Paul Walked with God in Spirit

 Temple Baptist Church - 9-10-2023

Romans 8:1-17

 

Introduction:

A.  As far as I am concerned, the Apostle Paul was possibly the greatest Christian in the early years of the church. 

 

1.  From the beginning of his walk with God on the Damacus Road until his death some 32 or so years later, Paul never faltered, failed, or fell from his steadfastness!

 

Philippians 1:20-21  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.  (21)  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

 

2.  As with the other men of God that we have looked at who chose to walk with God , there had to be one driving force that made Paul a man who walked with God. 

 

3.  I believe that force was the precious Holy Spirit of God. 

 

4.  I used the word force because of His power but the Holy Spirit is a Person and the third part of the Godhead or Trinity.

 

B.  Again, Paul was not a perfect Christian, just a good one!  We often equate spirituality with perfection and failure with carnality.  God is not looking for Perfect Christians, just useable ones!

 

C.  Though other epistles make mention of the blessed Holy Spirit, the Pauline Epistles introduce the believer to the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost and His work.  The Apostle Paul was truly a Spirit filled man!

 

D.  The Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts are transitional in nature with both passing and permanent gifts given for the edification of the saints and the work of the ministry.

 

E.  The greatest of all gifts given is the blessed, precious Holy Ghost!  Almighty God living in the believer!

 

1. He teaches - 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. He guides - Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

 

3. He commissions - Acts 13:4  So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

 

4. He commands men - Acts 8:29  Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

5. He restrains - Acts 16:6  Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

 

6. He intercedes - Romans 8:26  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.

 

7. He speaks - John 15:26  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

F.  There is a lot of misinformation in religious circles about the person and work of the Holy Ghost. Some religious denominations practice unscriptural works and blame the Holy Ghost for them.  The scripture cannot be violated, and the Spirit of God gave the scripture.

 

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.

 

G.  To walk with God, one must walk in God which is walking in the Holy Spirit.  Paul was such a man.  The Bible does not specifically say that Paul walked in the Spirit, but I believe that his epistles testify to it. What is walking in the Spirit?

 

1.  Walking with God in the Spirit requires a spiritual birth.  John 3:5-8  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  (6)  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  (7)  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.  (8)  The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

 

a.  The New Birth and the Word of God.  Romans 10:14-17  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  (15)  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  (16)  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  (17)  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

b.  The New Birth and the Spirit of God.  1 Corinthians 6:11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

 

2.  Walking with God in the Spirit requires being conscious of His Presence.  Galatians 5:16-17  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.  (Realizing the constant battle that we have with our old sinful flesh and knowing the presence of the blessed Holy Spirit: our Comforter, Friend, and Guide.)

 

a. Consciousness of God is not based upon Emotions.  I do not necessarily feel God in me or with me.  Emotions can leave one fearful and drained because we cannot see God’s presence.

 

b. Consciousness of God is not based upon Circumstances.  There are times when I do not think that things are right nor do I like where I am in life.  Circumstances can leave one confused and discouraged because we cannot see God working in the background.

 

c. Consciousness of God relies completely upon His Promises.  He said that He would be there with me and for me.  Never doubt in the dark what God said in the light!

 

d.  Walking in the Spirit involves knowing that He is with me; He sees me; He protects me; and He cares for me.  All the time!

 

3.  Walking with God in the Spirit requires being filled with the Spirit.  Ephesians 5:18-21  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  (19)  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  (20)  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;  (21)  Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.  (The filling of the Holy Ghost is not evidenced by the modern day “tongues” but by a sweetness of singing and making melody in our hearts coupled with thankfulness.)

 

a.  Sensitive to the Spirit.  Understanding the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is imperative. 

 

b.  Obedient to the Spirit.  Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us throughout the day.

 

c.  Not Grieving the Spirit.  Heeding the reproof of the Holy Spirit when we commit sin.

 

4.  Walking with God in the Spirit is evidencing the fruit of the Spirit.  Galatians 5:22-25  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.  (True Biblical Christianity is always evidenced with the inward, outward, and upward fruit of the Spirit.  You cannot be Spirit filled without all 9 aspects of the fruit.)

 

5.  Walking with God in the Spirit is evidenced by living for God instead of living for the world.  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.

 

a. Consecration for God is Realization that I belong to God.  We have been bought and paid for by the blood of Christ.  We are not our own but we are His.

 

b. Consecration for God is Presentation of my body to God.  Separation is simply giving to God what He has already paid for: our lives!  We owe all that we have or ever will have to Him.

