Thursday, March 11, 2010
Friday, November 28, 2008
EXCUSES
Text: Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
Intro: Excuses are the first thought of the ungodly. These are only excuses; there can be no real reason for not accepting God’s word.
I. I’m not a sinner
A. All unprofitable -
Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
B. What is sin? (transgression of the law or a falling short, as an arrow to a target)
I Jno 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
C. All under sin
Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Ezek 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
II Naturally good enough ("I am a good person")
A. We are born in sin
Psa 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
B. We Go astray from birth
Psa 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
C. Evil from youth
Gen 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
C. Transgressor from birth
Isa 48:8 Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.
D. Evil from youth Gen 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
III I’m as good as church members
A. Inexcusable
Rom. 2:2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
II Cor 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
If you are hiding behind a hypocrite, there will be a lot of them in hell.
I sorta' like that bumper sticker that says “Christians aren’t perfect, but forgiven”
There’s no salvation in others’ mistakes!
IV I’ve turned over a new leaf
A. You can’t change your nature
Jer 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.
B. God commands repentance
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
V. Deceived church members
Illustration: A husband came home to find his wife sobbing. When he asked ‘What’s wrong?” she replied that a man had come to the door and asked if she were a christian.
“Well, asked her husband, didn’t you tell him that you are a member of a church? She answered “he didn’t ask me that”
A. These are described in
II Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
B. Baptism profits nothing, apart from salvation
Acts 8:36 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.
VI Christian Life is too hard
Ezek 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
29 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.
30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.
31 Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.
A. Jesus said it was easy
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
B. God says it is pleasant
Psa 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
C. It is the life of the sin that is hard
Prov 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
Isa 57:20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
VII. I am too great a sinner and God wouldn’t have me
A. Christ came to save sinners
I Tim 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
Jno 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
VIII My friends would laugh
Better to have them laugh, than God.
Prov 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
II Cor 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Pro 27:27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
X I just can’t believe
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
XI I couldn’t hold out anyway
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psa 63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
No excuse shall stand when you come before God
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Rom 20:12 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.
Text: Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
Intro: Excuses are the first thought of the ungodly. These are only excuses; there can be no real reason for not accepting God’s word.
I. I’m not a sinner
A. All unprofitable -
Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
B. What is sin? (transgression of the law or a falling short, as an arrow to a target)
I Jno 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
C. All under sin
Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Ezek 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
II Naturally good enough ("I am a good person")
A. We are born in sin
Psa 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
B. We Go astray from birth
Psa 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
C. Evil from youth
Gen 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
C. Transgressor from birth
Isa 48:8 Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.
D. Evil from youth Gen 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
III I’m as good as church members
A. Inexcusable
Rom. 2:2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
II Cor 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
If you are hiding behind a hypocrite, there will be a lot of them in hell.
I sorta' like that bumper sticker that says “Christians aren’t perfect, but forgiven”
There’s no salvation in others’ mistakes!
IV I’ve turned over a new leaf
A. You can’t change your nature
Jer 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.
B. God commands repentance
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
V. Deceived church members
Illustration: A husband came home to find his wife sobbing. When he asked ‘What’s wrong?” she replied that a man had come to the door and asked if she were a christian.
“Well, asked her husband, didn’t you tell him that you are a member of a church? She answered “he didn’t ask me that”
A. These are described in
II Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
B. Baptism profits nothing, apart from salvation
Acts 8:36 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.
VI Christian Life is too hard
Ezek 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
29 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.
30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.
31 Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.
A. Jesus said it was easy
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
B. God says it is pleasant
Psa 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
C. It is the life of the sin that is hard
Prov 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
Isa 57:20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
VII. I am too great a sinner and God wouldn’t have me
A. Christ came to save sinners
I Tim 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
Jno 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Mark 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
VIII My friends would laugh
Better to have them laugh, than God.
Prov 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
Psa 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
IX Not now, maybe later
II Kgs. 7:3 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?
II Cor 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Pro 27:27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
X I just can’t believe
Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
XI I couldn’t hold out anyway
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psa 63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
No excuse shall stand when you come before God
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Rom 20:12 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.
Friday, July 25, 2008
A LOVELESS FARCE
Lesson: I Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Text: I Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Intro: In this lesson we can see the importance of the love of God being manifested among the children of God. This is not to be confused in any way with physical love. One who has never experienced affection for another cannot possible write a love letter with any real meaning. As a love letter without love is empty and hollow, so is the preaching of the gospel without the Love of God!
