EUGENE SPRINGER: Sermon Outline: Word of God Is Like 7/2010
WHAT THE WORD OF GOD IS LIKE.
Jer. 23:29.
Intro: In Jeremiah's day, huge stones or boulders were heated before they were broken. After a fire had
been built around the boulder, and it was heated, it was then hit with a hammer and it would break
into little pieces. The small amount of moisture in the boulder was turned into steam and created
pressure inside the boulder. Thus hitting it with something like a sledge hammer would cause it to
crumble into small pieces.
God's Word, like a fire, can warm a cold heart. Then God's Word like a hammer can break any
resistance, when a person will allow it to enter into his heart.
I. LET US STUDY SOME OTHER THINGS WITH WHICH THE WORD OF GOD IS COMPARED.
1. God's Word is compared to a light shinning in an otherwise dark world.
Psalm 119:105 & 130, 2 Cor. 4:6, Phil. 2:15-16.
Only with light can one find the strait and narrow way. Matt. 7:13-14.
2. God's Word is spiritual food for the hungry soul.
A. Matt. 5:6 -- hunger is a strong desire, a strong desire for righteousness is satisfied through
God's Word. A desire to learn the truth and accept it and follow it.
B. Without this spiritual food, we would not grow nor be strong.
Acts 20:32, Heb. 5:12-14, 1 Peter 2:2.
3. The Word of God is like medicine. Luke 5:30-32.
A. Condition of people without God's Word. Isa. 1:5-7.
B. God's cure. Psalm 107:20, Rom. 1:16.
4. God's Word is like a sword. Eph. 6:17.
A. We are to be Christian soldiers. 2 Tim. 2:3.
B. To be prepared, we are to put on the whole armor of God. Eph. 6:10-18.
C. The soldier by himself can do nothing, but with the powerful sword he can defeat
the enemy. Heb. 4:12.
5. God's Word is like a mirror. James 1:23-24.
A. The mirror reveals our faults and needs.
B. As we look into this mirror, it reveals if we are living as Christ would want us to.
We can see if Christ is in us. 2 Cor. 13:5.
6. God's Word is like seed. Matt. 13:3-8.
A. It has the germ to produce Christians.
B. When the seed grows it produces fruit.
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SIX STEPS TO SPIRITUAL SECURITY.
1 John 5:13.
Intro: 1. Much of 1 John deals with how one may know he has eternal life. 1 John 5:13.
A. These Christians were troubled by the problem of personal sin. 1 John 1:7 - 2:3.
B. The world posed a real threat to their spiritual security. 1 John 2:15-17.
C. Unfaithful brethren could discourage the Lord's people. 1 John 2:19.
D. There were demonstrations of a lack of brotherly love. 1 John 3:12-18.
E. False doctrines were a constant challenge to their certainty of salvation. 1 John 4:1.
2. To help with these problems, John presented six steps to spiritual security.
I. SALVATION IS IN JESUS CHRIST. 1 John 5:11.
1. There have been times when it was imperative to be in the God appointed place at the
God appointed time.
A. In Noah's time safety was in the ark. 1 Peter 3:20. (Notice the expression -- wherein).
B. When the Lord "passed over" Egypt, safety was in the house with the blood on the
door posts and lintel. Heb. 11:28 (Exodus 12:21-28).
C. Now safety is "in Christ." 1 John 5:11.
2. In Christ one is:
A. A new creature. 2 Cor. 5:;17.
B. In Christ one has access to "all spiritual blessings." Eph. 1:3.
C. In Christ one can enjoy forgiveness of sins. Col. 1:12-14.
D. One is baptized into Christ and becomes a Child of God. Gal. 3:26-27.
3. To be in Christ is to be in His body, the church. Col. 1:;18.
II. OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST IS ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION IN CHRIST. 1 John 2:3-5.
1. One cannot get into Christ, nor dwell in Christ, unless he keeps the commandments
of Christ. 1 John 3:24.
A. People are no longer bound by the authority of the Old Testament. Col. 2:13-15.
B. God has spoken unto us today through His Son. Heb. 1:1-2.
C. God has challenged people to hear His Son. Matt. 17:5.
D. Therefore, the "commandments" of 1 John are not the Ten Commandments of
the Old Testament, but God's commandments given through Christ.
2. Christ has given commands which people must obey to become Christians. Heb. 5:8-9.
3. The Christian life is one of obedience. Notice the expression: "as obedient children."
1 Peter 1:14.
III. ONE MUST FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. 1 John 2:6.
1. Peter said that Christ "left us an example ..." 1 Peter 2:21.
A. An example is not a savior; but the Savior is an example.
B. Jesus both told and showed us how to live. Acts 1:1.
2. Jesus challenged people to follow Him. John 8:12.
A. "Darkness" implies danger, uncertainty, sin and death.
B. "Light" is a real contrast to "darkness" -- physically and spiritually. Light is truth
and righteousness.
C. One is not "enlightened" who refuses to follow Christ. Eph. 5:8.
IV. GOD'S WORD MUST DWELL IN THE SAINT. 1 John 2:14.
1. Two blessings of the indwelling Word.
A. One is spiritually strong. 1 John 2:14 & 3:9, Psalm 119:11.'
B. Notice the many times Jesus said, "It is written."
2. The "Word of Christ" must indwell richly. Col. 3:16.
3. Therefore:
A. One must desire the Word. 1 Peter 2:1-2.
B. One must study the Word. 2 Tim. 2:15.
C. One must obey the Word. James 1:22.
V. THE LOVE OF GOD MUST RULE THE HEART. 1 John 2:15-17.
1. Jesus said the great commandment is to love God. Matt. 22:37.
A. To love God is to respect His Son. Matt. 17:5.
B. To love God is love His Son. John 14:15.
2. God's commandments are not grievous (hard to obey) if one really loves
God. 1 John 5:3.
3. Love for God replaces love of the world. 1 John 2:15-17 & 4:10.
4. One cannot love God without loving the chidlren of God. 1 John 5:1-2.
VI. THE PRACTICE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST BE A WAY OF LIFE.
A daily type of life. 1 John 2:29 & 3:8-10.
1. The acid test of discipleship is righteousness of life.
A. "The profession of a man's lips will always be proved or disproved by
the practice of his life." (author unknown)
B. One must "work righteousness" (not just profess) to please God.
Acts 10:34-35.
2. Christianity is not merely worshipping one day a week; it is a way of life.
A. In Acts Christianity is called "this way." Acts 9:2.
B. Isaiah called Christianity a "way of holiness." Isa. 35:8.
3. To practice righteousness is to keep God's commandments. Psalm 119:172.
CON:
1. One can do the things God requires for salvation.
A. One can believe the gospel and be baptized into Christ. Gal. 3:26-27.
B. One can obey the Lord. Luke 6:46.
C. One can follow Christ. 1 Peter 2:21.
D. One can let his life be controlled by God's Word.
E. One can practice righteousness. 1 John 3:9.
2. One can, and must obey the Lord to have salvation. Heb. 5:8-9.
3. If you have never obeyed the gospel, do so now. 2 Cor. 6:2.
4. If you have erred from the Truth, you have not sinned "unto death" if you will repent
and confess your sins. 1 John 5:14-17 & 1:7-9.
