June 4 AM
"SHINING AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD"
By Working Out Our Own Salvation (Ph 2:12)
INTRODUCTION
1. Faced with the challenge of living in "the midst of a crooked and
perverse generation", it is natural that we wish to react against it
2. But how shall we do it? In our first lesson I suggested that we
"work out our own salvation" first!
a. Otherwise, we may jeopardize our own salvation in HOW we react
b. As I fear many are doing in the way they are trying to change
others
3. In talking about "working out our own salvation", perhaps a word or
two is in order before we actually begin...
a. We should remember that we are "saved by grace through faith, not
of works" - cf. Ep 2:8-9
b. But as those saved through faith without meritorious works on our
part (though we did have to respond to the gospel with its
conditions of faith, repentance, confession and baptism), we have
been "created in Christ Jesus for good works" - Ep 2:10
c. As Paul told Titus in Ti 3:1-8...
1) We are to be ready for every good work - 1
2) Though we were not saved by works of righteousness - 5
3) But were saved through the mercy of God bestowed in the washing
of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (a reference to
baptism) - 5
4) Therefore those who have believed in God should be careful to
maintain good works - 8
d. Why the need to be careful?
1) Because though we were not saved by good works...
2) We can lose our salvation if we with God's help do not produce
them! (as we see later in this lesson)
[How then should those who are saved "not of works" go about "working
out their own salvation"?
I would suggest two major thoughts, the first one being...]
I. DEVELOP A CHRIST-LIKE "CHARACTER"
A. BY GROWING IN THE GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST...
1. As Peter admonished in 2 Pe 3:17-18, as an antidote to
falling away
2. In 2 Pe 1:5-11 Peter defines what is involved:
a. Developing "Christ-like" qualities - 5-8
b. It requires diligence, and an ever-increasing growth in
these graces - 5,8
c. To lack these things jeopardizes our entrance into the
"everlasting kingdom of our Lord" - 9-11
d. Thus the need for "diligence" on our part! - 5,10
B. BY PUTTING OFF THE OLD MAN, AND PUTTING ON THE NEW MAN...
1. As Paul wrote in Co 3:1-17 to the Colossians
2. As we examine this text, we see that it involves...
a. Setting our minds on things above - 1-4
b. Stop doing the things upon which God's wrath is going to
come one day - 5-9
c. Putting on the "new man", which is according to the "image
of Christ" - 10-11
d. Developing "Christ-like" qualities - 12-14
e. Allowing "God's peace" to rule in thankful hearts - 15
f. Letting "Christ's word" to dwell in us richly, through
singing - 16
g. Doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus - 17
[By developing such Christ-like "character", we will not only save
ourselves, but we will truly "shine as lights in the world"!
And that is because we are simply reflecting in our lives the glory of
Christ that shines in our own hearts. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians:
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and
ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who commanded
the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to
[give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of
Jesus Christ. (2 Co 4)
In our efforts to change others, are we coming across as "preaching
Christ" or "preaching ourselves"? Developing a Christ-like "character"
will go along way, not only to work out our salvation, but to
effectively preach Christ!
In the above passage (2 Co 4:5), Paul intimates that in one sense we
ARE to preach ourselves. That is, as "your SERVANTS for Jesus' sake".
This leads to our second point as to how we can "work out our own
salvation"; that we...]
II. DEVELOP A CHRIST-LIKE "SERVICE"
A. FULFILL YOUR FUNCTION IN THE BODY OF CHRIST...
1. As Paul admonishes in Ro 12:1-8
2. We have a "reasonable service" to perform, which is to "prove
what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" 1-2
3. To do this effectively...
a. We need to maintain a proper spirit of humility - 3
b. We need to remember that the body of Christ has many members
but they don't all have the same function - 4-5
c. We need to exercise whatever "gifts" we have - 6-8
1) For some it may be a form of teaching
2) For others it may be a form of serving
B. MINISTER YOUR "GIFT" AS A GOOD STEWARD OF GOD'S MANIFOLD GRACE...
1. Notice what Peter said in 1 Pe 4:10-11
2. Each person has a "gift" to minister to others - 10
3. Because God's grace is "manifold" (multi-faceted), we should
expect some diversity in our service - 10
4. But everyone is to be a "good steward", which means we will one
day have to answer for what we did - cf. the parable of the
Talents - Mt 25:14-30
5. So let us exercise our "gifts" (or service) in such a way as to
glorify God through Jesus Christ! - 11
CONCLUSION
1. Much more could be said, but developing a Christ-like "character" and
"service" will go a long way in "working out our own salvation"
2. And "working out our own salvation" in this way will certainly help
us to "shine as lights in the world"!
Are you being "careful to maintain good works"? (Ti 3:8) Remember
what Paul wrote about Jesus' death on the cross...
