LESSONS FROM THE LETTERS
“HE WANTS AN ALERT CHURCH”
(REVELATION 3: 14-22)
Intro:
How do you grow a church? What are the steps that should be taken if the Lord’s body is to experience numerical growth? For several years now, these are the questions which have plagued the church at large. During that same time span, there have been many suggested answers.
Some have said that our hope lies in programs. They propose that we should have more outreach, more benevolence, and more community oriented work. Still others say that we must learn to unite. They suggest that the many walls of division which we have erected are keeping us from our goals. There are even those who say that we should relax the standards which the Bible has set for us.
Today, as we conclude our sermon series in which we have examined the lessons from the letters of Revelation: we want to examine a church which seems to have had numerical growth down pat.
Laodicea was a wealthy region known for its banking. Also, thanks to the medical school located within its walls, the drug industry was very prosperous.
The Church in Laodicea was actually mentioned before Revelation 3: 14. In Colossians 4: 16, Paul tells the readers of the letter to Colosse to make sure that they share the word of the Lord with the church in Laodicea. Unfortunately, nothing remains of this church today.
This morning, I want us to see what Christ had to say to this final group. They were apparently successful at numerical growth. What is interesting however is the fact that Christ never once complements the Laodiceans. This would indicate to us that numerical growth isn’t necessarily the chief indicator of true spiritual success. Instead, Christ offers them warning. The underlying message of the words of Revelation 3: 14-22 is that Jesus is looking for an alert church. He wants a church that is paying attention to that which is going on around them.
Today, as we conclude, we want to examine two things that we need to be alert to if we are to experience true, authentic, numerical and spiritual growth. My prayer is that we can study together, and learn what it is that Christ would have us to know in order that we might become what he would have us to be.
I. BE ALERT TO THE FALSE SIGNS OF SUCCESS
1. As in the other letters, Christ begins by introducing himself to the church.
A. Rev 3: 14 first, Christ refers to himself as “the amen.”
B. As we know, the word “amen” means: “so be it.”
C. Literally speaking, Christ is reminding the church in Laodicea that he is the one who says how it will be.
D. John 5: 27 as the Son of God, he has the authority given to him by God to establish the ground rules for his church.
E. Rev 3: 14 Christ also says that he is the “faithful and true witness.”
F. John 14: 6 Jesus himself revealed to his disciples that he was the truth, meaning that no shadow could deceive, nor would he seek to cast any deception.
G. Rev 3: 14 finally, Jesus says that he is the beginning of the creation of God.”
H. John 1: 1 these words serve as a reminder that the one who writes is the same who was present from the beginning.
2. As interesting as it is to hear Christ introducing himself, it is equally informative to hear the Laodiceans opinion of themselves.
A. Rev 3: 17 “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.”
B. Translation? “We have a lot of money! People think we are so great! There is nothing that anyone can tell us!”
C. They are judging themselves based upon earthly standards, and they seem to think that everything is great.
3. However, in that very same verse, Christ reveals to them that they shouldn’t trust in those false standards.
A. Rev 3: 17 “Thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”
B. Rev 3: 18 in fact, Christ goes on to say that he wishes that they were either hot or cold, because at the current time they are neither.
C. Rev 3: 16 this church so distresses Christ with their lackluster service that he says that he will soon vomit them out of his mouth.
D. Christ wants them to understand that earthly standards do not matter; rather it is the opinion of the head of the church that truly matters!
II. BE ALERT TO THE TRUE SIGNS OF SUCCESS
1. Christ makes it clear that earthly standards are no way to judge success. Then what is our true standard?
A. Rev 3: 18 “I counsel thee to buy from me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich.”
2. The key word to notice is “BUY.”
A. In order to buy, you must have something to spend.
B. Christ here is making a very simple offer.
C. Heb 5: 9 the offer is your heart, mind, and soul, through obedience, in exchange for salvation.
D. Notice that he wants you to purchase gold tried in the fire.
E. Without question, salvation is the gold with which we want to line our pockets.
F. Heb 12: 2-3 we also know that in order to bring salvation to mankind, Christ was indeed tried by fire.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD!
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS
JAMES 2: 17 - 26
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend Of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
The world is just wrong about faith only or saved by faith only. Faith is one basic part of our obedience to Christ.
I. Matthew 16: 24 – 27 Jesus taught the reward for works.
Mt 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 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.
When Jesus come to receive the faithful home he will reward according to their works. That alone makes works necessary to enter heaven. That is enough for every Christian to want to do good works for God. That God would be glorified by our good works.
A. Mt 5:16 Jesus said to let our light shine before men.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which
is in heaven.
Here “men” is generic for all people. Good works is that which glorifies God. We are to do good in God’s name that he might be glorified and not ourselves. If we do it for our own glory we have received all the reward we will receive.
B. Philippians 2: 12 – 13 Paul says to work.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
We cannot do it alone for God must be working in us.
C. James 1: 21 – 25 James writes we must be doers.
Jas 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
A lot of people hear the truth, but never do it. If we hear and do we will be blessed. If one hears only they deceive themselves and are lost.
D. Matthew 16: 26 What is your soul worth?
Mt 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Are you risking your soul? Some might ask, What should I do?
II. Colossians 1: 9 – 10 Paul writes to be fruitful in every good work.
Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
We are to be doing good. Some may ask, What is good in God’s sight?
A. Galatians 5: 19 – 21 Let us look at the works of the flesh. This is what God does not want. Paul writes, NKJ
5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
This is not what God wants from his children. These are the works of the sinful world. These are to be put off when we obey Jesus Christ in baptism.
What does God want?
B. Galatians 5: 22 – 26 Paul continues with the works or fruit of the Spirit. NKJ
5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
These are good works, fruits of the Spirit. Those who are Christ, will develop these and show forth Christ in their life. They are doers of the word.
C. Titus 2: 1 – 8 Titus says to show a pattern of good works. Which pattern? The one of sound doctrine, God’s word.
1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8. Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
There is a pattern for young, old, male and female.
Everyone faithful to God will follow His pattern found in the NT.
III. 1 Corinthians 1: 10 Christians are to be Workers together with God in unity.
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
The same mind and same judgment was that of Jesus Christ.
A. 1 Corinthians 3: 5 – 9 Working together in God plan.
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
We must learn to do the work of the Lord together in love.
B. John 13: 34 – 35 Jesus gave the commandment to love one another.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Working together takes loving one another. I was told of a conversation where the length of time a preacher had served. One of our members commented that one of the preachers here had been here 21 years. One in the group commented that was because this church was a family. Their churches were organizations, North Jackson was a family. That says a lot for how some outside the church perceive those in the church. This is as it should be. We should be seen as Christians because we love one another.
Are we doing the work of the Lord by faith? Faith without works is dead being alone. Works without faith must be dead also. We must have both. We must have love for God and one another. We must obey from the Bible that which God commands.
Who are you serving today? God or the world?
Matthew 6: 19 We can not serve both.
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.
22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
When we seek Christ first we will find him.
When we obey Him in baptism for the remission of our sins we will be forgiven. Then and only then can we be added by Christ to his church. Then we are to get busy in good works to glorify God. Being busy in the Lord will keep us out of trouble with the worldly temptations. We can rejoice in Jesus Christ that we are not the person we once were, but now faithful Christians.
Are you a Christian today? A NT Christian? Many believe that if they believe in Christ you are a Christian. That is far from true. Do you need to obey Christ now, before it is too late?
Are you an unfaithful Christian. You obeyed Christ and was baptized, but he is no longer first in your life. You live by faith, but are no longer working for the Lord. Do you want to come back to Jesus Christ, repenting of your sins and obeying him once again?
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Will you come as we stand and sing.
JAMES 2: 17 - 26
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend Of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
The world is just wrong about faith only or saved by faith only. Faith is one basic part of our obedience to Christ.
I. Matthew 16: 24 – 27 Jesus taught the reward for works.
Mt 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 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.
When Jesus come to receive the faithful home he will reward according to their works. That alone makes works necessary to enter heaven. That is enough for every Christian to want to do good works for God. That God would be glorified by our good works.
A. Mt 5:16 Jesus said to let our light shine before men.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which
is in heaven.
Here “men” is generic for all people. Good works is that which glorifies God. We are to do good in God’s name that he might be glorified and not ourselves. If we do it for our own glory we have received all the reward we will receive.
B. Philippians 2: 12 – 13 Paul says to work.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
We cannot do it alone for God must be working in us.