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SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN LIVING
Rom. 12:21.
Intro: 1. Many people think that all there is to salvation is obedience to the gospel.
2. The plan of salvaton is given in the book of Acts.
3. Christian living is found in the books of Romans through Jude.
I. AFTER BECOMING A CHRISTIAN.
1. Work our salvation. Phil. 2:12.
2. Practice the Christian graces -- never fall. 2 Peter 2:5-11.
II. SATAN WILL TEMPT US.
1. We are not tempted of God. James 1:12-14.
2. Subtility of Satan. 2 Cor. 11:3.
3. The way of escape is provided. 1 Cor. 10:12-13.
4. It is not impossible to live the Christian life, but you must desire it.
1 Cor. 16:13-14 & 15:58.
III. IT TAKES COURAGE TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.
1. Peter had courage on the day of Pentecost.
2. Paul had courage.
A. To obey Christ.
B. To rebuke Peter. Gal. 2:11-13.
3. When we associate with other Christians, this gives us courage. One
Christian alone is more likely to fall. 1 Cor. 15:33.
4. The Christian's motto -- Phil. 4:13.
5. We must flee sin. 2 Tim. 2:22. (Do our best -- example of the talents).
IV. WHAT IS OUR REWARD FOR OVERCOMING.
1. A crown. Rev. 2:10b, 2 Tim. 4:6-8, James 1:12.
2. Entance into eternal life. Rev. 22:14.
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THE LORD'S DAY
Acts 20:7.
Intro: 1. Worship is a vital part of Christianity. John 4:23-24.
2. The things men do in worship are imporrtant.
A. God has always told man how to worshp Him.
(1) Cain and Able. Heb. 11:4.
(2) Today. Rom. 10:17.
B. He has been displeased when men presumed to worship
the way they wanted to.
(1) Nadab and Abihu. Lev. 10:1-2.
(2) Today. Matt. 15:8-9.
3. When "when" of public worship is also important. Heb. 10:23-25.
I. THEJEWISH SABBATH (SATURDAY) WAS DONE AWAY IN CHRIST.
1. The covenant which contained the Sabbath was made with Israel
only. Ex. 31:13-17.
2. The Sabbath was a memorial of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian
bondage. Deut. 5:15.
3. The Sabbath was not given until the covenat was made at Sinai.
Neh. 9:13-14.
4. The Law was nailed to the cross. Col. 2:13-15, Eph. 2:13-17.
II. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE "FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK".
1. Jesus arose from the dead on this day. Luke 24:1-6.
2. Memorial events of Pentecost day (Acts 2) were on the first day of
the week. Lev. 23:15-16. Called feast of Weeks in the Old Testament.
This is why Jews were in Jerusalem in Acts 2 (50 days after the Passover).
3. The Holy Spirit began His mission of conversion on the first day of the week.
A. It is foretold. John 16:7-13.
B. The work started. Acts 2:1-41. (Read v. 1-5, results v. 41).
C. The "first fruits" were gathered on the first day of the week. The first
time the apostles spoke as the Spirit guided them. Acts 2:40-41 & 47.
4. Disciples, under the guidance of the apostles, met for worship on the first day
of the week. Acts 20:6-7, 1 Cor. 16:1-2.
III. THE APOSTLES ATE THE LORD'S SUPPER ON SUNDAY.
1. Jesus commanded the disciples to eat the Lord's Supper. Luke 22:19-20.
2. The Lord's people are commanded to assemble. Heb. 20:25.
3. The disciples ate the Lord's Supper when they assembled on the first day
of the week. 1 Cor. 11:20-33. (Read v. 18-20 & 33).
4. They assembled for the purpose of eating the Lord's Supper. 1 Cor. 11:33.
5. WHEN did they come together to eat the Lord's Supper? Acts 20:7.
CON: 1. Christians worship on Sunday, the first day of the week. We can worship on
other days also, but giving and the Lord's Supper are limited to the first day,
the Lord's Day.
2. We must worship in spirit and truth.
A. Singing and making melody in the heart. Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16.
B. Giving as one purposes in his heart. 2 Cor. 9:7, 1 Cor. 16:1-2.
C. Prayer. Acts 2:42.
D. Partaking of the Lord's Supper in the right spirit. 1 Cor. 11:27-29.
E. Teaching or preaching. Acts 11:26; 20:20; 1 Cor. 4:17.
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LIVE IT DOWN.
1 Peter 2:12.
I. THE WORLD'S TREATMENT OF CHRISTIANS.
1. Enmity (hatred) Rom. 8:6-7, 1 John 3:11-13, James 4:4.
2. Defamation (injuring one's good name or reputation). Psalm 31:13.
3. Perversion or corruption of the turth. Titus 1:13-15, 2 Tim. 3:7-8, Rom. 1:25.
4. Add to troublesome circumstances. (Such as persecutions, or altering God's Word).
Gal. 5:11-12 & 1:6-7.
II. THE BEHAVIOR RECOMMENDED TO COUNTERACT THE WORLD'S TREATMENT.
1. Honesty. 2 Cor. 8:1, 1 Thess. 4:12, 1 Peter 2:11-12.
2. Truthfulness. 3 John 3-4.
3. Purity. Titus 2;14, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 1:7.
4. Fidelity (loyalty, reliability). Titus 2:9-10.
5. Exercise caution, be watchful. Eph. 6:18, 1 Thess. 5:5-6.
III. THE RESULTS THAT WE WILL OBTAIN.
1. God will be glorified (praised). 2 Cor. 10:17-18.
2. Our religion will be honored.
3. People will be saved. Your life is the greatest sermon that can be preached.
1 Peter 2:11-12.
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SUPREME LOVE
Matt. 22:34-40.
Intro: 1. We are to love God with all of our heart -- that is to love him with
all of our power, strength, and all the ability we have.
2. God demands that we love Him supremely -- that we
put Him first in all things. Ex. 201-3, Matt. 6:33.
3. Our success in the Christian life, in our homes, business, etc.
depends upon our ability to love and appreciate God and the
people around us. Rom. 13:8-10.
4. Peter is a good example of this love that we are talking about.
Notice the discussion between Christ and Peter in John 21:15-17.
(Notice the difference in the word used for love in this verse --
agapao - high degree of love, God's love; and phileo - love for
a friend.)
5. Our affections must be placed on things above.
Col. 3:1-3, 1 John 2:15-17.
I. ALL THINGS ARE USELESS WITHOUT SUPREMVE LOE FOR GOD.
1. 1 Cor. 13:1-7. Here love is personified -- spoken of as though it were
a person.
A. God is love. 1 John 4:8. We could substitute "God" for love in
verses 4-7.
B. Christ is love personified. We could substitute "Christ" for love
in verses 4-7.
C. We are to love. Could we put my or your name in place of love in
these verses and be truthful?
II. HOW CAN I KNOW THAT I HAVE SUPREME LOVE?
1. We know that we have supreme love when we keep His
commandments. John 14:21-24, 1 John 5:3-4.
2. We love to be with those whom we love. Do we love to spend time
with our Lord? Matt. 18:20. Do you love God on Sunday morning,
but have no love on Sunday Evening or Wednesday evening?
3. We love to hear a loved on talk. Do we love to hear God talk and talk
to God? Heb. 1;1-2 & 4:16, 1 Thess. 5:17.