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good
works. (Ti 2:14)
Are YOU "zealous of good works", or did Jesus die in vain in YOUR case?June 4 PM"THE FORGOTTEN VOW OF JACOB"Genesis 35:1-7
INTRODUCTION
1. We begin our study today with a reading of Gen 35:1-7...
a. Where we find God telling Jacob to go to Bethel
b. In which he is to build an altar
2. Why did God command this?
a. Nearly thirty years earlier, Jacob had made a vow
b. But he seems to have forgotten about it, and God is now calling
him to fulfill it
3. There are several lessons that can be gleaned from "The Forgotten
Vow Of Jacob" which can easily be applied to our service as
Christians
I. THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
A. THIRTY YEARS BEFORE, JACOB HAD MADE A VOW...
1. It was made as he was fleeing the wrath of Esau (for Jacob had
stolen Esau's blessing from their father Isaac)
2. Leaving Beersheba, he headed toward Haran (consult map)
3. On the way, he stopped at what is now called Bethel (consult
map) - Gen 28:10-15
a. There he had a dream, in which he saw what we commonly call
"Jacob's Ladder" (angels ascending and descending on a
ladder between heaven and earth)
b. In this dream, God promises to be with him and safely
return him to his home
4. The dream prompted Jacob to make his vow - Gen 28:16-22
a. To make the LORD his God if God carries out His promise
b. To sanctify the stone upon which his head had rested and
which he has set up as a pillar
c. To give God a tenth of all that God will give him
B. FOR THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS, JACOB DWELT IN HARAN...
1. As God promised, He was with Jacob
2. Jacob prospered both in family, and in gaining wealth - Gen
29-30
3. Upon Jacob's return, God kept him safe...
a. From Laban, who was pursuing him - Gen 31
b. From Esau, who was coming to meet him - Gen 32-33
C. BY THE TIME OF OUR TEXT (GEN 35), JACOB HAD BEEN LIVING IN CANAAN
TEN YEARS...
1. He had settled near the city of Shechem (consult map) - Gen
33:18
2. But he had not bothered to go back to Bethel, where the Lord
had appeared to him and where he had made his vow
II. THE APPLICATION
A. FIRST, GOD EXPECTS US TO KEEP THE VOWS WE MAKE...
1. He does not take vows lightly, and neither should we - cf. Ecc
5:2-5
2. So let's be sure to keep any covenant or vow that we make with
God; for example...
a. The "vow" we made when we became Christians
b. I.e., to turn from sin, and to follow Christ with all our
heart
Are we faithfully keeping this "vow"?
B. SECOND, WE ARE PRONE TO FORGET OUR VOWS WHEN GOD HAS FULFILLED
HIS SIDE OF THEM...
1. We saw where God fulfilled His side, but Jacob had not
2. This "forgetfulness" seems to occur most often when vows are
made in times of trouble
a. Like those made in a foxhole
b. Or those made in an airplane during extreme air turbulence
or mechanical problems
c. Or those made in an effort to solve marital problems
3. But such vows are just as binding as those made upon careful
reflection!
C. THIRD, WE ARE PRONE TO FORGET OUR VOWS WHEN THINGS ARE GOING
WELL...
1. In the case of Jacob...
a. He had a nice family
b. He had become extremely wealthy
c. He had settled down in his home country
2. The same is often true of many Christians...
a. Many obey the gospel at times in their lives when they are
troubled
b. But later, especially if they enjoy financial security,
they forget their commitment to God and Christ
3. But consider God's warning to Israel against forgetfulness
after they entered the "promised land" - Deu 8:11-20
D. FOURTH, WE ARE PRONE TO FORGET OUR VOWS WHEN WE HAVE ALLOWED
OURSELVES TO BE INFLUENCED BY THE WORLD...
1. Note that Jacob's family had accepted the foreign gods of the
people around them - cf. Gen 35:2
2. In similar fashion, many people do not live up to the vow they
made when they became Christians - cf. 2 Ti 4:10 (Demas)
a. E.g., many teen-age Christians
1) Zealous at first
2) But when influenced by...
a) Their peers
b) Popular music
c) Humanistic teaching in the schools
...they often lose interest in spiritual matters
b. E.g., many adult Christians, who are influenced by the
materialism and immorality of our society
3. But again, this is no excuse for "forgotten vows"
E. FIFTH, IF WE HAVE FORGOTTEN OUR VOWS, WE NEED TO GO BACK TO THE
BEGINNING...
1. We noticed that Jacob was told to go back to Bethel
2. In a similar way, Jesus told the church at Ephesus to go back
to the beginning - Re 2:4-5
a. They had left their "first love"
b. They were told to "remember...from where you have fallen"
c. And to "repent and do the first works"
3. For Christians who have left their "first love", they too need
to "do the first works" (the fundamentals, such as Bible
study, prayer, etc.)
F. FINALLY, WHEN WE FULFILL OUR FORGOTTEN VOWS, THERE ARE RENEWED
BLESSINGS!
1. When Jacob fulfilled his vow, God appeared to him and renewed
the promises that had been made to Abraham and Isaac - Gen 35:
9-15
2. So it can be with us!
a. It may be that we have forgotten the original commitment we
made when we first obeyed the gospel of Christ
b. But if we will just return to Christ...
1) In full repentance and prayer
2) And fulfill our vow of service and devotion to Him
...all the spiritual blessings that He has to offer can be
ours again! - cf. 1 Jn 1:9
CONCLUSION
1. Are you a Christian, but not living the dedicated and committed life
that God expects?
2. Then, like Jacob, you have forgotten your vow...
a. And you need to come back to the Lord in full repentance
b. The blessings of heaven await you if you do!
If you are not yet a Christian, these same blessings can be yours if
you will only accept the gospel of Jesus Christ - cf. Mark 16:15-16June 11 AM"SHINING AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD"
With Fear And Trembling (Ph 2:12)
INTRODUCTION
1. In the previous lesson, we noticed that in order to "shine as lights
in the world", that we would do well to first "work out our own
salvation" by:
a. Developing a Christ-like character
b. Developing a Christ-like service
2. But it is important to notice that Paul said we should do this "with
fear and trembling" (Ph 2:12)
3. In writing about the early church, Luke recorded:
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and
Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and
in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. (Ac 9:31)
Note that they were "walking in the fear of the Lord"!
