Our Glorious Resurrection

Temple Baptist Church - 4-20-2014

John 20:1-18

 

Introduction:

A. Once again, we come to Resurrection Sunday Morning. Yes, I had rather call it this because Easter was a pagan holiday that was observed during bible days.

1. Today, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. Everyday should be Resurrection Day to the child of God as we glory in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: He came, He died, He was buried, and He rose bodily from the grave.

2. Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, died on the cross of Calvary for the sins of the whole world. Every person, everywhere, in every dispensation or time, for your sins, for my sins, for the drunkard’s sins, for the harlot’s sins, for the sodomite’s sins, for the drug addict’s sins, and for every race’s sins! Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

B. When Christ was placed into a garden tomb, on the third day He rose victorious over death, hell, and the grave! I believe that with all of my heart! I thank God for the resurrection of His Son from the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

C. Without the resurrection, we would have no hope. The resurrection has been often called “The Capstone Of Christianity.” Without the promise of the resurrection, Christianity is just another form of religion which holds no eternal hope. Men would die like animals and their souls cease to exist. Many cults believe this. (I am glad that there is hope! Praise the Lord, when this life is over I will spend an eternity with the Lord in my “long home” called Heaven!)

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

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.

D. Without the resurrection, we would be wasting our lives in God’s service. Paul said, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” We should, if there were no resurrection, live for our families and ourselves. (I have not wasted one single moment that has been spent for Him! It will be worth it all when we see Christ!)

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

E. The resurrection was the final touch: it is finished and eternity secured for the believer! You cannot add anything to the gospel (death, burial, and resurrection) and you cannot take anything away from it. The gospel is a completed work! You do not re-crucify Christ; He is not still on a cross; He is risen as He said!

1. Sin’s penalty has been paid! 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

2. Sin’s power has been broken! Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

3. Sin’s person has been defeated! Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

F. We that are saved are “risen with him through the faith of the operation of God.” There is more in that statement than we could ever perceive in our finite minds.

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

1. We are gloriously 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.

2. We are raised to walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4-5 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:

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.

3. We are raised to live for Christ. Romans 6:9-11 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. (10) For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. (11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

4. We are raised to set our affections on things above. Colossians 3:1-2 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.

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.

5. We are raised to personally know Christ. Philippians 3:7-10 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (9) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (10) That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

6. We are raised to spend an eternity with Him. Colossians 3:3-4 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.

Ephesians 2:5-6 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Finishing Your Course

Temple Baptist Church - 4-13-2014

2 Timothy 4:1-8

 

Introduction:

A. We live in the days of “falling away.”

1. People, who were once faithful to the church, are leaving in a mass exodus. Most churches, in areas where the gospel has been preached for many decades, are in numerical decline.

2. I am speaking of churches that are still holding to the “Old Paths” of doctrinal, personal, and ecclesiastical separation. Compromised churches will draw some of these disgruntled church members but these who leave good churches do not, as a rule, join churches of equal or greater separation.

B. Why are there so many spiritual fallouts?

1. Many who “Fall Away” are lost church members - 2 Peter 2:20-22 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

2. Many are apostates - 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;

1 John 2:18-19 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

3. Some are saved and become spiritual fallouts for one of three reasons:

a) They Do Not Finish Because Of Defilement - James 1:13-16 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

b) They Do Not Finish Because Of Discouragement - Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

c) They Do Not Finish Because Of Distraction – Luke 9:57-62 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Matthew 6:19-24 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. (Ye cannot serve God and mammon.)

Romans 8:5-8 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

C. Every believer has a personal race to run!

1. Our Course’s Initiation - Ephesians 2:1-4 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. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

2. Our Course’s Importance - Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

3. Our Course’s Individuality - 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

D. Many, unfortunately, do not finish their course in this world but there is a simple formula for doing so.

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

HOW TO FINISH YOUR COURSE

1. Keep Your Feet Running YOUR Race – Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Keep Your Hands Busy In The Work Of The Lord. Busy people have little time to get into trouble! Do not keep your eyes on every one else’s race! Narrow sightedness makes for straighter plowing.)

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (Idle hands are the devil’s workshop while busy hands do not have time to get into trouble.)