4. We strive to please those we love. Example: a woman spending time
to prepare a special meal or dish for the family she loves. Do we love
God? Luke 22:42, Matt. 6:10.
5. We sacrifice liberally for those whom we love. Do we love God?
2 Cor. 9:7 & 8:7, Acts 20:35.
6. How much do we love the Lord? Do you love Him enough to put Him
and His church first in your life? Do you love Him enough to obey
His gospel?
CON: Read Matt. 22:37-40.
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GREATER GIFTS REQUIRE GREATER RESPONSIBILITES.
Luke 12:48.
Intro: 1. Read Luke 12:37-48 for the setting of the lesson.
2. Today, men who do not function are fired. But when this was recorded this was
not true. One could not fire a slave, so they were punished.
3. The Law of Moses governed the punishment of wicked men. Deut. 25:3 states
that 49 stripes could be given, but not exceeded.
A. A very wicked man was beaten with 40 stripes.
B. Those not so wicked were beaten with few stripes.
I. KINDS OF SERVANTS.
1. Happy servants. Luke 12:43.
A. There is happiness in being a faithful servant.
B. Jesus asked, "Who then is that faithful and wise servant?" He is the man who
faithfully and loyally carries out his master's will.
C. In the parable of the talents in Matt. 25:21 & 23, notice the statement made to
the faithful servants.
2. There is the negilgent servant.
A. Some think all servants are negligent. But in every parable we find some faithful
and some unfaithful.
B. The thoughts of the unfaithful: "I can sin and get away with it. I can sin now and
repent later. I can slide out of the church today and slide back in tomorrow."
Matt. 25:26-28.
C. Christ said the Lord would come back while the servant was out of duty or
unfaithful. Luke 2:40. Also remember Gal. 6:7.
II. KINDS OF RESPONSIBILITIES.
1. The responsibility of knowledge. Luke 12:47, 2 Peter 2:21.
A. James warns in James 3:1, Rom. 2:21-24.
B. Those who have learned but refuse to obey. Acts 24:25 & 26:28.
C. Shall they receive few or many stripes? 2 Thess. 1:7-8.
2. The responsibility of talents. Matt. 25:14-30.
A. He gave to every man according to his abilities.
B. What is your ability? Are you using all of them or hiding them?
3. Responsibility of opportunity. Gal. 6:10.
CON: Remember 2 Peter 3:9.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR
(How to have a happy new year).
Intro: We are at a time when many are thinking of making resolutions and beginning a new year with a clean slate. We will make of this year what we want to, so to help us have a happy new year, let us study the topic. If you will follow the meanings of the Happy New Year, you will have a years work for the Lord.
I. H A P P Y.
1. Hold fast to your faith.
A. This year many will fall by the way side. Heb. 10:23-25.
B. Paul is telling us it is possible to fall. Heb. 3:12.
2. Assemble with the saints. (This expression is used 19 times in the
New Testament.)
A. Paul is talking about the misuses of the gifts of the Spirit, but notice
came together. 1 Cor. 14:23.
B. He is now talking about the corruption of the Lord's Supper, but they
came together. 1 Cor. 11:17-33 (read v. 18 & 20).
C. We are a part of the church, so we are to assemble when the Church
meets. Heb. 10:25.
3. Pray earnestly during the year. Matt. 7:11.
A. The prayers of a righteous man do a lot of good. James 5:16, 1 Peter 3:12.
B. Do not cease to pray during the new year. 1 Thess. 5:17.
4. Prepare your heart to receive God's blessings during the new year.
Mal. 3:9-10, Prov. 3:9-10.
A. We cannot out give God. 2 Cor. 9:7-11. (All & every are used 7 times).
5. Yield not to temptation. James 1:13-15.
A. Remember Christ was tempted in all points like we are, yet without sin.
Matt. 4:3-11, Heb. 4:15, 1 John 2:16.
B. God will help us to live faithfully. 1 Cor. 10:13.
II. N E W.
1. Neglect not your opportuinities. James 2:14-16.
A. In Matt. 24:14-30 is pictured the judgment with the results. (Parable of
talents: 5, 2 & 1.)
B. Paul praises a fellow laborer. 2 Tim. 1:16-17.
C. The responsibility that rests upon us. James 4:17.
2. Examine yourself daily. 2 Cor. 13:5.
A. Speaking about the Lord's Supper, but the principle can apply to our lives
and our wearing His name. 1 Cor. 11:28-30. (Everything we do is to be to
His glory.)
3. Work diligently for the Lord. 1 Cor. 15:58.
A. It is necessary to perform Christian works to be pleasing to God.
James 2:20-24.
III. Y E A R.
1. Yield your body to God, to be His servant. Rom. 6:11 & 16.
A. The hands that once performed the works of sin are now to perform the
works of righteousness. Gal. 5:24.
2. Exercise yourself in Godliness. 1 Tim. 4:7-8.
A. We must exercise ourselves or die. Heb. 5:12-14.
3. Aim at sinless perfection. Heb. 6:1.
A. We are to try for the perfection that is in Christ. 2 Peter 3:18.
4. Redeem the time. Our life is made up of time. Eph. 5:16.
A. Let us encourage one another. Heb. 3:13.
B. Now is the time to redeem yourself. 2 Cor. 6:2.
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BLESSINGS OF BELIEVING.
Rom. 15:13.
Intro: 1. The God of hope. He is the source of all hope.
A. God brings together hope, joy, peace and believing.
B. All of these flow from God and He is called the God of hope because
joy, peace and believing are fulfilled in hope.
2. Faith is necessary if:
A. God is pleased with us. Heb. 11:6.
B. We are saved. John 8:24 & 30-32.
C. We receive the blessings of believing. Rom. 15:13.
3. There are degrees of faith.
A. Little faith. Matt. 8:26.
B. Weak faith. Rom. 14:1.
C. Dead faith. James 2:26.
D. None of these degrees of faith will bring the blessing.
4. There are other degrees of faith.
A. A strong faith. Rom. 4:20.
B. A great faith. Matt. 8:10.
C. An active, working faith. Gal. 5:6.
D. These degrees of faith bring the blessing.
I. THERE IS JOY IN BELIEVING. Rom. 15:13.
1. God beleiving people are a people of joy. Acts 8:5 & 8, 39.
2. We often sing #386 at baptisms. The first line goes "O happy day that fixed my
choice on thee my Savior and my God."
II. THERE IS PEACE IN BELIEVING. Rom. 15:13.
1. Fear is a real enemy of peace.
A. The first thing the angel said to Joseph in Matt. 1:20 was "fear not."
B. The angel said to the shepherds in Luke 2:10. "Fear not."
C. Jesus said fear comes from "little faith." Matt. 8:26.
2. Frustration is an enemy of peace.
A. We have a beautiful song that expresses this idea. It is #77 Dear Lord And Father
Of Mankind. The last verse contains this thought, "Take from our souls the stain
and stress ....."