4. As mentioned in our introductory lesson, the concept of "fear and
trembling" in connection with God is not a popular concept today
a. People prefer to hear about God's love, longsuffering and mercy
b. Sometimes, when we point out God's righteous indignation,
holiness, and justice, people reply: "My God is not like that!"
5. The emphasis on God's love and mercy today is probably an reaction to
the "hell, fire, and brimstone" preaching of another generation
6. But could it be that we have gone to other extreme?
a. Where there is no concept of "fear and trembling" as it relates to
the Christian?
b. Could this be why many Christians are apathetic in their service?
c. Could it be we have forgotten Whom we should fear if we are
negligent in our service?
7. In this lesson, I hope to accomplish three things:
a. Define the "fear of the Lord"
b. Point out why the "fear of the Lord" is important to the Christian
c. Suggest how we can develop a healthy "fear of the Lord" without
going to one extreme or the other
[We begin by...]
I. DEFINING THE "FEAR OF THE LORD"
A. THE WORD "FEAR"...
1. In the Hebrew, the word is "YIR'AH" and is used in the Old
Testament to describe:
a. fear, terror
b. awesome or terrifying thing (object causing fear)
c. fear (of God), respect, reverence, piety
2. The Greek word is "PHOBOS", and it is used to describe:
a. fear, dread, terror
b. that which strikes terror
B. IN CONNECTION WITH THE "FEAR OF THE LORD", IT IS OFTEN DEFINED AS
"REVERENCE" OR "AWE"...
1. Which is fine as far as it goes...
2. But I wonder if this definition truly goes far enough...
3. For though the terms "reverence" and "awe" imply a place for
"trembling", do most people make the connection?
C. THE "FEAR OF THE LORD" SHOULD INCLUDE A PLACE FOR "TREMBLING"!
1. Even as Paul indicates in our text, by combining "fear and
trembling" in our text - Ph 2:12
2. The Greek word for "trembling" is "TROMOS" and means "a
trembling or quaking with fear"
D. A PROPER "FEAR OF THE LORD" WOULD THEN INCLUDE...
1. "reverence and awe..."
2. "being afraid to offend God in any way" - HENDRICKSEN
3. A trembling and quaking if one knows they have offended God and
have not obtained forgiveness! - cf. He 10:26-27, 30-31; 12:28-29
[The value of such an attitude is seen as we continue on and now
notice...]
II. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE "FEAR OF THE LORD"
A. FROM THE BOOK OF PROVERBS, WE LEARN...
1. The "fear of the Lord" is the beginning of knowledge - Pr 1:7
2. The "fear of the Lord" will cause one to hate evil - Pr 8:13
3. The "fear of the Lord" will prolong life - Pr 10:27
4. The "fear of the Lord" provides strong confidence and is a
fountain of life - Pr 14:26-27
5. The "fear of the Lord" prompts one to depart from evil - Pr
16:6
6. The "fear of the Lord" leads to a satisfying life, and spares
one from much evil - Pr 19:23
7. The "fear of the Lord" is the way to riches, honor, and life!
- Pr 22:4
B. WITHOUT THE "FEAR OF THE LORD"...
1. We close ourselves to the treasures of God's wisdom and
knowledge!
2. We will flirt with evil and be corrupted by it
3. Our lives are likely to be shortened by our refusal to heed
God's word (e.g., suffering sexually transmitted diseases
because we did not heed His Word on sexual relationships)
4. We will not come to know the love of God that gives us
assurance and confidence of our salvation
5. When fallen into sin, we will not be motivated to repent and
turn to God!
6. We will not be motivated to truly "work out our own salvation"!
[Without the "fear of the Lord", we cannot please God (cf. Isa 66:1-2).
Only the person who "trembles at His Word" has God's promise to receive
His tender mercy! (cf. Psa 103:17-18).
But how does one develop the proper "fear of the Lord" without going to
the extreme of earlier generations?]
III. DEVELOPING THE "FEAR OF THE LORD"
A. THE "FEAR OF THE LORD" COMES THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD!
1. Just as "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of
God" (Ro 10:17), the same can be said for the "fear of the
Lord"!
2. Notice Deu 31:10-13, where the children of Israel were told to
gather every seven years to read and hear the Word...
3. The purpose? "...that they may learn to fear the Lord"! 4. As one reads the Word of God, they should gain a healthy degree
of the "fear of the Lord"
a. Consider the words of Paul in Ro 2:4-11
b. Or how about the words of Peter in 2 Pe 3:7-14
B. THE WORD OF GOD, PROPERLY USED, WILL MAINTAIN A PROPER BALANCE...
1. It is important to emphasize, however, that to avoid extremes,
we must real ALL of God's Word
a. Some read only those portions will reveal God's love and
mercy, and have no "fear of the Lord"
b. Others emphasize the "fire, hell and brimstone" passages,
and know nothing of God's everlasting lovingkindness
c. The one develops an attitude of permissiveness that
belittles God's holiness and justice
d. The other develops a psychosis of terror that forgets God's
grace and compassion
2. Even in the passages noted above, the context of each speaks
much of God's grace and forgiveness for those who will repent!
3. So we must be careful how we use the Word of God, but use it we
must!