I Love FOR God
A. This is commanded
Deut 11:1 Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
I. How can love be commanded?
I Jno 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
I Jno 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
2. This is better than sacrifice
Jno 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
I Sam 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
B. God’s love in us will produce:
1. Joy
Psa 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Neh 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
2. A hatred for sin
Psa 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
3. Obedience
I Jno 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
a. Love is perfected in obedience.
I Jno 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
b. Being perfected, it makes us bold
I Jno 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
C. Those who have this love:
1. Are known by Him
I Cor 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
2. Partake of his mercy
Exo 20:6 And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
3. Have all things working for good
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
D. Love for the world proves we do NOT love God!
I Jno 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
II Love for Christ
A. Because He first loved us
II Cor 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
B. It should be supreme
Mat 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
C. It makes communion with God possible
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
III Love for the Gospel
A. Because it brings great joy
Lu 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
B. It testifies of His grace
Acts 14:3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
C. We should love it more than life
Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
IV For His Church He loved it enough to die for it.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Love is always shown by action
V. For the Brethren
I Jno 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
I Jno 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
VI For the Lost; Christ had compassion on them
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Heb 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
VII Without this love we have only:
A. Empty formality
I Sam 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
B. Empty Prayers
Mat 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
C. Empty Preaching
I Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
D. Empty Worship
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
VIII The love of the lost is empty
A. It gives false pleasure
Eccl 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
B. It gives false security
Lu 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
C. It is misdirected
Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Lesson: I Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Text: I Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
Intro: In this lesson we can see the importance of the love of God being manifested among the children of God. This is not to be confused in any way with physical love. One who has never experienced affection for another cannot possible write a love letter with any real meaning. As a love letter without love is empty and hollow, so is the preaching of the gospel without the Love of God!
I Love FOR God
A. This is commanded
Deut 11:1 Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.
Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
I. How can love be commanded?
I Jno 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
I Jno 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
2. This is better than sacrifice
Jno 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
I Sam 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
B. God’s love in us will produce:
1. Joy
Psa 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Neh 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
2. A hatred for sin
Psa 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
3. Obedience
I Jno 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
a. Love is perfected in obedience.
I Jno 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
b. Being perfected, it makes us bold
I Jno 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
C. Those who have this love:
1. Are known by Him
I Cor 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
2. Partake of his mercy
Exo 20:6 And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
3. Have all things working for good
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
D. Love for the world proves we do NOT love God!
I Jno 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
II Love for Christ
A. Because He first loved us
II Cor 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
B. It should be supreme
Mat 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
C. It makes communion with God possible
John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
III Love for the Gospel
A. Because it brings great joy
Lu 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
B. It testifies of His grace
Acts 14:3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
C. We should love it more than life
Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
IV For His Church He loved it enough to die for it.
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Love is always shown by action
V. For the Brethren
I Jno 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
I Jno 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
VI For the Lost; Christ had compassion on them
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Heb 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
VII Without this love we have only:
A. Empty formality
I Sam 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
B. Empty Prayers
Mat 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
C. Empty Preaching
I Cor 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
D. Empty Worship
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
VIII The love of the lost is empty
A. It gives false pleasure
Eccl 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
B. It gives false security
Lu 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
C. It is misdirected
Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Thursday, May 01, 2008
MOTHER'S DAY
Six children line up facing the audience.
First Child; We'd like to tell you of someone special.
She's number one in our hall of Fame.
She's super, extra-fancy, special,
All children; MOTHER is her name!
Second Child; When Dad is too busy, with work to do,
and I can't ask sister or brother,
Who can I get to help me?
All children; There's only one answer, MOTHER!
Third Child; When I can't find the mate to my favorite sock
and I've lost one shoe or the other,
Who seems to know just where to look?
All children; That's right. You guessed it; MOTHER
Fourth Child, When my stomach aches, and I'm feverish
and I feel like I'm going to smother,
whose hand cools my fevered brow?
All children; I can always depend on MOTHER.
Fifth Child; Who'll fix a sandwich? Who'll bake a cake?
Who'll help me say my prayers?
Others might help out once in a while,
All children; But MOTHER is always there!.
