The Dual Nature of the Believer

Temple Baptist Church - 7-24-2013

 

Colossians 3:5-10

 

Introduction:

A. One of the least understood truths concerning salvation is the dual nature of the believer. We find in these verses 4 states of man: two have to do with relationship or lack of it and two with fellowship or lack of it.

1. The Natural Man in verse 7. Before salvation, man is dead in trespasses and sins according to

Ephesians 2:1-3 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” (Sinners walk in this state of spiritual darkness and deadness because they live within those states! They cannot walk in spiritual light because they remain in the darkness of their Adamic nature. Sinners sin because they are sinners!)

2. The Saved Man in verses 1-3. After salvation, the believer is risen with Christ because he or she is “hid with Christ in God.” Those who are saved are

Romans 6:3-7 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (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. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin.

3. The Old Man or Carnal Man in verses 5-9. Though the believer has, through relationship with Christ, been eternally saved and sealed, and yet

a) The old Adamic nature comes through our physical birth remains in him or her through the sinfulness of the flesh until death. The spirit is saved but the flesh cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (For this reason, our new body to be received from God is a necessity for eternity.)

b) The reality of this nature is argued by some who believe that the Old Man is eradicated either at the moment of salvation or through a second work of grace afterwards. The Bible is specific on this point:

1 John 1:8-2:1 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (2:1) 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: (If we say we have no sin, we make God a liar and the truth is not in us. In 2:1, we find the possibility of sin and God’s remedy. This is written to “My little children” or the saved.)

4. The New Man or Spiritual Man, found in verse 10, comes through a spiritual birth and remains for an eternity. The Spirit of God lives within the believer to guard and guide him or her.

1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

B. Now, let us look at the conflict of the believer.

1. The Reality of Sin. The listing in verse 5, though not a complete listing of possible sins, is enough to show us the depravity of our flesh.

Romans 7:17-18 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (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.

2. The Probability of Sin. The will of God is to “sin not” but the possibility or probability is that we do and will sin. The flesh is not an excuse but our Lord said, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

1 John 2:1 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:

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

3. The Perpetuity of the War. No matter how spiritual we may be, the war with our sinful flesh continues.

James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Romans 7:21-23 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. (22) For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: (23) But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

4. The Victor of the War. There can certainly be victory in this life. The victory that overcomes the world comes through our faith in Christ. There is also a pattern to be followed.

a. Verse 5 – Mortify therefore your members. “Mortify” means to put to death and what has to die is your “members.” There must be a death to he flesh which is a death to self.

b. Verse 8 – Put off all these. There must a recognition of encroachment of sinfulness lest we “get used to the dark.”

c. Verse 10, 12 – Put on the new man … Put on therefore. To robe oneself in righteousness as one would put on a garment.

d. Verse 15-16 – Let. We can either “let” or “let not!”

5. The Results of the war.

a. There is a Carnality and sinfulness that brings failure or

b. There is a Spirituality and holiness which brings faithfulness!

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.

Who Is The Lord?

Temple Baptist Church - 7-14-2013

 

Exodus 5:1-2

 

Introduction:

A. 430 years have now expired since Jacob went down to Egypt and things have changed from the glory days of Joseph that once prevailed. It is of major interest that we find 3 such “400” year intervals in the Bible and each of them deal with the silence of God just prior to the coming of a deliverer!

1. Here is the first of these 3 “400 Year” periods. It has now been almost 400 years since the passing of Joseph and a nation that once knew the God of Israel has rejected His person. The people of God are in hard bondage to a spiritually reprobate nation: Egypt. God is now ready to deliver His people through the deliverer, Moses.

2. From Malachi to Matthew, we find the 400 “Silent Years” in which Israel went from a nation watching for the Messiah to a people in bondage to Rome, a hard taskmaster. God was then ready to send the Deliverer, Jesus Christ, to deliver His people.

3. From 1611 and the translation of the King James Bible, there have been 400 silent years in which Europe and America have left the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Once again, the people of God are looking for the Second Coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We are longing for eternity to begin with us finally home!

B. In all three of these periods, the analogy is the same: Truth is followed by apostasy; spiritual freedom is followed by spiritual bondage; the majority of people have gone from believing to being reprobate: disapproved, unapproachable, and lost! I believe that Pharaoh, like others, had his time of salvation and he was a reprobate that God placed upon the throne of Egypt through which to show His power and deliverance.

C. Israel is now in hard bondage and God has sent the deliverer, Moses. This is not the message for this morning so I want to take a look at these verses and draw out a truth concerning the question, “Who is the Lord?” It is not that Pharaoh did not know Who Moses was referring to as the God of Israel was well known but historically and presently in Egypt. “Who is the Lord?” was a rejection of the spiritual light that Pharaoh knew all so well. It sounds like America to me!

