Temple Baptist Church - 4-29-09
Galatians 3:1-7
Introduction:
A. One of Satan’s greatest tactics is that of confusion. There is one thing that we know for certain concerning confusion:
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
B. The Holy Ghost uses the word “bewitched” in verse one to describe the condition of the Galatian believers.
BEWITCHED - from Old English wiccian, from wicce, witch, or wicca, sorcerer. enchanted, charmed, transformed, fascinated, entranced, possessed, captivated, enthralled, beguiled, ravished, spellbound, mesmerized, enamoured, hypnotized, enraptured, under a spell.
C. Satan uses many “devices” in order to confuse both sinners and saints.
2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
BEWTICHING DEVICES
1. He has blinded the minds of those who believe not - 2 Corinthians 4:4 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.
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
2. He has gotten good called evil – 2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (Satan always attacks truth and makes it look evil.)
3. He has used the testimony of carnal believers - Romans 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: (Not to live God’s Word causes others not the believe God’s Word.)
4. He has introduced satanic versions of God’s Word – Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Watered down “bibles” grow anemic “Christians.”)
5. He has flooded the airways with false prophets - 2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (Saved people thrive on the preaching of doctrinally impure and compromised preachers. Television and radio are great tools for both true and Carleton preachers.)
6. He uses shallow, ear tickling preachers - 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (If you do not like strong Bible preaching, just take your pick. There are churches all around where things are “smoother.”)
Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
7. He uses believes who refuse the strong meat of God’ Word - Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (Many are comfortable with the spiritual plane that they are on and refuse to go any farther.)
8. He has reproached God’s men through sons of Belial - Ezekiel 33:32-33 And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. 33 And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.
3 John 9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. (Disassociate from those who speak against or contrary to your Pastor.)
9. He has filled the churches with “tares” - Matthew 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (Churches are full of unsaved members who will not receive the truth.)
2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
10. He has used the apostasy of the multitudes to bring about “political correctness” - 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (We live in days where those who “buck” the philosophy of the world are labeled fundamentalist, divisive, narrow minded, non-conformists, bigots, etc. It is peer pressure to become politically correct.)
11. He has used the destruction of the family to cause believers to compromise - Matthew 10:34-36 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. (To believe right causes household division.)
SEVEN QUESTION FOUND IN THESE VERSES TO BE ANSWERED
1. Vs. 1 - Who hath bewitched you? Who are you spending time with? Who are you listening to? What are you listening to?
2. Vs. 2 – Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? How did you get saved: by works or faith?
3. Vs. 3 – Are ye so foolish? It is foolish to revert back to the Law which cannot save! It is foolish to think that we can somehow merit favor with God outside of Christ! It is foolish to think that we are good enough to go to Heaven! It is foolish to think that we deserve God’s blessings!
4. Vs. 3 - Are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Sanctified? We no longer sin? We now seek to do the perfect will of God in every aspect of our lives? We have apprehended where Paul could not?
5. Vs. 4 - Have ye suffered so many things in vain? These Galatian believers paid a high price for their confession of faith! They were persecuted for their faith in Christ.
Hebrews 11:24-27 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
6. Vs. 5 - He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? What does your pastor teach? Does he teach you works for salvation or to keep salvation? Once again, who are you listening to?
7. Vs. 7 - Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham? Those who believe are “children of Abraham.” Abraham believed God and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. We have believed God and that is all that is necessary in order to become “righteous.”
How To Guard Against Being Bewitched
1. Stay right with God! Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
John 16:13 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.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 16:13 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. (Stay close to God and the Holy Spirit will guide you into “all truth,” not part truth and part error!)
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
2. Make sure that you are faithful to church! Sunday School, Sunday Morning Worship, Sunday Night Service, Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting, and Revival Services! Thomas was not with the other disciples and missed the Lord! (These services are not to wear us out physically. They are to pull us out of the world for a while and saturate us with a godly surrounding where there is praying, testifying, preaching, and God’s children. To be other than faithful is to “sin willfully!” To sin willfully brings about chastening.)
1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
3. Read, Study, and Believe your King James Bible! 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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:
4. Listen to your Pastor’s teaching and preaching! Ephesians 4:11-16 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
5. Learn to STAY away from those who are of contrary doctrine. Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Some people know so much more than God! Pastors can preach this until they are “blue in the face” and some people will just smile, go home, and turn these false prophets right back on. It amazes me! I have no desire to listen to a man [or woman – Joyce Myers in particular] who do not believe this Bible, the doctrines of this Bible, and affiliate with others of the same “cut of the cloth!”)
Conclusion: The believers at Galatia were “bewitched” because of their poor spiritual condition. We live in days of confusion like the world has never known so we must beware of Satan’s devices!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Prodigal’s Father
Temple Baptist Church - 5-10-2009
Luke 15:11-32
Introduction:
A. This story is ever so familiar to many of us because:
1. Many of us have been Prodigals at one time or another.
2. Some of us have Prodigals in our family now.
3. If you have not been a Prodigal, thank God.
4. If you do not have a Prodigal, thank God and be watchful.
B. There is story after story in the Bible of godly parents who have had children go astray. We are not perfect parents and do fail our children just as we fail God. Raising children for the Lord does not force them to make right decisions.
C. I am not trying to take all of the blame from us parents who have Prodigal children but am going to give us some hope tonight. God had two children in a perfect environment and they chose to sin. Children still have to choose the path for their lives, otherwise they become robots of our making.
D. Children raised in ungodly homes get saved and serve the Lord while children raised in godly homes sometimes chose to reject Christ. The only place that I see where Adam and Eve sinned was in the Garden of Eden and yet they lost their first born.