 

c. Consecration for God is Glorification of God – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  20  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

 

d.  Consecration is dying to self and living for the glory of God - 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.

 

6.  Walking In The Spirit Involves Compliance To God - 1 John 5:3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

 

a. Compliance to the Holy Spirit’s Direction - 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.

 

b. Compliance to the Holy Scripture’s Doctrine - John 8:31-32  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;  32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

Conclusion:  Walk in the Spirit and deny the flesh.  Walk in the flesh and deny the Spirit.  Our Lord said that we are either for Him or against Him with no room for middle ground.

When The Lord Seems to Come Too Late

 Temple Baptist Church - 9-6-2023

John 11:1-16

 

Introduction:

 

A.  This is the only Gospel Book that references this particular story.  The Gospel of John alludes to the Deity of Christ Jesus.  It is in the Book of John that we find both the attributes of Jesus Christ, the God-Man.  100% God on His Father’s side and 100% Man on His mother’s side.

 

B.  There are two men named Lazarus mentioned in the Bible. 

 

1.  Lazarus the Beggar is referenced 4 times in the Book of Luke, chapter 16: the story of the rich man and the beggar.

 

2.  Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, is referenced 11 times in the Book of John.  No other place do we find this close personal friend of our Lord mentioned.

 

C.  Bethany was a small town or village close to Jerusalem, the Temple, and the Mount of Olives.  Our Lord resorted there on many occasions as a place of lodging.

 

D.  The home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary was one where our Lord frequented during His earthly ministry. 

 

Luke 10:38-42  Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.  (39)  And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.  (40)  But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.  (41)  And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:  (42)  But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

 

E.  Verse 2 identifies Mary. 

 

John 12:3  Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

 

F.  I said all that to say this, can you imagine the Lord coming and spending quality time at your house.  He was their Saviour, a close Personal Friend, and their Spiritual Mentor.  Blessing and breaking bread in their home, having a part of their Family Devotions and spiritual development.

 

G.  Lazarus is described as “he whom thou lovest” in verse 3.  Our Lord Jesus loved this family; He loved Lazarus!

 

H.  When Martha and Mary sent for the Lord, it seemed that He would come as quickly as He could and save the life of His dear friend.  Our Lord abode in His place until Lazarus succumbed to his sickness and died. 

 

J.  In His time, not theirs, He came to where they were.  Those who believed that Jesus could heal the sick did not believe that He could make the dead live again.

 

K.  Twice in chapter 11, verses 21 and 32, the statement was made: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”  These were correct statements because nowhere in the Bible do we find anyone dying in the presence of the Lord.

 

L.  In verse 37, we find the statement of others who were there.  John 11:37  And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

 

M.  There will be times in mine and your lives when we call upon the name of the Lord because of some terrible accident, sudden sickness, or other devasting reasons but the Lord SEEMINGLY does not show up on time.

 

N.  There is a great lesson to be learned in John, chapter 11.  His time is not our time; His ways are not our ways; His thoughts are higher than our thoughts!

 

O.  The key to these verses is found verses 4 and 15.  Throughout the Bible we find God’s people questioning God’s timing: “How long?”

 

1.  Verse 4.  That God the Father and the Son of God might receive glory and be glorified.  John 11:4  When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory (an Attribute of God) of God, that the Son of God might be glorified (is a gift given to God) thereby. (There are two different words here that are somewhat similar yet carry different meanings.  Words are important!)

 

a.  God the Father: “for the glory of God.”  Who God is: Glory – to honor, to praise, to worship. 

 

True worshippers worship God for WHO He is.  John 4:23-24  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  (24)  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

 

1.  The Lord’s Prayer speaks of God’s glory.  John 17:5  And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

 

2.  The Model Prayer speaks of God’s glory.  Matthew 6:9  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

 

Hallowed – First Mention: Exodus 20:11  For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed (to make, to preserve, to announce, to sanctify as holy) it.

 

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.

 

b.  God the Son: “that the Son of God might be glorified”  Something that we GIVE TO God!

 

John 17:24  Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

 

1.  If the doctors answer your prayers, they get the glory.  If medications answer your prayers, then science gets the glory,, when you can fix your own problems you get the glory!

 

2.  When there are no earthly answers, then Jesus Christ gets ALL the glory!

 

2.  Verse 15.  That your faith is strengthened.  John 11:15  And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

 

Hebrews 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

a.  Verses 21, 32.  Their faith believed that the Lord could heal Lazarus because they had seen such power in the ministry of Jesus.  No problems were too large for the Lord as He healed all who came to Him.  Both women said the same thing.