C. James 1: 21 – 25 James writes we must be doers.
Jas 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
A lot of people hear the truth, but never do it. If we hear and do we will be blessed. If one hears only they deceive themselves and are lost.
D. Matthew 16: 26 What is your soul worth?
Mt 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Are you risking your soul? Some might ask, What should I do?
II. Colossians 1: 9 – 10 Paul writes to be fruitful in every good work.
Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
We are to be doing good. Some may ask, What is good in God’s sight?
A. Galatians 5: 19 – 21 Let us look at the works of the flesh. This is what God does not want. Paul writes, NKJ
5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
This is not what God wants from his children. These are the works of the sinful world. These are to be put off when we obey Jesus Christ in baptism.
What does God want?
B. Galatians 5: 22 – 26 Paul continues with the works or fruit of the Spirit. NKJ
5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
These are good works, fruits of the Spirit. Those who are Christ, will develop these and show forth Christ in their life. They are doers of the word.
C. Titus 2: 1 – 8 Titus says to show a pattern of good works. Which pattern? The one of sound doctrine, God’s word.
1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8. Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
There is a pattern for young, old, male and female.
Everyone faithful to God will follow His pattern found in the NT.
III. 1 Corinthians 1: 10 Christians are to be Workers together with God in unity.
10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
The same mind and same judgment was that of Jesus Christ.
A. 1 Corinthians 3: 5 – 9 Working together in God plan.
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
We must learn to do the work of the Lord together in love.
B. John 13: 34 – 35 Jesus gave the commandment to love one another.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Working together takes loving one another. I was told of a conversation where the length of time a preacher had served. One of our members commented that one of the preachers here had been here 21 years. One in the group commented that was because this church was a family. Their churches were organizations, North Jackson was a family. That says a lot for how some outside the church perceive those in the church. This is as it should be. We should be seen as Christians because we love one another.
Are we doing the work of the Lord by faith? Faith without works is dead being alone. Works without faith must be dead also. We must have both. We must have love for God and one another. We must obey from the Bible that which God commands.
Who are you serving today? God or the world?
Matthew 6: 19 We can not serve both.
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.
22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
When we seek Christ first we will find him.
When we obey Him in baptism for the remission of our sins we will be forgiven. Then and only then can we be added by Christ to his church. Then we are to get busy in good works to glorify God. Being busy in the Lord will keep us out of trouble with the worldly temptations. We can rejoice in Jesus Christ that we are not the person we once were, but now faithful Christians.
Are you a Christian today? A NT Christian? Many believe that if they believe in Christ you are a Christian. That is far from true. Do you need to obey Christ now, before it is too late?
Are you an unfaithful Christian. You obeyed Christ and was baptized, but he is no longer first in your life. You live by faith, but are no longer working for the Lord. Do you want to come back to Jesus Christ, repenting of your sins and obeying him once again?
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Will you come as we stand and sing.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
PUTTING AWAY CHILDISH THINGS
PUT AWAY CHILDISH THINGS
1 CORINTHIANS 13: 11
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.
Paul expresses that childish things are not becoming of a chirstian. Jesus says there are some aspects of children we should keep. Let us look at that which Paul was speaking compared to that which Christ was speaking.
I. Some childish things should be out grown.
A. 1 Timothy 5: 13 Tattling is a childish thing. Gossip is the adult version.
13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
Here young widows are encouraged to remarry because it is too easy to become idle and fall into gossip crowd. Let us not fall into the temptation to carry stories or even truths that do not need to be told.
Let us be busy in the Lord’s work. Doing good.
B. Matt. 32: 12 Children desire and demand attention. If a child does not get attention doing good they will do something bad to get attention. They will get your attention. We should not have to be the center of attention all the time.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
We should not show ourselves or show off to gain attention.
If we bring attention unto ourselves let it with good works to glorify God and not ourselves.
1. 1 Peter 5: 6 Peter says let God do the exalting.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
2. Matt. 6: 5 They prayed to be seen.
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. James 3: 13 – 18 Envious, Jealousy, and Strife are not from God.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
A child may envy another child’s hear, shoes, cloths. They can become jealous over the least little thing. They can make a fuse over nothing.
A child needs to be corrected and directed in the right way. An adult christian should have grown up out of these childish behaviors.
1. Gal 5: 26 Paul teaches and includes himself.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
To many are seeking the glory of man. People have not changed that much. Paul says not to provoke one another, not to envy one another. What does the world do today? Just exactly as they were doing in Paul’s day, provoking and envying one another. Don’t do that any more.
2. Proverbs 14: 30 The Proverb writer says what envy does.
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
Let us strive to have a sound heart in Christ Jesus.
3. Romans 13: 13 – 14 Paul says walk without strife and envy.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
The christian life is a walk of faith with honesty and obedienance to God. Running the race for the crown.
II. Matthew 18: 1 - 6 Jesus contrast this with “become as little children.”
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
A. Matt. 18: 2 - 3 Innocence of a child.
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
A child is innocent, free of guilt, sin, unacquainted with evil and pure. Adults know right from wrong and should seek that innocence, acceptable to God.
B. Isaiah 12: 2 – 3 Simple faith and trust.
2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
A child jumps time after time into the outstretched arms of a parent with no fear. They have the faith that they will always be safe. We must have that faith and trust in our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
C. Romans 12: 15 Sympathy and compassion.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
A little child is concerned by a injured bird or when a gold fish dies. We should have that compassion for one another.
1. Eph. 4: 31 – 32
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
If we can not do that now why would we think we could do it in heaven?
2. Heb. 10: 34 The Hebrew writer to those that helped him writes.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
We must believe that what we do for God today will be rewarded to us in heave.
3. Gal. 6: 10 Using every opportunity for good.
Ga 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Are we ready, willing and able. Yes we can all do good for someone. A lessoning ear, a kind word, a cup of cold water.
If we do it unto the least we do it unto Christ.
D. Colossians 3: 12 – 14 Forgiving one another.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Children can fuss and fight one minute and be best friends the next.
Let us not carry a grudge. Forgive even when not ask.
1. Eph. 4: 26 Paul says we will be agree.
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Don’t sleep on it because it will grow and fester in the night.
Let it go, give it to God.
2. Mark 11: 25 Forgive to be forgiven.
25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
God will not forgive the non-forgiver. Our forgiveness depends on our forgiving others.
3. Luke 17: 3 – 4 When offended let them know with love.
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
When they repent forgive. Let it go.
Grow up in Christ. Mature as a christian. Let Christ dwell in you richly
Col. 3: 14 – 17 Paul tells the brethren in Colosse to put off the things of the world. Put off childish things and put on Christ.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Do good so it can be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
1 CORINTHIANS 13: 11
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.
Paul expresses that childish things are not becoming of a chirstian. Jesus says there are some aspects of children we should keep. Let us look at that which Paul was speaking compared to that which Christ was speaking.
I. Some childish things should be out grown.
A. 1 Timothy 5: 13 Tattling is a childish thing. Gossip is the adult version.
13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
Here young widows are encouraged to remarry because it is too easy to become idle and fall into gossip crowd. Let us not fall into the temptation to carry stories or even truths that do not need to be told.
Let us be busy in the Lord’s work. Doing good.
B. Matt. 32: 12 Children desire and demand attention. If a child does not get attention doing good they will do something bad to get attention. They will get your attention. We should not have to be the center of attention all the time.
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
We should not show ourselves or show off to gain attention.
If we bring attention unto ourselves let it with good works to glorify God and not ourselves.
1. 1 Peter 5: 6 Peter says let God do the exalting.
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
2. Matt. 6: 5 They prayed to be seen.
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. James 3: 13 – 18 Envious, Jealousy, and Strife are not from God.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
A child may envy another child’s hear, shoes, cloths. They can become jealous over the least little thing. They can make a fuse over nothing.
A child needs to be corrected and directed in the right way. An adult christian should have grown up out of these childish behaviors.
1. Gal 5: 26 Paul teaches and includes himself.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
To many are seeking the glory of man. People have not changed that much. Paul says not to provoke one another, not to envy one another. What does the world do today? Just exactly as they were doing in Paul’s day, provoking and envying one another. Don’t do that any more.
2. Proverbs 14: 30 The Proverb writer says what envy does.
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
Let us strive to have a sound heart in Christ Jesus.
3. Romans 13: 13 – 14 Paul says walk without strife and envy.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
The christian life is a walk of faith with honesty and obedienance to God. Running the race for the crown.