D. It would take an eternity to properly define the Lord and all of His attributes even if they were knowable.

1. I personally cannot even grasp His being but I know that He is! “In the beginning God” is a statement of both fact and wonder as men have spent thousands of years just trying to understand His person. Many men will not believe in God until they can understand Him. He is far above the knowledge of man; therefore, He has made it simple to believe.

2. I am glad that I know Him and I characterize that knowledge of God as “knowing the unknowable.” Some may call that statement foolish but it is a spiritual truth that man can not only know God but also have a very intimate relationship with Him. God created man to both know and commune with Him. God made man for Himself!

E. The Bible is a wonderful Book that God gave to man that gives him a basis for faith. Some do not believe that the Bible is a God made Book because they have not read or studied it. It is a miraculous piece of work that only God could have made. It gave man knowledge of things that he could not have known otherwise: the earth is round; the water cycles; springs in the depths of the oceans; mountains on the bottom of the sea; the blood is the life of the flesh; there is an empty place over the north; and the list could go on and on. Through the Bible, we know God.

F. In our text, we find the classic confrontation of God and man.

1. Pharaoh’s - Confrontation – vs. 1 “Thus saith the Lord God!”

a. Every man or woman is confronted with the reality that there is a God. Not a “god,” but the God! This statement is not an argument for God but a declaration of God. God argues with no man! God has given to each man the “right” to choose his eternity: heaven or hell. He does not argue His existence and does not capitulate concerning His salvation.

b. Almost every indigenous people have a belief in god of one sort or another. I find that a great truth concerning our text for today. If there was no “god,” then the majority of people would be born atheistic. Therefore, atheism seems to be a learned behavior, not an inherent one. Belief in God, according to the Bible, is innate within man. Mankind automatically seeks after God because of the light that He placed within man.

c. Every man is illuminated with the light that God gives - John 1:1-9 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. (3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. (5) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (6) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. (7) The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. (8) He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. (9) That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

d. Man’s rejection of God is in defiance of clear proof of His being - Romans 1:18-22 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

2. Pharaoh’s Question – vs. 2 - “Who is the Lord?” The question was not legitimate! This would have been a legitimate question if Moses had not already identified who the Lord was in verse one: “The LORD God of Israel!” LORD is in all caps when Moses said His name but is not in all caps when Pharaoh said His name.

a. Legitimate questions concerning who the LORD is brings straight forth answers. Four times in the Book of Acts alone, men legitimately questioned and got the right answer:

Acts 8:34-35 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? (35) Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Acts 9:5 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.

Acts 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

Acts 16:30-31 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (31) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Isaiah 55:6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

b. Pharaoh’s question was like this: “Who do you think you are?” This question is asked when the person knows who you are while letting you know that he does not care who you are. Israel did so with Christ.

3. Pharaoh’s Rejection – vs. 2 – “I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.”

a. When Pharaoh used Jehovah God’s name in rejection, it is once again in all caps: LORD. Yes, I do understand that Pharaoh did not purposely say, “Make sure you get the spelling right next time!”

b. The Bible gives these changes in spelling to set forth truth. In a manmade book, the spelling would have all remained the same. This in not just another man-made book, it is the Word of God and the spelling is both right and sets forth a truth.

c. Pharaoh died lost because he chose to reject the “light” that God gave him. I often quote the verse that says, “If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” It is imperative that we understand this truth: when a person turns from the LORD, the end is always darkness.

Exodus 8:19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.

Exodus 9:27 And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.

Exodus 10:16-17 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you. (17) Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.

Conclusion: Pharaoh died and hell has been his home for thousands of years because of his refusal and rejection of the LORD. Who is the Lord? He is the LORD! He is the LORD God of Israel! He is our God!

America: A Reprobate Nation?

Temple Baptist Church - 7-7-2013

Romans 1:18-31

 

Introduction:

 

A.  I want to begin this message by saying that I love America!  The title of my message is not a statement but rather a question. 

 

1.  I am an American by birth and choice!  I want to see our nation grow and prosper!  I want revival in America!  I want the blessings of God upon our nation!  I pray for those in authority (all three branches of government) from the President down to the local magistrate on the bench!  I pray for the safety of our military personnel, law enforcement, and firemen! 

 

2.  America is still the greatest nation on the face of the earth and stands as the “Utopia” to which immigrants from all nations come.

 

B.  I am proud of our country and will defend it against all enemies, both external and internal. 

 

1.  When I say that I am proud of American, let me clarify that statement: I am proud of all that this nation once stood for but not proud of what many who are in authority do or the direction that our nation is heading. 

 

2.  BUT, I still believe that there are still good people in this land what want America right.  They still stand to their feet, take off their hats, and place their hands over their hearts during the National Anthem.

 

C.  I can still say, “God bless America!” 

 

1.  But, then a legitimate question must be asked, “Can God continue to bless America?”  In order for America to remain under the “spout where the blessings come out,” she must remain consistent with God’s values which He will not compromise. 