B. God will take care of His people. This gives believers peace. Rom. 8:28.
C. God will not forsake His people. This gives us peace. Psalms 37:25.
III. THERE IS HOPE IN BELIEVING. Rom. 15:13.
1. Hope has a power to help God's people to be eternally saved. Rom. 8:24-25.
2. Hope is an anchor of the soul so God's people can stand in the storms of life. Heb. 6:17-20.
3. Hope enables us to "see" the unseen. Paul could see past the present troubles he faced
and see future blessings. 2 Cor. 4:16 - 5:1.
CON:
1. There are blessings in believing.
2. We have a reason to believe. That reason is God's Word. Rom. 10:17.
3. Are you able to enjoy these blessings?
THERE IS AN EVIL.
Eccl. 6:1-12.
Intro: 1. Solomon says, "There is an evil which I have seen under the sun and it is common among men."
The Bible uses the word evil frequently, but it is used in diffeent senses;
A. The Bible speaks of moral evil. Jesus used the example of the evil servant saying in his heart.
Matt. 24:48. In Mark 7:21-23 Jesus spoke of the evil from within that defiles a man.
B. There is physical evil in the Bible. There are physical calamities. Some examples are:
the flood, the destruction of Sodom & Gomorrah.
C. Solomon uses a third meaning of evil in this chapter. He is talking about regrettable conditions
that may exist. Such conditions seem to be no respector of persons. Let us study at least 3
of the evils that Solomon saw.
I. THE FIRST EVIL: NOT POSESSING ALL YOU POSSESS. v. 2.
1. All posessions are temporary. Solomon says that God gives to man riches, wealth and honor.
Each one is temporary, they are but for a moment and then vanish away.
A. If a man does not lose his wealth in life, he will leave it behind in death.
B. Good health will generally vanish away. There are very few people who die in good health.
C. Honor is certainly for a moment. Those who won medals in WW II or Korea, have found that
the honor tarnished with the medals.
D. Recognizing that this life and all things that pertain to it are temporary, we should lay hold
on eternal life.
2. Man is given many temporal gifts, but he is not given the power to enjoy them.
A. Solomon uses the term to eat thereof. The word "eat" is used in a metaphorical sense to
mean enjoy, take advantage of, or make correct use of.
B. The ability to enjoy all of the good things is missed because of discontent, or a gloomy
outlook, or sickness.
C. There are many things that can prevent a person from enjoying his gifts. Family problems,
domestic problems, poor health and national problems.
3. Man has placed too much stress on the outward.
A. When we meet someone or learn about someone we usually ask these questions aboout them:
Who he is -- his rank in society? What does he have -- possessions? We think too much on
his outward status, and not enough on his inward goodness.
B. When we think of a job, out interest is in how much we will make, the working hours,
possibility of advancement. But we do not hear of people talking about the inward
opportunities, the opportunity to grow mentally and spiritually.
C. Jesus warns us of the possessions we have. Luke 12:15.
D. God places emphasis on the inward, instead of the outward. Matt. 12:35 & 15:19-20.
The fruit of the Spirit come from insdie (the heart). Gal. 5:22-23.
II. THE SECOND EVIL: YEARS DO NOT MAKE A LIFE. v. 3-6.
1. The advantages of a long life and many children have always been considered a blessing.
Solomon, however, challenges these accepted measuring sticks, when one's heart has not
been filled with good.
A. A man can have a hundred children but he can also have 100 heartaches. This is the
reason Solomon urges us to train our children. Prov. 22:6.
B. Examples of men who had a lot of children. Ahab had 70 sons -- 2 Kings 10:1 and all
were killed. Rehoboam had 88 children -- 2 Chron. 11:21.
C. Solomon said he could live a 1,000 years twice told. v. 6. But a man who lived 1,000
years without purpose, has a life without meaning. The man who lived only one day
and did something and saw some good is far ahead of him.
2. A man with no burial. v. 3.
A. Such a man that he comes in darkness and shall be covered in darkness. v. 4.
Darkness here means: a nameless thing, unrecorded, unremembered.
B. Don't know why he is not buried. Dead at sea, violent death made burial impossible,
wild animals.
3. An untimely birth is better than a man with an empty life. It is better to be born dead than to
have life and waste it.
A. A man retired from the railroad, was given a watch and many tributes for his years of work.
But he did not know about his work until the ceremony. His work -- he took a metal bar
and hit the wheels of the train and listened for a ring of steel or a dead thud. Never knew
until he retired. If a dead thud, the wheel had a crack and the train might wreck. Sad to
find out at the end of life the important job he had all these years. The safety of the train
depended on him and he didn't know it.
B. Bro. Batsell Barrett Baxter told this story: "Sir Christopher Wren was one of the world's
most advanced architects and builders. He designed and supervised the construction of
St. Paul's Cathedral in London. This building was completed in 1710, so the story is an
old one. Sir Christopher approached the building site and asked a workman, "What are
you doing, my man?" The man answered, "I am laying stones." He went on with is
work seeing nothing more than the stones. He walked to another part of the huge
construction project and asked a second man, "What are you doing, my man?" This time
his answer was, "I am earning a living for my wife and my children." So he was. Still not
satisfied, St. Christopher asked a third man in still a different location, "What are you doing?"
This man responded, "I'm building a Cathedral." He was laying stone, and earning a living
as the others were but he was also doing something more. He realized the ultimately of
his work. He put himself into his work, he did it well."
III. THE THIRD EVIL: WANTING AND NOT HAVING. v. 9.
1. The inate compulsion of man is to want. Man does have wandering desires, it is natural with him.
2. It has been said that man is made to desire rather than enjoy. But he really has to experience
both.
A. The Bible uses the terms: seek, knock and ask. Christ tells the story of the merchant who
sought goodly pearls. Matt. 13:45-46.
B. The Eunuch in Acts 8, was searching the Scriptures. When Philip showed him the truth, he
obeyed the gospel and went on his way rejoicing. He had the proper desire and the
desire was fulfilled.
3. Regarding the acquisition of physical things. It is not for our good to possess physical things
without effort and without self denial.
4. The tragic failure to enjoy what is before us.
A. Man lets his wandering desires prevent him from enjoying what he has. v. 9.
"The sight of the eyes" means the enjoyment of the present.
B. Our wandering desires makes us plan for the future. For example: when a child is born,
we think of its future and education. When he/she starts school, we think of college.
Then we think of marriage. But we miss the ejnoyment of his/her growing up and the
enjoyment of the present. It is good to think of the future and plan for the future, but
we also need to enjoy the present.
IV. WHO KNOWETH WHAT IS GOOD FOR MAN IN THIS LIFE? v. 12.
1. God knows. 1 Peter 3:10-11.
2. Wealth, long life, family connections are good things, but they are not the best. Much of
human unhappiness comes from over emphazing the physical. When some people lose
the physical, they have nothing to live for.
3. Solomon asked the questions in v. 6. "Do not all go to one place?" The rich and poor alike
go to the grave, but they do not all go to the same place beyond the grave.
CON: This evil that Solomon saw will also trouble us, unless we build our hopes on God.
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BLIND, BEGGING, BUT BLESSED
Mark 10:46-52
Intro: 1. Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem -- Calvary was one week away.
A. Imagine the thoughts He had.
(1) He knew what would happen when He got there.
(2) He had already told His disciples. Mark 10:32-34.
B. A great crowd of people followed Jesus.
2. Blind, begging Bartimaeus was blessed by Jesus.
A. Bartimaeus was not a king, governor, nor a rich man.
B. Jesus took time for ONE man even though a crowd was following.
He took time for a BLIND man. He had compassion upon a POOR man.