E. Let us look at this Prodigal’s father for a few minutes. He was a godly father with nothing evil spoken about him and yet he had one Prodigal leave while the other Prodigal stayed.
1. He realized That His Son Had The Right To Make A Choice – vs. 12 “he divided unto them his living” - (You can teach and plead, but you cannot choose.)
2. He Did Not Compromise What He Believed Or Where He Stood – vs. 13, 20 “a far country…yet a great way off” (You have to let them go and distance themselves. Continue to do what you are doing – don’t stop or let up. Give them something stable to come back to.)
3. He Never Gave Up On His Son Though He Must Have Waited A Long Time – vs. 20 “yet a great way off, his father saw him” (Stay encouraged! Give the Lord time to work.)
4. He Never Ceased To Love And Pray For His Son – vs. 20 “fell on his neck and kissed him” (As much as possible, keep the wayward child’s sin between them and the Lord.)
5. When He Saw His Son Returning, He Made An Effort To Help Him – vs. 20 “had compassion, and ran” (The wayward child will need your help and guidance.)
6. He Willing Received His Son Back When He Repented – vs. 21-22 “I have sinned…bring forth the best robe” (The wayward child will be looking for any signs of rejection during restoration.)
7. He Restored His Son To His Former Position – vs. 22 “bring the best robe…ring…shoes” (Full restoration, not partial as the son both deserved and expected.)
8. He Never Made A Difference Between His Sons – vs. 24 “for this my son” (Even though one left, they were both his sons with equal privileges.)
9. He Would Not Let Others Son Mistreat The Lost Son When He Came Home – vs. 25-32 (Stand with him or her unashamedly when they get right.)
1. Stop Blaming Yourself! There is nothing that you can do to change the situation now and the child made bad choices! They were raised better. They knew better when they chose the wrong path. Get over it because there is work to do.
2. Never cease to pray for them! Morning, noon, and night. All during the day, call their names out to God as Job did. He sacrificed for his children each day just in case they committed sin.
3. Do not compromise in order to get him or her back! Hold steady and serve the Lord. They must have a godly home to come back to one day.
4. Expect God to honor His Word and work in their hearts. You spent years teaching them the Word of God and it will not return void.
5. Do not “cut your children off.” Leave the door open for reconciliation. I understand that, under certain conditions, you have to break fellowship with them but let them know that they can get right with God and you.
6. Love them as God loves you! Forgive them as God forgives you! I am glad that He loves me in spite of my sinfulness.
7. Go on with your life! Life does not stop because they have made wrong choices and you life does not now center around them. It centers around the Lord.
Luke 15:11-32
Introduction:
A. This story is ever so familiar to many of us because:
1. Many of us have been Prodigals at one time or another.
2. Some of us have Prodigals in our family now.
3. If you have not been a Prodigal, thank God.
4. If you do not have a Prodigal, thank God and be watchful.
B. There is story after story in the Bible of godly parents who have had children go astray. We are not perfect parents and do fail our children just as we fail God. Raising children for the Lord does not force them to make right decisions.
C. I am not trying to take all of the blame from us parents who have Prodigal children but am going to give us some hope tonight. God had two children in a perfect environment and they chose to sin. Children still have to choose the path for their lives, otherwise they become robots of our making.
D. Children raised in ungodly homes get saved and serve the Lord while children raised in godly homes sometimes chose to reject Christ. The only place that I see where Adam and Eve sinned was in the Garden of Eden and yet they lost their first born.
E. Let us look at this Prodigal’s father for a few minutes. He was a godly father with nothing evil spoken about him and yet he had one Prodigal leave while the other Prodigal stayed.
1. He realized That His Son Had The Right To Make A Choice – vs. 12 “he divided unto them his living” - (You can teach and plead, but you cannot choose.)
2. He Did Not Compromise What He Believed Or Where He Stood – vs. 13, 20 “a far country…yet a great way off” (You have to let them go and distance themselves. Continue to do what you are doing – don’t stop or let up. Give them something stable to come back to.)
3. He Never Gave Up On His Son Though He Must Have Waited A Long Time – vs. 20 “yet a great way off, his father saw him” (Stay encouraged! Give the Lord time to work.)
4. He Never Ceased To Love And Pray For His Son – vs. 20 “fell on his neck and kissed him” (As much as possible, keep the wayward child’s sin between them and the Lord.)
5. When He Saw His Son Returning, He Made An Effort To Help Him – vs. 20 “had compassion, and ran” (The wayward child will need your help and guidance.)
6. He Willing Received His Son Back When He Repented – vs. 21-22 “I have sinned…bring forth the best robe” (The wayward child will be looking for any signs of rejection during restoration.)
7. He Restored His Son To His Former Position – vs. 22 “bring the best robe…ring…shoes” (Full restoration, not partial as the son both deserved and expected.)
8. He Never Made A Difference Between His Sons – vs. 24 “for this my son” (Even though one left, they were both his sons with equal privileges.)
9. He Would Not Let Others Son Mistreat The Lost Son When He Came Home – vs. 25-32 (Stand with him or her unashamedly when they get right.)
1. Stop Blaming Yourself! There is nothing that you can do to change the situation now and the child made bad choices! They were raised better. They knew better when they chose the wrong path. Get over it because there is work to do.
2. Never cease to pray for them! Morning, noon, and night. All during the day, call their names out to God as Job did. He sacrificed for his children each day just in case they committed sin.
3. Do not compromise in order to get him or her back! Hold steady and serve the Lord. They must have a godly home to come back to one day.