II. Matthew 18: 1 - 6 Jesus contrast this with “become as little children.”
1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
A. Matt. 18: 2 - 3 Innocence of a child.
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
A child is innocent, free of guilt, sin, unacquainted with evil and pure. Adults know right from wrong and should seek that innocence, acceptable to God.
B. Isaiah 12: 2 – 3 Simple faith and trust.
2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. 3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
A child jumps time after time into the outstretched arms of a parent with no fear. They have the faith that they will always be safe. We must have that faith and trust in our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
C. Romans 12: 15 Sympathy and compassion.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
A little child is concerned by a injured bird or when a gold fish dies. We should have that compassion for one another.
1. Eph. 4: 31 – 32
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
If we can not do that now why would we think we could do it in heaven?
2. Heb. 10: 34 The Hebrew writer to those that helped him writes.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
We must believe that what we do for God today will be rewarded to us in heave.
3. Gal. 6: 10 Using every opportunity for good.
Ga 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Are we ready, willing and able. Yes we can all do good for someone. A lessoning ear, a kind word, a cup of cold water.
If we do it unto the least we do it unto Christ.
D. Colossians 3: 12 – 14 Forgiving one another.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Children can fuss and fight one minute and be best friends the next.
Let us not carry a grudge. Forgive even when not ask.
1. Eph. 4: 26 Paul says we will be agree.
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Don’t sleep on it because it will grow and fester in the night.
Let it go, give it to God.
2. Mark 11: 25 Forgive to be forgiven.
25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
God will not forgive the non-forgiver. Our forgiveness depends on our forgiving others.
3. Luke 17: 3 – 4 When offended let them know with love.
3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
When they repent forgive. Let it go.
Grow up in Christ. Mature as a christian. Let Christ dwell in you richly
Col. 3: 14 – 17 Paul tells the brethren in Colosse to put off the things of the world. Put off childish things and put on Christ.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Do good so it can be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.
LESSONS FROM THE LETTERS 4
LESSONS FROM THE LETTERS
“HE WANTS A LIVING CHURCH”
(REVELATION 3: 1-6)
Intro:
How do you decide whether or not a church is dead? What criteria do you establish when you are examining a congregation? Some say that a church that is alive has parking problems, while the dead church has plenty of spots available. Others say that a lively church has lots of noisy children, while a dead church is stone cold quiet. There are those who feel that a lively church sings nothing but the latest greatest praise songs, while a dead church is stuck with nothing but the greatest hits from the late 1800’s. There are even those who believe that only living churches possess the knowledge, skill, and ability to use PowerPoint and other technology, while dead churches simply use that old standard known as the Bible.
When you hear this list, you might be tempted to agree with some of these suppositions. However, can I suggest something to you? I want to suggest that true though some of these may be, partial indicators, but they are not 100% reliable. After all, there are many large churches, who couldn’t possibly fit one more car on the lot come Sunday morning, who are dead. Also, there are many churches that have an enormous youth group, but are D.R.T. (Dead Right There) finally; the use of PowerPoint isn’t an indication of deep spirituality, but simply shows an eldership that are willing to try new things in order to help the membership.
Well, what does constitute a dead church? If you will turn to Revelation 3, and examine verses 1-6, you will find a church that isn’t dead, but it has a serious choice to make if they are to avoid death.
Sardis was the capital city of the Lydian monarchy. It was well-known for its vast wealth and riches. This once great city stood until 1402 A.D, at which time it was all but destroyed. By the year 1850, it was reported that no human dwelt within the land which once made up the mighty city of Sardis.
During the height of its might, a congregation of the Lord’s church existed inside the walls of Sardis. In Revelation 3: 1-6, we find Christ addressing those brethren.
The subject of his address is quite simple. He wants the church at Sardis to see that they are dying! The problem for the church is that Christ doesn’t want a dead body, but a living servant!
Today, as we continue to examine the lessons from the letters of Revelation, we want to examine the idea that we need to be alive, if we are to be affective in our work for the Lord.
I. HOW TO KNOW IF A CHURCH IS DEAD
1. Notice what Christ says in verse 1.
A. Rev 3: 1 “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”
B. Christ has just revealed that though they ware the name of Christian, they are in fact dead inside.
2. How does Christ make this assertion?
A. Rev 3: 5 “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”
B. Matt 10: 32-33 I would suggest to you that one of the problems which Sardis faced was that they were not confessing Christ before men.
C. This means that we confess Christ’s supremacy in terms of salvation, as well as in terms of cultural issues.
3. Secondly, the Church in Sardis was dead because of the sin which stained some of them.
A. Rev 3: 4 “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.”
B. You see, the church was being strangled by the sin which plagued some of the members.
C. At the time of the letter, they were unworthy because of their unconfessed sin.
D. So, we understand that a church is dead when it stops confessing Jesus, and allows sin to stain its members.
II. HOW TO BRING A CHURCH BACK FROM THE DEAD
1. The truth is that Christ could have simply dismissed them, and put them out of mind.
A. However, what is interesting is that he took the time to breathe new life into this floundering congregation.
B. Instead of leaving them for dead, Christ offers THREE steps to life.
2. First, they must know that help is available.
A. Rev 3: 1 Christ says that he is the one with the “seven spirits of God”, and “the seven stars.”
B. Rev 1: 20 we know from that first chapter that the stars represent the seven churches.
C. The seven spirits, as noted by Coffman’s commentary, represent The Holy Spirit sent out to the seven churches.
D. What Christ is pointing out to them is that they need God in their midst!
E. Gal 5: 19-23 rather than the spirit of the world, a church wishing to return from the dead need the presence of God, in the form of the fruit of the spirit.
F. Rom 4: 17 God is able to recall the living from the dead, but only when we turn to him for help.
3. Also, they need to pay attention to what’s going on.
A. Rev 3: 2 “Be watchful.”
B. Christ is telling them that they are dying and don’t see it, but they must wake up before it is too late!
C. Christ tells them in verse 2 that they need to build on what is left before it fades away as well.
D. Phil 2: 12 Christ wants to encourage them to take responsibility.
4. Finally, they must remember.
A. Rev 3: 3 “Remember how thou hast received and heard.”
B. Christ wants them to remember all that was suffered that they might call themselves the Church of Christ.
C. Heb 12: 2 remember all that Christ endured!
D. 2Cor 11: 23-27 remember all who suffered to bring the word to you!
E. The church who wants to return from the dead will take these steps quickly, before it is too late!
“HE WANTS A LIVING CHURCH”
(REVELATION 3: 1-6)
Intro:
How do you decide whether or not a church is dead? What criteria do you establish when you are examining a congregation? Some say that a church that is alive has parking problems, while the dead church has plenty of spots available. Others say that a lively church has lots of noisy children, while a dead church is stone cold quiet. There are those who feel that a lively church sings nothing but the latest greatest praise songs, while a dead church is stuck with nothing but the greatest hits from the late 1800’s. There are even those who believe that only living churches possess the knowledge, skill, and ability to use PowerPoint and other technology, while dead churches simply use that old standard known as the Bible.
When you hear this list, you might be tempted to agree with some of these suppositions. However, can I suggest something to you? I want to suggest that true though some of these may be, partial indicators, but they are not 100% reliable. After all, there are many large churches, who couldn’t possibly fit one more car on the lot come Sunday morning, who are dead. Also, there are many churches that have an enormous youth group, but are D.R.T. (Dead Right There) finally; the use of PowerPoint isn’t an indication of deep spirituality, but simply shows an eldership that are willing to try new things in order to help the membership.
Well, what does constitute a dead church? If you will turn to Revelation 3, and examine verses 1-6, you will find a church that isn’t dead, but it has a serious choice to make if they are to avoid death.
Sardis was the capital city of the Lydian monarchy. It was well-known for its vast wealth and riches. This once great city stood until 1402 A.D, at which time it was all but destroyed. By the year 1850, it was reported that no human dwelt within the land which once made up the mighty city of Sardis.
During the height of its might, a congregation of the Lord’s church existed inside the walls of Sardis. In Revelation 3: 1-6, we find Christ addressing those brethren.
The subject of his address is quite simple. He wants the church at Sardis to see that they are dying! The problem for the church is that Christ doesn’t want a dead body, but a living servant!
Today, as we continue to examine the lessons from the letters of Revelation, we want to examine the idea that we need to be alive, if we are to be affective in our work for the Lord.
