I Am the Bread of Life - Part 2

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-18-2023

John 6:28-41

 

Introduction:

 

A.  After seeing and hearing of multiple miracles done by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Jews asked to see a sign that they might believer.  The Lord Jesus’ answer was that the work of God was to believe on Him.

 

B.  Verse 31.  The Jews then mentioned the work of God as He fed Israel with manna from heaven. 

 

1.  They had just seen the Lord feed the multitudes with 5 loaves and 2 fishes with 12 baskets full left over.  They evidently were so busy eating that they ignored what He had miraculously done.

 

2.  Verse 35.  This led to our Lord’s short discourse in verse 35: “I am the bread of life.”  I want to take another couple of weeks to properly discuss this statement.

 

C.  The bread from heaven did not come from Moses.  Our Lord said that it came from God! 

 

1.  Our Lord used “bread” as an illustration of life giving.  Bread is called the "staff of life" because it is a very basic food that supports life. In the world, bread is vast and varied with some form of bread found in virtually every society. 

 

2.  The Israelites named the bread from heaven “Manna.”  “Whatness.”  “For they wist not what it was”

 

D.  The word “bread” is found 361 times in your Bible.  Often, bread in the Bible is used typically.  It is often used as a metaphor for spiritual life.

 

1.  The First Mention of bread is found in Genesis, chapter 3, which establishes the importance of it.

 

Genesis 3:19  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

 

2.  Also, in the First Mention of bread in the Bible, the Lord did not have to explain to Adam what bread was.  This could be taken that Adam and Eve had prepared bread previously from readily available wheat. 

 

Genesis 1:29-30  And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth (not just in the Garden of Eden), and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.  (30)  And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

 

3.  After the fall, Fruit trees would continue to provide fruit, but, from that time on, it would require the “sweat of thy face” to get bread as the flour would come from the tilling of the ground and planting such.

 

Genesis 3:19  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

 

4.  Satan mentioned bread while tempting the Lord in Matthew, chapter 4, which emphasizes its importance to life. 

 

Matthew 4:3-4  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.  (4)  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.  (The indication here is that man lives by bread but the Word of God, the Living Bread is more important.)

 

Our Lord drew a distinction between the temporal importance of bread in life to the Word of God which holds the key to eternal life.

 

5.  Acts, chapter 2 shows the importance of bread in diet in the New Testament.

 

Acts 2:46  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

 

6.  Bread has always been used in our communion with Christ Jesus.

 

a)  The Old Testament - Exodus 25:30  And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.  (The shewbread was essential to Israel’s communion with the Lord.)

 

b)  The New Testament - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26  For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:  (24)  And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.  (25)  After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.  (26)  For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.  (1 Corinthians, chapter 11, concerning the Lord’s Supper, shows the correlation between bread and the body of Christ.)

 

1 Corinthians 10:16  The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

 

E.  Manna was typical of Christ.

 

1.  It was Divine in its origin.  Christ’s deity.

 

2.  It came down from heaven.  Christ was sent from God.

 

3.  It was small in its size. Christ’s humility.

 

4.  It was round.  Christ’s eternality.

 

5.  It was white.  Christ’s purity.

 

6.  It was sweet.  Christ’s person.

 

7.  It was sufficient.  Christ is all we need.

 

F.  Physically, when going on a diet, the first thing people normally leave out of their diet is bread of any kind.  Though bread is good for us, it is left on the shelf.  When going on a spiritual diet, the first thing that they leave out is the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ and, without Jesus Christ, there can be no eternal life with God or no fellowship with God.

 

G.  Manna, though supplied by the Lord, had to be gathered each day and the bread that came from it only lasted one day at a time.  The Bread from heaven, Jesus Christ, only had to be received once for all eternity.

A Prayer for Justice

Temple Baptist Church - 1-15-2023

Psalm 109

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  Though this is not the last or the Imprecatory Psalms, it is probably the most intense.  Imprecatory Prayers are to invoke both the justice and vengeance of God down upon the perpetrator, the one who caused the child of God great harm.

 

B.  God’s normal will is for us to love, do good to, and to pray for those who despitefully harm us, but there are times who the perpetrator will neither let up nor cease what they are doing.

 

C.  The history of this Psalm is not fully known as King David had many enemies.  Kings in David’s timeframe were often assassinated or persecuted as their rivals would not only kill them but also all their descendants.

 

Song of Solomon 3:7-8  Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.  (8)  They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.

 

D.  The Psalm is also prophetic in nature and could be applied to both Judas Iscariot and the impending Antichrist of the end time.

