target upon your back. God blessed this man for his willingness to suffer that the local church have a place to meet.

10. Archippus – vs. 17 – the pastor at Colossae. Paul admonished him to “take heed” to the ministry that he had received in the Lord to oversee, guide, and teach the church. God’s man for this work was God’s gift to these precious believers. Many professing believers in our day do not think that need a pastor but everyone of us do! God’s man will feed you, watch over you, counsel you, guide you, pray for you, suffer with you, and be there for you! Even the most spiritual of believers needs a man of God!

One Who Did Not

Temple Baptist Church - 9-15-2013

 

2 Timothy 1:15-18

 

Introduction:

A. Last week, we looked at the churches of Asia Minor that turned away from the Apostle Paul. No explanation was given by Paul as to why they left but one thing I know, it was not through the fault of this great man of God or the Holy Spirit would have given the reason.

B. I am glad that Paul did not mention their reason or rather lack of reason for leaving because we can apply this “falling away” to our day and realize that it is not only us that they are forsaking but also the Lord and His Word and way. We are trying to maintain integrity while adhering to the Old Paths of doctrinal correctness and holiness.

C. We find the mention of a singular man in these verses who chose to stand with what and who was right. Now doubt it cost him with the world and his peers but it brought the blessing of the Lord.

D. The value of one!

1. Unfortunately, in our day, we think of numbers when measuring greatness or success. Once again, we find the value of one man in the scripture. This man is named but often these like Onesiphorus are seldom recognized because their work is done behind the scenes.

2. Onesiphorus is named only in this book, this chapter and also chapter 4, but is used by the Apostle Paul to encourage a young preacher. Thank God for the church corporately! I thank God for all of you but I also thank God for EACH of you! You are important to this pastor.

E. Bible names meant something and so it the name Onesiphorus: to gratify or derive pleasure from; to have joy. Onesiphorus: a man who caused joy to an aging apostle forsaken by many that he loved and led to the Lord.

1. The Ministry of his Life – vs. 16 “oft refreshed me” Not “refreshed me” but “oft refreshed me.”

a. He was a man who chose to be a blessing instead of a burden. When God’s man tired, Onesiphorus was the “Aaron and Hur” of the OT who held up the hands of Moses. God’s men get tired.

b. Not as much physically tired and certainly not tired of the way but often tired in the way. They try to stay strong and straight; try to wins souls and see the church increase in a right way; minister and love the people of the church; and then see so many leave in a wrong way!

c. What a refreshing it is to see these singular people who just remain faithful to the work and the pastor. I have been “oft refreshed” by you because you make it worth it all.

2. The Measure of his Love – vs. 16 “not ashamed of my chains”

a. Onesiphorus was not ashamed of his God; he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; he was not ashamed of the Word of God Paul preached; and he was not ashamed of the reproach of Christ or of God’s man who suffered because of it.

b. Thank God for people who do not have to bow their heads in shame for who and what we are and stand for. Not everyone either liked or stood with Paul because he always stayed in trouble for the cause of Christ.

3. The Magnitude of his Loyalty – vs. 17 “he sought me out”

a. Onesiphorus was not there for Paul only when it was convenient or easy but was there when he needed him most. I find in this phrase that an effort to help and comfort the Apostle Paul was made by this man. He went above and beyond the norm.

b. In those days, there was not the communication of cell phones, etc. so Onesiphorus took it upon himself to leave his family for quite a while to look the Apostle Paul up and see if he needed anything. What a blessing this man was! He went the extra mile to support and encourage God’s man. He was selfless and special.

4. The Memory of his Labors – vs. 18 “thou knowest”

a. In the last chapter of 2 Timothy, Paul said, “Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.” Paul never forgot this precious man who loved him so! He made sure that Timothy never forgot him or his household that gave up so much to be a blessing and help to Paul.

b. Then, we find his mention in the Bible we hold in our hand as God never forgot his sacrifice either. Paul said to grant him mercy and I believe that God did!

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.