4. Expect God to honor His Word and work in their hearts. You spent years teaching them the Word of God and it will not return void.
5. Do not “cut your children off.” Leave the door open for reconciliation. I understand that, under certain conditions, you have to break fellowship with them but let them know that they can get right with God and you.
6. Love them as God loves you! Forgive them as God forgives you! I am glad that He loves me in spite of my sinfulness.
7. Go on with your life! Life does not stop because they have made wrong choices and you life does not now center around them. It centers around the Lord.
Behold Thy Mother
Temple 5-10-2009
John 19:25-28
Introduction:
A. First of all, I want to wish each of you precious mothers a happy Mother’s Day. I not only want to recognize the mothers but also all of the ladies. I love and appreciate the ladies of this church. As your pastor, I want to commend you for your love for the Lord, this church, and my family.
B. Second, I want to thank the ladies of this church. When I need something done, most of the time I can ask one of the ladies to do it and it gets done and done right. Thank God for Christian mothers and ladies.
C. This is your special day. A day set apart for recognition and appreciation for motherhood. Mothers need to be appreciated year around for their labor of love in taking care of their families.
Mothers... And... Others
Others weary of the noise,
Mothers play with girls and boys
Others scold because we fell.
Mothers kiss and make it well.
Others love us more or less
Mothers love with steadiness..
Others pardon, hating yet.
Mothers pardon and forget.
Others keep the ancient score,
Mothers never shut the door.
Others grow incredulous,
Mothers still believe in us.
Others throw their faith away,
Mothers pray, and pray and pray.
- - Amos R. Wells
Reflections of a Mother...
I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.
I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about virtue, but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life, but I can't build your reputation.
I can tell you about drink, but I can't say "no" for you.
I can warn you about drugs but I can't prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.
I can love you with unconditional love all of my life..... and I will.
-Author Unknown
Before I was a Mom I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.I had quiet conversations on the phone.
Before I was a Mom I slept as late as I wanted
And never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth every single day.
Before I was a Mom I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to lullabies.
Before I was a Mom I had never been Puked on, Pooped on, Spit on, Chewed on, Peed on.
Or pinched by tiny fingers
Before I was a Mom I had complete control of: My thoughts, My body, My mind.
And I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom I never looked into Teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping Baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million Pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small Could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom I didn't know the feeling of having my heart walk around outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to Feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a Mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small Could make me feel so important.
Before I was a Mom I had never gotten up in the middle Of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known: The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, Thewonderment, Or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much...BEFORE I was a Mom.
D. As I began to think about Mother’s Day my thoughts once again turned to Calvary. I have been preaching for several weeks on the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, so I think it befitting that I continue that process this special morning.
E. In the verses that I read, we find our Lord—as He was dying—taking care of Mary, His earthly mother. He was God and He was man. As man, He loved His mother! I want to give you a few thoughts for this Mother’s Day that will both help you and your wife or mother.
1. Love Her - Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
Proverbs 5:18-19 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. 19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. (Men, love your wife! Children, love your mother!)
2. Respect Her - 1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. (Honor means to place upon a pedestal. To worship and reverence her. Be careful how you treat your wife, husband! Be careful how you treat your mother, young person!)
Proverbs 15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
Proverbs 20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. (Be careful how you talk to her! You disrespect mama and you get in trouble with God!)
Proverbs 30:11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
Proverbs 30:17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (Place her on a pedestal in both the home and in public)
3. Remember Her - Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (Sometimes her labor, love, and strength go unnoticed by her family. If you have a good, loving, faithful, conscientious wife—be grateful and thankful.)
Proverbs 15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
4. Relish Her – Proverbs 23:22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
Ecclesiastes 9:9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. (One day, she will be here no longer! When she is gone, make sure that you have no regrets! I miss greatly mom and dad.)
John 19:26-27 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. (The last act of our Lord Jesus Christ was to make sure that mother was cared for in the best way possible. The disciple “whom he loved.”)
Conclusion: Again, I want to wish each dear lady here this morning a very special Mother’s Day. You deserve it!
John 19:25-28
Introduction:
A. First of all, I want to wish each of you precious mothers a happy Mother’s Day. I not only want to recognize the mothers but also all of the ladies. I love and appreciate the ladies of this church. As your pastor, I want to commend you for your love for the Lord, this church, and my family.
B. Second, I want to thank the ladies of this church. When I need something done, most of the time I can ask one of the ladies to do it and it gets done and done right. Thank God for Christian mothers and ladies.
C. This is your special day. A day set apart for recognition and appreciation for motherhood. Mothers need to be appreciated year around for their labor of love in taking care of their families.
Mothers... And... Others
Others weary of the noise,
Mothers play with girls and boys
Others scold because we fell.
Mothers kiss and make it well.
Others love us more or less
Mothers love with steadiness..
Others pardon, hating yet.
Mothers pardon and forget.
Others keep the ancient score,
Mothers never shut the door.
Others grow incredulous,
Mothers still believe in us.
Others throw their faith away,
Mothers pray, and pray and pray.
- - Amos R. Wells
Reflections of a Mother...
I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.
I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about virtue, but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life, but I can't build your reputation.
I can tell you about drink, but I can't say "no" for you.
I can warn you about drugs but I can't prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.
I can love you with unconditional love all of my life..... and I will.
-Author Unknown
Before I was a Mom I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.I had quiet conversations on the phone.
Before I was a Mom I slept as late as I wanted
And never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth every single day.
Before I was a Mom I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to lullabies.
Before I was a Mom I had never been Puked on, Pooped on, Spit on, Chewed on, Peed on.
