July 2
"SHINING AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD"
As Children Of God Without Fault (Ph 2:15)
INTRODUCTION
1. We have seen in this series of lessons thus far that in order to
"shine as lights in the world" the apostle Paul has given us
"direction," "hope," and a "warning":
a. "direction" - By saying, "work out out your own salvation with
fear and trembling"
b. "hope" - By reminding us, "for it is God who works in you..."
c. "warning" - By telling us to "do all things without murmuring and
disputing"
2. But what is the ultimate goal of these admonitions of Paul?
a. Is it not that we be "children of God without fault"? - Ph 2:15
b. And is this not how we will truly "shine as lights in the world",
living as "children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked
and perverse generation"?
3. Children of God without fault...surely THEY will "shine as lights" and make
a positive impact upon the world in which they live!
4. But please note carefully, it is not enough just to be "children of
God"...
a. We must also be "without fault"
b. And this will be true only if we are "blameless and harmless"
5. What does it mean to be "blameless" and "harmless"? And is this how
the world sees those who profess to be "the children of God"?
I. BLAMELESS
A. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE "BLAMELESS"...
1. The Greek word is amemptos {am'-emp-tos}, which means to be
"blameless, deserving no censure, free from fault or defect"
2. Certainly this does not mean we are perfect, for we all sin
- 1 Jn 1:8,10
3. Rather, as Paul told Titus, to live and act in such a way that
those who oppose us have "nothing evil to say of us" - cf. Ti
2:7-8
4. I.e., living in such a way that we have no "outstanding faults"
that are so clearly evident to others
B. WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE "BLAMELESS"...
1. Nothing hinders our efforts to influence others like
inconsistency or hypocrisy
2. If we have glaring faults that are evident to others, they will
not take our message seriously
3. Especially if we are trying to point out "their" faults!
C. HOW TO BECOME "BLAMELESS"...
1. Certainly, we should "practice what we preach"!
2. This would include "working out your own salvation"!
3. When we sin, confess our guilt immediately, especially when it
is evident to all
4. When one endeavors to preach to others, do it in the spirit of
gentleness, patience and humility - Ga 6:1; 2 Ti 2:24-26
II. HARMLESS
A. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE "HARMLESS"...
1. The word Paul uses is akeraios {ak-er'-ah-yos}, which in this
context means "without a mixture of evil, free from guile,
innocent, simple"
2. It is used three times in the scriptures:
a. When Jesus was preparing His disciples for the "limited,
commission - Mt 10:16
b. By Paul, in his epistle to the Romans - Ro 16:19 (the word
"simple")
c. And here in Ph 2:15
3. To be "harmless", then, would mean:,
a. To be free from any taint or suspicion of evil
b. To never be suspected of duplicity, saying one thing,
meaning another
c. To never be feared of potential harm or violence
4. Again, it means to be "harmless as doves"
B. WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE "HARMLESS"...
1. To be "without fault"
2. So that "one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing
evil to say of you." - Ti 2:7-8
a. How does this apply to some in the pro-life movement who use
intimidation, harassment, and sometimes violence to further
their cause?
b. Or to those who threaten "economic blackmail" (i.e.,
boycotting) in an effort to force others to change
c. Or some within the "Christian Coalition", who often advise
trying to "dig up dirt" on political opponents?
d. Do not such efforts, though well-intentioned, often give
others reasons to speak evil of those who call themselves
"Christians"?
e. Should we not have the attitude of Paul, who said:
1) "We give no offense in anything that our ministry may not
be blamed" - cf. 2 Co 6:3
2) "providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the
Lord, but also in the sight of men." - cf. 2 Co 8:21
3. So the name of God will not be blasphemed by our conduct! - cf.,
Ro 2:23-24
a. Though written in reference to inconsistent Jews, cannot
Paul's rebuke apply to Christians who resist evil in the
wrong way?
b. Do not many people speak evil of the faith because of the
way some are trying to force others to change?
C. HOW TO BE "HARMLESS AS DOVES"...
1. React to evil the way Paul said we should react, not with evil
but with acts of love; that is how we truly OVERCOME evil!
- Ro 12:17-21
2. Love your enemies the way Jesus taught us, with "active good
will" this is how we demonstrate ourselves to truly be "sons of
the Highest"! - Lk 6:27-36
CONCLUSION
1. The challenge we face is that we are so repulsed by evil, we are
tempted to respond in ways not in keeping with the gospel of Christ
2. But if our ultimate goal is changing the hearts of men, then it must
be in accord with the way God has changed our own hearts, through the
gospel of love, sacrifice, and mercy!
3. If we are truly the "children of God without fault", then we imitate
our Heavenly Father's efforts by using love, prayer, doing good, to
change those who are still part of this "crooked and perverse
generation"
4. By following in steps of our Savior, Jesus Christ, then we will truly
be "blameless and harmless", and "shine as lights in the world"/b>!July 2, PM"THE STABILITY OF YOUR TIMES"
Isaiah 33:5-6
INTRODUCTION
1. In the days of Isaiah (ca. 700 B.C.), the kingdom of Judah was
facing perilous times...
a. Assyria was advancing from the north, conquering kingdom after
kingdom
b. Even the northern kingdom of Israel was taken into captivity
2. As Assyria drew near to Jerusalem, the people were undecided as to
where to turn...
a. Some advocated they give themselves they give themselves up to
the Assyrians
b. Others looked to the south, believing an alliance with Egypt
would save them
3. Isaiah was sent by God to warn the people to do neither...
a. The key to their salvation was to trust in the Lord, not men
b. The Lord would provide the stability they needed, when all seemed
lost
4. In Isa 33:5-6 we find one such exhortation to put their trust in the
Lord...
a. The NKJV speaks of wisdom and knowledge as "the stability of your
times"; of course it is the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord
spoken of here
b. Note other translations:
1) "He shall be the stability of your times"
2) "He shall be the sure foundation of your times"
5. Though removed from the days of Isaiah by thousands of years...
a. The counsel given by him still rings true!
b. In troubled times, the Lord provides "The Stability Of Your
Times"!