 

1)  Verse 21, Martha said, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”

 

2)  Verse 32, Mary said, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”

 

b.  Their faith had never seen the resurrection power of the Lord in bringing the dead who were buried and stinking back to life.  Jesus was declared to be the Son of God by His resurrection.

 

John 11:17  Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

 

John 11:39  Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

 

1)  There will be times in our lives when the bad things come which the Lord could have prevented.  These are times which God has allowed to continue for a time in order to bring forth something that will bring far more glory to God. 

 

a)  Times when you ask the Lord, “Why?”

 

b)  Times when you ask the Lord, “How long?”

 

c)  Times when you ask the Lord, “Do you really care?’

 

d)  Times when you ask the Lord, “Do you really love me?”

 

2)  It would have glorified God to heal Lazarus but it glorified God more to resurrect him!

 

3)  In verse 22, we find Martha’s faith in our Lord manifested.  John 11:22  But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

 

4)  We do not like tribulation but tribulation worketh patience, patience experience, and experience hope!  1 Peter 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

Conclusion: I am learning to not mess with God’s time, way, or thoughts, as He knows what He is doing and what He does will be right.  God is never early nor late!  God will always be on time but “on time” will be in His time.

I Shall Be Satisfied

 Temple Baptist Church - 9-3-2023

Psalm 17:13-15

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Tonight’s Psalm is another that can be preached in many ways, so I want to look at a phrase in it tonight that believe that will be a blessing to each of us.

 

B.  In verses 13-14, we see the prospering of the wicked around us. 

 

1.  They seem to have more than the righteous and the tendency is to envy them to some degree. Many of God’s children have chosen the better things of life at the expense of the luxurious things of life.

 

2.  When we envy the world, we strive to emulate the world.  So many of God’s people are caught up in “getting, getting, getting” instead of “giving, giving, giving!”  The Bible says that it is better to give than to receive!

 

3.  Their “portion” is in this life, so I am glad that they have at least a temporal enjoyment.  God is good to the unsaved!  It rains on the just and the unjust.

 

4.  Their bellies are full here, but they pass their riches down to children who will possibly or probably squander all they worked hard to earn.

 

C.  The Psalmist, in verse 15, gives us a proper, biblical perspective of death or the Second Coming of Christ.  Our “portion” will be an eternal one.

 

1.  The word “satisfied” in found 43x and “satisfaction” 2x in the Bible with every mention of these words found in the Old Testament!

 

2.  “Contentment” is found several times in the New Testament, but “contentment” is not “satisfaction.”  I often tell people that I am content but not satisfied.  I am good with the things that are but would love to see things better.  We are never satisfied.

 

D.  We often confuse these two words because we live in a temporal, ever changing world.

 

1.  We often confuse the words “satisfied” and “content.”  We can be content but not satisfied though we may often use the word “satisfied.”  Temporal thing may bring a measure of joy but things often change and men become dissatisfied.

 

2.  Contentment means that you can be comfortable in your present condition.  You eat until you are content but will later become hungry again because your physical appetite will soon return. Dissatisfaction then becomes their driving force.

 

3.When truly satisfied in the eternal sense means that you will never desire or seek anything different because you have all you could possibly want forever. 

 

E.  The Psalmist lived in the light of his impending death.  Today, we do have another scenario facing us, the Rapture of God’s Church.  But, the Psalmist understood that he would awake in Glory and be satisfied when he took on the likeness of the Lord.

 

F.  Eternity has an unnumbered amount of things that will satisfy us so here are just a few.

 

1.  Satisfied with Our Saviour.  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.

 

2.  Satisfied with Our Likeness.  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.

 

3.  Satisfied with Our Bodies.  1 Corinthians 15:52-53  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.

 

4.  Satisfied with Our People.  Revelation 7:9-10  After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;  (10)  And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

 

5.  Satisfied with Our Home.  John 14:2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

 

6.  Satisfied with Our Surroundings.  Revelation 21:1  And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 

 

7.  Satisfied with New Jerusalem.  Revelation 21: 2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

 

8.  Satisfied with Our Eternity.  1 Thessalonians 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

 

Conclusion:  One day just like today and could be today, we will leave or earthly home behind and wake up in the likeness of our Lord and Saviour.  In that day we will be completely and eternally satisfied.