I. BARTIMAEUS' PLEA.
1. Things to observe.
A. Bartimaeus believed the testimony about Jesus. Luke 18:35-43.
B. He recognized Jesus as the "Son of David," the Messiah. The crowd
said, "Jesus of Nazareth," but Bartimaeus said, "Son of David."
C. Bartimaeus realized a need, a personal need. This realization was
deep and urgent.
D. He knew Jesus could help him personally.
E. Thus, he answered Jesus' call.
2. Application for us.
A. We believe the testimony (written) about Jesus. John 20:29-31.
B. If we accept Jesus as Bartimaeus did, we realize that Jesus is no mere man.
(1) We say with the centurion: "Truly this was the Son of God." Matt. 27:54.
(2) We see in Jesus a Savior. 1 Tim. 1:15. (Not merely a great teacher and
leader of men).
3. We must see our need of Jesus, hence realize we are lost sinners. Acts 2:36-37.
A. We must see our need of a Savior.
B. We must see Jesus as the Savior we need.
C. We must realize that without Jesus we will die in our sins. John 8:24.
II. THE REBUKE OF THE CROWD.
1. "Never a knock at heaven's gate but that it is heard in hell, and devils
come to silence it."
2. Why did the people rebuke Bartimaeus?
A. Perhaps they thought the Lord had a crowd and was not interested in just
one person. (Remember, Philip was told to leave Samaria and preach to
one person. Acts 8.)
B. Maybe they thought Jesus did not have time for a blind beggar.
3. Many charged the blind man to hold his peace. (Instead, he cried more and
louder).
4. Application:
A. Ridicule because of a former life, is used many times to silence those who
would do good. Those with whom one associated prior to becoming a
Christian will often make fun, accuse one of not really becoming a true
Christian. In substance, they are saying, "Why, you are too vile a sinner for
Jesus to save you, so hold your peace." 1 Peter 4:3-5.
B. Others will say, "You have lived in sin too long, you can not give it up."
Rom. 6:16-18.
C. "Who are you?" (You are too poor, too ignorant, or too wealthy, or too
educated to be a follower of Jesus."
III. THE BEGGAR BLESSED.
1. Bartimaeus knew:
A. What he wanted Jesus to do for him. Mark 10:51.
B. He believed Jesus could help him.
C. When Jesus helped him, he followed Jesus.
2. Application:
A. We need to know we are lost without Christ.
B. Believe Jesus can and will save us.
C. Then obey the Lord. Heb. 5:8-9.
D. Then follow Jesus. 1 Peter 2:21.
CON: JESUS STOOD STILL -- He stopped to help him. He waits to
help you today.
1. Bartimaeus was told, "rise, He calleth thee."
2. You are being called today. Acts 22:16.
3. The backslider is told, "Arise, He called thee." James 4:17.
4. Will you come?
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THE SEVEN STEPS OF APOSTASY.
(RELIGIOUS EVOLUTION.)
Rom. 1:18-25.
Intro: MANY PEOPLE WANT TO LEVEL OFF, BUT WE MUST CONTINUE TO WORK
UPWARD, TOWARD COMPLETENESS.
1. The word translated perfect in the K.J. version, actually means complete. We must
strive for completeness in Christ. Phil. 3:12.
2. Romans 1:18-19, the two words: ungodliness and unrighteousness mean:
A. Ungodliness -- irreligious, lack of reverence toward God.
B. Unrighteousness -- a lack of correct conduct toward men.
C. Unrighteousness always follows ungodliness in men's actions.
3. Romans 1:18-25 shows what happens when ungodliness and unrighteousness
are allowed to be in people's lives.
4. We not only have the Word of God to instruct us in righteousness, but also
nature to show the glory of God to us. Rom. 1:20.
I. WE WANT TO STUDY THE THINGS THESE PEOPLE DID IN TURNING AWAY FROM GOD.
1. They knew God, but glorified Him not as God. Rom. 1:21.
A. When do we fail to glorify God?
B. We fail to glorify God when we miss the worship. Heb. 10:23-25.
C. We glorify gorify God by living the Christian life. 1 Cor. 10:31, Matt. 5:16, Col. 3:17.
2. They were not thankful. Rom. 1:21.
A. Many are not thankful today.
B. We must thank God for all blessings. Eph. 5:20.
3. They became vain in their imaginations. Rom. 1:21.
A. They wanted to follow their own ways. Gen. 6:5.
B. Began to speculate.
4. Their foolish heart was darkened. Rom. 1:21.
A. Because of their foolish reasoning.
B. They refused the only source of iight -- God.
5. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. Rom. 1:22.
A. They thought they could direct their own steps. Jer. 10:23.
B. People need to study and learn and let God direct their steps.
2 Tim. 2:15, 1 Thess. 4:11.
6. They changed God into an idol. Rom. 1:23.
A. They had once known God, but now they have rejected Him.
B. They turned to images.
(1) The Greeks preferred the human form for their idols.
(2) The Egyptians, who had practiced idolatry longer, used bulls, crocodiles
and snakes for their idols.
(3) The Pulpit Commentary speaks of this as DOWNWARD EVOLUTION.
7. They changed the truth of God into a lie. Rom. 1:25.
A. They turned from God to human reasoning.
B. People believed man made ideas. Matt. 15:9, 2 Thess. 2:11-12.
CON: GOD GAVE THEM UP TO THEIR LUST.
1. Lust -- is desire, craving, longing, passion, desire for what is forbidden. (Thayer)
Rom. 1:24, 26 & 28 are the saddest verses in the New Testament. God gave them
up and over.
2. It is possible to fall from grace. Gal. 5:4.
3. We must strive to serve the Lord. Matt. 7:13-14.
4. Are you a faithful Christian or are you following one or more of the things these
people did, whom God gave up for destruction?
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IS BAPTISM FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS?
Acts 2:36-41
We want to study this question and see what the Bible has to say about
baptism. Is it really essential to our salvation? Can we be saved wihtout it?
Many teach that is isn't necessary, that we can be baptized if we want to.
Others teach that we are baptized to show that we have been saved.
I. QUESTION: IS BAPTISM (IMMERSION) FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS?
1. What does Mark 16:15-16 say?
A. The Lord does not say: He that believeth and is saved shall be baptized.
B. Illustration: Go to town and to the bank Monday morning and you will
be given $500.00. We would know to go to the bank, not jus to town.
2. Acts 2:38 teaches a direct command ... Repent and be baptized.
A. Many begin to say that baptism isn't necessary for salvatoin because of
the word "FOR". They teach it means "ON ACCUNT OF" or
"BECAUSE OF".
B. This position is shown to be false by the context.
(1) This position contradicts what Peter said in v. 40.
(2) Why would he each them to save themselves, if repentance was
all they lacked.
(3) Then v. 41 teaches us that they that gladly received his word were
bapitzed. The toal number was about 3,000.
C. Since so many are concerned about the word "FOR", let us look at
Acts 2:38 with the phrase removed.
(1) What do we have? Repent and be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ.
(2) Even with the phrase removed, we find that baptism is still
necessary to obey a command of God.