I. THE UNSTABLE CONDITIONS OF TODAY
A. WE FACE MANY DISTURBING THINGS IN LIFE...
1. Many are common in every age - cf. Job 14:1
a. Sickness
b. Death
c. Natural disasters
2. Some may be peculiar to our day and age
a. Threat of nuclear holocaust, environmental pollution
b. Inflation, recession, unemployment
c. AIDS, cancer, heart disease
d. Road rage, drive-by shootings
B. THE AFFECT SUCH THINGS CAN HAVE...
1. For some, there is anxiety and fear
2. Others react with depression (our age has been called the "age
of anxiety" and the "age of the neurosis")
3. Even Christians can be affected
a. They may murmur or complain
b. They may simply exist in a state of "joylessness"
C. YET SOME ARE NOT DISTURBED BY SUCH THINGS...
1. Even though they experience the same things which devastate
others
2. The same financial crises, diseases, uncertainties, etc.
Somehow they still find cause for great joy and stability in
their lives!
II. THE STABILITY PROVIDED BY THE LORD
A. COMES THROUGH WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE...
1. "Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times"
2. Such wisdom and knowledge can help us face LIFE
a. By guiding and protecting one from the pitfalls of life
- Pro 2:6-22
b. By providing comfort and confidence in times of turmoil
- Pro 3:21-26
God is willing to provide such wisdom to those willing to look
to Him! - Ja 1:5-8
B. COMES THROUGH SALVATION...
1. "the strength of salvation"2. The salvation of the Lord can help us face DEATH
a. If we know the Lord will save us in eternity, we can better
face the adverse circumstances of this life
b. Consider the example of Paul:
1) He had a strong hope - 2 Co 5:1,5-8
2) His attitude as a result of that hope - 2 Co 4:16-18;
Ro 8:31-39
III. THE KEY TO THIS STABILITY
A. IT IS "THE FEAR OF THE LORD"...
1. Note the NIV: "the fear of the LORD is the key to this
treasure"
2. As noted elsewhere, the fear of the Lord is essential:
a. To having wisdom and knowledge
1) It is "the beginning of knowledge" - Pro 1:7
2) It is "the beginning of wisdom" - Pro 9:10
b. To receiving salvation
1) It is necessary to be accepted by God - Ac 10:34-35
2) The message of salvation is given to those who have it
- Ac 13:26
3) It is necessary for spiritual growth - Ph 2:12
B. WHY THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS NECESSARY...
1. "...by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil" - Pro 16:6
a. A reverence for God and His righteous judgments is an
effective motivation
b. By departing from evil, we turn to God!
2. "In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence...a place
of refuge" - Pro 14:26
a. When we turn to God, the fear of the Lord becomes a source
of great blessings!
b. Such as wisdom, knowledge, salvation, confidence, refuge;
indeed "the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life"! - Pro
14:27
CONCLUSION
1. The essence of our study is this:
a. Those who lack stability in troubled times do so because they
lack the wisdom, knowledge, and salvation of the Lord
b. They lack these things because they do not have the fear of the
Lord!
2. A proper fear of the Lord would prompt them to turn from evil and
turn to God...
a. Where they would find His knowledge, wisdom, and salvation
b. Which in turn would provide "The Stability Of Your Times"!
3. With such stability, we can rightly say along with the writer to the
Hebrews:
"The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
(He 13:6)
Won't you let the Lord provide you with the stability you need for
these troubled times?July 9"SHINING AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD"
By Holding Fast The Word Of Life (Ph 2:16)
INTRODUCTION
1. In our efforts to determine how we might truly "shine as lights in
the world", we have gleaned from Paul's comments that we must:
a. Work out our own salvation - Ph 2:12
b. Do so with "fear and trembling" - Ph 2:12
c. Allow God to work in us - Ph 2:13
d. Do all things without "murmuring and disputing" - Ph 2:14
e. Be children of God without fault, by being "blameless and
harmless" - Ph 2:15
2. Fundamental to our ability to do all these things, and to "shine as
lights in the world", is that we "hold fast the word of life" - Ph
2:16
a. It is the "word of life" that instructs us HOW to work out our own
salvation
b. We saw that the "word of life" is designed to teach us the "fear
of the Lord"
c. The "word of life" is the "sword of the Spirit", and therefore a
crucial element to allowing God to be at work in us
d. Through the "word of life" we learn the danger of disputing and
murmuring
e. And with the help of the "word of life", we can be blameless and
harmless, children of God without fault
3. But for all this to occur we must HOLD FAST the "word of life"; what
is the proper way to do this?
a. From Ezra, a young priest in the Old Testament, we can learn what
is necessary, and the proper order
b. In Ezra 7:10, we learned that he "had prepared his heart..."