 

E.  God loves the Prince and the Pauper, the Sovereign King, and the servant the same.  I believe that King David suffered much in his lifetime as to set an example of suffering for those he ruled.  Dr. Harold Sightler once said something to this tune, “God had never greatly used a man until the man has greatly suffered.”

 

F.  Another reason for the suffering of King David is found in this verse: smite the shepherd and the sheep will scatter.  Cut off the head and the snake will die.  Destroy the king was Satan’s plan for Israel.

 

Zechariah 13:7  Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

 

G.  The Apostle Paul spoke of his suffering within the churches.  Smite the Apostles and the believers will scatter.  Satan’s plan for the churches.

 

2 Timothy 2:16-18  But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.  (17)  And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;  (18)  Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

 

2 Timothy 4:9-15  Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:  (10)  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.  (11)  Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.  (12)  And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.  (13)  The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.  (14)  Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:  (15)  Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

 

3 John 9-11  I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.  (10)  Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.  (11)  Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

 

H.  Once again, one of the best ways to understand a Psalm is to outline it by breaking it down into its parts.  Psalm 109 is Imprecatory in nature.  David appealed to God based upon God’s justice.  King David said this in his last words.  This is what God said to me!

 

2 Samuel 23:3  The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

 

J.  David knew that as he was to be just as King ruling over Israel, God had to be just as Ruler over His dominion.  He appeals to God’s justice.

 

1.  Verses 1-5.    The Persecution of King David.  They hated Israel’s king and were determined to destroy him.  They would not stop!

 

a.  Verse 2.  They lied about him. 

 

b.  Verse 3.  They fought against him.

 

c.  Verse 5.  They hated him.

 

2.  Verses 6-20.  The Imprecatory Prayer of King David.  Do anything and everything it takes to stop the enemies of the King.

 

a.  The word “let” is used 21 times in these verses.

 

b.  King David prayed the wrath of God down upon his enemies.

 

3.  Verses 21-25.  The Predicament King David.  He had about all that he could take in the flesh.

 

a.  Verses 21-23.  He was spiritually weakened.  His heart was wounded.  He was tossed up and down.

 

b.  Verses 24-25.  He was physically weakened. His body was weak through fasting

 

4.  Verses 26-31.  The Praise of King David.  His petition would be granted because it was based upon God’s Person and Power.

 

a.  Verses 26-29.  David’s Plea.

 

b.  Verses 30-31.  David’s Praise.

 

The Pulpit and the Church

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-15-2023

Nehemiah 8:1-10

 

Introduction:

 

A.  In Nehemiah 8:4, we have not only the first mention principle of the word pulpit; we also have a full mention principle along with an only mention.  God said all that needs to be said on the subject in one short context.  I would behoove us to look at this important piece of furniture that is found in a prominent place in the local church and check out its purpose. 

 

B.  In most churches, the pulpit is the central piece of furniture in the most conspicuous place.  Many new and more modern churches are built around the Family Life Center. 

 

C.  The pulpit was once a place of reverence by the man of God.  It is often called the “sacred desk.”  Men climb into pulpits that have no love for the Word of God or the people of God.  They are hireling prophets who are more interested in their own personal agendas than they are standing true to the Bible.  These are men with no call of God on their lives.

 

D.  The pulpit was once held in respect by the people of God, but times have changed that also.  Now they come and hear with a “take it or leave it” attitude.

 

1.  God’s Man – vs. 2 “Ezra the priest”

 

2.  God’s Method – vs. 2  “brought”

 

3.  God’s Message – vs. 2  “the law”

 

a)  The Value of God’s Word - Psalms 19:10 - More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold:

 

b)  The Sweetness of God’s Word - Psalms 19:10 sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

 

c)  The Importance of God’s Word - Job 23:12  I have esteemed the  words of his mouth more than my necessary food. 

 

Let us take a look at the pulpit this morning and give some applications the pulpit and the church in our day.

 

1.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Desire – Verse 1  (The people initiated the Service - “gathered themselves”)

 

1 Peter 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

 

Psalms 119:97  O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.  (Three Results of Loving God’s Word.)

 

Psalms 119:113  I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.

 

Psalms 119:163  I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

 

Psalms 119:165  Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. 

 

a.  Hate vain thoughts (wicked thinking)

b.  Hate lying

c.  Not easily offended

 

2.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Unity – Verse 1  (The people were in One Accord - “all...as one man”)

 

Ephesians 4:11-15  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;           For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

 

Acts:, 41-42  And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place....Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 

  3.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Purpose – Verses 1-2  (The people wanted to hear God’s Word - “bring the book”)

 

2 Timothy 4:2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

a.  Purpose of Salvation - Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

 

b.  Purpose of Edification - 1 Peter 2:2  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 

 

c.  Purpose of Exhortation - Hebrews 13:22  And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. 

