Seven Things We Have In Christ

Temple Baptist Church - 1-17-2018

2 Peter 1:1-4

Introduction: 

A.  We have spent a lot of time in the first 4 verses of this vital little book of the Bible, so I want to do a little summation tonight before we move on to the next verses.

B.  If the world only knew!  When we try to win them to Christ, they act as if we are trying to give them a dose of castor oil.  If the world only knew the blessings and joy of being saved!  In our world, the lost have equated salvation with religion and religion is enough to turn anyone away from Christ.  If they would only be saved, then they would know the truth about salvation.

1.  In Christ they will have the forgiveness of sins.

2.  In Christ they will have the gift of the Holy Ghost.

3.  In Christ they will have the peace of God that passeth all understanding.

4.  In Christ they will have a life that satisfies.

5.  In Christ they will have a conscience that Is pure.

6.  In Christ they will have joy unspeakable and full of glory.

C.  You can tell them that Jesus loves and died for them; you can tell them that hell is a fearful reality; you can beg and plead and they continue to walk the same road.  It is the “broad road” and the “wide gate” where the many of Matthew 7:13-14 walk.  It is heart breaking to see so many people that we know reject our wonderful Saviour.

D.  Sometimes, we that are saved forget what we have in Christ and take for granted His great salvation.  In Hebrews, Paul said, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?”  It is truly a “great salvation” and should be cherished by those redeemed from:

1.  A Life Of Despair

2.  A Life Of Defilement

2.  A Life Of Destruction

3.  A Life Of Damnation

E.  We have so much in Christ but, in our verses for this morning, Peter set forth some wonderful truths concerning our COMMON salvation.

1.  We Have A Like Precious Faith – vs. 1a

a.  Faith Brings A Relationship With Christ That Is Precious – “precious faith”

1 Peter 2:4-7   To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God,and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

Galatians 4:6  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

b.  Faith Brings A Fellowship With Saints That Is Common – “like precious faith”

Jude 3   Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Titus 1:4  To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

2.  We Have An Unquestionable Standing – vs. 1b

a.  You May Question My Personal Righteousness - Romans 7:18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

b.  You Cannot Question His - 1 Timothy 6:14-16  That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;  Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

3.  We Have The Grace To Endure – vs. 2a

a.  Grace That Is Abundant – 1 Corinthians 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

b.  Grace That Is Available - 1 Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

c.  Grace That Is Multiplied - 2 Peter 1:2  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

d.  Grace That Is Sufficient - 2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

4.  We Have The Peace To Trust – vs. 2b

a.  Peace In The Midst Of The Storm - Mark 4:39  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

b.  Peace In The Midst Of Sorrow - John 11:21-23  Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.  But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.  Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

c.  Peace In The Midst Of Confusion - Philippians 4:6-7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

5.  We Have The Power To Overcome – vs. 3

a.  Power To Overcome The World - 1 John 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.

b.  Power To Overcome Evil - Romans 12:21  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

c.  Power To Overcome Satan - 1 John 2:13  I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

6.  We Have The Reality Of A Changed Life – vs. 4a

a.  A New Life Of Faith - Romans 1:17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

b  A New Life Of Holiness - 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.

7.  We Have The Hope Of Eternal Life – vs. 4b

a.  Hell Is Gone – Revelation 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

b.  Heaven Is A Reality - John 14:2-3  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

As He Is, So Are We In This World

Temple Baptist Church - 3-18-2015

1 John 4:13-19

 

Introduction:

 

A.  This passage of Scripture has always intrigued me and, when I got a grasp on it, it thrilled my soul to know just how much the Lord loves me and what He did for me over 38 years ago. 

 

B.  “As he is” is a direct reference to the Lord Jesus Christ in both His person and this present time in which we live.  “As he is…so are we” in this world.  I want you to see the implications of this verse this morning.

 

C.  I, like most—if not all—of you, know what I am.  I find nothing in my person or actions that would cause the Lord to even give to me the time of day.  First of all, I want to say, “Thank God for grace!”  If you are working your way to heaven or trying to maintain your salvation through works, you are the most deceived of all people.

 

D.  This is the point that I will strive to make: we see what and who we are and it causes our spiritual perception of self to be tainted.  We have a natural problem discerning the difference between positional salvation and practical salvation.

 

1.  Positional Salvation is what we are in Christ Jesus.  It does not involve or rest upon personal merit but rather upon the finished work of Jesus Christ (death, burial, and resurrection).  Salvation depends upon what He did, not what we are doing.  This is why life must be eternal in Christ!  We are hid with Christ in God and already seen as seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

 

2.  Practical Salvation is what Jesus Christ does through us and involves both a conversion—which brings about the new creature—and either obedience or lack of obedience to God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit.  It is difficult for us to realize just how secure that we are in Christ!  Nothing that we do can separate us from the love of Christ!  (Romans 8:38-39)

 

E.  Verse 17 says that we may have boldness in the day of judgment (Judgment Seat of Christ found in 2 Corinthians 5:10) because we will stand before God positionally perfect: dressed in the righteousness of Christ alone (2 Corinthians 5:21.) 