1) To seek the Law of the Lord
2) To do it
3) And to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel
I. THROUGH DILIGENT STUDY
A. DILIGENT STUDY REQUIRES...
1. Longing for the Word like a baby longs for milk - 1 Pe 2:2
2. Receiving the Word with meekness, and implanting it our hearts
- Ja 1:21; Ps 119:11
3. The only way I know that this can be done, is through:
a. Daily Bible reading on your own - cf. Josh 1:8; Ps 1:1-3
b. Taking advantage of every opportunity to study with others
(e.g., Sunday morning and midweek Bible classes)
B. SUCH DILIGENT STUDY IS NECESSARY - 2 Ti 2:14-16
1. Otherwise, we can lead to the ruin of hearers!
2. Because we might shamefully mishandle the word of truth!
3. Rather than leading others to God, we might instead increase to
more ungodliness!
a. Notice Paul's warnings to the young evangelist Timothy -
1 Ti 6:3-5,20-21
b. Also to the evangelist Titus - Ti 2:7-8; 3:9-11
II. THROUGH CONSISTENT APPLICATION
A. THERE IS THE DANGER OF BEING A HEARER, BUT NOT A DOER - Ja 1:
22-25
1. We deceive only ourselves - 22
a. Not God (He knows our hearts)
b. Not the devil (he has us right where he wants us, as hearers
only)
c. Not those who know us (they can see our inconsistency)
2. We deprive ourselves of the true blessedness of God's Word,
which comes in the DOING of it, not just in the HEARING (or
reading) of it - 25
B. THE WORLD ALREADY HAS ENOUGH "PHARISEES" - Mt 23:1-3
1. That is, people who "say, and do not do"
2. Even though what they were saying was correct, they failed to
"practice what they preach"
3. Nothing undermines our efforts than those who claim to be
Christians, but do not live accordingly!
C. BUT THROUGH CONSISTENT APPLICATION, WE DEMONSTRATE THE VALUE OF
THE WILL OF GOD - Ro 12:1-2
1. By offering what is "reasonable service", we can "prove"
(demonstrate) that the Will of God is "good and acceptable and
perfect"
2. Where people might not listen just to our claims, they might
think differently if we demonstrate in our lives that God's way
is the best and only way!
III. THROUGH TEACHING IT TO OTHERS
A. THE NATURAL FOLLOWUP TO STUDY AND APPLICATION...
1. Ezra realized that this was the proper order - Ezra 7:10
2. Sadly, many people go about it in reverse order (teach, attempt
to do, and then study)
3. But if we have properly studied and applied God's Word, people
will take note, and want to know more about who we are and why
we are the way we are!
B. AS THE PEOPLE OF GOD, PROCLAIMING THE "WORD OF LIFE" IS OUR
PRIMARY FUNCTION IN THIS WORLD - 1 Pe 2:9-10
1. We are to "proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of
darkness into His marvelous light"
2. Is this not another way of saying that we are to teach others,
to share the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ with others?
C. HEREIN LIES THE GREATEST HOPE OF SHEDDING LIGHT IN THIS DARK
WORLD OF OURS!
1. For if God has called US through His gospel out of darkness
into His marvelous light...
2. ...then perhaps He will do the same for others with whom we
share the same gospel!
3. So as we endeavor to "shine as lights" with the help of that
Word which was used to call us into God's marvelous light,
let's not neglect to share it with others!
CONCLUSION
1. Like many others, I am very concerned about the direction our society
appears to be going
2. I do not take issue with the motives and zeal of others, but I
question the WAY some people who believe in God are trying to change
our society for good
3. Can we not learn from the failure of the "Civil Rights Movement" to
change the hearts of men through legislation or even violence that
maybe there is a better way?
a. Not to say that changing legislation through legitimate means is not a worthy goal for Christians
b. But to say that it alone is inadequate
4. The "better way" is the way God used His people to ultimately change
a "pre-Christian culture" (known for immorality and injustice) into
one that at least on the surface held up Christianity as a religion
of preference rather than ridicule
5. How did they do it? Though it took several hundred years, it was
done by "Shining As Lights In The World", in the manner in which Paul
wrote in Ph 2:12-16!
With the help of God, perhaps we can do the same. At the very least, we
can assure that we will save ourselves through God's grace!
July 9, PM"NEVERTHELESS AT YOUR WORD I WILL"
Luke 5:1-11
INTRODUCTION
1. Jesus charged His apostles to make disciples of all the nations..
a. Baptizing them upon His authority - Mt 28:18-19
b. Teaching them to observe what He commanded - Mt 28:20
-- Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?
2. The mindset of a disciple was displayed when Jesus called Peter...
a. When Jesus was teaching at the Sea of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee)
- Lk 5:1-3
b. When Jesus called on Peter to let down the net - Lk 5:4-5
c. When Jesus called on Peter to lay down his net - Lk 5:10-11
Did you notice the mindset of a disciple of Jesus?
I. PETER'S WILLINGNESS TO DO THE LORD'S WORD
A. IN LETTING DOWN THE NET...
1. Jesus instructed Peter to let down his net - Lk 5:4
2. Peter did not think it would do any good - Lk 5:5a
a. They had been fishing all night, they had caught nothing
b. Wouldn't a fisherman know more about fishing than a
carpenter?
3. Yet Peter said, "Nevertheless at Your word I will led down the
net." - Lk 5:5b
a. Though he did not think it would work
b. Though it defied common sense
4. The result of doing the Lord's word - Lk 5:6-8
a. The catch was overwhelming for one net, even for two boats
b. Peter was made aware of his own sinfulness
Here we see the mindset of a disciple: "Nevertheless at Your
word I will..."
