Conflict of Interest

Temple Baptist Church - 4-8-2018

Romans 7:7-25

Introduction:

A.  In the last couple of chapters, we have seen our relationship to both sin and the Law:

1.  We are dead to sin!  Romans 6:1-2  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  (2)  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

2.  We are dead to the Law!  Romans 7:4  Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

B.  Now that we are established in these two important biblical facts, let us look at the heart and life of the great Apostle Paul.  This will help us in two ways:

1.  How to spiritually succeed biblically.

2.  How to handle spiritual failure biblically.

C.  We, just as the Apostle Paul, are a trichotomy in our image of God and a dichotomy in our relation to our life in this world.

1.  Trichotomy – three in one: body, world conscious—soul, self-conscious—spirit, God conscious.

2.  Dichotomy – two in one: an old nature that is sinful and a new creature that is holy.

D.  Thus, a conflict of interest!  A situation in which a person is involved in multiple interests where serving one the interests could involve working against one of the other interest. 

Romans 8:5  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.

Galatians 5:16-25  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  (17)  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.  (18)  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.  (19)  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,  (20)  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,  (21)  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.  (22)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  (23)  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  (24)  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  (25)  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

James 4:5-7  Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?  (6)  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  (7)  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

E.  Though we have the Holy Spirit and a desire to serve Christ, we also live in a flesh that has an old nature that desires the things of the world.  You hear from some religious people about the eradication of the flesh whereby a child of God eventually lives a sinless life.  I have a problem with such people because 1) they have not the conviction of the Holy Spirit and 2) they have called God a liar!

1 John 1:8, 10  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us ...  (10)  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1.  It is by the Law that we know what sin is.  Verse 7.  1 Timothy 1:13  Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

2.  Paul was alive without the Law.  Verses 8-9.  He thought he was doing God’s will by persecuting the church.  1 Corinthians 15:9  For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

3.  The Law is holy and right.  Verses 10-13.  The work of the Law is to bring about sinfulness and point us to Christ.  Galatians 3:24-25  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  (25)  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

f.  Positionally, we are dead to the Law but Practically, we are still sinners and come short of the Law.  Thus, the Conflict of Interest.

F.  Let’s break these verses down.

1.  Carnality – Verses 14-15.  Though we are saved positionally, practically our flesh is not saved.  Flesh and blood 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.

2.  Consent – Verse 16.  When the child of God does wrong (he knows that what he is doing is evil),  he agrees with the Law that the Law is holy and right.

3.  Conflict – Verses 17-22.  There is a constant battle between the newness of the spiritual man and the wicked of our sinful flesh.

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

4.  Captivity – Verses 23-24.  Your flesh tries to control your mind bringing you into spiritual captivity. 

2 Corinthians 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

5.  Confidence – Verses 24-25.  One day, this old body will be changed and we will get a new one that is holy.

1 Corinthians 15:50-54  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  (51)  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52)  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  (54)  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

The Importance of Church Attendance

Temple Baptist Church - 4-8-2018

Hebrews 10:25; Psalm 84

Introduction: 

A.  There has been a serious decline in church attendance in the past few decades and this decline is simply a fulfillment of Scripture.  It has been prophesied that in the last days, there would be a falling away and we are in the middle of it. 

B.  The “form of godliness” has permeated the ranks of the professing believers with little or no conviction or holiness of life.

C.  Most churches are fairly full on Sunday morning, but the Sunday night and Wednesday night crowds have dwindled to the point of calling off services. 

1.  “As the manner of some is” has become the rule instead of the exception with more and more of the once faithful now either slack in their faithfulness or completely out of church. 

2.  My Bible still says, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. “  (Matthew 18:20)

D.  Most churches have lost their way in these last days as they have become:

1.  Entertainment Centers for the worldly.

2.  Fishing Holes for sinners.

3.  Seeker Sensitive for numbers.

E.  The local church is a called-out assembly of saints for the purpose of worship, preaching, and doctrinal teaching.  It is to be a place of holiness and separation from the world.  That makes a good church unpopular with the masses.