CONCLUSION
1. The Psalmist said...
God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be
had in reverence of all [them that are] about him. (Psalms 89:7)
2. Why do we need to "fear the Lord"? So we will be sure to "work out
our salvation with fear and trembling"!
3. The warning is necessary, for as it is written in Hebrews:
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of
entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but
the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in
them that heard [it]. (He 4:1-2)
And again...
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall
after the same example of unbelief. (He 4:11)
4. With the proper "fear of the Lord", we will "work out our salvation",
we will "labour...to enter into that [heavenly] rest"!
5. And we will not only save ourselves with God's help, but will also be
able to "shine as lights in the world"!
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God. (2 Co 7:1)
Are you "perfecting holiness in the fear of God"?June 11 PM"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN"
INTRODUCTION
1. When Samuel was sent to anoint the new king of Israel, he learned
that God's measure of a person was different than man's - 1 Sa 16:
6-7
2. The same is true today...God's measure of a Christian is often
different than that applied by many people
3. In this lesson...
a. I want to review the measure often used by brethren to evaluate
one another
b. And then consider what is God's measure, which ought to be ours
as well
I. THE MEASURE OFTEN USED BY BRETHREN
A. WE OFTEN MEASURE CHRISTIANS BY...
1. Their ATTENDANCE at the services of the church
a. If they attend ALL of the services, then they must be
"faithful brethren"
b. If they attend SOME of the services, they must be "weak
brethren"
2. Their PARTICIPATION in church-related activities
a. If they participate in ALL of the activities...
1) Such as Bible classes
2) Or Evangelism classes, Visitation programs, etc.
-- Then they truly must be "strong brethren"
b. But if for ANY reason they do not participate in all that
the church offers, their "commitment" is certainly suspect!
3. Their LEADERSHIP abilities
a. MEN are considered strong Christians if they...
1) Lead singing, prayers, help serve the Lord's Supper
2) Teach classes, preach sermons
b. WOMEN are considered strong Christians if they...
1) Teach children's classes, women's classes
2) Prepare communion, clean the building
B. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS MEASURE...
1. It tends to measure the OUTSIDE of man
a. People can do all these things, and still be spiritually
destitute on the INSIDE (I have known some like this)
b. "Hypocrites" can exist very comfortably with such a
measure!
c. Brethren can remain in "spiritual immaturity" if this is
the only measure given to them
2. It tends to neglect the multi-faceted nature of the body of
Christ
a. Especially if emphasis is on the PUBLIC functions of the
church
b. And if emphasis is placed on one function over another
(e.g., teaching over service) - cf. Ro 12:3-8
II. THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHRISTIAN
A. IS FOUND IN SCRIPTURES SUCH AS...
1. Ga 5:22-23
a. Here are qualities of man who is truly SPIRITUAL
b. This is evidence that is truly led by the Spirit of God
c. Now one who is truly "spiritual" will certainly be involved
in various "activities" of the church - e.g., Ga 6:1-2
d. But this measure requires that the "inner man" be changed
first!
2. Co 3:12-17
a. Again, this measure begins with the "inner man"
b. But it carries over to our relationship with one another in
such activities as Bible study and singing
3. Consider other passages, such as those given to:
a. Preachers
1) One may preach a great sermon, but what of his personal
life? - 1 Ti 6:11; 2 Ti 2:22
2) He may be willing to contend for the faith, but in the
right spirit? - 1 Ti 6:12; 2 Ti 2:23-25
b. Bishops (elders, pastors)
1) They may be married and have children who believe - cf.
Ti 1:5-6
2) But are they quick to anger, unable to teach others?
- cf. Ti 1:7-9
c. Members, young and old
1) They may be attending the services faithfully
2) But is their conduct becoming their stage in life? - cf.
Ti 2:1-8
B. THE CHALLENGES OF SUCH A MEASURE...
1. It emphasizes the reformation of the INSIDE of a person first,
trusting that the outside will naturally follow
a. I.e., it requires "transformation," when conformation would
be a lot easier
b. Transformation takes more time than simply conforming
1) Time some brethren may not wish to take
2) Either for themselves, or for those whom they want to
quickly conform to their ideas and programs
3) E.g., trying to get involved in teaching before one is
ready, just to make oneself look good - cf. Ja 3:1-2
2. This is a measure that often only the LORD sees
a. We see each other only for a short time each week
1) It is easy to "put on a front", to pretend to be
something we are not
2) But the Lord sees us as we really are!
b. On the other hand, brethren who may seem "passive" when we
are together may be extremely "active" when apart
1) Active in their warfare against personal sin
2) Active in their daily service to others in the name of
Christ
Activity which we may never SEE, but the Lord knows!
CONCLUSION
1. The purpose in discussing the true measure of a Christian...
a. Has NOT been so we can go around and judge others
b. But to suggest caution in how we measure others!
c. And to make sure that we are properly measuring our own selves!
2. The statement of the Lord to Samuel still applies today:
"Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature,
because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees;
for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at
the heart." (1 Sa 16:7)
Let's be sure the "measure" by which we examine ourselves is the same
one used by the Lord!June 18 AM"SHINING AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD"
By Letting God Work In Us (Ph 2:13)
INTRODUCTION
1. "Shining as lights in the world" is a daunting task, especially
living in a world that is becoming increasingly crooked and perverse
2. But the passage which serves as the basis for this series (Ph 2:
12-16) provides both "direction" and "hope"
3. We have already begun to see some things about the "direction" we
need to go in...
a. We need to "work out our own salvation" first!
b. We need to do so "with fear and trembling"
4. But in Ph 2:13, we see something that should give us great "hope":
a. "For it is God who works in you..." b. We are not alone in our efforts to "shine as lights in the world"!