I. HOW TO KNOW IF A CHURCH IS DEAD
1. Notice what Christ says in verse 1.
A. Rev 3: 1 “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”
B. Christ has just revealed that though they ware the name of Christian, they are in fact dead inside.
2. How does Christ make this assertion?
A. Rev 3: 5 “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”
B. Matt 10: 32-33 I would suggest to you that one of the problems which Sardis faced was that they were not confessing Christ before men.
C. This means that we confess Christ’s supremacy in terms of salvation, as well as in terms of cultural issues.
3. Secondly, the Church in Sardis was dead because of the sin which stained some of them.
A. Rev 3: 4 “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.”
B. You see, the church was being strangled by the sin which plagued some of the members.
C. At the time of the letter, they were unworthy because of their unconfessed sin.
D. So, we understand that a church is dead when it stops confessing Jesus, and allows sin to stain its members.
II. HOW TO BRING A CHURCH BACK FROM THE DEAD
1. The truth is that Christ could have simply dismissed them, and put them out of mind.
A. However, what is interesting is that he took the time to breathe new life into this floundering congregation.
B. Instead of leaving them for dead, Christ offers THREE steps to life.
2. First, they must know that help is available.
A. Rev 3: 1 Christ says that he is the one with the “seven spirits of God”, and “the seven stars.”
B. Rev 1: 20 we know from that first chapter that the stars represent the seven churches.
C. The seven spirits, as noted by Coffman’s commentary, represent The Holy Spirit sent out to the seven churches.
D. What Christ is pointing out to them is that they need God in their midst!
E. Gal 5: 19-23 rather than the spirit of the world, a church wishing to return from the dead need the presence of God, in the form of the fruit of the spirit.
F. Rom 4: 17 God is able to recall the living from the dead, but only when we turn to him for help.
3. Also, they need to pay attention to what’s going on.
A. Rev 3: 2 “Be watchful.”
B. Christ is telling them that they are dying and don’t see it, but they must wake up before it is too late!
C. Christ tells them in verse 2 that they need to build on what is left before it fades away as well.
D. Phil 2: 12 Christ wants to encourage them to take responsibility.
4. Finally, they must remember.
A. Rev 3: 3 “Remember how thou hast received and heard.”
B. Christ wants them to remember all that was suffered that they might call themselves the Church of Christ.
C. Heb 12: 2 remember all that Christ endured!
D. 2Cor 11: 23-27 remember all who suffered to bring the word to you!
E. The church who wants to return from the dead will take these steps quickly, before it is too late!
FIREPROOFING GOD IN OUR LIVES
FIREPROOFING GOD IN OUR LIFE
PROVERBS 3: 5 – 10
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Fireproofing is preparing for the fire when it comes. There will be fires in life that try to separate us from God. The devil will bring temptations that can separate us if we are not prepared to fight the fire. I hope in your home you have fire and smoke detectors. I hope you have a fire extinguisher in your home. I hope you have a plan incase of fire that you know what you will do. This is being prepared. If we have a fire we need to be prepared.
I. Proverbs 3: 5 Trust In The Lord With All Thine Heart.
Oh we will trust him some, but it says with “all thy heart.”
Not some times, not part time, not just when we think we need him.
But, With all thy heart. This fireproofs our heart.
A. Psalms 18: 1 – 2 Look what David said.
1. I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
2. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
The Lord was David’s strength in all things. He trusted in the Lord.
B. Job 13: 15 – 16 Job trusted in God.
15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
16 He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.
Job said his trust was not an act, it was the real thing. He trusted God because his salvation depended on it.
C. Eph. 3: 16 – 19 Trust in the Lord and he will fireproof you.
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Will you trust in the Lord with all your understanding?
II. Proverbs 3: 5 Lean not to Our Own Understanding.
A. Jeremiah 10: 23 We are created in God’s image, but we need
direction. Jeremiah prays:
23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Jeremiah new we had a need to follow God. When we accept that we can not walk alone and please God we will be closer to God.
B. Isaiah 55: 8 – 9 God tells Isaiah that our thoughts are not His.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
We are not equal to God so it must be accepted that our ways and thoughts are nor equal to God. We can not just do it our way and please God.
C. John 6: 67 – 69 We must accept God’s will as our will. Peter expressed there was no where else to go. They believed the words of Christ.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
When we only lean on the Lord we are fireproofing our life from false doctrine and the will’s of men. The word of the Lord and His word only will be our guide.
D. Matthew 26: 39 Jesus prayed unto God, pleading and accepting.
39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
If the Son of God knew he had to accept God’s will, who are we to think we are better than Christ.
When we accept God’s will be will be able to do all things pertaining to God and His church. We will be able to do the will of the Lord. Will you accept God’s will?
III. Proverbs 3: 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Some do not acknowledge him as God. The humanist says they are god.
The atheist says there is no god. The world says there are many gods.
We have to decide. Do we believe there is one God?
A. James 2: 19 – 20 It is good to believe in God, even greater to believe there is one God, but that is not enough. Even the devils believe. We must have a belief that will cause action. More than fear. Faith in action from love. Love overcomes fear and never fails.
James says:
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
To fireproof our life we must do more than just believe, we must acknowledge him in all our ways.
B. 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 Acknowledge God by giving thanks.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Some 30 times in the Old Testament it says give thanks. It is the will of God.
C. 2 Corinthians 9: 7 Acknowledge God in our giving.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Giving as we are prospered. Giving our time, talents, opportunities to do good. Acknowledging God with all we have. Acknowledging that all good things come from God. All we have belongs to God and let us acknowledge that to the world. We are not laying up treasures on earth, but in heaven.
This fireproofs our life against greed and self righteousness. The world says look at me and my accomplishments. The christian says look at Christ and his sacrifices. I give my life to Christ and Him crucified. I live that Christ might be glorified by my life. Bringing glory to God the Father.
Fireproofing God in our life requires we Trust in the Lord above all else, Accepting His will above our own and living according to His will as our own, and acknowledging Him in all things.
Then we are prepared to fight the devils of this world with the Gospel armor.
Are you a christian? Many think they are, but have never obeyed Christ. If you believe in Jesus Christ and want to be saved you must be baptized for the remission of sins. The world says Baptism does not save, but
1 Peter 3: 21 says it does. I am going to go with the Bible.
1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
All scripture is inspired by God. This is scripture. So God wanted us to be baptized to be saved. Not babies, or children, but those with a conscience toward God that believe they must be baptized for the remission of their sins. Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins? You can not fireproof that which will not obey God.
Are you a christian today but not ready to meet God because your life is not right with God? Why as a christian would you remain in a lost condition? You know and believe that God has appointed a day when all will be judged according to his word. Will you come back to Christ today? Fireproofing once again your life in Christ.
PROVERBS 3: 5 – 10
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10. So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Fireproofing is preparing for the fire when it comes. There will be fires in life that try to separate us from God. The devil will bring temptations that can separate us if we are not prepared to fight the fire. I hope in your home you have fire and smoke detectors. I hope you have a fire extinguisher in your home. I hope you have a plan incase of fire that you know what you will do. This is being prepared. If we have a fire we need to be prepared.
I. Proverbs 3: 5 Trust In The Lord With All Thine Heart.
Oh we will trust him some, but it says with “all thy heart.”
Not some times, not part time, not just when we think we need him.
But, With all thy heart. This fireproofs our heart.
A. Psalms 18: 1 – 2 Look what David said.
1. I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
2. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
The Lord was David’s strength in all things. He trusted in the Lord.
B. Job 13: 15 – 16 Job trusted in God.
15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
16 He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.
Job said his trust was not an act, it was the real thing. He trusted God because his salvation depended on it.
C. Eph. 3: 16 – 19 Trust in the Lord and he will fireproof you.
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Will you trust in the Lord with all your understanding?
II. Proverbs 3: 5 Lean not to Our Own Understanding.
A. Jeremiah 10: 23 We are created in God’s image, but we need
direction. Jeremiah prays:
23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Jeremiah new we had a need to follow God. When we accept that we can not walk alone and please God we will be closer to God.
B. Isaiah 55: 8 – 9 God tells Isaiah that our thoughts are not His.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
We are not equal to God so it must be accepted that our ways and thoughts are nor equal to God. We can not just do it our way and please God.
C. John 6: 67 – 69 We must accept God’s will as our will. Peter expressed there was no where else to go. They believed the words of Christ.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
When we only lean on the Lord we are fireproofing our life from false doctrine and the will’s of men. The word of the Lord and His word only will be our guide.