 

F.  As He is right now, seated at the right hand of the throne of God—making intercession for us, so are we right now!  Not, “so will we be when we get to heaven,” but SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD!  In a sinful world, in a sinful body, and with all of our spiritual imperfections!  Hallelujah, What A Saviour!!!

 

G.  Let us look at some of the things that we have in common with our Lord:

 

1.  We Have The Same Heavenly Father - John 20:17  Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.  (My earthly father loved me, protected me, fed me, clothed me, sheltered me, guided me, and cared about my complete well being. God cares about me and for me infinitely more that my earthly dad!) 

 

2.  We Have The Same Eternal Life - John 14:19  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.  (Our Lord is not talking about our physical life here.  The disciples lived physically regardless of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.  He is speaking of a life with no end.)

 

3.  We Have The Same Nature - 2 Peter 1:4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  (By way of resemblance and likeness, the new man or principle of grace, being formed in the heart in regeneration, after the image of God, and bearing a likeness to the image of his Son.  We are changed from glory to glory because of the Spirit that lives within!)

 

4.  We Have The Same Position - Ephesians 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  (In God’s infinite wisdom, we are already seated with Him in Heaven.  Just as if you were already home!)

 

5.  We Have The Same Peace - John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Isaiah 32:17  And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.  (The child of God not only has peace with God, he or she has the peace of God.)

 

6.  We Have The Same Love - 1 John 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

Romans 5:5  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.  (When we get saved, we love as God loves!  One of the greatest changes that take place in our lives is that we love what and who God loves!  Too many people say that they are saved and yet do not love God, God’s house, God’s word, God’s people, or sinners!)

 

7.  We Have The Same Comission - John 20:21  Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.  (We receive power through the Holy Ghost and we have commandment to go into all the world and give the gospel to every creature.)

 

8.  We Have The Same Glory - John 17:22  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.  (We, in this world, are as perfect and pure as Jesus Christ.  It is because we have the righteousness of God in Him!)

 

Conclusion:  We should do the best that we can do in this world, but—in spite of our best efforts—we are miserable failures in the flesh.  Do not be too hard on yourself though.  While not condoning sin, God sees us through the blood of His Son and—therefore—sees us in all of His perfection, not our imperfection!  Well Glory!

Risen To What?

Temple Baptist Church - 7-17-2013

 

Colossians 3:1-4

 

Introduction:

A. The Bible never ceases to amaze me. God can say so much in so little space concerning spiritual truth and does so in verses 3-4.

B. Verse 1 says, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”

1. “Risen with Christ” speaks of having a real salvation experience: one that transforms the natural (dead) man into a spiritual (living) one. It is not a religious experience but rather a spiritual transformation that brings about an eternal change. Risen means “to rouse up” or to “rise from the ruins or nonexistence” and “with” means together with Christ.

2. “Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth” refers to eternal things, not temporal ones. There is nothing wrong with temporal things as long as they do not become our heart’s treasure but foolish men too often trade the eternal which cannot be lost for the temporal which cannot remain.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; (18) While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

C. I want to simply break these last two verses down into a simple sermon outline showing the results of coming to Christ.

1. Our Promise – “ye are dead, and your life is”

a. Salvation is universal - Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

b. Salvation is assured - Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

c. Salvation is immediate - 1 John 3:2 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.

d. Salvation is effective - 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.

e. Salvation is complete - Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

2. Our Position – “hid with Christ in God”

a. Safe from enemies - John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

b. Safe from failure - Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

c. Safe from sin - 1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

3. Our Possession – “Christ, who is our life”

a. Christ gives us life - 1 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (12) He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

b. Christ is our life - Acts 17:27-28 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: (28) For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

4. Our Prospect – “when Christ … shall appear”

a. His Promise - John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

b. His Person - 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

5. Our Place – “with Him in glory”

a. With Him - Revelation 22:3-5 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: (4) And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. (5) And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

b. In glory - Revelation 21:2-4 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (3) And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. (4) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

You Are Richer Than You Think!

Temple Baptist Church - 4-7-2013

 

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Introduction:

A. Here at Temple Baptist, we do not have “rich people” who attend. It seems that all of the doctors, lawyers, business owners, executives, CEO’s, etc. always join one of the 3 “first” churches downtown. Why?

1. One, because the bible, in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, says “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.”

