The Order of Melchisedec

Temple Baptist Church - 2-13-2019

Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Introduction:

A.  The conjunction “For” keeps the following verses in the previous context.  Chapter and verse divisions are not inspired!  We often stop our train of thought in the middle of God’s and miss the interpretation.

B.  Verse 1, 4 – The Call of the High Priest – “For every high priest … And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.”  This was an appointment, not a popular vote.  God calls His men, they do not just volunteer.

C. Verse 1 - The Separation of the High Priest - “Taken from among men.”  The separation of the high priest.  Though he was still an Israelite, he was called to a dedicated position.

D.  Verse 1 – The Ministry of the High Priest – “That he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.”  His work was to offer the gifts of the people to God in thanksgiving.  He also offered sacrifice for the sins of the people.

E.  Verse 2 - The Compassion of the High Priest – “Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.”

F.  Verses 2-3 - The Infirmity of the High Priest – “for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity … And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.”

G.  Verses 5-10 - Our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ.

1.  Verse 5 - Our Great High Priest’s Divine Appointment – “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.”  (Our heavenly Father understood our need of One who would represent us to Him.  Jesus Christ, called of God.)

1 Peter 2:6  Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

2.  Verse 6 - Our Great High Priest’s Continuance – “As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Earthly priests lived and died but our great High Priest continues forever because He is alive evermore.)

3.  Verse 7 – Our Great High Priest’s Earthly Work – “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;” (So many times, we find our Lord in fervent prayer.  Most notable was His priestly prayer in John 17 as He prayed for His children.)

4.  Verse 8 – Our Great High Priest’s Obedience – “ Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;”  (His sinless life opened the door for we who are sinners to have His righteousness.  He became sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God.)

5.  Verse 9 – Our Great High Priest’s Accomplishment – “And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”  (Acomplete Saviour--a Saviour fitted in all respects to redeem sinful man. His Sufficient Sacrifice, Sovereign Resurrection, brought about our Satisfying Salvation!)

6.  Verse 9 – Our Great High Priest’s Guarantee – “the author of eternal salvation” (Because Christ has an unchangeable priesthood, we have:  Eternal Life, Eternal Forgiveness, Eternal Peace, Eternal Help in time of need.)

The Internal Work of the Local Church

Temple Baptist Church - 2-10-2019

Romans 12:3-8

Introduction:

A.  In our context, Paul moves from personal sanctification to unity of purpose.  Here we find the importance of each member of the local church.  When our Lord went back to heaven, He gave the church gifts (the evangelist and pastor-teacher), and individual gifts. 

B.  It amazes me when I see the talent level of the people in the church.  Personal gifts of the Spirit to be used for the edification of the body and the ministry of the local church. 

C.  In our verses for tonight, Paul describes some of the work-related gifts found in the church.  I am not going to do an in-depth study of the gifts of the Spirit but want to emphasize the importance of each member of the body.

D.   The Bible gives an analogy between the human body and the church body.  Our physical body is a work of divine genius that only a divine Creator could create.  David said that he was fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalms 139:14-16  I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  (15)  My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  (16)  Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

E.  Every part of our human body has purpose and is essential to our well-being.  Every member of the local church has purpose and is essential to its well-being.

F.  As every individual part of our human body belongs to the whole, every member of the local church belongs to the whole and is essential to its edification and work.  NEVER THINK THAT THE CHURCH CAN DO WITHOUT YOU!

1.  We share the same Salvation.

2.  We share the same Lord.

3.  We share the same Church.

4.  We share the same Bible.

5.  We share the same Love.

6.  We share the same Blessed Hope.

G.  Paul mentions seven specific parts of the internal ministry of the local church in these verses.

1.  Prophecy.  Verse 6.  Prophecy here means to forth-tell, not fore-tell.  In 1 Corinthians, we find its meaning:

1 Corinthians 14:3  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  (Preaching that edifies, exhorts, and comforts the body of Christ.  (I once heard a man say that two things made him want to preach:  good preaching and bad preaching.  Good preaching builds up, presses the believer to continue, and comforts the troubled.)

2.  Ministry.  Verse 7.  This word comes from the same root word as the word “deacon,” which means servant or to serve. 

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.

3.  Teaching.  Verse 7.  Sunday School teachers are very important in the local church.  They have the awesome responsibility of breaking down God’s Word to the level of their students.  The future of our children lies in their hands.

2 Timothy 2:2  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

4.  Exhorting.  Verse 8.  This word comes from a root word that is used for the Holy Spirit.  It means to come along side of or to implore someone who is faltering.

