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.

The ‘Therefore’ of 2 Timothy 4’s ‘Therefore'

Temple Baptist Church - 3-30-2014

2 Timothy 4:1-4

 

Introduction:

A. I am finished with the “Inspiration of the Scriptures” in the last chapter but, once again, you need to remember that chapter divisions are not the end of or a change of thought!

1. Rightly dividing the word of truth is essential to biblical interpretation and biblical interpretation must be made before practical application can be preached. One of the foremost rules of bible interpretation is the Context Principle. So many so-called bible scholars cause confusion by taking a verse out of its context and making it a pretext.

2. 2 Timothy 3:16 has been a prime example! These chapters have nothing to do with the original manuscripts. They are dealing with the apostasy and deception of these last days and assuring a young pastor that THE SCRIPTURE THAT HE HAD was both reliable and profitable. Chapter 4 is a continuation of chapter 3 and when you see a “therefore” or a “wherefore,” the context continues and you need to interpret the continuation within that context.

3. Chapter 4 begins with the “therefore” which continues the context of inspiration of and confidence in the “holy scriptures” that Timothy had in his possession. Chapter 4 gives the admonition to the preacher to “preach THE word.” You cannot preach what you do not have and, therefore, Paul is referring to the inspired scriptures which were profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. These inspired scriptures are the criteria for the throughly furnishing of God’s men!

4. To interpret these verses any other way is to do grave injustice to the word of God and cause confusion concerning a perfectly clear portion of the scripture! You do not need the Greek to interpret the English!

B. Wickedness permeates society and, unfortunately, most churches.

1. Worldliness and apathy have always been and always will be enemies of God’s local church. When worldliness and apathy come in, holiness and service go out.

2. Deception and false doctrine have always been and always will be enemies of God’s local church. Rightly dividing the word of truth and adhering to the Old Paths are not options!

3. Chapter 4 describes our times as most people in local churches will no longer “endure sound doctrine!”

Ezekiel 12:1-2 The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying, (2) Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house.

Zechariah 7:11-14 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. (12) Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts. (13) Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts: (14) But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

4. Because of their lusts, they “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.” They desire teachers instead of preachers. Teaching informs the intellect and gives information to be processed but demands no decision to be made. Preaching appeals to the heart of man and demands a decision to be made.

5. “Having itching ears” refers to loving to have their ears scratched or tickled. They desire to be entertained or feel good about themselves. These “ear tickling” preachers never reprove or rebuke because their congregations will not allow these things. They become hireling prophets.

Jeremiah 5:30-31 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; (31) The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? (Four things are found here: 1) the prophets fail to preach truth 2) the priests departed from the Law and led contrary to it 3) the people loved to have it so as God’s word was neither adhered to nor wanted 4) the question: what will you do?)

6. Most preachers of our day only exhort! There messages are intended to make people feel good and religions while leaving out the preceding admonitions of reproving and rebuking that keeps God’s people right with Him.

7. The result is the turning away from truth unto “fables.” “Fable” is to teach fiction of a myth. Fiction can be partly true and partly false or made up. A “myth” is a fairytale.

C. Lost church members who are religious but will not hear the word of God are both enemies to themselves as well as God’s local church. Sinners are welcome and saints are expected because both need help: the sinner needs to be saved and the saint needs to grow. Here are the dangers:

1. Sinner die lost without hearing the truth. It is the truth that makes us free and God’s word is truth. They may get a little religion, get baptized, and join the local church but, as the parable of the sower, they do not endure long. I was saved 38+ years ago and I still remain in church and serving the Lord!

2. Saints are destroyed without hearing the truth. Their live become shambles and their usefulness nil!

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

D. Now, let us look at Paul’s 7 fold admonition to Timothy:

1. Preach the Word!

a. The charge of preaching. God’s called men have a command to preach the word of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

b. The accountability of preaching. Acts 20:26-28 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. (27) For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (28) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

c. The importance of preaching.

1. Sinners will appear at the Great White Throne Judgment - Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

2. Saints will appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ - 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

2. Be instant! To preach without worrying about the consequences. Jeremiah 1:8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

a. In season – to deal with problems when they arise.

b. Out of season – to proactively or preventively deal with problems before they arise.

3. Reprove! To admonish or tell a fault. To correct gently but uncompromisingly. Colossians 1:28-29 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

4. Rebuke! To censure or chasten. Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

5. Exhort! One old preacher said, “Reprove them; rebuke them; and, if anyone is left, exhort them! God’s people need to be encouraged. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (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.

6. Longsuffering! Herein lies the key to preaching. Too many preachers are harsh with God’s people and use the word of God as a club to beat them with. I call this “in your face” preachers who never learn to handle God’s children gently and with love. 2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

7. Doctrinal! A preacher must be settled in the doctrine and uncompromising in its preaching. This is God’s word and needs to be treated as such. 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Homecoming 2014: Why I Love The Church

Temple Baptist Church - 3-30-2014

Ephesians 5:22-33; Matthew 16:15-18; Psalm 84:1-12

 

Introduction: Hebrews 10:25-27 are possibly the most quoted verses concerning church attendance and, like biblical separation, has been preached as a negative. Psalms 84:10 is in direct contrast to the end time professing Christian. Hebrews 10:25 says, “As the manner of some is.” The word manner means a custom or habitual practice.

A. Today, more is said against the church than for the church. Many local churches have brought this problem upon themselves by their wicked and unscriptural behavior.