 

4.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Attentiveness – Verse 3   (When God’s man speaks, God’s people should heed. “he read therein … they were attentive”)

 

a.  Heeding God’s Word Brings Salvation To Others - 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.

 

b.  Heeding God’s Word Brings Cleansing - Psalms 119:9  Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.  

 

5.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Elevation – Verse 4  (The people elevated it, not the preacher.  Place of Authority. “stood upon a pulpit”)

 

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.

 

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. 

 

6.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Reverence – Verse 5  (Reverence God’s Word. “all the people stood up”) 

 

Psalms 138:2  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. 

 

Psalms 119:117  Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. 

 

7.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Blessing and Praise – Verse 6  (Place of Elevation of Christ.)

 

Philippians 3:3  For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 

 

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

 

8.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Agreement – Verse 6  “Amen”

 

Hebrews 13:7  Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

 

Acts 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

 

Amos 3:3  Can two walk together, except they be agreed?    

 

9.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Worship and Humility – Verse 6  “Bowed…worshiped”

 

Psalms 150:1  Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 

 

10.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Attendance - 7 “their place”

 

a.  The Importance of the People

 

b.  The Implication of their Place (cannot be filled by another)

 

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. 

 

1 Corinthians 4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 

 

11.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Teaching and Understanding – Verse 8 

 

Matthew 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:

 

Hebrews 5:12, 14  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat...But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 

 

12.  The Pulpit Should Be A Place of Joy and Gladness – Verse 10

 

1 John 1:4  And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

 

3 John 1:4  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 

The LORD Reigneth

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-8-2023

Psalm 99

 

Introduction:

 

A.  As we continue to move into the New Year, I want to continue to preach in such a way as to encourage the church.  I want us to face 2023 with faith, hope, encouragement, and thankfulness.

 

B.  I will continue to preach through the Psalms but will skip around some as of a late, the Psalms have had the same structure and message in the three divisions of the book.

 

C.  I want to look at this Psalm of Praise tonight because of the first three words, “The LORD reigneth.”  Again, I call your attention to the “eth” ending of the word “reign”.  This word expresses the truth of God’s sovereignty throughout the ages.  The LORD did reign, the LORD does reign, and the LORD will always reign.

 

D.  This Psalm reminds us that the LORD will be “LORD of all” in 2023.  No matter what comes; no matter what problems that we face; no matter what disappointments and discouragements that we endure; the LORD will be the LORD and He will continue to control all things.

 

E.  The last verse of the Psalm exhorts us to 1)  Exalt the LORD for He is our God and 2)  Worship the LORD for He is holy.

 

F.  “The LORD reigneth” speaks of His sovereignty, purpose, and power.  His sovereignty cannot be denied, His purpose cannot be hindered, and His power is unstoppable.

 

1.  Verse 1.  The LORD is sovereign in Heaven.  “He sitteth between the cheribums.”  He is LORD of heaven and, from there, controls His universe and all that is within it.

 

2.  Verse 2.  The LORD is sovereign in Israel.  “The LORD is great in Zion.”  God still loves His covenant people and will graft the natural branch back in one day.

 

3.  Verse 3.  The LORD is sovereign in His name.  “LORD.”  Self-existent and eternal.

 

4.  Verse 4.  The LORD is sovereign in His Judgment.  “thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob.”  The judgment of God will be a right judgment and a right reward.

 

5.  Verse 5.  The LORD is sovereign in Our Praise.  “Exalt ye the LORD our God.”  We worship the LORD and Him alone!

 

6.  Verse 6.  The LORD is sovereign in His Answers to Prayer.  “they called … He answered.”  When God answers our prayers, He will answer in a perfect way.

 

7.  Verse 7.  The LORD is sovereign in His Word.  “they kept His testimonies.”  You can trust your Bible in life, salvation, and death.

 

8.  Verse 8.  The LORD is sovereign in Forgiveness.  “thou wast a God that forgavest them.”  Oft times, we are slow to forgive but God is a God of forgiveness.  No matter what sin you have committed, failure that you have had, His ears are open to your cry and His arms are open to your embrace.

 

9.  The LORD is sovereign in in Holiness.  “for the LORD our God is holy.”  God will always do right!  God cannot and will not do wrong so His ways will be right ways.