B. IN LAYING DOWN THE NET...
1. He and his coworkers were astonished at their success - Lk 5:
9-10a
2. Jesus reassured Peter, and then called him and his partners to
follow Him - Lk 5:10b-11
a. Though he did not think he could be any good ("I am a sinful
man, O Lord!")
b. Though it meant leaving behind a successful business and
family
1) Peter left his wife (for the time being) - cf. Lk 4:38;
Lk 18:28; 1 Co 9:5
2) James and John left their father - cf. Mt 4:21-22
c. Yet they left all and followed Him!
3. The result of doing the Lord's word
a. The Lord called them to even greater service - cf. Lk 6:
13-14
b. They would receive even greater rewards - cf. Lk 22:28-30
Such is the mindset of a disciple: "Nevertheless at Your word
I will..."
II. OUR WILLINGNESS TO DO THE LORD'S WORD
A. IN BECOMING HIS DISCIPLE...
1. We may not think we can do any good
a. We might think we are too sinful, but Jesus calls sinners
- cf. Lk 5:8,32
b. Even the rankest of sinners can serve Him - cf. 1 Co 6:9-11
2. We are to follow Him above all (family, work, self)
a. Jesus must come before family, even self - Lk 14:26; cf. Mt
10:37; Lk 9:23-26
b. Jesus must come before work as well - Lk 14:16-24
3. For those willing to follow Him, the rewards are great
a. In this present time, much more! - Lk 18:28-30a
b. In the age to come, eternal life! - Lk 18:30b
Do we have the mindset to become a disciple ("Nevertheless at
Your word I will")?
B. IN BEING HIS DISCIPLE...
1. The Lord may ask us to do things we don't think will work
a. Such as laying up treasure in heaven, instead of for self
- Lk 12:15-21
b. Such as seeking first the kingdom of God - Lk 12:22-34; cf.
Mt 6:33
2. The Lord may ask us to do things we don't yet understand
a. Why be baptized for the remission of our sins? - Mk 16:16;
Ac 2:38
b. Why observe the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week?
- Ac 20:7
c. Why not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together?
- He 10:25
d. Why singing is commanded, and not playing instruments? - Ep
5:19; Co 3:16
e. Why women are not permitted public roles in worship? - 1 Co
14:34-37
f. Why churches are not to be burdened by familial
responsibilities? - 1 Ti 5:16
3. For those willing to obey Him, the rewards are great
a. Our labor is not in vain - 1 Co 15:58
b. We can look forward great reward ("inherit the kingdom")
- cf. Mt 25:34; 2 Pe 1:11
Is our mindset that of being a disciple ("Nevertheless at Your
word I will")?
CONCLUSION
1. Are you willing to become a disciple of Jesus...?
a. Heeding His call to follow Him?
b. Putting Him before family, work, self?
2. Are you willing to adopt the mindset of a disciple...?
a. Obeying the Word of the Lord?
b. Even when it may seem futile or unreasonable?
Though it may defy common sense, may we ever say "Nevertheless at Your
word I will"...July 16"THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BEING A CHRISTIAN"
A Person Reborn
INTRODUCTION
1. It is always exciting to see someone become a Christian...
a. Even when an observer doesn't understand all that is involved,
they often sense something meaningful is going on
b. Especially as time goes on, and changes begin to occur in the
person's life
2. But often the significance of becoming a Christian appears to be
lost...
a. Sometimes even Christians fail to appreciate the significance of
being a Christian
b. When this happens, Christians often fail to grow as they should
3. It never hurts for a Christian to reflect, and ask such questions
as...
a. What did I do?
b. What have I received?
c. What are the implications and consequences of what I've done?
d. What has happened to me?
e. What have I become?
f. What is different about me?
4. To summarize these questions...
a. What is the meaning, importance, and value of becoming a
Christian?
b. What am I now to do?
Such are the questions we hope to answer in this series, "The
Significance Of Being A Christian"