Or pinched by tiny fingers
Before I was a Mom I had complete control of: My thoughts, My body, My mind.
And I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom I never looked into Teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom I never held a sleeping Baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million Pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small Could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom I didn't know the feeling of having my heart walk around outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to Feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a Mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small Could make me feel so important.
Before I was a Mom I had never gotten up in the middle Of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known: The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, Thewonderment, Or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much...BEFORE I was a Mom.
D. As I began to think about Mother’s Day my thoughts once again turned to Calvary. I have been preaching for several weeks on the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, so I think it befitting that I continue that process this special morning.
E. In the verses that I read, we find our Lord—as He was dying—taking care of Mary, His earthly mother. He was God and He was man. As man, He loved His mother! I want to give you a few thoughts for this Mother’s Day that will both help you and your wife or mother.
1. Love Her - Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Proverbs 10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
Proverbs 5:18-19 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. 19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. (Men, love your wife! Children, love your mother!)
2. Respect Her - 1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. (Honor means to place upon a pedestal. To worship and reverence her. Be careful how you treat your wife, husband! Be careful how you treat your mother, young person!)
Proverbs 15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
Proverbs 20:20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. (Be careful how you talk to her! You disrespect mama and you get in trouble with God!)
Proverbs 30:11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
Proverbs 30:17 The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. (Place her on a pedestal in both the home and in public)
3. Remember Her - Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (Sometimes her labor, love, and strength go unnoticed by her family. If you have a good, loving, faithful, conscientious wife—be grateful and thankful.)
Proverbs 15:20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
4. Relish Her – Proverbs 23:22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
Ecclesiastes 9:9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. (One day, she will be here no longer! When she is gone, make sure that you have no regrets! I miss greatly mom and dad.)
John 19:26-27 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. (The last act of our Lord Jesus Christ was to make sure that mother was cared for in the best way possible. The disciple “whom he loved.”)
Conclusion: Again, I want to wish each dear lady here this morning a very special Mother’s Day. You deserve it!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Worthy Of Our Praise - Because Of His Wonderful, Eternal Word
Temple Baptist Church - 5-3-2009
2 Samuel 22:4
Introduction
A. We have seen that the Lord is worthy of or praise because of His excellent name, His wondrous works, His exceeding power, His matchless grace, and infinite wisdom. His name is truly wonderful, His works marvelous, His power beyond our imagination, His grace is truly matchless, and His wisdom past finding out.
B. Today, I want to look at another aspect of God that is worthy of or praise: His eternal Word! What an amazing Book!
1. Dr. C.I. Scofield referred to it as the Book of Books.
2. Dr. Thomas Browne called it the Divine Library.
3. T.J. McCrossan said it was God’s own writing.
C. Some facts about your Bible:
It contains 66 Books – 39 in the Old Testament (OT) and 27 in the New Testament (NT).
There are 1,189 chapters in our Bible – 929 in the OT and 260 in the NT.
There are 31,102 verses – 23,145 in the OT and 7,957 in the NT.
There are 788,280 words – 609,269 in the OT and 179,011 in the NT.
There are over 3.5 million letters in the Bible.
The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119 (176 verses, 2426 words – 4 full pages).
The shortest chapter is Psalm 117 (2 verses, 33 words).
The longest verse in the Bible is Esther 8:9 (90 words); the shortest verse is
John 11:35 (2 words). I Thessalonians 5:16 also has 2 words, “Rejoice evermore.”
The two middle books in the Bible are Micah and Nahum.
The middle chapter in the Bible is Psalm 117.
The two middle verses in the Bible are (some say) Psalm 103:1, 2. Others say Psalm 118:8! I have not counted nor do I intend to. Just read it!
1. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Authorship – 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (All other books are authored by men, not of man but authored by God Himself!)
2. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Antiquity – John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. (The Word of God was before man ever received it by inspiration. It is as old as God is old.)
3. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Unity - 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (Men, not man! Although written under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost by over 40 different men covering a period of nearly 1,600 years, it displays a remarkable cohesion and unity that is unparalleled by any other religious writing.)
4. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Accuracy - Psalms 119:128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
a. It is Historically Right
b. It is Scientifically Right
c. It is Judicially Right
d. It is Morally Right
e. It is Prophetically Right
5. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Authority - 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: (The context of this verse says that our Bible is more sure than angels speaking or even God Himself speaking from Heaven. It is Authority! It is the final Authority! It overrules every thing else and everybody else. Man will one day be judged by it.)
6. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Results – 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.
a. God’s Word Can Save
b. God’s Word Can Soothe
c. God’s Word Can Succor
d. God’s Word Can Satisfy
7. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Claims – 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. (It is inerrant, infallible, immutable, and eternal! The Word of God is unchanging in its character, universal in its scope, irreproachable in its integrity, and undiminished by time.)
Conclusion: God is worth to be praised because of His wonderful, eternal Word!
2 Samuel 22:4
Introduction
A. We have seen that the Lord is worthy of or praise because of His excellent name, His wondrous works, His exceeding power, His matchless grace, and infinite wisdom. His name is truly wonderful, His works marvelous, His power beyond our imagination, His grace is truly matchless, and His wisdom past finding out.
B. Today, I want to look at another aspect of God that is worthy of or praise: His eternal Word! What an amazing Book!
1. Dr. C.I. Scofield referred to it as the Book of Books.
2. Dr. Thomas Browne called it the Divine Library.
3. T.J. McCrossan said it was God’s own writing.
C. Some facts about your Bible:
It contains 66 Books – 39 in the Old Testament (OT) and 27 in the New Testament (NT).