Hebrews 10:2  For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

5.  Giving.  Verse 8.  Thank God for tithers and givers.  Without you, the church could not function, and missionaries would NEVER get to the field of their calling.  Let it be done with simplicity.  Simplicity – folded together.  I always place our tithing envelope face down.  God knows and a few people are privy to that information, but it is NEVER discussed among those who do know.

6.  Ruling.  Verse 8.  Ruling with diligence and compassion.  Not as lords over God’s heritage but as shepherds over God’s sheep.

1 Timothy 5:17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

7.  Mercy.  Verse 8.  Sharing with those in need.  Not just monetary but giving one’s time and efforts to those who have need of it.  A burden shared is half a burden!

Conclusion:  The work of the local church is diverse in nature.  It takes all of us to make the local church what it should and needs to be.

What Makes Jesus So Precious?

Temple Baptist Church - 2-10-2019

1 Peter 1:18-2:7

Introduction:

A.  Many sermons have been preached on chapter 2:7: “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious.”

B.  Jesus Christ is indeed precious!

1.  He Is Precious To The Father – 2:4

a)  He Is Precious Because He Is An Only Begotten Son - 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)  He Is Precious Because He Is An Obedient Son - John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

Matthew 3:17  And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

c)  He Is Precious Because He Is A Loving Son - John 14:31  But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

2.  He is Precious To The Sinner – 2:6

a)  Because Of His Love For Them – 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.

b)  Because Of His Sacrifice For Them – Isaiah 53:6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

c)  Because Of His Promise To Them – Acts 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

3.  He Is Precious To The Saint – 2:6b-7

a)  He Is The Chief Corner Stone Upon Which Our Lives Are Built - Psalms 40:2  He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

b)  He Is The Chief Corner Stone Upon Which Our Future Is Secured – vs 9-10 - John 10:28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

c)  He Is The Chief Corner Stone Upon Which Our Faith Is Established – vs 6b - Romans 10:11  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

d)  He Is The Chief Corner Stone Upon Which We Can Rely When All Others Fail – vs 10 - Psalms 27:10  When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

C.  I believe that the context in which chapter 2:7 is found is the key to His preciousness to the child of God.

1.  Verse 18 – We know that our salvation is not of works, but through God’s amazing grace.

2.  Verse 19 – We know that our Lord Jesus Christ shed His precious blood for our sins.

3.  Verse 20 – We know that Christ was manifested FOR us and not just to us.

4.  Verse 21 – We know that our faith is in God alone.

5.  Verse 22 – We know that our souls have been made pure through imputation.

6.  Verse 23 – We know that our salvation is anchored in what God says, not what we feel.

7.  Verse 24-25 – We know that the Bible that we hold in our hand is the Word of God and, therefore, dependable.

Conclusion:  The most precious thing in this world to us should be that which is most precious to God!  His Son!  If you are lost this morning, the most precious think in this would to you should be Jesus Christ!  Because of His great love, He died for you!

A Right Perception Of Self

Temple Baptist Church - 2-3-2019

Romans 12:3

Introduction:  

A.  Self-esteem, an enemy to the child of God!  The heretic, Robert Schuler, wrote a book titled Self Esteem.  His book was nothing more than a religious rendition of humanism. 

B.  The Bible not only does not teach self-esteem but teaches to the contrary.  This does not mean that we are to spend out time belittling ourselves, but that we should have a proper perspective of who we are and why we are what we are. 

C.  Three different looks at self covers it all.

1.  A High-minded look.  People who think that they are superior.  Self-esteem, or self worth, is simply pride.  This extreme will divide the local church and is detrimental to its mission.

Philippians 2:3  "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."

2.  A Hopeless-minded look.  This represents the opposite extreme.  I know of a preacher, saved from a life of wickedness, who could never get past this past.  He always had a hopeless sense of unworthiness.

Luke 18:13  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 understand this verse but wanted us to look at the “standing afar off, would not life up so much as his eyes.”  A practical application as we are to come boldly before the throne of Grace.)

3.  A Humble-minded look.  This is a right mind.  It is neither foolish pride nor is it false humility, it is a right perspective concerning self.

D.  I find this verse interesting in that it follows verses 1-2.  The context is holiness and separation.  Separation and holiness are right and good in God’s sight, but can lead to serious problems when they become a source of pride. 