2. Keep Your Confidence In Jesus Christ – Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (If your eyes are upon the world, you will be discouraged! If your eyes are upon men, they will discourage you! If your eyes are upon Christ, you will stay the course!)

Psalms 118:8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (Man is not your Saviour!)

Psalms 118:9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. (Government is not your Saviour!)

Proverbs 3:26 For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. (The Lord is our Saviour!)

3. Keep Your Ears Open To The Word Of God – 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: (Heeding the Word of God will keep our path straight and secure! Without heeding God’s Word, we will wander and stray. Make God’s Word a vital part of each day!)

4. Keep Your Mind Stayed Upon The Lord – Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalms 104:34 My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. (Our Lord should be the center of our though life!)

5. Keep Your Body A Holy, Living Sacrifice – Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Distance yourself from the things of the world while keeping your daily walk harnessed by the Word of God.)

6. Keep Your Eyes On The Skies And Your Hope In Heaven - Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (Just the thought that the Lord may return any moment causes the child of God to find encouragement in this present evil world.)

Conclusion:

a. Finishing your course brings Joy - Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

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

c. Evangelist Dean Shook wrote the song, “It’s Been Worth Every Mile!” “It will be worth it all when we see Christ!”

Love And Light

Temple Baptist Church - 4-9-2014

1 John 2:7-11

 

Introduction:

A. Last week, we looked at the litmus test of obedience. Obedience to Christ does not keep us saved but it does give us the assurance that we belong to him according to verse 5. Yes, you can be saved and walk at a guilty distance from God at times but, if you belong to the Lord, He will chasten you. No chastening; no salvation!

B. Another sign of true conversion is that of love. I am not talking about love in a general sense because lost people can love.

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

C. The love of God causes the child of God to love the things that the world does not love. I am talking about love in a spiritual realm:

1. Love for God: the world has not love for God. They only try to use God!

2. Love for the word of God: the world has no love for the bible. They will not read it or come to hear it being preached.

3. Love for the local church: the world has no love for the local church or they would be in church tonight. They only use it to either soothe their conscience or get something from it.

4. Love for the children of God: the world has no love for God’s people. They may like and respect us but, if they loved us, they would want to be around us corporately.

5. Love for the lost: the world has no love for drunks, drug addicts, rapists, murderers, thieves, etc. We go out into the highways and hedges inviting them to come and sit in church with us and our children!

D. The best description of charity or brotherly love is found in 1 Corinthians 13:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

E. In 1 John 2:8, we see that when the darkness of a lost soul comes to end through the light of God’s salvation, this love of God that caused Him to die for the sin of the world is manifested in the new believer.

1. It is a visible love - John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

2. It is a sacrificial love - John 15:12-14 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (14) Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

3. It is an initiated love - 1 John 4:10-11 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (11) Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

4. It is a pure love - 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

5. It is a fervent love - 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

6. It is an abounding love - 1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

7. It is a serving love - Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

8. It is an overlooking love - 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Jesus Christ In The Tabernacle - The Veil

Temple Baptist Church - 4-6-2014

Exodus 26:31-33

 

Introduction:

A. We have seen Jesus Christ as:

1. The Gate to the East – Jesus the Way

2. The Brazen Altar – Jesus our Sacrifice at Calvary

3. The Laver of Brass – Jesus our High Priest and Cleansing

4. The Golden Candlestick – Jesus our Testimony and Light

5. The Table of Shewbread – Jesus our Provision and Communion

6. The Golden Altar of Incense – Jesus our Apostle and High Priest

B. This morning, I want to take a look at “Jesus, The Veil.” It was the veil that separated sinful man from the holiness of God. I want to take a look at this veil of the Tabernacle: a veil is a covering used to separate, cover, or conceal something. Veils are still often worn in the Middle East by women to conceal their faces. Rebecca. Many of today’s brides use a veil as a covering during the marriage ceremony. Tell the story of Barbara’s veil!

C. The description of the Tabernacle’s veil:

1. The color Blue – Heaven, our Lord came from heaven.

2. Purple – Royalty, our Lord was and still is Jehovah God.

3. Scarlet – Sacrifice, our Lord was the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.

4. Fine Twined Linen of Cunning Word – Righteousness, Our Lord was the fullness of the Godhead bodily: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost: one God manifesting Himself in three persons and these three co-equal in all attributes and power.