There are 1,189 chapters in our Bible – 929 in the OT and 260 in the NT.
There are 31,102 verses – 23,145 in the OT and 7,957 in the NT.
There are 788,280 words – 609,269 in the OT and 179,011 in the NT.
There are over 3.5 million letters in the Bible.
The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119 (176 verses, 2426 words – 4 full pages).
The shortest chapter is Psalm 117 (2 verses, 33 words).
The longest verse in the Bible is Esther 8:9 (90 words); the shortest verse is
John 11:35 (2 words). I Thessalonians 5:16 also has 2 words, “Rejoice evermore.”
The two middle books in the Bible are Micah and Nahum.
The middle chapter in the Bible is Psalm 117.
The two middle verses in the Bible are (some say) Psalm 103:1, 2. Others say Psalm 118:8! I have not counted nor do I intend to. Just read it!
1. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Authorship – 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (All other books are authored by men, not of man but authored by God Himself!)
2. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Antiquity – John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. (The Word of God was before man ever received it by inspiration. It is as old as God is old.)
3. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Unity - 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (Men, not man! Although written under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost by over 40 different men covering a period of nearly 1,600 years, it displays a remarkable cohesion and unity that is unparalleled by any other religious writing.)
4. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Accuracy - Psalms 119:128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
a. It is Historically Right
b. It is Scientifically Right
c. It is Judicially Right
d. It is Morally Right
e. It is Prophetically Right
5. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Authority - 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: (The context of this verse says that our Bible is more sure than angels speaking or even God Himself speaking from Heaven. It is Authority! It is the final Authority! It overrules every thing else and everybody else. Man will one day be judged by it.)
6. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Results – 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.
a. God’s Word Can Save
b. God’s Word Can Soothe
c. God’s Word Can Succor
d. God’s Word Can Satisfy
7. God’s Word Is Wonderful Because Of Its Claims – 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. (It is inerrant, infallible, immutable, and eternal! The Word of God is unchanging in its character, universal in its scope, irreproachable in its integrity, and undiminished by time.)
Conclusion: God is worth to be praised because of His wonderful, eternal Word!
Why The Post Resurrection Appearances?
Temple Baptist Church - 5-3-2009
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Introduction:
A. This year, I have done a little extra preaching on the Resurrection. As a norm, I preach on Calvary just before Easter and on the Resurrection Easter Sunday Morning. I am putting a little more emphasis on the Resurrection this year.
B. I feel that we often put too little emphasis on what God so greatly emphasis.
1. Jesus Christ was declared to be God by the Resurrection - 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. We are saved through faith in the Resurrection - Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
3. We have a blessed hope because of the Resurrection - 1 Peter 1:3 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,
C. The list could go on but that is not my subject this morning. I want to look at a couple of verses this morning that will help us to realize just why Christ appeared to so many in so many different manners.
Zechariah 13:7 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. (After his passion, the sheep were scattered! Things in this life will scatter the sheep.)
Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? (Here, at the empowering of the church, we find the disciples in one place and in one accord.)
D. I want to look at a few of the Post Resurrection Appearances of Christ and what they meant to the believer.
1. He Appeared To Mary Magdalene – To Comfort A Sorrowing Heart – John 20:10-17 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 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.
a. How Mary Magdalene loved the Lord - John 20:15-16 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
b. He had forgiven her much and she loved much - Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. (This Post Resurrection Appearance shows us that are saved that it is well with our soul!)
2. He Appeared To The Disciples On The Emmaus Road – To Encourage Confused Disciples - Luke 24:13-15 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
a. They were looking for the Kingdom Age - Luke 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
b. When they knew Him They Were Jubilant - Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? (This Post Resurrection Appearance gave heart to the Disappointed!)
3. He Appeared To Simon Peter – To Restore A Fallen Saint - Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
a. Peter denied Christ thrice - Matthew 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
b. The Lord sent word of His coming - Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
c. Simon confessed thrice of his love for the Lord - John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (Leighton Ford once said, “God loves us the way we are but He loves us too much to leave us that way.” This Post Resurrection Appearance shows our Lord’s love for us, even when we are in sin. He comes to restore us!)
4. He Appeared To The Ten Disciples – To Give Peace To Their Fearful Hearts - John 20:19-21 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
a. The disciples were fearful for their lives. The Lord Jesus was no longer with them in the flesh to protect and comfort them. The Comforter was not yet given and their hearts were afraid.
b. Our Lord spoke Peace to their fearful hearts. (This Post Resurrection Appearance speaks Peace to our fearful hearts! Has your heart ever been fearful? Because He lives, we live also and we are assured that He will be with us until the end.)
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Introduction:
A. This year, I have done a little extra preaching on the Resurrection. As a norm, I preach on Calvary just before Easter and on the Resurrection Easter Sunday Morning. I am putting a little more emphasis on the Resurrection this year.
B. I feel that we often put too little emphasis on what God so greatly emphasis.
1. Jesus Christ was declared to be God by the Resurrection - 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. We are saved through faith in the Resurrection - Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
3. We have a blessed hope because of the Resurrection - 1 Peter 1:3 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,
C. The list could go on but that is not my subject this morning. I want to look at a couple of verses this morning that will help us to realize just why Christ appeared to so many in so many different manners.
Zechariah 13:7 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. (After his passion, the sheep were scattered! Things in this life will scatter the sheep.)
Acts 2:7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? (Here, at the empowering of the church, we find the disciples in one place and in one accord.)