I. A NEW CREATION
A. A CHRISTIAN IS A "NEW CREATION"...
1. A Christian rises out of the watery grave of baptism to
newness of life - Ro 6:4-5
2. Old things have passed away, and new things have come - 2 Co
5:17
B. A NEW CREATION MADE POSSIBLE BY VIRTUE OF A NEW BIRTH...
1. A new birth produced by responding to the Word of God - Ja 1:
18; 1 Pe 1:22-23
2. A new birth produced by the working of the Spirit of God - Jn
3:3-5; Ti 3:5-7
C. THIS NEW CREATION EMBARKS ON A LIFE OF RENEWAL...
1. The inner man is to be renewed daily - 2 Co 4:16
2. This renewal is ongoing, involving the renewal of one's mind
- Ro 12:2
II. A NEW LIFE
A. HAVING PASSED FROM DEATH TO LIFE...
1. As Jesus promised to those who hear His words - Jn 5:24-25
2. Once dead in sin, we are now made alive to God - Ep 2:1-5; Co
2:12-13
3. We now have the promise and prospect of life eternal, given
through God's Son - 1 Jn 5:11-13
B. HAVING PASSED FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT...
1. Such is the objective of gospel preaching: to turn people
from darkness to light
a. So Jesus told Paul - Ac 26:18
b. So Peter wrote to Christians - 1 Pe 2:9-10
2. Though we once walked in darkness, we can now walk in the
light
a. As children of light - Ep 5:8; 1 Th 5:5
b. The metaphor of light representing goodness, righteousness,
and truth - Ep 5:9
For which we should ever be thankful - cf. Co 1:12-13
III. A NEW LOYALTY
A. A CHRISTIAN IS A "CONVERTED" PERSON...
1. As exemplified by the Thessalonians - 1 Th 1:9
2. Conversion inherently involves change, particularly a change
of loyalties
a. From serving sin to serving God - Ro 6:16-18
b. From serving idols to serving God - e.g., 1 Th 1:9
B. A CHRISTIAN IS CONVERTED TO JESUS CHRIST...
1. He or she acknowledges the Lordship of Jesus Christ - cf. Ac
2:36; 1 Pe 3:15
2. Above family, life, and self, the Christian chooses to follow
Jesus - cf. Mt 10:37-39
3. When one makes that choice, Christ will become the focus of
that person's life - Ga 2:20
C. SUCH LOYALTY TO CHRIST RESULTS IN A NEW LIFE...
1. In which God blesses the individual through Jesus Christ
- e.g., Ph 4:6-7
2. In which one finds strength to live the new life - e.g., Ph
4:13
CONCLUSION
1. A significant thing about a Christian, then, is that he or she...
a. Experiences a new creation
b. Enjoys a new life
c. Entertains a new loyalty
Such a individual is truly "A Person Reborn"
2. But not all professing Christians show evidence of this rebirth...
Why is that?
a. They may have not yet truly experienced the new creation
1) Obedience not rendered in faith will not produce the new birth
- Mk 16:16
2) For God's power to be at work, we must submit in faith - Co
2:12-13
b. Though they may have been reborn and entered the new life, they
may have gone back into sin
a. Hardened by sin's deceitfulness, they have departed from God
- cf. He 3:12-13
b. Entangled once again by the pollutions of the world - cf. 2 Pe
2:20
In either case, their loyalty is certainly not where it ought to
be!
May the promise of a new creation and a new life in Christ remind us of
"The Significance Of Being A Christian", and challenge us to examine
our loyalties if we do not see in our lives the evidence of "A Person
Reborn".July 16, PM"ANGRY WORDS! O LET THEM NEVER"
INTRODUCTION
1. Many of the songs we sing are designed to teach and admonish - cf. Co
3:16
2. One such song is "Angry Words! O Let Them Never"...
a. Words written by D. K. P.
b. Melody arranged by H.R. Palmer, Will W. Slater
3. A favorite of many, it is a song...
a. With valuable advice in our dealings with one another as members
of God's family
b. Warning against disrupting friendship and love through
unthoughtful use of the tongue
I. THE NEED TO BRIDLE THE TONGUE
A. THE TONGUE IS POWERFUL...
1. It is difficult to control
a. It has the power to control the whole body - Ja 3:2-5
b. For it reflects the true expression of the inward man - cf.
Mt 12:34-35
2. It has power to do good and evil
a. To turn away wrath, or stir up anger - Pro 15:1
b. To use knowledge wisely, or pour forth foolishness - Pro
15:2
c. To be a tree of life, or a breaker of spirits - Pro 15:4
"Angry words! O let them never from the tongue unbridled slip;
May the heart's best impulse ever check them ere they soil the
lip."
B. THE ADVANTAGES OF RESTRAINT...
1. Avoids sin - Pro 10:19
2. Keeps one out of trouble - Pro 21:23
3. Makes one to appear wise - Pro 17:27-28
4. Uncontrolled tongues can destroy friendships
a. Poorly chosen words, unthoughtful and rashly spoken words
b. Can make even the closest friends become enemies - e.g., Psa
55:12-14
"Angry words are lightly spoken, bitterest thoughts are rashly
stirred, brightest links of life are broken, by a single angry
word."
C. HOW THEN SHALL WE USE THE TONGUE...?
1. If for good, our words can be:
a. Sweet to the soul - Pro 16:24
b. A thing of beauty, like apples of gold in settings of silver
- Pro 25:11
2. But if for evil, then beware:
a. We will be judged by our words - Mt 12:36-37
b. We will defile our bodies (and our friendships!) - Ja 3:6
II. THE IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE
A. THE BLESSINGS OF FRIENDSHIP...
1. Some of the most beautiful passages in the Bible were
expressions between friends
a. Ruth's love for her mother-in-law, Naomi - Ru 1:16-17
b. Jonathan's devotion to his friend, David - 1 Sam 18:1
c. Jesus' love for His disciple, John - Jn 19:25-27
d. Paul's love for his coworker, Timothy - 2 Ti 1:1-4
2. Good friends provide wonderful benefits
a. A true friend is "a man for all seasons" - Pro 17:17
b. A true friend can be closer than blood relatives - Pro 18:24
c. The rebuke of a true friend is of more value than the praise
of an enemy - Pro 27:6
d. The advice of a true friend can be precious - Pro 27:9
e. Seek to hang on to good friends - Pro 27:10a
"Love is much too pure and holy, friendship is too sacred far,
for a moment's reckless folly thus to desolate and mar."
B. THE NEED TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER...
1. Our Savior teaches us to do so
a. A new commandment, to love as He loved us - Jn 13:34-35
b. Stressed again and again - Jn 15:12,17
2. It is a "blest" command
a. Love will avoid offending another with loose words - 1 Co
13:4-5a
1) Love suffers long (patient)
2) Love is kind
3) Love does not envy (not jealous of others' good fortune)
4) Love does not parade itself (does not brag about itself)
5) Love is not puffed up (not arrogant)
6) Love does not behave rudely (not inconsiderate of others'
feelings)
b. Love will not allow loose words offend it - 1 Co 13:5b-8a
1) Love does not seek its own (not defensive)
2) Love is not provoked (not sensitive)
3) Love thinks no evil (assumes the best intention)
4) Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but in truth
(concerned more about truth than winning)
5) Love bears all things (puts up with snide remarks,
slights)
6) Love believes all things (gives others the benefit of the
doubt)
7) Love hopes all things (looks for the best in others)
8) Love endures all things (including hurt feelings by
unkind or unthoughtful words)
9) Love never fails (to show patience, compassion,
forgiveness)
"'Love one another', thus says the Savior; Children, obey His
blest command."