D. Matthew 26: 39 Jesus prayed unto God, pleading and accepting.
39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
If the Son of God knew he had to accept God’s will, who are we to think we are better than Christ.
When we accept God’s will be will be able to do all things pertaining to God and His church. We will be able to do the will of the Lord. Will you accept God’s will?
III. Proverbs 3: 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Some do not acknowledge him as God. The humanist says they are god.
The atheist says there is no god. The world says there are many gods.
We have to decide. Do we believe there is one God?
A. James 2: 19 – 20 It is good to believe in God, even greater to believe there is one God, but that is not enough. Even the devils believe. We must have a belief that will cause action. More than fear. Faith in action from love. Love overcomes fear and never fails.
James says:
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
To fireproof our life we must do more than just believe, we must acknowledge him in all our ways.
B. 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 Acknowledge God by giving thanks.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Some 30 times in the Old Testament it says give thanks. It is the will of God.
C. 2 Corinthians 9: 7 Acknowledge God in our giving.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Giving as we are prospered. Giving our time, talents, opportunities to do good. Acknowledging God with all we have. Acknowledging that all good things come from God. All we have belongs to God and let us acknowledge that to the world. We are not laying up treasures on earth, but in heaven.
This fireproofs our life against greed and self righteousness. The world says look at me and my accomplishments. The christian says look at Christ and his sacrifices. I give my life to Christ and Him crucified. I live that Christ might be glorified by my life. Bringing glory to God the Father.
Fireproofing God in our life requires we Trust in the Lord above all else, Accepting His will above our own and living according to His will as our own, and acknowledging Him in all things.
Then we are prepared to fight the devils of this world with the Gospel armor.
Are you a christian? Many think they are, but have never obeyed Christ. If you believe in Jesus Christ and want to be saved you must be baptized for the remission of sins. The world says Baptism does not save, but
1 Peter 3: 21 says it does. I am going to go with the Bible.
1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
All scripture is inspired by God. This is scripture. So God wanted us to be baptized to be saved. Not babies, or children, but those with a conscience toward God that believe they must be baptized for the remission of their sins. Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins? You can not fireproof that which will not obey God.
Are you a christian today but not ready to meet God because your life is not right with God? Why as a christian would you remain in a lost condition? You know and believe that God has appointed a day when all will be judged according to his word. Will you come back to Christ today? Fireproofing once again your life in Christ.
FIREPROOFING YOUR BRETHREN
FIREPROOFING OUR CONGREGATION
“NEVER LEAVE YOUR BRETHREN BEHIND”
(ACTS 2: 42-47)
Intro:
A minister by the name of James Thompson once stated, “I’m not afraid of anything that the world can do to us. What I’m more fearful of is what we can do to ourselves.” If we are strong inside, then nothing that the world can do will hold us back from accomplishing the task which God has given us.
However, how many times do we see it? A faithful church, a loving church, a working church divided by the problems which they are experiencing on the inside. We frequently speak of the laws and regulations which are impeding upon our worship, but seldom do we mention the strife which exists among our number. Instead, we bury our heads in the sand, and wait until our fellowship is broken to acknowledge the pink elephant in the room which our problems have become.
This morning, we come to the third lesson in our homecoming series. You will recall that our over-all theme is, “Fireproofing our Congregation.” Along those lines, Brother John and I have suggested to you that we need to remember to never leave behind our marriage or our children if we are to be successful in this attempt to withstand the issues which we face. Today, I want to continue in this same vain by encouraging you to, “Never Leave Your Brethren Behind.”
I want to begin this lesson with a little honesty. I’m afraid that we have missed the true meaning of the word which our Bibles translate as fellowship. The Greek word “koinwonia” means more than a party, or dinner, or 10 to 15 minutes of talking before or after services. Literally, this word carries with it the idea of intimacy, or a collection, or a group working together.
Folks, I want to stress to you like never before the need to continue in fellowship. I want to encourage you to follow the word of the Lord when it instructs us in Hebrews 13: 1 to: “Let brotherly love continue.”
I want to invite you to join me as we consider what it is that we need to do if we are to avoid leaving our brethren behind. In order to reach our goal, I want us to consider the First Century Church. Let’s look at that Church found in Acts 2: 42-47. Let’s examine what they did to fireproof the Church in its early days.
I. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BRETHREN BEHIND IN FAITH
1. Notice carefully what it says in Acts 2: 42.
A. Acts 2: 42 “And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles Doctrine.”
B. The recorder of these early days wants us to see the commitment which the church had to following the words which the apostles had given to them.
C. Understand that this was not the doctrine designed by the apostles, rather it was the doctrine reported by the apostles.
2. There are two things which we want to see if we are to remain united with our brethren in respect to the word of the Lord.
A. Acts 2: 42 we see the procedure for staying together.
B. Acts 2: 43 we see what is produced by staying together.
3. First, notice what procedure they followed in order to stay together.
A. Acts 2: 42 “And they continued steadfastly.”
B. This indicates to me that they took an active roll in the work and word of the Lord.
C. Phil 2: 1 as Paul stated, they were of the same mind in the fellowship of the Spirit.
D. Now, the only way that you can follow this procedure is by continuing to show up and observe and participate in this “apostle’s doctrine.”
4. However, if we are to learn to never leave our brethren behind in faith, then we should also see what is produced when we remain together.
A. Acts 2: 43 “And fear came upon every soul.”
B. Please, once and for all, let’s make sure we understand what it is that this phrase is telling us.
C. They were not afraid because of the signs and wonders done by the apostles, rather they developed a healthy fear of the Lord because of their growth in the Church.
D. Psalms 19: 9 as David told us, fear of the Lord isn’t a dark and gloomy process, but it is clean and ever enduring!
II. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BRETHREN BEHIND IN FELLOWSHIP
1. As stated in the introduction, we have lost touch with the true meaning of this word.
A. Folks, it doesn’t just mean that you come to know these men and women setting around you in a surface manor.
B. This word carries with it the idea of deep, intimate, connecting relationships.
2. Look at the early Church, and the fellowship they enjoyed.
A. Acts 2: 44 they were together and had all things common.
B. Acts 2: 45 they reached out and met the needs of the brethren, even if it meant personal sacrifice.
C. Acts 2: 46 this togetherness, this sharing, this sacrifice produced not anger, but gladness!
3. What about you and me?
A. Phil 2: 5 Paul encourages us by the inspiration of God to, “Have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
B. Mark 4: 1 even when it meant more work for him, Christ sought fellowship!
C. Mark 3: 31-35 even when it meant personal sacrifice, Christ sought fellowship!
D. 1Thess 4: 9 let us follow the teachings of God, and love one another in true fellowship.
III. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BRETHREN BEHIND IN FOCUS
1. Again, notice carefully what it was that they continued steadfastly in.
A. Acts 2: 42 “in breaking of bread.”
B. They did just what Christ had commanded on the night he was arrested, and continued to remember his death by partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
2. What does this have to do with focus?
A. 1Cor 11: 24 Christ himself said: “Do this in remembrance of me.”
B. Christ is to be the focus of the Lord’s Supper, in fact he is to be the focus of all that we do and say!
C. That early Church reminded themselves of this central fact through their continuing efforts.
3. The message remains for us today.
A. Yes, we partake of the Lord’s Supper each Lord’s day.
B. However, we should not lose sight of the fact that Christ is to be at the center of everything.
C. Phil 2: 2 let us be of one love, and one accord, and of one mind when it comes to serving God!
D. Acts 2: 46 if we too have this singleness of heart, we will not leave our brethren behind!
IV. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BRETHREN BEHIND IN FORBEARANCE
1. Finally, we are told that those first century Christians continued steadfastly in prayer.
A. Acts 2: 45 it is very apparent from this passage that they cared about the needs of their brothers and sisters.
B. They met the physical needs of the brethren, but they also took time to pray for one another.
2. Often this is one of the things which we overlook.
A. Gal 6: 2 Paul says that we are to bear one another’s burdens, and we automatically assume that this means that we need to “DO” something.
B. If marriage has taught me anything, it is that sometimes there isn’t anything you can do, and that by not trying, but simply praying or listening, you are doing the best thing anyway.
C. The most beautiful thing that you can tell a brother or sister in Christ is, “I’m praying for you.”
“NEVER LEAVE YOUR BRETHREN BEHIND”
(ACTS 2: 42-47)
Intro:
A minister by the name of James Thompson once stated, “I’m not afraid of anything that the world can do to us. What I’m more fearful of is what we can do to ourselves.” If we are strong inside, then nothing that the world can do will hold us back from accomplishing the task which God has given us.