Sixth Child; Who was first to tell me of Jesus
and the wonderful Truths from His Word?
Who told me how I should live for Him?
All children; MOTHER, who walks with the Lord!
All Children[in unison]
There is no one on earth can replace her
though we search every land near and far,
and we're not ashamed to acclaim her,
First child; M [each child holds up letter as he [she] says it]
Second Child; O
Third Child T
Fourth Child; H
Fifth Child; E
Sixth Child; R
They bow and pass through the audience passing out flowers to the mothers.
fcc
Six children line up facing the audience.
First Child; We'd like to tell you of someone special.
She's number one in our hall of Fame.
She's super, extra-fancy, special,
All children; MOTHER is her name!
Second Child; When Dad is too busy, with work to do,
and I can't ask sister or brother,
Who can I get to help me?
All children; There's only one answer, MOTHER!
Third Child; When I can't find the mate to my favorite sock
and I've lost one shoe or the other,
Who seems to know just where to look?
All children; That's right. You guessed it; MOTHER
Fourth Child, When my stomach aches, and I'm feverish
and I feel like I'm going to smother,
whose hand cools my fevered brow?
All children; I can always depend on MOTHER.
Fifth Child; Who'll fix a sandwich? Who'll bake a cake?
Who'll help me say my prayers?
Others might help out once in a while,
All children; But MOTHER is always there!.
Sixth Child; Who was first to tell me of Jesus
and the wonderful Truths from His Word?
Who told me how I should live for Him?
All children; MOTHER, who walks with the Lord!
All Children[in unison]
There is no one on earth can replace her
though we search every land near and far,
and we're not ashamed to acclaim her,
First child; M [each child holds up letter as he [she] says it]
Second Child; O
Third Child T
Fourth Child; H
Fifth Child; E
Sixth Child; R
They bow and pass through the audience passing out flowers to the mothers.
fcc
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
WAITING FOR THE LORD
Text: Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Introduction: Here is a scene of parting, as Christ leaves his Church to return to the Father. They have their instructions and their promises and surely the greatest of these is that of our text; HE WILL COME AGAIN!
I. The reason for His departure
A. That the Comforter might come
Jno 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
B. To be the forerunner of His people -
Heb 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
C. To intercede for us
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Heb 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
D. To prepare a place for us
Jno 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.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
II What we are to do in His absence (Why stand ye gazing - - - -)
A. We are NOT to sit down to wait
I Sam 16:11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
1. There were no seats in the Tabernacle, which was a type of the Lord’s Church.
2. Say not- - - Jno 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
B. We ARE to be faithful stewards
I Cor 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
III He told us what to do in his absence. .
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
A. We can do it if we have the will to work! (Just like they rebuilt the wall!)
Neh 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
B. We need no further instructions
II Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
IV The sureness of His return -WILL SO RETURN IN LIKE MANNER- -
A. Death is also sure, but we are not told to sit and wait for it, nor to long for it even though it might be our ‘gain’.
B. At his return he will reward us according to that which we have done!
Mat 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
C. Except HE return, WE have no hope of a resurrection!
I Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
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.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
V. He will also return to judge sinners
A. No sin offering this time
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
B. There is a judgment day appointed
Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Text: Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Introduction: Here is a scene of parting, as Christ leaves his Church to return to the Father. They have their instructions and their promises and surely the greatest of these is that of our text; HE WILL COME AGAIN!
I. The reason for His departure
A. That the Comforter might come
Jno 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
B. To be the forerunner of His people -
Heb 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
C. To intercede for us
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Heb 9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
D. To prepare a place for us
Jno 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.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
II What we are to do in His absence (Why stand ye gazing - - - -)
A. We are NOT to sit down to wait
I Sam 16:11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.
1. There were no seats in the Tabernacle, which was a type of the Lord’s Church.
2. Say not- - - Jno 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
B. We ARE to be faithful stewards
I Cor 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
III He told us what to do in his absence. .
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
A. We can do it if we have the will to work! (Just like they rebuilt the wall!)
Neh 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
B. We need no further instructions
II Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
IV The sureness of His return -WILL SO RETURN IN LIKE MANNER- -
A. Death is also sure, but we are not told to sit and wait for it, nor to long for it even though it might be our ‘gain’.