CONCLUSION
1. Friendship is too holy to let loose words in reckless moments destroy
it...
a. Especially between brethren in Christ
b. Whose love is to be a mark of true discipleship - Jn 13:35
2. True love values friendship so highly, that it will resolve...
a. To say nothing that unnecessarily endangers our friendship
b. To let nothing that is said, no matter how hurtful, to destroy our
friendship
May this song, "Angry Words! O Let Them Never" serve to remind us of the
blessing and duty we have regarding our love and friendship as disciples
of Christ!
Have you become a disciple of Jesus Christ...? - cf. Mt 28:19-20July 23"THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BEING A CHRISTIAN"
Belonging To The Lord
INTRODUCTION
1. In our previous lesson, we began this series...
a. Asking what is the significance of being a Christian
b. Starting with the idea that a Christian is "A Person Reborn"
2. We noted that a Christian is a person reborn because in Christ...
a. They are a new creation - 2 Co 5:17
b. They have been born again - 1 Pe 1:22-23
c. They now have a new loyalty: to serve Jesus Christ - Ga 2:20
3. We begin this lesson by noting Paul's comments to the Corinthians...
a. As recorded in 1 Co 6:19-20
b. In which he challenged their thinking by asking "Do you not
know...you are not your own?"
c. The Christian needs to understand that he or she has been "bought
at a price" and consequently is a person "Belonging To The Lord"
I. GOD'S SPECIAL PERSON
A. CHRISTIANS ARE NOW GOD'S OWN SPECIAL PEOPLE...
1. Note how Peter describes them in 1 Pe 2:9-10
a. "a chosen generation"
b. "a royal priesthood"
c. "a holy nation"
d. "His own special people"
2. These are terms that were once reserved for the physical
nation of Israel
a. The Lord had chosen them - Deu 10:15
b. He made them a kingdom of priests and a holy nation - Exo
19:5
c. Thus they had become a special people above all other
nations - Deu 7:6
What had once been limited to physical Israel, is now possible
to all people who are in Christ, as promised to Abraham - cf.
Ga 3:8-9,28-29
B. A SPECIAL PEOPLE, WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES...
1. To proclaim the praises of God - 1 Pe 2:9-10
a. Because He called us out of darkness into His marvelous
light
b. Because He showed mercy, and made us the people of God
2. To grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ - 2 Pe 1:8-11
a. To make our calling and election (as God's people) sure
b. To have an abundance entrance into the everlasting kingdom
From the example of physical Israel, let us beware of becoming
hardened and not lose faith, or we may not enter the heavenly
rest that awaits us! - He 3:12-4:2,11
II. GOD'S BELOVED CHILD
A. CHRISTIANS ARE BLESSED TO BE CHILDREN OF GOD...
1. In one sense, all people are God's children - Ac 17:26-29
2. In another sense, many do not have God as their Father
- Jn 8:42-44
3. Yet Christians are the children of God in a very special way
a. Because of their faith, and having put on Christ in baptism
- Ga 3:26-27
b. Redeemed and adopted by God, they have received His Spirit
into their hearts
- Ga 4:4-6
c. Because we do the Father's will, Jesus considers us His
family - Mt 12:48-50
Christians should be touched by this expression of God's love
- 1 Jn 3:1-2
B. AS GOD'S CHILDREN, WE HAVE BLESSINGS AND RESPONSIBILITIES...
1. We are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ - Ga 4:7; Ro
8:16-17
a. For we are heirs according to the promise of God - Ga 3:29
b. It is an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, that
does not fade, and is reserved for us in heaven - 1 Pe 1:4
2. As heirs, we have many responsibilities, including:
a. Being thankful for the inheritance we have - Co 1:12
b. Abstaining from the works of the flesh - Ga 5:19-21
c. Perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord - 2 Co 6:17-7:1
If we wish to receive the promised blessings, we need to
patiently carry out our responsibilities with an enduring
faith - He 10:35-39
III. GOD'S HEAVENLY PILGRIM
A. CHRISTIANS ARE IN THE WORLD, BUT NOT OF THE WORLD...
1. As Jesus mentioned in His prayer for His disciples - Jn 17:
15-16
2. Like Abraham, a Christian is a sojourner, a pilgrim - He
11:13; 13:14; 1 Pe 1:1
3. We are fellow citizens with members of God's family - Ep 2:19
As such, our true citizenship lies in heaven, not here on
earth - Ph 3:20
B. AS GOD'S PILGRIMS, WE HAVE SEVERAL OBLIGATIONS...
1. To conduct our sojourn on earth with fear - 1 Pe 1:17
2. To abstain from worldly lusts - 1 Pe 2:11; 1 Jn 2:15-17
3. To keep our conduct honorable, filled with good works - 1 Pe
2:12
4. To obey the laws, and respect the leaders, of the countries in
which we sojourn - 1 Pe 2:13-17
CONCLUSION
1. We have seen that a Christian is a person who "belongs to the Lord",
one who is...
a. God's special person
b. God's child
c. God's pilgrim
2. The more we understand the significance of such privileges...
a. We ought to be filled with gratitude and humility
b. We ought to be moved to be the kind of people God intended
3. Are we living and conducting ourselves as those who "belong to the
Lord"?
a. Are we acting like a special people?
b. Do we live like a child of God should?
c. Is our life truly a sojourn, or are we living like we want to
make this earth our permanent home?