However, how many times do we see it? A faithful church, a loving church, a working church divided by the problems which they are experiencing on the inside. We frequently speak of the laws and regulations which are impeding upon our worship, but seldom do we mention the strife which exists among our number. Instead, we bury our heads in the sand, and wait until our fellowship is broken to acknowledge the pink elephant in the room which our problems have become.
This morning, we come to the third lesson in our homecoming series. You will recall that our over-all theme is, “Fireproofing our Congregation.” Along those lines, Brother John and I have suggested to you that we need to remember to never leave behind our marriage or our children if we are to be successful in this attempt to withstand the issues which we face. Today, I want to continue in this same vain by encouraging you to, “Never Leave Your Brethren Behind.”
I want to begin this lesson with a little honesty. I’m afraid that we have missed the true meaning of the word which our Bibles translate as fellowship. The Greek word “koinwonia” means more than a party, or dinner, or 10 to 15 minutes of talking before or after services. Literally, this word carries with it the idea of intimacy, or a collection, or a group working together.
Folks, I want to stress to you like never before the need to continue in fellowship. I want to encourage you to follow the word of the Lord when it instructs us in Hebrews 13: 1 to: “Let brotherly love continue.”
I want to invite you to join me as we consider what it is that we need to do if we are to avoid leaving our brethren behind. In order to reach our goal, I want us to consider the First Century Church. Let’s look at that Church found in Acts 2: 42-47. Let’s examine what they did to fireproof the Church in its early days.
I. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BRETHREN BEHIND IN FAITH
1. Notice carefully what it says in Acts 2: 42.
A. Acts 2: 42 “And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles Doctrine.”
B. The recorder of these early days wants us to see the commitment which the church had to following the words which the apostles had given to them.
C. Understand that this was not the doctrine designed by the apostles, rather it was the doctrine reported by the apostles.
2. There are two things which we want to see if we are to remain united with our brethren in respect to the word of the Lord.
A. Acts 2: 42 we see the procedure for staying together.
B. Acts 2: 43 we see what is produced by staying together.
3. First, notice what procedure they followed in order to stay together.
A. Acts 2: 42 “And they continued steadfastly.”
B. This indicates to me that they took an active roll in the work and word of the Lord.
C. Phil 2: 1 as Paul stated, they were of the same mind in the fellowship of the Spirit.
D. Now, the only way that you can follow this procedure is by continuing to show up and observe and participate in this “apostle’s doctrine.”
4. However, if we are to learn to never leave our brethren behind in faith, then we should also see what is produced when we remain together.
A. Acts 2: 43 “And fear came upon every soul.”
B. Please, once and for all, let’s make sure we understand what it is that this phrase is telling us.
C. They were not afraid because of the signs and wonders done by the apostles, rather they developed a healthy fear of the Lord because of their growth in the Church.
D. Psalms 19: 9 as David told us, fear of the Lord isn’t a dark and gloomy process, but it is clean and ever enduring!
II. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BRETHREN BEHIND IN FELLOWSHIP
1. As stated in the introduction, we have lost touch with the true meaning of this word.
A. Folks, it doesn’t just mean that you come to know these men and women setting around you in a surface manor.
B. This word carries with it the idea of deep, intimate, connecting relationships.
2. Look at the early Church, and the fellowship they enjoyed.
A. Acts 2: 44 they were together and had all things common.
B. Acts 2: 45 they reached out and met the needs of the brethren, even if it meant personal sacrifice.
C. Acts 2: 46 this togetherness, this sharing, this sacrifice produced not anger, but gladness!
3. What about you and me?
A. Phil 2: 5 Paul encourages us by the inspiration of God to, “Have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
B. Mark 4: 1 even when it meant more work for him, Christ sought fellowship!
C. Mark 3: 31-35 even when it meant personal sacrifice, Christ sought fellowship!
D. 1Thess 4: 9 let us follow the teachings of God, and love one another in true fellowship.
III. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BRETHREN BEHIND IN FOCUS
1. Again, notice carefully what it was that they continued steadfastly in.
A. Acts 2: 42 “in breaking of bread.”
B. They did just what Christ had commanded on the night he was arrested, and continued to remember his death by partaking of the Lord’s Supper.
2. What does this have to do with focus?
A. 1Cor 11: 24 Christ himself said: “Do this in remembrance of me.”
B. Christ is to be the focus of the Lord’s Supper, in fact he is to be the focus of all that we do and say!
C. That early Church reminded themselves of this central fact through their continuing efforts.
3. The message remains for us today.
A. Yes, we partake of the Lord’s Supper each Lord’s day.
B. However, we should not lose sight of the fact that Christ is to be at the center of everything.
C. Phil 2: 2 let us be of one love, and one accord, and of one mind when it comes to serving God!
D. Acts 2: 46 if we too have this singleness of heart, we will not leave our brethren behind!
IV. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BRETHREN BEHIND IN FORBEARANCE
1. Finally, we are told that those first century Christians continued steadfastly in prayer.
A. Acts 2: 45 it is very apparent from this passage that they cared about the needs of their brothers and sisters.
B. They met the physical needs of the brethren, but they also took time to pray for one another.
2. Often this is one of the things which we overlook.
A. Gal 6: 2 Paul says that we are to bear one another’s burdens, and we automatically assume that this means that we need to “DO” something.
B. If marriage has taught me anything, it is that sometimes there isn’t anything you can do, and that by not trying, but simply praying or listening, you are doing the best thing anyway.
C. The most beautiful thing that you can tell a brother or sister in Christ is, “I’m praying for you.”
FIREPROOFING YOUR CHILDREN
FIREPROOFING YOUR CHILDREN
Proverbs 22: 6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Solomon in all his wisdom gave unto us many proverbs or maxims. general truths, principles to live by.
Proverbs 29: 15 If we do not train up a child in the way they should go and leave to learn on their own is disastrous.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
We know we must train children.
Training them up in Love, Faith and by Example that we might know we have done our best. Eph. 6: 4 We are to bring them up in the Lord.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
I. Deuteronomy 6: 5 Bring Them Up In The Love Of The Lord.
Moses writes what we should be already doing when we are blessed with children.
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Children must be given love that they might learn to give love.
We need to begin at birth to teach them love. Talking to them, singing to them and holding them is natural with a mother and father that has been brought up in the Lord. Sadly today we have children giving birth to children. Even with proper teaching mistakes are made and children are born.
A. Matthew 6: 24 Jesus says we can not love the world and God.
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Parents need to teach a child to love God more than the things of the world while they are young. In their developing years, years 1 – 6.
1. Teaching them at home. Singing bible songs, telling them bible stories. Bringing them to Bible class. Showing interest in what they are learning. Asking questions and then lessening to their answers. When was the last time you ask your child what they did in Bible class. When was the last time you ask their teacher how they were doing in Bible class. We have parent teachers night in regular school, did you ever have a meeting with your Bible teacher. My parents did a couple times and I straightened up, I had to because I could set down for a while.
B. Matthew 22: 37 - 38 as well as Mark and Luke record Jesus answer.
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.
We must teach them to love God with all their being. Heart, soul and mind. A child needs to know that God dwells in them. They may not understand it yet, but they need to have the security, the comfort that God is watching over them.
1. Amos 5: 14 Teach them to seek good and not evil.
14 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.
We need to teach them there are good and evil and to choose good and why to choose good.
2. 1 John 4: 7 – 8 John says what to do, why to do it, and what happens if we do not do it.
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
If we do not teach our children to love who will and what will they teach them. Love your children enough to teach them love.
II. Deuteronomy 7: 9 Train a Child In Faith.
9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
Bill Cosby said to his children, “I brought you into this world and I can take you out of it.” Where did he get that principle? I think his mother probably taught him that from the Bible. Here Moses told them God brought Israel out of Egypt, but he could also bring them down again.
Children need to be taught that God loves them and they need to love God..
God has always provided for those that love and obey Him and will for ever.
A. 1 Corinthians 8: 1 – 3 Paul writes to the christians at Corinth.
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
Knowledge is important, that is true knowledge. Children some time think they know something when they don’t know what they know. If we can teach them truth, God’s word is the truth we need to teach them.
1. John 17: 17 Jesus prayed to God.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
We need to teach our young people the truth. We need to teach them that there is a truth.