D. I want to look at a few of the Post Resurrection Appearances of Christ and what they meant to the believer.
1. He Appeared To Mary Magdalene – To Comfort A Sorrowing Heart – John 20:10-17 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 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.
a. How Mary Magdalene loved the Lord - John 20:15-16 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
b. He had forgiven her much and she loved much - Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. (This Post Resurrection Appearance shows us that are saved that it is well with our soul!)
2. He Appeared To The Disciples On The Emmaus Road – To Encourage Confused Disciples - Luke 24:13-15 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
a. They were looking for the Kingdom Age - Luke 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
b. When they knew Him They Were Jubilant - Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? (This Post Resurrection Appearance gave heart to the Disappointed!)
3. He Appeared To Simon Peter – To Restore A Fallen Saint - Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
a. Peter denied Christ thrice - Matthew 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.
b. The Lord sent word of His coming - Mark 16:7 But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
c. Simon confessed thrice of his love for the Lord - John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (Leighton Ford once said, “God loves us the way we are but He loves us too much to leave us that way.” This Post Resurrection Appearance shows our Lord’s love for us, even when we are in sin. He comes to restore us!)
4. He Appeared To The Ten Disciples – To Give Peace To Their Fearful Hearts - John 20:19-21 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
a. The disciples were fearful for their lives. The Lord Jesus was no longer with them in the flesh to protect and comfort them. The Comforter was not yet given and their hearts were afraid.
b. Our Lord spoke Peace to their fearful hearts. (This Post Resurrection Appearance speaks Peace to our fearful hearts! Has your heart ever been fearful? Because He lives, we live also and we are assured that He will be with us until the end.)
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
5. He Appeared To Thomas – To Reassure A Doubting Soul - John 20:24-25 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
a. Thomas doubted the resurrection. We find in Luke 7:19-22 John the Baptist had the same doubts: “And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? 21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. 22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.”
b. Christ came to Thomas - John 20:27-28 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. (This Post Resurrection Appearance did away with the doubts of a believer. Have you ever had doubts? The Lord will give you the assurance that you need if you will simply look to Him.)
6. He Appeared On The Mount Of Olives - To Promise God’s Power For Service - Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
a. He promised them the Power of the Holy Ghost - Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
b. He promised them the Power of Witness - Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (This Post Resurrection Appearance promised the power of the Holy Ghost to serve. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” God equips us for His service with)
7. He Appeared To Saul Of Tarsus – To Show A Lost World The Way Of Salvation – Acts 9:1-5 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
a. God saved the “chief” - 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
b. If He can save the “chief,” He can save all of the Indians! - Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (This last Post Resurrection Appearance gives hope to all of mankind. Christ died for them and they can be saved through faith in that Risen Saviour!)
Conclusion: I am glad that Jesus did not just resurrect and ascend back into Heaven. He did not leave His church comfortless, but showed himself alive by many infallible proofs.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
It Is Finished: Now What?
Temple Baptist Church - 4-26-2009
John 14:1-4
Introduction:
A. Over the past several weeks, we have seen the work of Christ from Calvary to the ascension. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! The world needs the Realization of the Gospel in order to be saved! The child of God needs the Realization of the Gospel in order live!
1. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Made of woman, made under the law, sinless Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.
2. Christ died for the sins of the whole world on the cross according to the scripture. God the Father accepted His sacrifice and was pleased. Sin was paid for in full!
3. Christ was buried in a garden tomb and rose bodily on the third day according to the scriptures. He died for our sins and rose for our justification.
4. Christ ascended back to Heaven after 40 days and one day, this same Jesus, will return in like manner. Seen by a select few who are saved, He is coming to take them eternally home.
B. Now what? Many of us think of the past and future work of Christ without giving much thought to His present work. “It is finished” had to do with the work of redemption, not with the work of Christ in its entirety. Between Christ’s “Going: (vs. 2) and Christ’s “Coming (vs. 3), He is busy on our behalf. We are “HIGH MAINTANENCE!” Because of what and who we are, we require constant attention. Jesus Christ now sits at the right hand of the Father on our behalf.
C. Let’s look at some aspects of the present work of Christ and let this study be a blessing to us as we:
1. Labor with Him
2. Live by Him
3. Look for Him
1. Christ Is Pleading For Us - Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
ADVOCATE - An advocate is one who speaks on behalf of another person, especially in a legal context. Implicit in the concept is the notion that the represented lacks the knowledge, skill, ability, or standing to speak for themselves.
Exodus 25:21-22 And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. 22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. (I cannot plead for myself! When I sin, His advocacy is based upon the blood placed on the Mercy Seat.)
2. Christ Is Praying For Us - Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (Sometimes, people ask us to pray for them and that is the greatest thing that we can do! There is no doubt about the righteousness of our Lord, therefore, his prayer is effectual and availeth much!)
3. Christ Is Providing For Us - Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Genesis 48:15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,
Deuteronomy 8:3-4 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.
2 Corinthians 9:8 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:
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (God has supplied every need that my family has ever had to this point and I expect Him to continue to do so. Not only our needs but most of our wants! God has still been good to my family.)
4. Christ Is Protecting Us – Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Exodus 14:29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
2 Timothy 4:17-18 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (The Lord has protected me; is protecting me, and will continue to protect me! If the Lord be for us, who can be against us?)
John 14:1-4
Introduction:
A. Over the past several weeks, we have seen the work of Christ from Calvary to the ascension. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! The world needs the Realization of the Gospel in order to be saved! The child of God needs the Realization of the Gospel in order live!
1. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Made of woman, made under the law, sinless Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.
2. Christ died for the sins of the whole world on the cross according to the scripture. God the Father accepted His sacrifice and was pleased. Sin was paid for in full!