1) Even as Paul wrote in Ph 1:6 - "...He who has begun a good
work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" 2) And again in Ph 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ (Him) who strengthens me." c. Yes, there is "power" from God to aid us!
5. In this lesson, I shall endeavor to accomplish three things:
a. Increase our understanding and appreciation for the power God
makes available to the Christian
b. Suggest the source and purpose of this power
c. Propose the means by which we can be sure to allow God's power to
work in us
[First, then, I suggest we turn to Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians as we
strive to learn more about...]
I. THE "POWER" AVAILABLE TO THE CHRISTIAN
A. THIS "POWER" IS SOMETHING PAUL WANTED US TO KNOW...
1. As mentioned in his prayer to the Ephesians - Ep 1:15-23
2. Along with other things, Paul wanted them to know "what is the
exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe" - 19
3. Note that Paul says this "power toward us" is "according to the
working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ..."
a. "when He raised Him from the dead"
b. "and seated Him at His right hand..."
c. The power available to Christians is akin to that power used
in the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus!
4. How is it possible that we have experienced the same sort of
power God used in raising Jesus from the dead?
a. In that those who "were dead in trespasses and sins" God
made "alive together with Christ...and raised us up
together"! - cf. Ep 2:1-6
b. The Divine power which raised Jesus from the dead is the
same power that is necessary to forgive sin and regenerate
the sinner!
c. As Jesus illustrated in healing the paralytic, it is no more
easier to forgive sins than to heal the lame - both require Divine power! - cf. Mt 9:1-8
B. THIS "POWER" IS DESCRIBED FURTHER BY PAUL...
1. In his second prayer for the Ephesians - Ep 3:14-21
2. The source and purpose of this power is hinted at in Ep 3:16 (which we will return to later) 3. But elaborated upon in his "doxology" in Ep 3:20 a. Note that he describes what God is "able to do...according
to the power that works in us"
b. Note also the superlatives used to describe this power:
1) "exceedingly"
2) "abundantly"
3) "above all that we ask or think"
[Yes, there is power available beyond our imagination that is at work
in us, if we will only access it!
But what is the source of this power, and what is its purpose?]
II. THE SOURCE AND PURPOSE OF THIS "POWER"
A. AS SUGGESTED BY EP 3:16, THE SOURCE IS GOD'S "SPIRIT IN THE INNER
MAN"...
1. Even as Paul said in Ph 2:13, "it is God who works in you"
2. I understand this to relate to the indwelling of the Holy
Spirit in the lives of Christians
a. As promised by Jesus, and explained by John - Jn 7:37-39
b. As promised by Peter on the Day of Pentecost - Ac 2:38-39
c. As referred to by Paul - Ro 8:9-11; 1 Co 3:16; 6:19
3. The Holy Spirit, then, is the "instrumental agent" by which God
indwells the Christian - cf. Ep 2:22 a. Christians may not all agree on HOW the Spirit may indwell
the Christian
b. But that He does, and that He is "source" of power, seems
evident from Ep 3:16
B. AS SUGGESTED BY EP 3:16, THE PURPOSE OF THIS POWER IS TO PROVIDE
"STRENGTH"...
1. To be "strengthened with might"
2. For what purpose?
a. To "work out your own salvation" - cf. Ph 2:12-13
b. To "put to death the deeds of the body" - Ro 8:12-13
c. To "glorify God in your body" - 1 Co 6:19-20
-- In other words, to "do" what is necessary to "shine as
lights in the world"!
3. But notice carefully in our text (Ph 2:13), that God "works
in you both to will and to do"
a. Strength not only to "do"
b. But strength to "will"
-- I.e., the power is also there to help our motivation, our hope! - cf. Ro 15:13
[As wonderful as this "power" is that God provides through His Holy
Spirit for strength and motivation, it does us no good if we don't access it!]
III. ACCESSING THE "POWER" AVAILABLE TO CHRISTIANS
A. THROUGH PRAYER...
1. In other words, ask for it!
2. This is what Paul was doing for the Ephesians in Ep 3:16
3. Certainly it would be appropriate for us to ask it for
ourselves!
4. Those who do "wait on the Lord" (which includes prayer) are
promised strength - cf. Isa 40:28-31
B. THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD...
1. In instructing the Ephesians to "be strong in the Lord and in
the power of His might", he tells them to "put on the whole
armor of God" - Ep 6:10-13
2. Indispensable to this armor are such elements as:
a. Truth - Ep 6:14
b. The gospel - Ep 6:15
c. Faith - Ep 6:16
-- All of which are inseparable from the Word of God
3. But the Word itself is described as "the sword of the Spirit"
- Ep 6:17 a. Certainly we should use it as a weapon to reach others
b. But does not the Spirit of God use the same word to reach
ourselves?
1) Through the Word of truth, we have been born again -
1 Pe 1:23; Ja 1:18
2) And through the Word of truth, we will save our souls!
- Ja 1:21
4. So allow the Word of God to be an avenue through which God strengthens us in the inner man, and to work in us, both to
will and to do for His good pleasure!