2. John 14: 6 Jesus told Thomas and the other disciples.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Teaching them that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the way of salvation, the truth of salvation and the salvation, eternal life.
B. 1 Thessalonians 1: 2 – 3 Paul writes that they are praying for them.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
We need to teach that there is more to Christianity than just coming to worship. Our faith must include work, labor, love, patience and hope.
All of this is in Christ Jesus and is something seen by God. We must teach developing a working faith, a loving faith for the lost as well as the saved souls. Teaching a patience of the hope that is in Christ Jesus. God is not tolerant with sin, but he is patient with us to repent of our sins.
Let us teach the faith that Jesus taught. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Let us not only teach in word but also by our example.
III. 1 Peter 2: 17 Peter writes to those scattered throughout all the regions.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
He taught them they were free in Christ Jesus, but that did not change their obligations if they were slaves to a master.
We are still subject the laws of the land. We need to teach by example to honor people in positions of power. Most often we will have a boss to report to. We must teach young people to honor others. Be respective, not only in word but in actions.
A. 1 John 3: 1 – 3 Teaching them that they must not only obey Jesus Christ in baptism, but that they must strive to keep themselves pure until we go to be with God. It is a way of life to be a christian.
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
B. 1 John 3: 14 – 19 Can Christ be seen in your life by your family
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
Do not think your children do not see and know the true you. You can fool them when they are young, but as they grow older they begin to see you as you are. Are you the example Christ would have you be?
Are you in worship, on time, with your Bible and have your lesson studied? Do your children see and hear you read the Bible at home.
C. 1 John 4: 7 – 13 John writes of love for one another.
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 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. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
If they can not see Christ in our life, why would they want to know more about Christ. If we fill their life with activities of the world, even good things, but make them seem more important that the church what have they learned? If we make their home work more important that coming to Bible class what have they learned?
If we will teach our children to love God, to love and obey his word, Jesus Christ and we show them God, Christ and our love for them and one another we can show them a faith that is worth living and dieing for. An eternal life in Christ Jesus. Then and only then can the proverb be fulfilled
Proverbs 22: 6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Then we can sleep at night knowing we have shown them Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Eternal life can be theirs. They make the choice, we can not make it for them. We have shown them the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus Christ..
Proverbs 22: 6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Solomon in all his wisdom gave unto us many proverbs or maxims. general truths, principles to live by.
Proverbs 29: 15 If we do not train up a child in the way they should go and leave to learn on their own is disastrous.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
We know we must train children.
Training them up in Love, Faith and by Example that we might know we have done our best. Eph. 6: 4 We are to bring them up in the Lord.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
I. Deuteronomy 6: 5 Bring Them Up In The Love Of The Lord.
Moses writes what we should be already doing when we are blessed with children.
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Children must be given love that they might learn to give love.
We need to begin at birth to teach them love. Talking to them, singing to them and holding them is natural with a mother and father that has been brought up in the Lord. Sadly today we have children giving birth to children. Even with proper teaching mistakes are made and children are born.
A. Matthew 6: 24 Jesus says we can not love the world and God.
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Parents need to teach a child to love God more than the things of the world while they are young. In their developing years, years 1 – 6.
1. Teaching them at home. Singing bible songs, telling them bible stories. Bringing them to Bible class. Showing interest in what they are learning. Asking questions and then lessening to their answers. When was the last time you ask your child what they did in Bible class. When was the last time you ask their teacher how they were doing in Bible class. We have parent teachers night in regular school, did you ever have a meeting with your Bible teacher. My parents did a couple times and I straightened up, I had to because I could set down for a while.
B. Matthew 22: 37 - 38 as well as Mark and Luke record Jesus answer.
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.
We must teach them to love God with all their being. Heart, soul and mind. A child needs to know that God dwells in them. They may not understand it yet, but they need to have the security, the comfort that God is watching over them.
1. Amos 5: 14 Teach them to seek good and not evil.
14 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.
We need to teach them there are good and evil and to choose good and why to choose good.
2. 1 John 4: 7 – 8 John says what to do, why to do it, and what happens if we do not do it.
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
If we do not teach our children to love who will and what will they teach them. Love your children enough to teach them love.
II. Deuteronomy 7: 9 Train a Child In Faith.
9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
Bill Cosby said to his children, “I brought you into this world and I can take you out of it.” Where did he get that principle? I think his mother probably taught him that from the Bible. Here Moses told them God brought Israel out of Egypt, but he could also bring them down again.
Children need to be taught that God loves them and they need to love God..
God has always provided for those that love and obey Him and will for ever.
A. 1 Corinthians 8: 1 – 3 Paul writes to the christians at Corinth.
1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
Knowledge is important, that is true knowledge. Children some time think they know something when they don’t know what they know. If we can teach them truth, God’s word is the truth we need to teach them.
1. John 17: 17 Jesus prayed to God.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
We need to teach our young people the truth. We need to teach them that there is a truth.
2. John 14: 6 Jesus told Thomas and the other disciples.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Teaching them that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the way of salvation, the truth of salvation and the salvation, eternal life.
B. 1 Thessalonians 1: 2 – 3 Paul writes that they are praying for them.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
We need to teach that there is more to Christianity than just coming to worship. Our faith must include work, labor, love, patience and hope.
All of this is in Christ Jesus and is something seen by God. We must teach developing a working faith, a loving faith for the lost as well as the saved souls. Teaching a patience of the hope that is in Christ Jesus. God is not tolerant with sin, but he is patient with us to repent of our sins.
Let us teach the faith that Jesus taught. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Let us not only teach in word but also by our example.
III. 1 Peter 2: 17 Peter writes to those scattered throughout all the regions.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
He taught them they were free in Christ Jesus, but that did not change their obligations if they were slaves to a master.
We are still subject the laws of the land. We need to teach by example to honor people in positions of power. Most often we will have a boss to report to. We must teach young people to honor others. Be respective, not only in word but in actions.
A. 1 John 3: 1 – 3 Teaching them that they must not only obey Jesus Christ in baptism, but that they must strive to keep themselves pure until we go to be with God. It is a way of life to be a christian.
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
B. 1 John 3: 14 – 19 Can Christ be seen in your life by your family
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
Do not think your children do not see and know the true you. You can fool them when they are young, but as they grow older they begin to see you as you are. Are you the example Christ would have you be?
Are you in worship, on time, with your Bible and have your lesson studied? Do your children see and hear you read the Bible at home.
C. 1 John 4: 7 – 13 John writes of love for one another.
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 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. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
If they can not see Christ in our life, why would they want to know more about Christ. If we fill their life with activities of the world, even good things, but make them seem more important that the church what have they learned? If we make their home work more important that coming to Bible class what have they learned?
If we will teach our children to love God, to love and obey his word, Jesus Christ and we show them God, Christ and our love for them and one another we can show them a faith that is worth living and dieing for. An eternal life in Christ Jesus. Then and only then can the proverb be fulfilled
Proverbs 22: 6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Then we can sleep at night knowing we have shown them Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Eternal life can be theirs. They make the choice, we can not make it for them. We have shown them the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus Christ..
FIREPROOFING YOUR MARRIAGE
FIREPROOFING OUR CONGREGATION
“NEVER LEAVE YOUR MARRIAGE BEHIND”
Intro:
In 2008, the same group who created the movies, “Facing the Giants” and “Fly Wheel”, produced the box office hit, “Fireproof.” Fireproof was the story of Caleb and Kathrin, and the dysfunctional household which they had created. During the course of the movie, both Caleb and Kathrin seem to loss sight of the love which brought them together in the first place. As we watch, they begin to fix their problems, and attempt to rebuild their marriage.
One of the greatest lessons which they learn is the true meaning of the word “FIREPROOF.” As one of Caleb’s friends told him, “Fireproof doesn’t mean that fire won’t come, but that when it does you’ll be able to withstand it.”
In the Church today, this is a lesson which we would do well to study. So many are walking away from the Lord’s body owing to the fact that life is hard, and being a Christian in the world today isn’t easy. We have come to believe that if we come, if we set in the pues, that problems are canceled, that we have become fireproof. Well, as Michael said, “Fireproof doesn’t mean that fire won’t come, but that when it does we will be able to withstand it.”
Beginning tonight, we want to conduct a four part series on fireproofing our congregation. Brother John and I want to help you to take the steps which are necessary if we are to withstand the fire. In order to understand these lessons, there is one other scene from the movie which you will need to know about.