F.  The Importance of God’s House.  The phrase “The house of the Lord” is used 213 X  in the Bible.  The phrase “house of God” is used 87X in the Bible.  That is a total of 300 references.  This does not include other references such as “temple” and “tabernacle.”  God’s house is a place of great importance.

1.  The Emphasis of God’s House - Hebrews 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  Why the emphasis?  This verse has been preached as a negative instead of a positive!  Yes, it is a commandment but there is a reason behind the commandment.  I have often said that the church:

                        a)  Is A Place Of Rallying.  (When you are down.)

                        b)  Is A Place Of Relying.  (When you are devastated.)

                        c)  Is A Place Of Renewing.  (When you are defiled.)

                        d)  Is A Place Of Revival.  (When you are defeated.)

2.  The Excitement of God’s House - Psalms 122:1  I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

3.  The Encouragement of God’s House - Psalms 27:4  One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

Psalms 55:14  We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

Psalm 84**

1.  A Place of Importance – vs 1  “How”

2.  A Place of Loving – vs 1  “amiable” (well beloved)

3.  A Place of Longing – vs 2-3  “longeth … fainteth”

4.  A Place of Worship – vs 3  “altars”  (place of sacrifice)

5.  A Place of Encouragement – vs 4  “still praising thee”

6.  A Place of Strength – vs 5  “strength is in thee”

7.  A Place of Understanding – vs 6  “valley of Baca … make it a well”  (weeping)

8.  A Place of Sharing – vs 7  “strength to strength”

9.  A Place of Prayer – vs 8  “hear my prayer … give ear”

10.  A Place of Safety – vs 9  “God our shield”

11.  A Place of Joy – vs 10  “day … better than a thousand”

12.  A Place of Blessing – vs 11  “no good thing”

13.  A Place of Maturity – vs 12  “trusteth in thee”

And Many Shall Follow Their Pernicious Ways - Part 3

Temple Baptist Church - 4-4-2018

2 Peter 2:1-9

Introduction: 

A.  Last week, we began a contextual look at “their pernicious ways” and why the “many shall follow them.”  I stand amazed, though I know what the Bible says about the “falling away” of the last days.  To fall away from something, you must first have stood there.

B.  We looked at the angels that sinned in heaven because of Lucifer’s rejection of God and their loss of their first estate.  Then, Satan used a serpent to attack God’s Word and beguile not only the serpent but also Eve.  The first step toward a reprobate mind is that “when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God” and became unthankful.

C.  In verse 5, Peter gives our second example of false teachers and those who follow them.  Noah’s day!  Genesis, chapter 4-6.  Let us tie this verse with the second step to a reprobate mind in Romans, chapter. 

Romans 1:25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

D.  How did they change the truth of God into a lie in Noah’s day?

1.  Genesis 4, Cain, without any outside influence humanly speaking, heard and rejected the truth of God’s Word.  “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” tells us that he knew and understood truth.  The only answer that I have is that the satanic influence that beguiled Eve beguiled Cain!

Genesis 4:7  If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

2.  Cain was a grown man before Seth was born and the ungodly lineage in chapter 4 was in full swing.  God had separated Cain from the godly line.

Genesis 4:16  And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

3.  Adam lived until Lamech was 56 years old.  Methuselah was 243 years old when Adam died so Adam died 726 years before the flood.  I personally calculated this for a reason: During Adam’s life, he watched as the two lines, Seth and Cain, were separated by God—these two lines began to mix and mingle.

E.  In Genesis, chapter 6, we find:

1.  The multiplication of the ungodly line of Cain.

Genesis 6:1  And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,  (The rejection of God and His truth was in full swing in the days of Noah.)