Peter Walked with God in Love

 Temple Baptist Church - 9-3-2023

Luke 22:54-62; John 21:15-19

 

Introduction:   I have often said that I would love to be a “Paul” but am more like “Peter.”  I believe that Paul was possibly the greatest example of Christian than any other man in the New Testament.  But Peter was so special in his own right.

A.  How can we study walking with God and leave out Peter?  I want to take a short look at an amazing man named Peter.  Peter was one of the greatest men in the Bible.  So many things stand out about the amazing example of biblical Christianity but I want to take a short look at what motivated this man to live and die for Christ. 

 

1.  Peter was a Bold Man – The only man who ever walked on water other than our Lord.

 

2.  Peter was a Brave Man – When the huge crowd came to the Garden of Gethsemane to take his Lord, he attacked with a sword.

 

B.  Peter is one of the most noted of the apostles and, along with James and John, comprised what is often referred to as the “inner three.”  He is one of the greatest men of the New Testament but is most remembered for his denial of the Lord and his restoration in John, chapter 21.  He has been given a bad name by some for his denial of the Lord.

 

1.  Peter was just a common man, a simple fisherman.  Matthew 4:18  And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

 

2.  Peter was an uneducated man, just a hardworking man.  Acts 4:13  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

 

3.  Peter was a habitual failure!  This was what made Peter such an example to us.  You and I can identify with him.  He was a man of many failures.  He got ahead of God; he got behind God; he rebuked God; and he was greatly used of God.

 

a)  There were numerous times that Peter “stuck his foot in his mouth” and received a rebuke from the Lord and once from the Apostle Paul.  Each time he failed, he received that correction and continued to follow the Lord.

 

b)  “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it; prone to leave the God I love.”  Notice the song said, “The God I love.”  Despite fault and failure, Peter loved the Lord.  In John 21:15-16, Peter twice used the word “yea:” a strong affirmation.

 

C.  In John, chapter 21, we find the restoration of a fallen man who loved the Lord.  So often, you and I get our priorities wrong or simply get “cross ways” with the Lord.  It is not that we do not love Him for how can we not?  It is because we are human!

 

D.  It was neither necessity nor constraint that caused Peter to be great in the Lord, it was his great love for his Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

 

John 21:15-17  So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.  (16)  He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.  (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.

 

1 Peter 4:8  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

 

E.  Peter failed in many aspects but his love for God was so real that it covered a “multitude of sins!”

 

“Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee … Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.”

 

1.  Peter walked with God in love through conversion.  John 1:40-44  One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.  He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.  And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. 

 

a.  The Bible does not say when these disciples were converted but most likely in Old Testament faith in the coming of the Messiah.  When Andrew came to Peter and said that he had found the Messias, Peter immediately came to Christ.

 

b.  Peters love for God began with his salvation.  Peter never got over the great love of God that bought his salvation. 

 

c.  Peter never forgot where he came from.

 

2.   Peter walked with God in love in commitment.  Mark 1:16-17  Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.  (17)  And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

 

a.  Peter was a hard-working fisherman in the family business.  When our Lord said, “Come after me,” Peter immediately left all.  That takes love.

 

b.  God does not require everyone to leave father, mother, brothers and sisters, houses and land but walking with God in love may require it!

 

3.  Peter walked with God in love in conflict.  John 6:67-69  Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?  (68)  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.  (69)  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

 

a.  As many turned their backs on Christ, Peter—along with others—continued to walk with God in love.

 

b.  There may come times of difficulty in our lives that will require a decision to be made concerning our love and walk with God.  I believe that Paul said it all in 2 Corinthians 5:14:  “For the love of Christ constraineth us!”  To constrain means to compel.

 

4.  Peter walked with God in chastisement.  John 21:15-17  So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.  (16)  He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.  (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.

 

a.  Peter had denied Christ thrice and was brokenhearted.  His sense of unworthiness brought him back to the life of a fisherman.

 

b.  Peter pronounced his love for Christ thrice and was restored.  When he saw the Lord, he dove into the water and swam to Him.  He knew that his Lord and Saviour loved him enough to come and restore him.

 

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.

 

5.  Peter walked with God in love in continuation.  John 21:18-19  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.  (19)  This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

 

a.  When the Lord prophesied Peter’s martyrdom, he never flinched.  Peter was willing to walk with Christ in life and death. 

 

Luke 22:33  And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.

 

b.  Walking with God in love has no end.  It is to live for Christ until our last breath is taken and, then, walking with Him in love for all of eternity.