3. Christ was buried in a garden tomb and rose bodily on the third day according to the scriptures. He died for our sins and rose for our justification.
4. Christ ascended back to Heaven after 40 days and one day, this same Jesus, will return in like manner. Seen by a select few who are saved, He is coming to take them eternally home.
B. Now what? Many of us think of the past and future work of Christ without giving much thought to His present work. “It is finished” had to do with the work of redemption, not with the work of Christ in its entirety. Between Christ’s “Going: (vs. 2) and Christ’s “Coming (vs. 3), He is busy on our behalf. We are “HIGH MAINTANENCE!” Because of what and who we are, we require constant attention. Jesus Christ now sits at the right hand of the Father on our behalf.
C. Let’s look at some aspects of the present work of Christ and let this study be a blessing to us as we:
1. Labor with Him
2. Live by Him
3. Look for Him
1. Christ Is Pleading For Us - Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
1 John 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
ADVOCATE - An advocate is one who speaks on behalf of another person, especially in a legal context. Implicit in the concept is the notion that the represented lacks the knowledge, skill, ability, or standing to speak for themselves.
Exodus 25:21-22 And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. 22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. (I cannot plead for myself! When I sin, His advocacy is based upon the blood placed on the Mercy Seat.)
2. Christ Is Praying For Us - Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (Sometimes, people ask us to pray for them and that is the greatest thing that we can do! There is no doubt about the righteousness of our Lord, therefore, his prayer is effectual and availeth much!)
3. Christ Is Providing For Us - Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Genesis 48:15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,
Deuteronomy 8:3-4 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.
2 Corinthians 9:8 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:
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (God has supplied every need that my family has ever had to this point and I expect Him to continue to do so. Not only our needs but most of our wants! God has still been good to my family.)
4. Christ Is Protecting Us – Proverbs 21:31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Exodus 14:29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
2 Timothy 4:17-18 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (The Lord has protected me; is protecting me, and will continue to protect me! If the Lord be for us, who can be against us?)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Dying To Self And Living For Christ
Temple Baptist Church - 4-22-2009
Galatians 2:20
Introduction:
A. The child of God is saved for more than one reason. This list will not be all inclusive because of the magnitude of our deliverance but here are a few things that we have been delivered from and to:
1. He is certainly saved from Hell - 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.
2. He is saved from the Jacob’s Trouble - 1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
3. He is saved from the bondage of the Law - Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
4. He is saved from the penalty of sin - Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
5. He is saved from the power of sin - Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
6. He is saved to walk in newness of live - Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
7. He is saved to be an epistle of Christ seen and read of men - 2 Corinthians 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
B. All some folks can think of is “Praise the Lord I am going to Heaven!” I thank God for that also but Heaven is later and there is the importance of living for Christ here. I believe that all of us understand that we are saved to serve. Our Lord left us here for a reason and that reason is to be both light and salt in the present evil world.
C. In Galatians 2:20, we find several “keys” to living both a victorious and useful life for Christ.
1. Dead with Christ – crucifixion “with Christ”
2. Alive in Christ – sanctification “Nevertheless I live”
3. Alive for Christ – obligation “yet not I”
4. Alive by Christ – empowered and driven “by the faith of the Son of God”
D. The Bible speaks much on the subject of dying while we live. We are to:
1. Die to Sin - Romans 6:11-12 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
2. Die to Self - Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
a) Obligation – “all”
b) Prerogative – “If”
c) Qualification – “deny”
d) Identification – “cross”
e) Duration – “daily”
f) Direction – “follow me”
3. Die to Shame
a) Not ashamed of my Salvation - Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
b) Not ashamed of Christ - 2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
c) Not ashamed of identifying with Christ - Philippians 1:20 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.
d) Not ashamed of God’s People - 2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
e) Not ashamed to witness for Christ - 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.
E. “Dying to self” is the theme of Galatians 2:20. It is all important because two things hinge heavily upon it:
1. The work of Christ depends upon dying to self. It is simply a matter of spiritual priority!
2 Corinthians 4:18 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.
2. The unity of the body of Christ depends upon dying to self.
Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
F. Since dying to self is of such importance, how do you know that you are dead to self?
1. When you are overlooked, forgotten, set at naught or disregarded:
a. You are not hurt or offended
b. You keep a happy attitude
c. You endure it for Christ’s sake
(Then you are dead to self)
2. When your good is evil spoken of:
a. You pray for those who despitefully use you - ROBBY
b. You continue to do right and not quit
c. You take it with loving silence
(Then you are dead to self)
3. When you do not get your way:
a. You do it other people’s way
b. You never complain or gripe
(Then you are dead to self)
4. When others stand you up or let you wait for them when they are late:
a. You patiently and loving wait for them
b. You forgive them
c. You do not bring the subject up
(Then you are dead to self)
5. When you seemingly have needs that are not being met
a. You remain content in the state that you are in
b. You fail to indict God for forgetting you
c. You keep silence and let God meet the need in His time
(Then you are dead to self)
6. When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation
(Then you are dead to self)
7. When you never brag on your good works or itch for commendation
(Then you are dead to self)
8. When you see a brother prospers and have am abundance when you do without and you can happy for him while feeling no envy.
(Then you are dead to self)
9. When receiving correction or reproof:
a. You can humbly submit
b. You find no rebellion or animosity inside as well as outside
(Then you are dead to self)
10. When you choose to do right instead of that which is convenient.
(Then you are dead to self)
11. When you put yourself out in order to help someone else.
(Then you are dead to self)
G. Let’s look at verse 20 for a few minutes tonight. What a wonderful verse that will change the life of the believer.
1. “I am crucified with Christ” – notice with me that it does not say “crucified for Christ.”
a. He was crucified for me by choice. Now I am crucified with Him be choice!
b. Hebrews 13:12-13 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
c. Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. (Crucifixion with Christ brings about reproach for Christ. “Bearing his reproach.”)