2.  The rejection of truth by the Messianic line of Seth.

Genesis 6:2  That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

3.  The wickedness of both the Messianic line of Seth and the ungodly line of Cain.

Genesis 6:5  And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

4.  The few who embraced truth verses the many who rejected truth.

Genesis 6:8-9  But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.  (9)  These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

F.  The truth of God had been turned into a lie.  Romans 1:25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

G.  I said all of this because, behind all of the sinfulness of Noah’s day, lies the false prophets and teachers who influence both the saved and lost to reject truth and follow the ways of the world.

1.  They Rejected The Paths Of Their Fathers. Genesis 5:22  And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

2.  They Rejected God’s Command Of Distinction – Genesis 6:2  “sons of God . . . daughters of men” 

2 Corinthians 6: 14-18  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

3.  They Rejected God’s Morality – Genesis 6:5 “wickedness . . . evil continually”

Romans 1:24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Romans 1:26-27  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

4.  They Rejected God’s Structure For The Family – Genesis 6:2  “they took . . . all which they chose”

Genesis 2:24  Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Genesis 4:19   And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.  

Matthew 24:38  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark.

5.  They Rejected God’s Companionship – Genesis 6:9  These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

6.  They Rejected God’s Offer Of Grace - Genesis 7:9-10  There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah.  (10)  And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth.  (God left the door of the Ark open for seven days, the number of completion, and anyone could have changed their minds and gotten on board.)

7.  They Reaped God’s Judgement - Genesis 6:7  And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

Genesis 7:21  And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:

Made Free From The Law

Temple Baptist Church - 4-1-2018

Romans 7: 1-6

Introduction:

A.  As Paul begins this chapter of Romans, he gives an analogy between marriage and the law.  As marriage was intended to be “till death do us part,” so is the Law.  As a marriage is to be sundered only by death, so the Law can only be sundered by the death of Christ.

B.  The Purpose of the Law was to be our Schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.  It was meant to show a lost world their need for the Saviour.  Paul, in this chapter, will give us some valuable insight into his personal life, both thoughts and deeds.

1.  The first part of chapter 7 deals with Paul’s relationship to the Law and Christ before salvation.

2.  The last part of chapter 7 deals with the struggles that Paul has after salvation.  These struggles remain so long as we live in the flesh.

C.  What does the Law do?  The Law exposes man’s sinfulness.  Romans 2:12  For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

D.  Man, by nature, is self-righteous.  There are three areas of the Law: the Moral Law, the Civil Law, and the Ceremonial Law.

1.  The Moral Law:  Man becomes self-righteous in his perception of who and what he is.  He knows that he is a sinner but does not think that he is that bad of one.

2.  The Civil Law: Man becomes self-righteous in his perception of what he does and how he treats his neighbor.  He lays claim on the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

3.  The Ceremonial Law:  Man becomes self-righteous in his perception of where he goes to church and how he worships.  “I am a Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Episcopal, Catholic, Church of Christ, etc.”

E.  What the Law cannot do!

1.  The Law cannot make one a Child of God.  Romans 2:28-29  For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:  (29)  But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

2.  The Law cannot justify or make one acceptable to God.  Romans 3:20  Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 4:2-5  For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.  (3)  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.  (4)  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.  (5)  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

3.  In the eyes of the Law, we remain unjustified and condemned in our sin. 1 Corinthians 15:56  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

4. The Law was never to meant to save man but to bear witness that man desperately needs the righteousness of God. Romans 3:21-22  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;  (22)  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

F.  The Purpose of the Law:  The Law gave divine commandment and, therefore, defined sinfulness.  Romans 7:7  What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

Galatians 3:20-29  Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.  (21)  Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.  (22)  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.  (23)  But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  (24)  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  (25)  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.  (26)  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  (27)  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  (28)  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  (29)  And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

G.  As marriage is only to be sundered by death, our relationship with the Law is only sundered by the death of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 7:4-6  Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.  (5)  For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.  (6)  But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

The Good News Of The Gospel

Temple Baptist Church - 4-1-2018

Mark 15:12-15, 33-47; 16:1-8

Introduction: 

A.  This morning is Resurrection Sunday.  A day much revered among God’s people.  Our celebration of the glorious Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Capstone of Christianity; the completion of the glorious gospel of Christ, the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.