E.  A right perspective of self glorifies God.  A wrong perspective of self glorifies man.

1.  A Wrong Perceptive Of Self Brings About Pride  (When someone begins to tell me how separated that they are, I sense pride!  Their separation is between them and God.  Separation is a very personal thing.)

a.  Pride Is Sin - 1 John 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

b.  Pride Is Defiling - Mark 7:18-23  And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;  Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?  And he said, That which cometh out (Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh) of the man, that defileth the man.  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,  Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:  All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

b.  Pride Is Hated - Proverbs 6:16-19  These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:  A proud look (first on the list), a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

c.  Pride Is Phariseeism - Luke 18: 10-14  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  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.

d.  Pride Is Dangerous - Proverbs 16:18  Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23  A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

2.  A Right Perception Of Self Brings Glory

            a.  We Are Nothing (just dirt!)

1)  Our Flesh Is Wicked - Romans 7:18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

2)  Our Heart Is Wicked - Jeremiah 17:9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

3)  Our Righteousness Is Wicked - Isaiah 6:5-6  Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

            b.  He Is Everything

1)  He Was Before Everything - Colossians 1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

2)  He Created Everything - Colossians 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

3)  He Sustains Everything - Colossians 1:17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

            c.  Without Him We Can Do Nothing

Philippians 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Philippians 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 1Corinthians 15:10  But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Acts 17:28  For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Ephesians 4:7  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

1 Corinthians 8:6  But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

John 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

            d.  Therefore, It All Glorifies Him

Romans 11:36  For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

1 Chronicles 29:11-12  Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.  Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

The Blessings Of Unity

Temple Baptist Church - 2-3-2019

Psalms 133

Introduction: 

A.  What a joy to be in God’s house this morning.  I love the church!  What a joy it is to be the pastor of Temple Baptist Church.  What a privilege it is to walk through these doors and worship the Lord.  How good, how pleasant, how wonderful. 

B.  Our people enjoy each other’s company and many remain after the services.  They stand around and talk to each other, not about each other.  I often leave before many of you and let you lock up and turn out the lights.  It is good to see the smile, hear the laughter, and experience the love found here.

C.  The travesty of church division is too often found in many churches.  As a general rule, churches with division sitting on the pews implode.  I have often said that the enemy from within the church is the greatest one of all.  “United we stand; divided we fall,” is often quoted and comes from the Bible.

Mark 3:25  And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

D.  When I read this little Psalm, I think of Temple Baptist Church.  In these these verses, we see the results of unity:

1.  The Benefit - "good"  - 1 - Of great benefit, valuable, prosperity.  Coming to church gets me ready for the week.  Wednesday night gets me over the hump.

2.  The Bliss - "pleasant" – 1 - Sweet, agreeable, delightful, musical.  I always leave church better than I came.  I go home at the end of the day and, as I reflect back, rejoice in the day.

3.  The Binding - "together in unity" - 1-2 - Alike, in one accord, harmony.  No fussing, no fighting, no backbiting, no complaining, just sweet fellowship.

4.  The Blessing - "life forever more" – 3 – It is an intricate part of my life that I never want to do without.

E.  I want to look at the last result for a few minutes: “The Blessing.”

1.  The Blessing of Fellowship with God’s People - Romans 15:32  That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

2.  The Blessing of Encouraging God’s People - 2 Corinthians 2:1-2  But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? 

3.  The Blessing of Bearing The Burdens of God’s People - 2 Corinthians 7:4  Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

4.  The Blessing of Hearing That God’s People Are Steadfastly Serving  - 2 Corinthians 7:13-16  Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.  I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

a.  Colossians 2:5  For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

b.  1 Thessalonians 3:6-10  But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:  For now we live,if ye stand fast in the Lord.  For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;  Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

5.  The Blessing of Sharing The Ministry With God’s People - Philippians 1:3-6  I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:   (Workers, visitation, teachers, choir - get involved!!)

6.  The Blessing of Seeing God’s People Unified - Philippians 2:1-4  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.  (Greatest heartache - bickering children!)

7.  The Blessing of A Godly Testimony of God’s People - Philippians 2:14-15   Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;  (So much said about hypocrites – it is refreshing to hear good about God’s people!)

8.  The Blessing of An Inner Witness With God’s People - Philippians 4:1  Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

9.   The Blessing of Leading Others To Christ - 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?  For ye are our glory and joy.  (Some of you were came to Christ under my ministry.  Not that I am anything, but what a joy.  Just think of Tracy!)

10.  The Blessing of Giving Account For God’s Faithful People - Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.