2. “Nevertheless I live” – notice that willing crucifixion brings about life, not death.
a. 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.
b. In the sense of salvation, we live because of the resurrection but in the sense of service—we live because of willingness to crucify ourselves with Christ.
c. You and I will never truly live until we truly die!
3. “Yet not I but Christ liveth in me” – Now it is not I that lives but Christ living in and through me!
a. John 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (As we are in Christ, He is in us.)
b. Acts 17:28 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.
c. Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
4. “And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God” – the crucified life is a life of faith.
a. Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
b. Faith that God will lead us, protect us, keep us, feed us, vindicate us, and bless us!
Conclusion: I fear that most of us are normally more alive than dead! How do we know? Because the dead have no feelings or personal desires!
Galatians 2:20
Introduction:
A. The child of God is saved for more than one reason. This list will not be all inclusive because of the magnitude of our deliverance but here are a few things that we have been delivered from and to:
1. He is certainly saved from Hell - 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.
2. He is saved from the Jacob’s Trouble - 1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
3. He is saved from the bondage of the Law - Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
4. He is saved from the penalty of sin - Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
5. He is saved from the power of sin - Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
6. He is saved to walk in newness of live - Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
7. He is saved to be an epistle of Christ seen and read of men - 2 Corinthians 3:2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
B. All some folks can think of is “Praise the Lord I am going to Heaven!” I thank God for that also but Heaven is later and there is the importance of living for Christ here. I believe that all of us understand that we are saved to serve. Our Lord left us here for a reason and that reason is to be both light and salt in the present evil world.
C. In Galatians 2:20, we find several “keys” to living both a victorious and useful life for Christ.
1. Dead with Christ – crucifixion “with Christ”
2. Alive in Christ – sanctification “Nevertheless I live”
3. Alive for Christ – obligation “yet not I”
4. Alive by Christ – empowered and driven “by the faith of the Son of God”
D. The Bible speaks much on the subject of dying while we live. We are to:
1. Die to Sin - Romans 6:11-12 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
2. Die to Self - Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Luke 9:23 And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
a) Obligation – “all”
b) Prerogative – “If”
c) Qualification – “deny”
d) Identification – “cross”
e) Duration – “daily”
f) Direction – “follow me”
3. Die to Shame
a) Not ashamed of my Salvation - Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
b) Not ashamed of Christ - 2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
c) Not ashamed of identifying with Christ - Philippians 1:20 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.
d) Not ashamed of God’s People - 2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
e) Not ashamed to witness for Christ - 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.
E. “Dying to self” is the theme of Galatians 2:20. It is all important because two things hinge heavily upon it:
1. The work of Christ depends upon dying to self. It is simply a matter of spiritual priority!
2 Corinthians 4:18 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.
2. The unity of the body of Christ depends upon dying to self.
Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
F. Since dying to self is of such importance, how do you know that you are dead to self?
1. When you are overlooked, forgotten, set at naught or disregarded:
a. You are not hurt or offended
b. You keep a happy attitude
c. You endure it for Christ’s sake
(Then you are dead to self)
2. When your good is evil spoken of:
a. You pray for those who despitefully use you - ROBBY
b. You continue to do right and not quit
c. You take it with loving silence
(Then you are dead to self)
3. When you do not get your way:
a. You do it other people’s way
b. You never complain or gripe
(Then you are dead to self)
4. When others stand you up or let you wait for them when they are late:
a. You patiently and loving wait for them
b. You forgive them
c. You do not bring the subject up
(Then you are dead to self)
5. When you seemingly have needs that are not being met
a. You remain content in the state that you are in
b. You fail to indict God for forgetting you
c. You keep silence and let God meet the need in His time
(Then you are dead to self)
6. When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation
(Then you are dead to self)
7. When you never brag on your good works or itch for commendation
(Then you are dead to self)
8. When you see a brother prospers and have am abundance when you do without and you can happy for him while feeling no envy.
(Then you are dead to self)
9. When receiving correction or reproof:
a. You can humbly submit
b. You find no rebellion or animosity inside as well as outside
(Then you are dead to self)
10. When you choose to do right instead of that which is convenient.
(Then you are dead to self)
11. When you put yourself out in order to help someone else.
(Then you are dead to self)
G. Let’s look at verse 20 for a few minutes tonight. What a wonderful verse that will change the life of the believer.
1. “I am crucified with Christ” – notice with me that it does not say “crucified for Christ.”
a. He was crucified for me by choice. Now I am crucified with Him be choice!
b. Hebrews 13:12-13 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
c. Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. (Crucifixion with Christ brings about reproach for Christ. “Bearing his reproach.”)
2. “Nevertheless I live” – notice that willing crucifixion brings about life, not death.
a. 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.
b. In the sense of salvation, we live because of the resurrection but in the sense of service—we live because of willingness to crucify ourselves with Christ.
c. You and I will never truly live until we truly die!
3. “Yet not I but Christ liveth in me” – Now it is not I that lives but Christ living in and through me!
a. John 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (As we are in Christ, He is in us.)
b. Acts 17:28 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.
c. Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
4. “And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God” – the crucified life is a life of faith.
a. Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
b. Faith that God will lead us, protect us, keep us, feed us, vindicate us, and bless us!
Conclusion: I fear that most of us are normally more alive than dead! How do we know? Because the dead have no feelings or personal desires!
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