 

2.  The landmark Supreme Court decision to give credence to same sex marriages was a biblically damning one.  “As it was in the days of Lot” is a vivid description of the direction and present condition of America!

 

D.  Now, let the Bible answer the question: “Has God changed His mind concerning sodomy?”

 

1.  They were worthy of death in the Old Testament under the Law - Leviticus 20:13  If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

 

2.  They are worthy of death in the New Testament under Grace - Romans 1:32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

 

3.  The answer is NO!

 

E.  The question has often been asked, “Can a sodomite be saved?” or “Is sodomy a result of a reprobate mind?”  I personally believe that a sodomite can be saved but there comes a time, according to Romans 1, that they are given over to a reprobate mind.  Notice the progression in our verses for this morning:

 

1.  Because of rejection of divine revelation, verse 24 says, “God gave them up.”  The result was lust and the dishonoring of their bodies through promiscuity.

 

2.  Because they turned God’s truth into a lie and worshiped the creature instead of the Creator, verse 26 says, “God gave them up.”  The result was vile affections that led to sodomy.

 

3.  Because they ultimately did not want to know or hear about God, verse 28 says, “God gave them over to a reprobate mind.”  (Unapproved, rejected, or cast away)

 

F.  Does God love the sodomite? 

 

1.  Yes He does and died for their sins just like He did for yours and mine but God hates the sin and nothing or anybody can change His mind concerning sodomy.  Some say that God has changed His mind concerning the sentence of death that He placed upon the sin of sodomy but verse 32 declares God’s intent. 

 

2.  God—not this preacher—has placed the sodomite under His death sentence and, if not repented of by the sinner and that sinner coming to Christ by faith; the Lake of Fire will be his eternal abode!  Sodomy is sin and, therefore, not acceptable in God’s eyes.  Sodomy was and remains an abomination to God!

 

G.  This brings me to verse 32.  America not only allows sodomy (which once was and, in many states, still is a felony offense) to flourish, our nation approves of and backs it!  Here is how America has approved of sodomy:

 

1.  America’s Government has basically given in to the sodomite agenda with both parties either supporting same sex marriage or trying to be politically correct concerning it.  If you want to get elected, you must give into the Gay Agenda, and believe me, they have one.  Both major parties are “bowing” to the sodomite agenda because popularity and position in government are contingent upon it.

 

2.  America’s court system has passed the “Hate Crime Bill” by using the “straw man” of racial bias while the real end of the bill was to censure those who condemn sodomy.  Because to the recent ruling of the Supreme Court, lawsuits will be leveled against any and all who choose to stand against sodomy.  The First Amendment right of free speech will be continually infringed upon.

 

3.  America’s news media has said that the “extreme right” must change their thinking about sodomy in light of American demographics.  This means that Christians must change their theology concerning sodomy in order to have a “voice” in American politics.  To quote my mother: “When pigs fly!”

 

4.  America’s school systems have promoted sodomy as an alternate lifestyle while hiring sodomites to teach or coach.  The anti-God school system has promoted sodomy to the children of our land as being “natural” instead of learned behavior.  God made men to be men and women to be women!  Sodomy is not inherent!  Sodomy is perversion!  Sodomy is learned behavior!  Sodomy is an ungodly choice!

 

5.  America’s modern so-called bibles, especially the NIV—which changes every reference to either sodomite or sodomites and leaves these words out completely—have done much to make sin an unbiblical thing.  The King James Bible upholds God’s view of sin and sodomy is condemned by God and God has not changed His mind. 

 

6.  Many of America’s organizations have caved in respect to the acceptance of the sin of sodomy with the Boy Scouts of America being the latest victim.  Pressure is constantly applied to all organizations or businesses that hold to God’s truth on the subject of sodomy.  It is not the Christian that is ostracized by society, it is God!  The world rejected the Saviour and will also reject the true Saint!  I am not cruel or hard hearted; I am a believer and God is always right!

 

7.  Many of America’s churches and denominations have become silent concerning the sin of sodomy and now have openly “gay” men and women in the congregation, on staff, or in the pulpit.  I thank God for those denominations that choose to stand against sodomy!  It matters not what course others may take but, as for me, I will continue to love the sinner and hate the sin!  Sodomy is abominable!  Sodomy is not acceptable!

 

Conclusion:  God hates sin of all types but I believe that three things will ultimately bring America down if things do not change:

 

a.  The murder of millions of babies in the name of women’s rights!  Pro-choice is before conception, not afterwards!

 

b.  Our relationship to God’s elect nation of Israel!  God still blesses those who bless Israel and curses those who curse Israel!

 

c.  The acceptance and promotion of the perverted sin of sodomy!  Romans 1:32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

 

Has America stepped over the line concerning the slaughter of innocent babies and the promotion of the Gay Agenda?  I do not know but, if not, America is close!  Sodomy is on the rise and their agenda is both strong and working.  Our government plus many of Americans, though they may not participate in the sin of sodomy, have pleasure in those who do. 

 

Pray for America!