C. BY JUST DOING IT!
1. We receive a lot of help through the Word of God and prayer
(primarily in the area of strengthening the "will") 2. But the ultimate demonstration of God's power is to be seen
when we "do" His will
a. But it won't be seen until WE decide to do it and then do
OUR part
b. Isn't this what is implied Ph 2:12-13?
1) God is at work in us (through His indwelling Spirit)
2) But only if we are also working out our salvation with
fear and trembling!
3. So it is by FAITH that we believe that the power to do God's
will is there, and it is by FAITH that we act upon it!
CONCLUSION
1. If Christians are NOT "Shining As Lights In The World", perhaps it is
because God is not at work in them
2. If such is the case, it would only be through lack of faith on our
part...
a. Lack of faith to believe in God's Word about the power to do God's
will that is available to Christians through the indwelling Holy
Spirit
b. Lack of faith to access that power through prayer and the Word
c. Lack of faith to do simply what God says to do, trusting Him to
provide the ability
3. But from our text (Ph 2:13), we know that it is in keeping with
God's "good pleasure" to empower us to do His will
Therefore, let's do all that we can to have "God work in us", so that we
can truly "shine as lights in the world"!
June 18 PM
"THE MEASURE OF A STRONG CHURCH"
INTRODUCTION
1. The practice of assembling with a church is important - He 10:24-25
a. Naturally, we hope the congregation we assemble with is a strong
one
b. But such may not always be the case
1) In NT times, there were many good congregations
2) But some were not what they should have been - e.g., Re 2:4,
14-15; 3:2,15-17
2. What, then, is the "measure" of a strong church?
a. Some might consider it on the basis of:
1) The building (or lack thereof)
2) The number of programs, classes, etc.
3) How smoothly it runs as an organization, with its committees,
departments, etc.
But a congregation can have all these things and still be
dead!
b. I suggest a better measure is to be found when we think of the
church in terms used in the Bible to describe it...
1) Such as "body," "family," "temple," "kingdom," "bride"
2) Granted, these are terms used to describe the UNIVERSAL
church; but I believe these figures of speech can help us to
properly measure the strength of a LOCAL congregation
I. FUNCTIONS LIKE A "BODY"
A. THE CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST - 1 Co 12:27
1. As such, it is an organism, rather than simply an organization
2. You can have organization, but still not have LIFE!
a. E.g., a dead body
b. "the foot bone's connected to the leg bone..." can just as
easily be said of a corpse as with a living body
B. THE BODY OF CHRIST HAS MANY MEMBERS...
1. Not all have the same function - Ro 12:3-8
2. Every member must appreciate his or her own function - 1 Co
12:14-19
3. Every member must appreciate the function of others - 1 Co
12:20-22
C. THE BODY MUST HAVE MEMBERS WHO FULFILL THEIR FUNCTION!
1. Growth occurs when "every part does its share" - Ep 4:15-16
2. We understand that a chain is as strong as its weakest link
3. So a body's strength is affected by weak and inactive members!
a. Injury or physical handicaps limit the ability of the body
to perform
b. Strong members may try to help out, but then that limits
what other work they would normally do
II. LOVES LIKE A "FAMILY"
A. THE CHURCH IS THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD - 1 Ti 3:15
1. I.e., it is the "family" of God
2. Do we think of each other as "family"?
3. We should, in light of 1 Ti 5:1-2
B. A STRONG FAMILY IS ONE WHERE THERE IS...
1. Concern for one another
2. Care for each other
3. Love for one another
The church at Thessalonica is a good example - 1 Th 4:9-10;
2 Th 1:3
C. TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF FAMILY REQUIRES...
1. A willingness to get to know one another
2. Taking advantage of opportunities to spend time together
As congregations grow, it becomes harder to maintain a sense
of family
But how well we love one another will be a true measure of the
strength of this church!
A strong church will also be one that...
III. PRAISES LIKE A "TEMPLE"
A. TEMPLES OF OLD WERE BUILT TO GLORIFY THE BEING TO WHICH THEY
WERE DEDICATED...
1. The design of the structure itself was designed to praise
2. The sacrifices and services rendered in the worship also
B. THE CHURCH IS GOD'S TEMPLE TODAY - 1 Co 3:16-17
1. We are both the "temple" and the "priests" who offer
"spiritual sacrifices" - 1 Pe 2:5
2. Our purpose: to proclaim the praises of God - 1 Pe 2:9-10
C. HOW DO WE OFFER SACRIFICES AND PRAISE TO GOD?
1. By lifting our VOICES in song and prayer - He 13:15
2. By doing GOOD DEEDS - He 13:16
3. By offering OURSELVES as living sacrifices - Ro 12:1-2
IV. SUBMITS LIKE A "KINGDOM"
A. AS THE CHURCH, WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO BE IN THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST
1. As were the Colossians - Co 1:13
2. As was John the apostle - Re 1:9
B. A KINGDOM SUGGESTS A KING, TO WHICH SUBJECTS SUBMIT ALLEGIANCE
AND OBEDIENCE...