D. The word "FOR" is used several other times in the Scriptures
with the same meaning that is applied in Acts 2:38.
(1) For example: Matt. 26:28.
(2) Was Christ's blood shed because the sins of the people had
already been pardoned? Or because thier sins needed to be
removed?
II. REMISSION OF SINS IS IN JESUS CHRIST.
1. We want to study several verses that show that remission of sins is
in Jesus Christ.
A. Eph. 1:5-7.
B. Rom. 8:1.
C. Col. 1:13-14.
D. Acts 4:12.
2. We are baptized into Jesus Christ. Remember, this is where the
remission of sins is foound -- in Christ. Gal. 3:27, Rom. 6:3-4.
3. Baptism is for the remission of sins, because bapitsm puts us in Christ,
where remission of sins is found.
III. CHRIST HAS ONLY PROMISED SALVATION TO THOSE WHO DO HIS WILL.
1. We must do the will of Christ. Matt. 7:21.
2. Christ's will is for us to be baptized. Mark 16:16, Matt. 28:19.
IV. SAUL WAS A PENITENT BELIEVER, WHAT WAS HE ASKED TO DO?
1. He was told to go to Damascus and he would be told what to do.
Acts 9:6 & 17-18.
2. In Acts 22, Paul is telling in his own words. Read: Acts 22:10 & 16.
CON: Have you been bapitzed for the remission of your sins.
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COMPARISONS BETWEEN ADAM AND CHRIST
Rom. 5:12-19.
I. REVIEW ROM. 5:12-19, AND NOTICE PAUL'S APPLICATION.
II. COMPARISONS BETWEEN ADAM AND CHRIST.
1. Adam was made miraculously. Gen. 2:7.
Christ was made miraculously. Matt. 1:18-21, Luke 1:34 (Knew no man).
2. Adam had no bride at first. Gen. 2:18.
Christ had no bride (church) at first. Matt. 16:18.
3. Adam suffered to have his bride. Gen. 2:21-22.
Christ suffered to have His bride (church). John 19:1-37, Acts 20:28.
4. While Adam slept his side was opened. Gen. 2:21.
While Christ slept in death, His side was opened. John 19:34.
5. A rib was taken from Adam's sdie to make Eve. Adam awoke and lived. Gen. 2:22.
Christ arose from the dead and lived. Matt. 28:7, 1 Cor. 15:25, Heb. 12:2.
6. Adam had one wife. God only made one for him. Gen. 2:24.
Christ has one bride, the church. Eph. 1:22-23, Col. 1:18.
7. Adam was the head of his wife. Matt. 19:4-6.
Christ is the head of the church, His bride. Eph. 5:23-24.
8. God gave Adam power to reproduce his kind and told him to multiply. Gen. 1:28.
Christ gave the church, His bride the orders to spread the gospel and multiply.
Mark 16:15-16, Eph. 3:8-12.
9. Adam was married to his wife, not just living with her. Gen. 2:24.
We are married to Christ. Rom. 7:4.
10. Adam's wife took his name. Gen. 5:2.
We take the name of Christ. Acts 11:26.
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WHY BE A CHRISTIAN?
Rom. 8:1-4, 6 & 14-18
Intro: 1. People often give excuses for their refusal to become a Christian.
2. Unfaithful Christians also give excuses for their lack of loyalty to the Lord.
3. There are many who still attend services but are losing inerest and some
question the need to be faithful to the Lord.
4. In Romans 8, Paul outlines several reasons for being a Christian.
A. To be reminded of these reasons should prompt the erring Christian to
come back to Christ.
B. These reasons should cause God's people to express appreciation for the
honor and blessing of being a Christian.
C. It should cause all of us to have a deeper appreciation of the blessings
of Christ.
I. THE CHRISTIAN HAS ESCAPED CONDEMNATION. Rom. 8:1.
1. The word "condemnation" means the sentence has been pronounced
with the expression of punishment to follow.
A. The punishment is receiving God's wrath. Rom. 2:5 & 8-9, 5:9.
B. The punishment is death. Rom. 6:23.
2. God sent His Son to save a condemned world. John 3:14-17.
3. People out of Christ have the sentence already declared. 2 Thess. 1:6-9.
4. People who have left the truth have the sentence declared.
Acts 8:21-22, James 5:19-20.
II. THE CHRISTIAN HAS BEEN FREED FROM THE LAW OF SIN. Rom. 8:2-3.
1. The "law of sin" is the rule of sin in one's life.
A. The sin reigns in the life of the sinner. Rom. 6:12.
B. Sin dominates the sinner. Rom. 6:14.
C. The one who habitually sins is the bondservant of sin. Rom. 6:16-17.
2. Sin does not dominate the Christian.
A. He does not claim sinless perfection. 1 John 1:8-10.
B. However, he refuses the control of sin in his life.
C. This is the difference in the Christian and the non-Christian in
relation to sin.
III. THE CHRISTIAN IS BLESSED WITH LIFE AND PEACE. Rom. 8:6.
1. The Christian has the "abundant life." John 10:10.
His life is abundant because:
A. He lives with a purpose.
B. He lives in hope.
C. He lives with confidence.
D. He lives with joy.
2. The Christian has peace.
A. He has made peace with God. Rom. 5:1.
B. He has the peace of God. Phil. 4:6-7.
C. The peace of God rules his heart. Col. 3:15.
IV. THE CHRISTIAN IS A CHILD OF GOD. Rom. 8:14-18.
1. God's children have many privileges now.
A. We have the privilge of prayer. 1 Peter 3:12, 1 John 5:14.
B. We have the honor of wearing God and Christ's name. 1 John 3:1.
2. God's children are heirs of God.
A. Peter describes the inheritance. 1 Peter 1:3-5.
B. Man will one day leave this earth. Heb. 9:27.
C. God's children will go home to be with the Lord.
CON:
1. Can you afford not to be a Christian?
2. Will you accept the responsibility of being a Christian?
3. Will you enjoy the blessing of being a Christian, now and eternally?
WES
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LET US ALONE!
Mark 1:23-24.
Intro: 1. The context is Mark 1:21-28.
A. The Devil cried out, Leave us alone. The Devil
can not do good, only evil.
B. Jesus cast the Devil out of the man.
C. The report of Jesus' power was spread abroad.
2. Just as the cry of the Devil in the man, many people today
are crying out, Leave us alone. We do not want the truth of
God presented to us. We do not want to obey what God teaches.
3. Some who have asked to be left alone.
A. The children of Israel at the crossing of the Red Sea,
coming out of Egypt. Ex. 14:12.
B. The Pharisees of Jesus day. Matt. 15:12-14.
I. WE CANNOT PREACH THE TRUTH AND LEAVE PEOPLE ALONE.
1. When we preach about God, the infidel is hurt.
Psalm 14:1, Acts 5:29, Rom. 3:3-6.
2. When we preach the Bible, the Higher Critic or world philosopher
is touched.
A. The world's philosopher does not believe in God. (Liberals).
1 Cor. 1:19-21, Col. 2:8.
B. The Word must be preached.
2 Tim. 4:2, Acts 8:4, 1 Peter 4:11, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
3. When Christ is preached, the Jews are offended.
A. They are still looking for the Messiah.
B. But Christ must be preached for people to be saved.
1 Cor. 2:2, Acts 8:5, Rom. 1:16.
4. When the creation of the world and man are preached, the
evolutionists become irritated.