2. I am not saying that all of these are unsaved but, the bible says that most probably are not! Mark 10:25-27 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (26) And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? (27) And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

3. Thank the Lord, there are some men of money, position, or power that come to the Lord. Most of these will seek a good bible preaching church which leads me to the second reason.

4. Two, because these rich people are seeking the prestigious churches that can advance their business interests. “Birds of a feather” still “flock together” and rich folks “hobnob” with rich folks as a general rule.

5. Three, because bible believing, bible preaching churches “have too much for them!” Most people are looking for a church where nothing is expected from them and they can do as they please in comfort.

B. Now, I am through with that crowd. It would be a blessing to world missions if they were here but we certainly would not want them to be uncomfortable. If they had been here tonight, I would have hit them but—since they will not come to us, I am going to apply tonight’s verses to you and me! You may think, “Preacher, I am not rich!” But, you are so wrong.

C. By the world’s standards, Americans are rich! I have lived in Germany (an industrialized nation) and have visited third world nations. In the nations that I have visited and lived in, there has been none that can compare to the USA. We are the standard for wealth and comfortable living! America is a utopia in the eyes of the world and that is why we are the largest nation of immigrants in the world.

D. Now, let us apply these verses.

1. Do not be proud. “be not highminded” Thank God for all that you have while remembering that all came from Him. We are given health, opportunity, jobs, etc. by the Lord. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

2. Trust not in uncertain riches. “trust not in uncertain riches” Proverbs 23:4-5 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. (5) Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

3. Trust the Lord. “but in the living God” Psalms 146:3-5 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. (4) His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. (5) Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:

4. Enjoy the blessings that the Lord has given to you. “who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” Ecclesiastes 2:24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

5. Remember the work of the Lord. “That they do good” Hebrews 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

6. Use the finances that you have in the Lord’s work. “ready to distribute, willing to communicate” 1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

7. Seek heavenly treasures over temporal ones. “Laying up in store” Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Ye Are Complete In Him

Temple Baptist Church - 3-27-2013

 

Colossians 2:9-11

 

Introduction:

A. There is much controversy within major denominations concerning our position in Christ. It has been debated for years and will never be settled until such a time as everyone finds their doctrine bible based alone. Such questions arise as:

1. Is salvation through faith alone or is it mixed with human merit? This question even arises on occasion within the independent Baptist ranks as some believe that salvation before Christ and after the rapture is a mixture of faith and works.

2. Is our position in Christ secure? Can a saved person ultimately be lost? Is our security in Christ works based or faith based? Does the believer have to endure in either works or faith in order to be ultimately safe or does his security rest in the finished work of Christ alone?

B. There are those who break down these views into two distinct groups: Calvinist and Armenian.

1. The Calvinist believes that the sovereignty of God requires salvation to be totally of God to an elect few. The elect are predestined and have no choice in salvation. Those elected are therefore secure.

2. The Armenian believes that salvation is through faith but kept through human merit. Therefore, the believer can ultimately be lost through either sinfulness or loss of faith.

C. The true bible believer is neither Calvinist nor Armenian and believes that salvation is by grace through faith. Man has a choice to believe or disbelieve and salvation is eternal in nature. Herein we stand.

D. The believer’s position in Christ is set forth in the words “ye are complete in him.”

1. We are complete in Christ for the world that now is. 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: (Practical Salvation is what Jesus Christ does through us and involves both a conversion—which brings about the new creature—and either obedience or lack of obedience to God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is difficult for us to realize just how secure that we are in Christ! Nothing that we do can separate us from the love of Christ! [Romans 8:38-39])

a. He gives us His Spirit. John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. (38) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (39) (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

b. He gives us His Word. Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (7) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

c. He gives us His Power. Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2. We are complete in Christ for the world to come. 1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (Positional Sanctification is a work of God in salvation and is totally void of human merit. Notice the wording of this particular verse: “As he is, so are we in this world.”)

a. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We are not “gods” neither are we the “only begotten” sons of God but we are the sons of God by faith. 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. (2) 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.

b. Jesus Christ is with God. Our Lord now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven as he “ever liveth” to make intercession for the saints. You and I that are saved are also seated with God in heavenly places. Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

c. Jesus Christ is faultless before God. Our Lord is the sinless, absolutely pure, and forever holy Son of God! We are “hid with Christ in God” positionally and, in Him, is not sin. The seed of God remaineth in us and there is a part of us sealed until the day of redemption that “cannot sin” according to 1 John 3:9: “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”

Jude 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

d. Jesus Christ lives eternally. He is the eternal Son of God. He does not have life, He is life! We that are saved have eternal life. We are not on probation; we have salvation. We are kept by the power of God through faith, not by our obedience or goodness. John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.