5. Hang It Upon – Calvary, our Lord hung upon a wooden cross covered with the work of deity with four sockets of silver, a beautiful type of redemption.

6. Shall Divide – Buffer, our Lord was the Apostle (He represents God to us) and High Priest (He represents us to God) of our Profession.

D. The Importance of the Veil.

1. I want to say this in a right way this morning but the veil was a “buffer” that separated the sinfulness of man from the all-consuming holiness of God. The Old Testament veil was symbolic of Jesus Christ to come.

2. At Calvary, the veil of the Temple was rent in twain from top to bottom showing that the way into the Holy of Holies was opened up through the rending of the body of Jesus Christ, out Apostle-High Pries-Mediator-Advocate!

E. I want to go to Exodus 33:18-23 for a few minutes to pull out three truths concerning the meaning of the veil.

1. The absolutely unapproachable holiness of God.

2. The absolutely ungodliness of man.

3. The absolutely underserved goodness and grace of God.

a) Stand upon the Rock.

b) Placed in the Rock.

c) Covered by the Rock

1. The Sin That Separates Us From God - vs. 20 – “Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live”

a. He is absolutely holy - 1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

b. We are absolutely sinful - Habakkuk 1:13 Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?

2. The Saviour That Reconciles Us To God – vs. 21-22 – “there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock … And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by”

a. God loves us - 1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

b. Christ died for us - Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

c. Christ intercedes 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.

3. The Grace That Reveals God To Us – vs. 19 – “I will make all my goodness pass before thee”

a. We See The Glory Of God In The Face Of Jesus Christ - 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

b. We See The Grace Of God In The Salvation Of Jesus Christ - Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

c. We See The Goodness Of God In The Provision And Protection Of Jesus Christ - Psalms 107:8-9 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (9) For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

Conclusion: Jesus Christ is our Veil, rent at Calvary, who opened to us the very presence of God!

The Test of Obedience

Temple Baptist Church - 4-2-2014

1 John 2:3-6

 

Introduction:

A. 1 John is a blessed little book that does several things:

1. It encourages and sets the parameters for fellowship with both the Lord and each other.

2. It shows the right way to recognize, confess, and find cleansing from our sin.

3. It gives certain tests that will bring either assurance of salvation or conviction and the need of salvation.

B. Along with salvation comes a change in nature that brings about a change in life. God gives life to those who belong to Him. No change equals no life in Christ! Too many people have prayed the prayer but never got the heart right. Salvation is a heart matter, not a mouth matter.

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.

Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

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.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

C. The Book of James describes salvation as accompanied by good works.

James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (I am not talking about sinlessness for we will fail the Lord and do so intentionally at times but I am talking about a desire for holiness and obedience that is a part of our spiritual makeup.)

D. In the previous chapter, we found the possibility of not being in fellowship with the Lord and, therefore, not in fellowship with the brethren. I mention this because there is a battle with our sinful flesh that goes on for as long as we live in this flesh and the possibility of losing that battle at times. I want to look at that familiar passage again found in Romans 7:

Romans 7:12-25 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. (13) Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. (14) For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (15) For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. (16) If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. (17) 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. (19) For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. (20) Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (21) 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. (24) O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (25) I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

E. Saved people may have failures and thank the Lord for 1 John 1:9 but they have a desire to be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ! Obedience is not only the desire of the Christian but also brings about blessings from the Lord.

1. The commandments of God bring about the blessing of assurance of salvation. Vs. 3-5.

a. We need to ask God to examine us - Psalms 26:1-2 Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. (2) Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

b. We need to practice self-examination - 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

2. The commandments of God are not grievous to the child of God.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

a. God’s commandments keep us from the defilement of sin.

b. God’s commandments keep us from the destruction of self.

3. Keeping the commandments of God show the love of the saint for Him.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

2 John 6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

4. Obedience to the commandments of God show proper submission to Him.

Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

5. Obedience to the commandments of God gets our prayers answered.

1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

6. Obedience to the commandments of God brings about spiritual maturity.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. (2) For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.