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:

B.  The Gospel defined:  The word gospel means “good news” or “good tidings.” 

1.  The good news for a world dying in sin! 

2.  The good news that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son!” 

3.  The good news that the sinful does not have to spend eternity in a devil’s hell! 

4.  The good news that all has been done that is necessary for a sinner to be saved! 

5.  The good news that every sinner who ever lived could be saved!

6.  The good news that God’s prepared heaven is now freely accessible to the both the greatest and the least of mankind!

C.  We just read very familiar verses of Scripture that define the gospel.  Paul defined it in a shorter version in 1 Corinthians, chapter 15:

1 Corinthians 15:1-4  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;  (2)  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  (3)  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins (death)  according to the scriptures;  (4)  And that he was buried (burial), and that he rose again(resurrection) the third day according to the scriptures: 

D.  In both the Books of 2 Corinthians and Galatians, we find the perverting of the gospel.  In the First Century, as false teachers infiltrated the local churches and found willing followers, the gospel fell under attack.  Satan hates the gospel!  The gospel is God’s power unto salvation to those who believe on Christ. 

E.  This morning, I want to look at some aspects of the Gospel found in these verses of Scripture. 

1.  The Purity Of The Gospel - The Gospel Defined – vs. 3-4  Many do not understand the gospel and refer to themselves as “full gospel” by adding other things to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  Galatians calls this is “another gospel which is not another!”

a.  Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.  (Involves the prophecies [such as not having a bone broken, etc.] doctrines of sin, Christ, and salvation.)

b.  Christ was buried.  (Involves prophecies fulfilled such as that He made His grave with the rich.)

c.  Christ rose again the third day according to the scriptures.  (A glorious bodily resurrection.)

2.  The Preaching Of The Gospel - The Gospel Delivered – vs. 1, 3  The gospel must be preached in all of its purity in order to be effective.

a.  The Gospel Daringly Declared – vs. 1 “declared”  (Unashamedly and boldly preached.)

b.  The Gospel Dutifully Delivered – vs. 3 “delivered”  (In fulfillment of the Great Commission, preached to every creature both at home and abroad.)

3.  The People Of The Gospel – The Gospel Desired – vs. 1  A realization that salvation is through Christ alone brings about two things.

a.  The Gospel Brings Conversion – vs. 1 “received”  (A realization that works cannot obtain salvation.)

b.  The Gospel Brings Confidence – vs. 1 “stand”  (A realization that works cannot maintain salvation.)

4.  The Power Of The Gospel – The Gospel Demonstrated - vs. 3-4  The Gospel message works as well today as it did two thousand years ago.  It is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.  

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.

a.  The Power Of Propitiation – vs. 3 “Christ died” (For every man, woman, and child who ever has or ever will live.)

b.  The Power Of Salvation – vs. 3 “our sins” (For all of our sins, past, present, and future.)

c.  The Power Of Resurrection – vs. 4 “rose again”  (Brings resurrection presently in holiness of life and then resurrection future into His eternal presence.)

5.  The Protection Of The Gospel – The Gospel Defended - vs. 2  The Gospel has always been under attack because it alone brings salvation.  The Gospel was attacked through the denial of the resurrection of the Sadducees, those who religious zealots who crucified Christ, the soldiers who were to keep the tomb.

a.  Against Apostasy’s Deviation – vs. 2 “keep in memory”  (We live in days where the virgin birth, blood atonement, and other major gospel doctrines are under attack.)

b.  Against Apathy’s Dereliction - vs. 2, 10 “believed in vain…I laboured”  (If the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation [and it is] then we must be busy telling others the glorious news that Christ died for them and they can be eternally saved through trusting His finished work at Calvary.)