Gen. 1:1 & 26-27, Acts 17:26 & 29.
5. When the unity and oneness of the church is preached, the
denominationalists are offended.
Matt. 16:18, Eph. 1:22-23 & 4:4, Col. 1:18.
6. When we preach against worldliness in the church, there
are some members who don't like it.
James 4:4, Titus 2:11-12, Rom. 8:13 & 6:12-13.
II. SOME WHO DID NOT WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE!
1. The people on Pentecost wanted to be helped, wanted their
question answered. Acts 2:37-38.
2. The Eunuch wanted help. Acts 8:30-31 & 36-38.
3. The Jailor sought help. Acts 16:30-33.
4. Simon, who had sinned after obeying the gospel, when he
learned of his condition, sought help. Acts 8:24.
(Instructions for forgiveness of sin -- Acts 8:21-22.)
W.E.S.
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HOW CHRIST IS MAGNIFIED IN HIS SAINTS.
Phil. 1:20-21.
Intro: 1. In writing to the sains in Philippi, Paul stated that Christ would be
magnified in his body, whether he lived or died.
2. What did Paul mean by magnifying Christ? Paul meant that he would
serve as a magnifying glass through which the whole world would
have a clearer vision of Christ.
3. Just as magnifying glass makes things larger, so that they can be seen
clearly and distinctly, Paul would live so that the world would have a
better appreciation of God.
4. Many passags tell us that the world is to see Christ in us.
Matt. 5:14-16, 1 Peter 3:1-2, 2 Cor. 3:1-3.
5. Let us study some things that Christians are to show the world, the
things of Christ that are to be magnified in us.
I. HIS OBEDIENT SPIRIT.
1. The spirit of obedience was a characteristic of Christ when He was a
child. Luke 2:51.
2. From an obedient child to His earthly parents, He grew in obedience to the
Heavenly Father. Heb. 5:8-9.
3. In explaining His earthly mission, Christ said. John 6:38 & 17:4.
4. It was written about Him. Phil. 2:8.
A. How did Paul show this spirit of obedience to the world?
Acts 22:16, Gal. 2:20.
B. As people saw Christ revealed in Paul's obedience, Christ was magnified.
II. HIS PRAYERFUL SPIRIT.
1. Christ demonstrated a prayerful spirit in all that He did.
2. There are several prayers that Christ prayed in public, but we also find
several instances when He went apart to pray.
Luke 6:12 & 9:28, Matt. 14:23, Mark 6:46.
3. Christ taught His disciples to pray. Matt. 6:9-13.
4. Christ is magnified in the body of His saints, as they pray.
5. Paul magnified Christ by having a prayerful spirit.
A. When in prison in Philippi. Acts 16:25.
B. When teaching others. Acts 20:36, 1 Thess. 5:17.
III. HIS SPIRIT OF SELF-DENIAL.
1. This spirit was always present in Christ's life. Even though heaven
was His home -- He came to the earth. Matt. 8:20.
2. He gave up riches, glory, and honor that He might save us.
3. He wants all of His followers to deny themselves. Luke 9:23.
4. The attitude of self-denial was magnified in Paul. Paul completely
gave himself to Christ. Phil. 3:7-8.
5. Do we have this spirit of self-denial dwelling in us today?
IV. HIS SPIRIT OF HUMILITY.
1. After a life of humble service to His Father, Christ humbly
accepted the death of the cross. Phil. 2:8.
2. His invitation is extended to all. Matt. 11:28-30.
3. Paul showed this spirit in his body and thus was able to
magnify Christ. Gal. 6:14, Phil. 4:12.
V. HIS SPIRIT OF LIBERALITY.
1. It is hard for us to realize the liberality of Christ. He gave
all. John 15:13.
2. Christ teaches us to give. Acts 20:35.
3. This spirit was also shown in Paul's life. 2 Cor. 12:14-15.
Paul turned his back on wealth, position and gave himself
to Christ.
VI. HIS FORGIVING SPIRIT.
1. Christ said while on the cross. Luke 23:34.
2. Christ also taught that we must be willing to forgive.
Matt. 6:14-15.
3. Paul showed this in his life. 2 Cor. 2:10, Eph. 4:32.
CON: As a child of God, do you magnify Christ in your life?
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RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHRIST
Rom. 6:12-14.
Intro: Who sits on the throne in your life.
I. SELF ON THRONE, CHRIST EXCLUDED.
1. The people who live like this. Eph. 2:1-3 & 11-12.
2. Type of lives lived by these people. Gal. 5:19-21.
II. THIS PERSON HEARS THE GOSPEL AND OBEYS IT.
1. Hears the gospel. Acts 3:22-23.
2. Believes the gospel. Rom. 10:17.
3. Repents of sin. Acts 17:30.
4. Confesses Christ. Rom. 10:9-10, Acts 8:37.
5. Baptized for the remission of sins.
Acts 2:38, 22:16; Gal. 3:27.
III. SELF STILL ON THE THRONE, WITH CHRIST AS AN OCCASIONAL ADVISER.
1. The Lord is ocassionally consulter, especially in hard time.
2. This type of person is a nominal Christian, described as lukewarm.
3. Church at Laodica is an example of this type of Christian. Rev. 3:14-22.
4. We must obey Christ. Luke 6:46.
5. We must work for the Lord, or He will reject us. Matt. 12:30.
IV. A CHRIST CONTROLLED LIFE.
1. Christ is on the throne.
2. Ours is a daily yielding, a daily surrendering life. Luke 9:23-25.
3. Crucify self and follow Christ. Gal. 2:20.
4. Walk in Christ. Col. 2:6-7.
5. Magnify Christ. (Paul was in prison.) Phil. 1:19-21.
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CHRIST, OUR HIGH PRIEST
Heb. 7:14-17.
Intro: 1. Define priest -- one that is authorized to minister in spiritual maters, who
offers sacrifices and acts as a mediator between men and God.
2. The Old Testament mentions two types of priests:
A. Melchisedec.
B. Aaron - Law of Moses.
I. WHAT KIND OF PRIEST IS CHRIST?
1. Christ is a high priest. Heb. 3:1-2.
2. How is this possible? After the order of Melchisedec and not the Law of
Moses. Heb. 5:6 7 9-10.
3. Study the life of Melchisedec and see if Christ is a priest like him. Heb. 7:1-3.
(Record of Melchisedec is found in Gen. 14.)
A. Without father and mother -- he appeared on the scene.
B. Having neither beginning of days nor end of life -- no record of birth or death.
C. Without descent -- no children to pass the Priesthood on to.
D. No beginning or end of priesthood -- he was always a priest. Christ will
always be a priest, too. Heb. 7:23-24.
II. HOW DID HE BECOME A PRIEST?
1. No by inheritance. Heb. 7:14. When Aaron died, his son became priest, then
grandson, etc. Christ is not a Levite, He is of the tribe of Judah.