May the significance of belonging to God prompt us to always glorify
God in our bodies and our spirits!July 23, PM"CALEB FOLLOWED THE LORD FULLY"
Numbers 14:24
INTRODUCTION
1. A familiar story of the Bible is that of the twelve spies of
Israel...
a. Sent to spy out the land of Canaan - Num 13:1-2
b. Spending 40 days traversing the land - Num 13:21-25
c. Bringing back both good news and bad news
1) A land of milk and honey, as evidenced by the fruit - Num 13:27
2) A land occupied by strong people and giants - Num 13:28
d. One of the spies, Caleb, sought to reassure the people - Num 13:30
e. Yet ten of the spies overwhelmed the people with their bad report
- Num 13:31-14:4
f. Only Joshua and Caleb had confidence in the Lord - Num 14:6-9
g. But the people heeded the bad report, resulting in God's
condemnation
1) Israel was to spend 40 years of wandering in the wilderness
- Num 14:29-34
2) The ten spies died by a plague before the Lord - Num 14:36-37
3) Only Joshua and Caleb were spared - Num 14:38
2. The Lord spared Caleb because "he...has followed Me fully" - Num
14:24
a. A similar statement about Caleb made time and again - Num 32:
11-12; Deu 1:36; Josh 14:8-9,14
b. What a wonderful epitaph: "He wholly followed the LORD God of
Israel."
I. WHAT IT IS TO FOLLOW THE LORD FULLY
A. TO FOLLOW JESUS ALL OUR DAYS...
1. Such was the case with Caleb
a. He followed the Lord in the wilderness
b. He followed the Lord in land of Canaan, 45 years later
- Josh 14:8-10
2. Yet many do not
a. Like Lot's wife, they turn back - Gen 19:26
b. Like the Galatians, they are easily bewitched - Ga 3:1
3. What of us who follow Jesus today?
a. Shall we follow Him in our youth? - cf. 1 Ti 4:12
b. Shall we follow Him in our old age? - cf. Ti 2:1-5; Psa 92:
12-15
Shall we follow Jesus like Caleb followed the Lord, all the
days of our life?
B. TO FOLLOW JESUS WITH ALL OUR HEART...
1. Caleb followed the Lord "fully", "wholly"
a. That is, with his whole heart
b. The perfect role model for what Jesus called "the greatest
commandment" - cf. Mt 22:36-38
2. Sadly, many try to serve the Lord with divided hearts
a. Like Solomon, who was influenced by his foreign wives
- 1 Kin 11:4
b. Like those in James' epistle, seeking to be friends with the
world - Ja 4:4
3. What of us who follow Jesus today?
a. Shall we follow Him with all our heart? - cf. Jn 14:15
b. Shall we follow Him with undivided affection? - cf. 1 Jn 2:
15-17
Shall we follow Jesus like Caleb followed the Lord, with all
our hearts?
C. TO FOLLOW JESUS DESPITE THE HAZARDS...
1. Caleb followed the Lord despite the dangers
a. He was willing to face the giants in the land - cf. Num 13:
33
b. He was willing to face the wrath of his brethren - cf. Num
14:10
c. He was willing to take a mountain from the giants in his old
age - cf. Josh 14:10-12
2. Many will serve the Lord only when it is convenient
a. When it is popular, like the crowds who followed Jesus
b. When it is safe, like Peter before confronted by the maiden
- cf. Mt 26:69-70
3. What of us who follow Jesus today?
a. Shall we follow Him only when convenient?
b. Shall we follow Him despite ridicule, persecution, dangers?
- cf. Mt 5:10-12
Shall we follow Jesus like Caleb followed the Lord, despite the
hazards?
II. HOW WE ARE ENABLED TO FOLLOW THE LORD FULLY
A. BY KEEPING OUR EYE ON HIM...
1. Caleb's faith was in the Lord, not himself
a. He was confident they could take the land - Num 13:30
b. But that was because he knew the Lord would be with them
- Num 14:6-9
c. Thus his eye was on the Lord!
2. So we need to keep our eye on Jesus - cf. He 12:1-4
a. Looking unto Him as the author and finisher of our faith
b. Considering the hostility He endured, knowing the Father
will help us as He helped Him to endure
Shall we look to the Lord for our inspiration and confidence,
like Caleb did?
B. BY HAVING A DIFFERENT SPIRIT...
1. Caleb was noted for a having a different spirit - Num 14:24
a. Different than the spirit in the other ten spies, who were
defeatists - Num 13:31
b. Different than the spirit in the rest of Israel, who
complained - cf. Num 14:1-2
2. We can be strengthened by a different spirit
a. Certainly the spirit of a positive attitude will help - Ph
4:13
b. How much more so, with the Spirit of God helping us! - cf.
Ro 8:12-13; Ep 3:16
Shall we have a "can do" attitude, knowing we are clothed in
the strength of God's might? - cf. Ep 6:10-13
III. MOTIVATION TO FOLLOW THE LORD FULLY
A. IT LEADS TO A USEFUL LIFE...
1. Consider how God was able to use Caleb:
a. As a leader in Israel - cf. Num 13:2,6; 34:18,19
b. As a servant of God, first to spy out the land, then to
divide it - cf. Num 14:24a
c. As an example of faith and courage - Num 13:30; 14:8,9
d. As a reminder of God's justice - Num 14:29-30
e. As an inspiration of service, even in old age - Josh 14:6-12
2. How useful will we be, if we follow Jesus fully?
a. We can be an example in youth - 1 Ti 4:12
b. We can be useful to the Master - 2 Ti 2:20-22
-- Don't we want to be useful to Jesus?