1. Unfortunately, many churches are more like the kingdom of
England
a. Where the king (or queen) is only a symbolical figure head
b. The true decision-making power is in parliament
2. But a strong church is one in which the citizens (members)
submit to Christ as King in reality - Co 3:17; cf. Ac 2:36
a. Where things are done as He directs, by His authority
b. Where we follow His commands, and not make up our own rules
V. PURE AS A "BRIDE"
A. PAUL THOUGHT OF THE CHURCH AS A BRIDE - 2 Co 11:1-2
1. One that he had betrothed to Christ
2. One that has a responsibility to be pure and chaste
B. CHRIST THINKS OF THE CHURCH IN THE SAME WAY - Ep 5:25-29
1. He offered Himself to enable her to be pure and holy
2. He did this out of His great love for her!
C. JOHN WAS TOLD OF THE FUTURE MARRIAGE - Re 19:6-9
1. Note that bride "has made herself ready"
2. She was adorned by the righteous acts of the saints
D. AS THE BRIDE, AWAITING MARRIAGE, WE MUST MAINTAIN OUR PURITY AND
ADORNMENT!
1. By being cleansed through the blood of Christ...
a. First in baptism - Ac 2:38; 22:16
b. Then in confessing our sins - 1 Jn 1:9
2. We also maintain our purity...
a. By our "righteous acts" - Re 19:8
b. By abstaining from unrighteous deeds - cf. Ep 5:3-5
CONCLUSION
1. Such is "The Measure Of A Strong Church", one that...
a. Functions like a BODY
b. Loves like a FAMILY
a. Praises like a TEMPLE
d. Submits like a KINGDOM
e. Is pure as a BRIDE
2. How each person does his or her part will have an effect on the
measure of this church...
a. We may have the best organization, and all the outwards signs of
a strong congregation
b. But we may be just like the church at Sardis ("...you have a name
that you are alive, but you are dead.") - Re 3:1
Are ALL OF US doing what we can (indeed, what we must) to make the
church strong in the eyes of the Lord?June 25 AM"SHINING AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD"
Doing All Things Without Murmuring And Disputing (Ph 2:14)
INTRODUCTION
1. So far in this series on "Shining As Lights In The World", we have
been given both direction and hope
a. "Direction" in the form of the admonition: "Work out your own
salvation..."
b. "Hope" in the assurance that "it is God who works in you..."
2. But now we have a "warning," and found in Ph 2:14, it is that we
"Do all things without murmuring and disputing."
3. The need for this warning should become more apparent as we proceed
in this lesson
[First, let's consider...]
I. MURMURING
A. THE DANGER OF "MURMURING"...
1. Murmuring is defined as: "To complain in low mumbling tones;
grumble."
2. The people of Israel "murmured" frequently throughout their
wilderness wanderings, and many were destroyed because of it!
- cf. 1 Co 10:10-11
3. In describing those who would be apostates, "murmurers" are included in the description! - Jude 3-4, 16-19
4. Not only are our souls at stake, but when did anyone ever go
about a task seriously all the while "complaining in low
mumbling tones"?
a. E.g., an employee at work
b. E.g., a student with his or her homework
c. Or a Christian who is to "work out your own salvation with
fear and trembling"!
5. How can we then "shine as lights" if we are seen to be a group
of complainers?
B. REPLACE "MURMURING" WITH "THANKSGIVING"!
1. When a person is murmuring, it is an indication of
dissatisfaction 2. But a Christian has so much to be thankful for, including: a. Salvation in Christ Jesus, which includes every spiritual
blessing - Ep 1:3
b. Assurance of a Heavenly Father who understands and will
provide our needs - Mt 6:31-33; He 13:5-6 c. Indeed, the help of God, who "works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" - Ph 2:13
3. Yes, if anything, the people of God should be known as filled
with "thanksgiving", not "murmuring"! Consider what Paul wrote
to the Colossians:
a. We should thank God for our inheritance - Co 1:12
b. We should abound with thanksgiving - Co 2:6-7
c. Be thankful for the peace of God ruling in our hearts - Co
3:15
d. Give thanks to God the Father through Jesus Christ - Co
3:17
e. Be vigilant in prayer with thanksgiving - Co 4:2
4. Surely an "attitude of gratitude" will help us "shine as lights
in the world" much better than murmuring, grumbling and
complaining!
[How do people see us? As "murmurers" who complain about the economy,
the government, everything? Or as people, who though we see much evil
in the world, also see much good, and are known for being thankful?
Another potential for hindering our ability to "shine as lights in the
world" pertains to...]
II. DISPUTING
A. THE DANGER OF "DISPUTING"...
1. The word "disputing" simply means: "arguing; disputing"
a. It is not describing the discussions of differences between
individuals who seek to find common ground
b. But rather the sort of divisive "wrangling" condemned in
1 Ti 6:3-5; 2 Ti 2:14-16; Tit 3:9
2. Such disputing can devour those in the body of Christ, against
which Paul warned - Ga 5:15
3. It can also destroy our ability to convince the world
concerning Jesus! - Jn 17:20-23
B. BEING DIFFERENT IN HOW WE HANDLE OUR "DIFFERENCES"...
1. There will always be difference among brethren...
a. We come into the kingdom with many different backgrounds and
perspectives
b. It will take a while until we all develop the "mind of
Christ" and the "oneness of mind" for which Paul pleaded in
Ph 2:2
2. Until then, we can still "shine as lights in the world" in the
way we handle our differences!
a. With the attitudes of gentleness, patience, and humility prescribed in 2 Ti 2:23-26
b. With the qualities of longsuffering, forbearance, and forgiveness described in Co 3:12-13
c. With the willingness to forego personal liberties as
exemplified by Paul in 1 Co 8:13
3. We can truly "shine as lights" and make a positive impact on
the world for Jesus, if we can:
a. Disagree, without being disagreeable!
b. Be different in the way we handle our differences!