B. At his return he will reward us according to that which we have done!
Mat 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
C. Except HE return, WE have no hope of a resurrection!
I Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
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.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
V. He will also return to judge sinners
A. No sin offering this time
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
B. There is a judgment day appointed
Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
THE COMPLETE CHRISTIAN
Text: I Thess 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Introduction: At the time of salvation, we are no more complete than a new-born child. Just as he must grow, acquire hair, teeth and learn to walk and gain strength, so must we.
I. Man as God made him and desires him to be.
A. In God’s image
Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
1. Supreme in intellect among all created beings, capable of love, fear, wrath etc.
Gen 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
2. Our bodies
As Christ is the visible manifestation of God, our bodies are the visible manifestations of us.
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
I Thess 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Spirit - Can only be comprehended by spirit.
I Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
II The image is marred - (From 3D to 2D, and that, distorted)
A. Mind alienated
Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Col 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
B. Body - Serving sin
Rom 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.
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?
C. Spirit -Dead
Eph 2:2 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:
The lost man is motivated in his spirit by the devil, but toward God, he is dead
D. Man, then with mind alienated, body sold under sin and spirit dead, is totally lost.
III Man made new!
II Cor 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.
A. By a new birth from God
Jno 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 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.
By the Holy Spirit convicting the mind
Jno 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
2. By granting repentance which must alter the mind until the entire intellect, will and mind, say, “I believe”
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
3. This results in a birth of the spirit and the Holy Spirit remains forever, but the mind and the body are still not made perfect.
B. The mind must be made new -
1. God’s part in it
Heb 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
2. Our part -
Rom 12:2 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.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
3. Warfare of the flesh and the spirit takes place in the battleground of the mind
Gal 5::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.
C. We must present our bodies
Rom 12:12:1 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.
1. This is the RESULT of a renewed mind, activated by a new spirit, but it is a SURE result! Provisions for fleshly lusts, shows of vanity, carnal works, are all the result of a mind unchanged. Therefore, We Should------
2. Glorify God in our bodies
I Cor 6;:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
3. Be washed in pure water (as were the sacrifices)
Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
a) the water
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
4. Your body CAN wear his brand
Gal 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
The complete Christian, then, is one whose;
Spirit is born of God;
Whose mind is renewed daily by the Word and,
Whose body is submitted to Scriptural service
Text: I Thess 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Introduction: At the time of salvation, we are no more complete than a new-born child. Just as he must grow, acquire hair, teeth and learn to walk and gain strength, so must we.
I. Man as God made him and desires him to be.
A. In God’s image
Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
1. Supreme in intellect among all created beings, capable of love, fear, wrath etc.
Gen 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
2. Our bodies
As Christ is the visible manifestation of God, our bodies are the visible manifestations of us.
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
I Thess 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Spirit - Can only be comprehended by spirit.
I Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
II The image is marred - (From 3D to 2D, and that, distorted)
A. Mind alienated
Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Col 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
B. Body - Serving sin
Rom 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.
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?
C. Spirit -Dead
Eph 2:2 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:
The lost man is motivated in his spirit by the devil, but toward God, he is dead
D. Man, then with mind alienated, body sold under sin and spirit dead, is totally lost.
III Man made new!
II Cor 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.
A. By a new birth from God
Jno 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 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.
By the Holy Spirit convicting the mind
Jno 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
2. By granting repentance which must alter the mind until the entire intellect, will and mind, say, “I believe”
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
3. This results in a birth of the spirit and the Holy Spirit remains forever, but the mind and the body are still not made perfect.
B. The mind must be made new -
1. God’s part in it
Heb 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
2. Our part -
Rom 12:2 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.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
3. Warfare of the flesh and the spirit takes place in the battleground of the mind
Gal 5::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.
C. We must present our bodies
Rom 12:12:1 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.
1. This is the RESULT of a renewed mind, activated by a new spirit, but it is a SURE result! Provisions for fleshly lusts, shows of vanity, carnal works, are all the result of a mind unchanged. Therefore, We Should------
2. Glorify God in our bodies
I Cor 6;:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
3. Be washed in pure water (as were the sacrifices)
Heb 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
a) the water
Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
4. Your body CAN wear his brand
Gal 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
The complete Christian, then, is one whose;
Spirit is born of God;
Whose mind is renewed daily by the Word and,
Whose body is submitted to Scriptural service
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