1. Some say that the church is full of hypocrites.

2. Some say that the church has become a social organization.

3. Some say that the church no longer portrays the love of Christ.

B. There has been a great forsaking of the assembling in the past few decades with the majority of America unchurched at the present.

1. Church attendance is at an all time low with more churches and professing Christians than ever.

2. The faithful few that make up the nucleus of the local church have become fewer in number, especially Sunday and Wednesday night crowds.

C. The majority of the average church’s visitation program is spend visiting people who professed to be saved and either make shallow excuses for missing church or have become disgruntled over some petty problem and now are permanently excused from faithful attendance.

Many Of These Have Religion And Not Salvation

Many Of These Are so Worldly And Carnal That They Cannot Know The Will Of God.

1. We have the love of Ephesus.

2. We have the deadness of Sardis.

3. We have the lukewarmness of Laodicea.

D. But I still love the local church! In spite of its shortcomings and problems.

Here are some reasons why we should love the church:

1. It Is The Place That God Loves - Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.

2. It Is The Place Of Worship - Psalms 5:7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

3. It Is The Place Of Preaching And Teach God’s Word - 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

4. It Is The Place Where God’s People Gather - Psalms 55:14 We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.

(The greatest people on earth are there!)

5 It Is The Place Where Sinners Are Both Sought And Loved - Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Matthew 9:10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

6. It Is God’s Instrument For World Evangelism - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God–ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

7. It Was There That I Heard The True Gospel Preached And Was Gloriously and Eternally Saved – Luke 18:10, 13-14 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican … And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

8. It Is A Place Of Comfort And Spiritual Joy - Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

9. It Is An Encouragement Filling Station - 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

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.

10. It Is Just A Little Bit Of Heaven On Earth - Psalms 84:1-12 How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

A One Verse Refutation Of Calvinism

Temple Baptist Church - 3-26-2014

1 John 2:2

 

Introduction:

A. Verse 2 is an interesting verse. God is talking to “my little children” about their relationship with Him and each other and, in the middle of it, the Holy Spirit inserts the phrase: “and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” I believe that He does so for two reasons:

1. To awaken God’s children from the apathy that seems to settle over them concerning souls that die without Christ. I got to witness to a 50 year old man who was up by my driveway yesterday doing some work on the telephone boxes along the road. Today, he called me and want us to pray for you. Thank God we are saved but the vast majority of the world will die lost while we relish our fellowship together.

2. To once again remind us that Christ died once for ALL. The damnable doctrine of Calvinism or Reformed Theology has taken a terrible toll on many Baptist Churches. It is the major doctrine of the Presbyterian Denomination which builds its doctrine around John Calvin’s teachings. It has gained popularity among Baptists, both SBC and independent over the past few decades.

B. We need to wake up but, tonight, I want to take a look at the heresy of Calvinism that has affected so many. Calvinism is simply explained in the TULIP or TULIP Theology:

T – Total Depravity (Calvinists teach this as Total Inability. Man has no ability to place personal faith in Christ.)

U – Unconditional Election (Salvation is totally divine with no human responsibility or choice involved.)

L – Limited Atonement (Jesus Christ died only for the elect few.)

I – Irresistible Grace (Man has no power to resist the drawing of the Holy Spirit when salvation’s call is extended.)

P – Perseverance of the Saints (Those chosen through pre-destination and election are eternally saved and this salvation is shown through their perseverance.)

C. At this point, I want to say that I agree with none of these tenets of the Calvinistic faith. Some men are called 5 Point Calvinists; others are called 3 Point Calvinists. We are neither.

D. Calvinists teach that you are either Calvinist or Armenian in theology. This is based upon the premise that you either have eternal salvation (Calvinist) or you can lose your salvation (Armenian). We ARE NEITHER! We believe that the saved are eternally saved but have no connection to Calvinism.

E. Some of these verses will be repetitive but will refute the TULIP Theology.

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.

1. This Verse Destroys the Calvinist Doctrine of Total Depravity or Total Inability (this is what they teach). Christ is the propitiation for not only the saved but also for the whole world and the difference is that some chose to place their faith in Christ and most did not! It is a choice, not election.

John 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

2. This Verse Destroys the Calvinist Doctrine of Unconditional Election. If Christ died for the whole world and the whole world is not saved, there must be conditions to salvation.

John 3:16-21 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (21) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Acts 8:36-37 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? (37) And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (With all thine heart is more than just a mental assent to who Jesus Christ is, it is a saving faith that affects the life of the believer.)

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.

3. This Verse Destroys the Calvinist Doctrine of Limited Atonement. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the WHOLE world, not just the saved. What is it in the words “whole world” that is so utterly confusing to the Calvinist?

1 John 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

4. This Verse Destroys the Calvinist Doctrine of Irresistible Grace. Evidently, if Christ died for the whole world, most of the world has resisted His grace by not choosing to come to Christ for salvation. The grace of

Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Isaiah 63:10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

John 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

5. This Verse Destroys the Calvinist Doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints. Perseverance is different from preservation. Perseverance is something that is done by an individual while preservation is something done to an individual by either something or another person. The Bible does teach preservation but not perseverance. In our verse, we find that the saint is saved, not on probation. There are bible examples of men who did not persevere: Lot in Genesis 19:30-38, Demas 2 Timothy 4:10, etc. Perseverance is a work of man while preservation is the work of God.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

John 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. (We can cite many verses concerning the preservation of the saints but not the perseverance of the saints.)