CONCLUSION
1. Too much harm has been done in the past by the way we have dealt with
differences, and the tendency to complain
2. If we can only take to heart the warning of Paul and other scriptures
against "murmuring" and "disputing"...
a. Perhaps the harm can be undone
b. And those who wear the name of Christ can truly "shine as lights
in the world"
3. If we will only let God truly work in us...
a. Helping us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling
b. Then perhaps we will be more successful in developing Christ-like
characters that will really "shine as lights in the world"!
June 25 PM"BLEST BE THE TIE"
INTRODUCTION
1. A wonderful blessing we enjoy in Christ is fellowship with other
Christians...
a. We are members of one another - Ro 12:5
b. Thus we have a special bond or tie that binds us together
2. A simple yet beautiful song that describes this bond is "Blest Be The
Tie"...I. FIRST VERSE
A. "BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS OUR HEARTS IN CHRISTIAN LOVE"...
1. Consider first what the tie that binds is not
a. It is not an earthly tie, such as:
1) Friendship
2) Marriage
3) Family
-- All of which are either social or physical ties
b. It is not broken like earthly ties, such as through:
1) Separation
2) Incompatibility (e.g., the apostles were a diverse group)
3) Death
2. Consider then what the tie that binds is
a. Love, not easily broken - cf. Co 3:14
b. Love, that comes from the God of love - 1 Jn 4:7-11
c. Love, learned from the example of Christ - 1 Jn 3:16
d. Love, serving as a mark of true discipleship - Jn 13:34-35
The tie involves love that is uniquely Christian; patterned
after Christ's love
B. "THE FELLOWSHIP OF KINDRED MINDS IS LIKE TO THAT ABOVE"...
1. This tie involves a unity for which Jesus prayed - Jn 17:20-23
2. It involves a unity of mind for which Paul prayed - Ph 2:2
3. Therefore any threat to this unity is strongly condemned
- e.g., 1 Co 1:10
The tie seeks to emulate the unity between the Father and the
Son
II. SECOND VERSE
A. "BEFORE OUR FATHER'S THRONE WE POUR OUR ARDENT PRAYERS"...
1. We are blessed to be able to approach God in prayer
a. A privilege enjoyed in Christ - He 4:14-16a
b. A privilege with great blessings - He 4:16b; Ph 4:6-7
2. This song depicts frequent and fervent prayer
a. Praying for one another - e.g., Ja 5:16; Ac 12:5
b. Praying with another - e.g., Ac 1:14; 2:42; 12:12; 21:5
Such prayer is a benefit of the tie that binds, and also
strengthens that tie
B. "OUR FEARS, OUR HOPES, OUR AIMS ARE ONE, OUR COMFORTS AND OUR
CARES"...
1. We have similar concerns and desires
a. Some because we are simply fellow humans in this world
1) We desire to be healthy, we fear sickness and dying
2) We enjoy comforts of life, we fear joblessness and
poverty
b. Others because we are fellow citizens of the kingdom
1) We share the hope of the resurrection and eternal life
- cf. 1 Pe 1:3
2) We share in the struggles against temptation and
persecution - 1 Pe 5:8-9
2. As Christians, therefore, we can have more in common
a. Not just because of our human nature
b. But also because we are partakers of divine nature
1) Grace and peace are multiplied - cf. 2 Pe 1:2-3
2) We have exceedingly great and precious promises - cf.
2 Pe 1:4
Our shared experiences, enhanced by our spiritual blessings,
strengthen our tie
III. THIRD VERSE
A. "WE SHARE OUR MUTUAL WOES, OUR MUTUAL BURDENS BEAR"...
1. As Christians, we are to bear one another's burdens - Ga 6:1-2
2. In times of spiritual weakness, we are to pray for one another
- Ja 5:16
3. In times of persecution, we are to remember one another - He
13:3
4. In times of physical need, we are to provide for one another
- Ja 1:27
Manifested in such ways, the tie we have in Christ is truly a
blessing
B. "AND OFTEN FOR EACH OTHER FLOWS THE SYMPATHIZING TEAR"...
1. Because that is how God composed the body of Christ! - 1 Co 12:
24b-26
2. That we might weep with those who weep - Ro 12:15
An emotional but effective demonstration of the bond we share
IV. FOURTH VERSE
A. "WHEN WE ASUNDER PART, IT GIVE US INWARD PAIN"...
1. The tie is such that departure can be painful
2. Note the example of Paul and the Ephesian elders - Ac 20:36-38
Never experience such pain? Perhaps one might need to examine
their tie
B. "BUT WE SHALL BE JOINED IN HEART, AND HOPE TO MEET AGAIN"...
1. We might be separated in the flesh, but can remain together in
spirit - Co 2:5
2. We are comforted by a wonderful hope
a. The hope of the resurrection - 1 Th 4:13-18
b. Made possible by the resurrection of Christ, and our faith
in Him - 1 Pe 1:3-5
It is this hope which keeps our hearts joined together, when
all other bonds fail
CONCLUSION
1. "Blest Be The Tie" is a beautiful song...
a. That describes the blessings of our oneness in Christ
b. That expresses how many Christians truly feel for one another
2. But it describes blessings known only by those...
a. Who have been added by Christ to His church - cf. Ac 2:41,47
b. Who are diligent in preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond
of peace - cf. Ep 4:1-3
Have you been added to the Lord's church through obedience to the gospel
(cf. Ac 2:38)? Are you doing your part to strengthen the tie that binds
those in Christ?
"Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond
of unity."