Caleb is a fireman. Early in the movie he is speaking with one of the younger firefighters. The young man had made a mistake and gotten separated from his partner in a burning house. Caleb tells the man, “You never leave your partner behind.” Brethren, this is a lesson which we must also take to heart.
If we are to fireproof our congregation, then there are certain things which we cannot leave behind. We cannot leave our marriage, our children, our Brethren, nor our God behind if we are to fireproof the Church which Jesus died to establish. You might be wondering why we selected these particular areas. The reason is quite simple. It is these relationships which form the foundation of the Church. If we are not strong in these areas, then as a Church, we have no hope.
I want to invite you to come back for each of these lessons. However, right now, I want you to join me as we consider the need for us to never leave our marriage behind. If we hope to “withstand in the evil day”, then we must make our marriages as strong as possible.
I. STRENGTHEN YOURSELF IN THE LORD
1. In Psalms 31, we find David giving us the blueprint for strengthening ourselves in the Lord.
A. Psa 31: 1 “Deliver me”
B. Psa 31: 2 “Be my rock”
C. Psa 31: 3 “lead me and guide me”
D. Psa 31: 9 “Have mercy upon me”
E. David needed to be strong in his relationship with the Lord first, if he were to be the type of leader his people needed.
2. If we, as husbands and wives, are to make our marriages the most spiritually successful relationships that we can, then we must apply this same principle.
A. Matt 7: 1-5 Christ himself actually points us in this same direction during his Sermon on the Mount.
B. So often we look at this passage in terms of judgment, but I would submit to you that what Christ is wanting us to see is that we must first make sure that we are right with God, and that in and of itself will influence those around us.
C. Our first step shouldn’t be the correction and instruction of others, rather we should look to make ourselves the best husbands or wife we can be.
D. Pro 12: 15 when a problem arises don’t look for a way to assign the fault to your spouse; instead listen to what it is that they have to say.
E. 1Sam 30: 6 before we can strengthen our marriages, we must make it our first objective to strengthen ourselves in the Lord!
F. 1Jn 4: 20 if we don’t love our spouses, how can we say that we love God? On the other hand, if we love God over all else in life, then we will never leave our spouse behind.
II. SHARE YOUR LIVES TOGETHER
1. If we are to avoid leaving our marriage behind, then we need to share our lives with one another.
A. Psa 31: 10-13 share your trials and temptations with one another.
B. Psa 35: 9 share your Joy with one another.
C. Psa 127: 1 share the Lord with one another.
2. First, let’s consider the way in which we should share our trials and temptations with one another.
A. Psa 31: 10-13 David describes the problems which he is having both inwardly and outwardly.
B. David speaks to the Lord on these issues because he knows that the Lord is there to listen to him.
C. The same should be true of husbands and wives today.
D. 1Pet 3: 12 we should open our ears and listen to one another as God listens to us.
E. Heb 4: 16 we should empathize with one another in our trials and temptations just as God empathizes with us.
F. 2Ti 4: 17 we should stand up for one another just as God stands for us!
3. Also, we need to make sure that we are sharing our joy with one another.
A. Psa 35: 9 David makes it clear that he has found great joy and happiness in the Lord.
B. How many couples do you know today who simply don’t enjoy being around each other?
C. They don’t laugh, they don’t joke, and they don’t even speak to one another.
D. Let me encourage you by saying; make your spouse your best friend.
4. Finally, if we are to avoid leaving our spouse behind, we must learn to share the Lord with one another.
A. Psa 127: 1 the truth of the whole matter is that if we hope to build a strong, successful, Christian household, then it must be built upon the Lord!
B. If it is not built upon the Lord, then our labors are in vain, and that house will not stand.
“NEVER LEAVE YOUR MARRIAGE BEHIND”
Intro:
In 2008, the same group who created the movies, “Facing the Giants” and “Fly Wheel”, produced the box office hit, “Fireproof.” Fireproof was the story of Caleb and Kathrin, and the dysfunctional household which they had created. During the course of the movie, both Caleb and Kathrin seem to loss sight of the love which brought them together in the first place. As we watch, they begin to fix their problems, and attempt to rebuild their marriage.
One of the greatest lessons which they learn is the true meaning of the word “FIREPROOF.” As one of Caleb’s friends told him, “Fireproof doesn’t mean that fire won’t come, but that when it does you’ll be able to withstand it.”
In the Church today, this is a lesson which we would do well to study. So many are walking away from the Lord’s body owing to the fact that life is hard, and being a Christian in the world today isn’t easy. We have come to believe that if we come, if we set in the pues, that problems are canceled, that we have become fireproof. Well, as Michael said, “Fireproof doesn’t mean that fire won’t come, but that when it does we will be able to withstand it.”
Beginning tonight, we want to conduct a four part series on fireproofing our congregation. Brother John and I want to help you to take the steps which are necessary if we are to withstand the fire. In order to understand these lessons, there is one other scene from the movie which you will need to know about.
Caleb is a fireman. Early in the movie he is speaking with one of the younger firefighters. The young man had made a mistake and gotten separated from his partner in a burning house. Caleb tells the man, “You never leave your partner behind.” Brethren, this is a lesson which we must also take to heart.
If we are to fireproof our congregation, then there are certain things which we cannot leave behind. We cannot leave our marriage, our children, our Brethren, nor our God behind if we are to fireproof the Church which Jesus died to establish. You might be wondering why we selected these particular areas. The reason is quite simple. It is these relationships which form the foundation of the Church. If we are not strong in these areas, then as a Church, we have no hope.
I want to invite you to come back for each of these lessons. However, right now, I want you to join me as we consider the need for us to never leave our marriage behind. If we hope to “withstand in the evil day”, then we must make our marriages as strong as possible.
I. STRENGTHEN YOURSELF IN THE LORD
1. In Psalms 31, we find David giving us the blueprint for strengthening ourselves in the Lord.
A. Psa 31: 1 “Deliver me”
B. Psa 31: 2 “Be my rock”
C. Psa 31: 3 “lead me and guide me”
D. Psa 31: 9 “Have mercy upon me”
E. David needed to be strong in his relationship with the Lord first, if he were to be the type of leader his people needed.
2. If we, as husbands and wives, are to make our marriages the most spiritually successful relationships that we can, then we must apply this same principle.
A. Matt 7: 1-5 Christ himself actually points us in this same direction during his Sermon on the Mount.
B. So often we look at this passage in terms of judgment, but I would submit to you that what Christ is wanting us to see is that we must first make sure that we are right with God, and that in and of itself will influence those around us.
C. Our first step shouldn’t be the correction and instruction of others, rather we should look to make ourselves the best husbands or wife we can be.
D. Pro 12: 15 when a problem arises don’t look for a way to assign the fault to your spouse; instead listen to what it is that they have to say.
E. 1Sam 30: 6 before we can strengthen our marriages, we must make it our first objective to strengthen ourselves in the Lord!
F. 1Jn 4: 20 if we don’t love our spouses, how can we say that we love God? On the other hand, if we love God over all else in life, then we will never leave our spouse behind.
II. SHARE YOUR LIVES TOGETHER
1. If we are to avoid leaving our marriage behind, then we need to share our lives with one another.
A. Psa 31: 10-13 share your trials and temptations with one another.
B. Psa 35: 9 share your Joy with one another.
C. Psa 127: 1 share the Lord with one another.
2. First, let’s consider the way in which we should share our trials and temptations with one another.
A. Psa 31: 10-13 David describes the problems which he is having both inwardly and outwardly.
B. David speaks to the Lord on these issues because he knows that the Lord is there to listen to him.
C. The same should be true of husbands and wives today.
D. 1Pet 3: 12 we should open our ears and listen to one another as God listens to us.
E. Heb 4: 16 we should empathize with one another in our trials and temptations just as God empathizes with us.
F. 2Ti 4: 17 we should stand up for one another just as God stands for us!
3. Also, we need to make sure that we are sharing our joy with one another.
A. Psa 35: 9 David makes it clear that he has found great joy and happiness in the Lord.
B. How many couples do you know today who simply don’t enjoy being around each other?
C. They don’t laugh, they don’t joke, and they don’t even speak to one another.
D. Let me encourage you by saying; make your spouse your best friend.
4. Finally, if we are to avoid leaving our spouse behind, we must learn to share the Lord with one another.
A. Psa 127: 1 the truth of the whole matter is that if we hope to build a strong, successful, Christian household, then it must be built upon the Lord!
B. If it is not built upon the Lord, then our labors are in vain, and that house will not stand.
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