B. IT LEADS TO A FULFILLED LIFE...
1. Consider how Caleb was fulfilled in life:
a. Only he and Joshua were blessed to enter Canaan - Deu 1:
35-36
b. He received the land around Hebron as an inheritance - Josh
14:6-14; 21:12
c. His land had rest from war - Josh 14:15
2. What kind of fulfilled life does Jesus offer those who follow
Him fully today?
a. One that experiences love which passes knowledge - Ep 3:19
b. One that experiences peace which surpasses understanding
- Ph 4:7
c. One that experiences joy inexpressible - 1 Pe 1:8
d. One in which our daily needs are provided - Mt 6:33
-- Don't we want to have a fulfilled life?
CONCLUSION
1. Let the example of Caleb inspire you to follow the Lord fully in your
life...
a. To follow Jesus all the days of your life
b. To follow Jesus with all your heart
c. To follow Jesus despite the hazards
2. Shall we, like Caleb, follow the Lord fully so we too may...
a. Have a useful life in service to the Lord?
b. Have a fulfilled life that is blessed by the Lord?
Don't forget - Caleb and Joshua were the only two (out of 603,550 men)
who survived the forty years of wilderness wanderings and entered the
promised land (Num 32:10-13). Their brethren did not enter Canaan, for
as the Lord said of them "they have not wholly followed Me".
How are we following the Lord? Like Caleb? Or like those who died in
the wilderness...?July 30"THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BEING A CHRISTIAN"
Living By Faith
INTRODUCTION
1. An important aspect of being a Christian involves the element of
"faith"...
a. The gospel to which a person responds in becoming a Christian is
called "the faith" - Ju 3
b. Those who obeyed the gospel have been "faithful to the Lord"
- Ac 16:15; Co 1:2
c. Christians are called referred to as "the household of faith"
- Ga 6:10
2. Indeed, "faith" is the underlying principle of all the Christian's
conduct...
a. It is fundamental to our salvation in Christ - Ro 1:16-17
b. It is central to the life we now live in Christ - Ga 2:20;
2 Co 5:7
3. Yet the nature of faith and its importance in the life of
Christian...
a. Are often misunderstood
b. Are often neglected
I. THE MEANING OF FAITH
A. INVOLVES THE IDEA OF BELIEF...
1. The certainty or conviction that one has in some truth or
proposition
2. E.g., believing in things concerning Jesus and His kingdom
- Ac 8:12
3. Such faith, or conviction, comes from the Word of God - Ro 10:
17; cf. Jn 20:30-31
B. INVOLVES THE IDEA OF CONFIDENCE...
1. The willingness to place one's trust and reliance on someone
else
2. E.g., placing our trust in God, that He is reliable - Ro 4:3,
20-22
3. We are to have similar trust in God - 1 Pe 4:19
C. INVOLVES THE IDEA OF FIDELITY...
1. That one is loyal, committed, and can be trusted
2. E.g., a faithful steward is one who is reliable - 1 Co 4:2
3. Our faithfulness (commitment, trustworthiness) is to last even
to the point of death - Re 2:10,13
II. THE LIFE OF FAITH
A. INVOLVES CONFESSING OUR FAITH...
1. I.e., acknowledging our belief in Jesus Christ before others
2. Something we must do as a condition of salvation - Ro 10:9,10
3. Something we do throughout our lives - Mt 10:32,33; 1 Jn 4:15
The life of faith is never ashamed to admit that one believes
in Jesus Christ
B. INVOLVES LIVING BY FAITH...
1. I.e., conducting one's life with trust in Jesus Christ - Ga 2:
20
2. Trusting in the works of Jesus, not our own; that His death
was truly for our sins - 1 Co 15:1-3; Ti 3:5-7
3. Trusting in the words of Jesus, and living accordingly - e.g.,
Mt 6:33,34; Lk 6:46-48
The life of faith is one that seeks to live in harmony with
the teaching of Jesus
C. INVOLVES BENEFITING BY FAITH...
1. I.e., enjoying the blessings that come from a life of faith
2. Such as joy and peace, hope and power - Ro 15:13
3. Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we can receive such
blessings - Ep 3:12; Ph 4:6-7,13
The life of faith does not go unrewarded in this life, even
though its primary concern is the life to come
D. INVOLVES MAINTAINING OUR FAITH...
1. I.e., remaining steadfast in the faith we have in Christ
2. There is a need to stand fast, for faith can turn into
unbelief - 1 Co 15:1-2; He 3:12-19; 4:1-2,11
3. To maintain faith, we must add to it other things such as
virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc. - 2 Pe 1:5-11; 3:17-18
CONCLUSION
1. A Christian is one who should take his faith very seriously...
a. It is essential to salvation (both being saved and remaining
saved)
b. It is essential to life (to receive blessings now, and in the
life to come)
2. Are you "Living By Faith"?
a. Do you believe what has been revealed about Jesus Christ?
b. Do you have confidence in Him, that He can deliver on what He
promises?
c. Are you a trustworthy disciple of Jesus, someone He can count on
to be faithful?
Unless we can answer in the affirmative to such questions, we have yet
to appreciate that "The Significance Of Being A Christian" includes
"Living By Faith"!