2. Not by self-appointment. Heb. 5:4-6.
3. By God's appointment and oath. Heb. 7:20-21 & 28.
III. WHAT TYPE OF PRIEST IS HE?
1. Appointment of God. Heb. 5:5.
2. He is sinless, holy and undefiled. Heb. 7:26-27.
3. He is sympathetic. Heb. 4:14-15.
4. He is merciful. Heb. 2:17.
5. The only High Priest that can completely forgive sin. Heb. 9:11-12.
A. Other High Priests offered animals, which were not valuable enought o
forgive sin. Heb. 10:1-4.
B. Christ offered Himself. Heb. 10:10-14.
IV. WHAT WAS HIS WORK?
1. To atone for sin. Heb. 2:17 & 7:27.
2. To intercede. Heb. 7:24-25, 1 Tim. 2:5.
V. WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF HIS WORK?
1. Eternal redemption. Heb. 2:17.
2. Allows us to draw near to God. Heb. 10:18-27.
3. If we sin willfully, nothing can save us.
VI. WILL YOU DRAW NEAR TO GOD THIS MORNING BY ACCEPTING
CHRIST'S PLAN OF SALVATION?
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THE PROMISES OF GOD
2 Peter 1:4
Intro: 1. Sometimes we say that God will do this or that, or we believe this or that,
when in fact God has hever said anything about that particular thing at all.
2. We must learn that the only assurance we have of God is in those things He has told us,
those things we can find in His Word.
3. In this verse, we learn two things about the promises of God.
A. They are exceedingly great.
B. They are precious.
4. Man is often slack in keeping his promises, but God will keep His. 2 Peter 3:9, Heb. 10:23.
I. WHAT GOD HAS NOT PROMISED.
1. God has not promised to accept excuses. Luke 14:16-24 (Feast). We can not afford to
allow material things to interfere with serving God.
2. God has not promised us another day to live. This shows the brevity of life. James 4:14.
3. God has not promised to save save anyone outside the Church.
A. The saved are added to the church daily. Acts 2:47.
B. He is the Savior of the body, the Church. Eph. 5:23.
C. When Christ returns, He will deliver the Kingdom or Church to the Father.
1 Cor. 15:24. The Kingdom is the Church.
4. God does not promise a chance after death for eternal salvation.
A. Titus 2:11-13 shows how to live in order to be ready for Christ's return and
judgment. 2 Cor. 5:10.
B. 2 Cor. 6:2 warns us that TODAY is the day of salvation.
5. God does not promise to hear a sinner's prayer. John 9:31, 1 John 3:22.
6. God does not promise a life free from hardships and persecutions. 2 Tim. 3:12.
II. UNCONDITIONAL PROMISES OF GOD.
1. No more world-wide floods. Gen. 9:12-17.
2. An appointment with death. Heb. 9:27.
3. Destruction of this world and judgment. 2 Peter 3:10, 2 Thess. 1:6-10.
III. CONDITIONAL PROMISES OF GOD.
1. Forgiveness of an aliens sins. Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38 & 22:16.
2. Forgiveness of the sins of an erring child of God. Acts 8:22, James 5:16.
3. The faithful will never see the second death. John 8:51, Rev. 20:14.
4. All things needful for life will be given. Matt. 6:33.
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MANIFESTATON OF FAITH
James 2:14-18
Intro: 1. We are required not only to believe, but manifest (show) our faith.
2. A strong faith can not be hid.
I. WORKS THAT PROCEED FROM FAITH ARE CALLED WORKS OF OBEDIENCE.
Characteristics of works of obedience are:
1. Faith is shown where there is no apparent reason for doing the thing commanded, and where we
are complelled to do it simply because God commanded it.
A. If there is any other reason, it is not by faith.
(1) We are in an age of reason -- some feel that we must be able to think through or
explain everything we do.
(2) Scientific -- must be able to prove everything.
(3) If we do either of these, it is not of faith, but some other reason. 2 Cor. 5:7.
B. Example: Abraham left Ur of Chaldees by faith in God's command. Heb. 11:8.
C. Abraham offered Isaac on the altar by faith. Heb. 11:17-19.
2. Where there is no apparent connection between the thing commanded and the result to be gained.
EXAMPLE: The capture of Jericho. The Jews took other cities, but not this way. Joshua 6:3-5.
3. Faith is shown where there is no apparent necessity for doing the thing commanded, and
where reason and experience pronounce it foolish.
A. Noah and his building the ark. Heb. 11:7 (Gen. 6:14-17).
B. Objections -- never rained, no sign of rain or a flood. Had lived on the earth for 10 generations
and there has not been a flood.
C. Noah spent 120 years building the ark and preaching repentance to the people.
No apparent reason except God's command.
D. APPLICATION: God has told us that the world will be destroyed and then a judgment.
No signs to signify this -- only God's command.
4. Faith endeavors to do everything God commands, and do it exactly as God commands it to be done.
A. This is very important for true faith. The amount of faith we have is shown in our doing things
as God commands.
B. Notice Noah's faith. God gave specifications for the ark. Gopher wood, 300 cubits long, 50 cubits
wide, 30 cubits high, one window and one door.
C. Moses building the tabernacle. He has to follow the instructions God had given him. Heb. 8:5.
D. APPLICATION: 1. There are some things that are essential and some non-essential. Example:
Teach -- exactly what God has given, but left up to us how to get there. Matt. 28:19-20.
2. Our faith is tested in obeying God's commands. 1 John 5:3.
5. Where the thing commanded requires great self denial and self sacrifice.
A. The greater the difficulties, the brighter the faith that obeys. Darkness brings out the stars.
B. Christian martyrs faith. Good examples for us.
C. Faith caused Saul of Tarsus to turn from: friends, prosperous life to one where he was despised.
2 Cor. 11:26 (in perils).
D. God never forsakes the faithful. The 3 Hebrew children in the furnace is an example. God was with
them, but noitce their faith. Dan. 3:17-18.
E. Moses rejected honors in Egypt to follow God. Heb. 11:24-26.
F. Not only these walked by fiath, but you walk by faith when you obey the gospel.
II. HOW CAN WE SHOW OUR FAITH IN OBEYING THE GOSPEL?
1. By striving to do all that God requires.
A. If four steps are required, don't take 3 and stop. (Gospel plan of salvation).
B. The Israelites were to walk around Jericho once each day for 6 days and 7 times on the 7th day.
Would they have been obeying God and have received the blessing if they had not walked around
the city the exact number of days? NO!!
2. By striving to do it just as God has ordained it should be done.
A. Faith neither substitutes nor modifies. Rev. 22:18-19.
B. We can not substitute for baptism for the remission of sins.
3. We may show our faith by obeying when there is no apparent connection between the thing
commanded and the result to be secured.
A. Baptism is a test of our faith. Mark 16:15-16. The water isn't holy, we are showing our faith.
B. Where is the saving power -- in the obedience of God. 1 Peter 3:21.
4. We also show our faith by worshipping as God has instructed.
A. Teach -- Matt. 28:19-20.
B. Pray -- 1 Tim. 2:1-2. (Example: Peter in prison. Acts 12:5).
C. Sing, without an instrument. Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16.
D. Observe the Lord's Supper. Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 11:24-26.
E. Give of our means. 1 Cor. 16:2, 2 Cor. 9:7.
5. We show our faith by following Christ in His appointed way.
A. Follow Him and receive a reward for faithful service.
B. World is to be destroyed at Christ's second coming. 2 Peter 3:9