Jesus, Our Rock

Sunday Morning Sermons

Matthew 21:33-46

Preached Sunday Morning, May 3, 2009

 

 

Introduction:

 

          All men tend to be drawn toward the concept of God.  In every culture, in every language, and in every era, people have embraced the concept of spirituality.  Even now in our secular, post Christian society, people still identify themselves with religion and spirituality. 

 

          There is a dividing point.  People do not have a problem with folks embracing a generic god, spirit, or higher power.  A great deal of passion is stirred when one mentions Jesus Christ of Nazareth as the Messiah, God in the flesh, man’s only hope for salvation.  You see, you cannot embrace the truths of the Bible without accepting fully its teachings about Jesus Christ.

 

          Jesus is not just an important figure in the Bible; He is the foundation upon which the entire revelation of God is built.  In our passage this morning, we will read some discussion about this subject.  We will see just how central Jesus is to all of God’s revealed truth.  I pray that God will stir your heart with love for the Savior as we consider Jesus, our Rock.

 

I.                   The Stone that the Builders Rejected

 

A.     Israel rejected their Messiah

 

Matthew 21:33-41

33 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: 34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. 35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one,  and killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. 37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. 38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. 39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. 40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? 41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

 

1.     God is the householder

2.     Israel is the husbandman

3.     God desired fruits of righteousness from His chosen people

4.     Servants = prophets

 

Acts 7:51-52

51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

 

5.     Son = Jesus

 

Matthew 27:22-25

22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

 

6.     Other Husbandmen = Gentiles

 

Acts 11:18

18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

 

 

B.     Religious leaders through the history of the world have rejected Jesus as the Messiah

 

1.     Reject His deity

 

John 1:1-3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

 

2.     Reject His bodily resurrection

 

1 Corinthians 15:12

12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

 

3.     Reject salvation through faith alone

 

Galatians 2:21

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

 

C.     Today spirituality is accepted but Jesus as the Christ is rejected

 

1.     A way, not THE way

 

John 14:6

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way,  the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

2.     An option, not the ONLY option

 

Acts 4:10-12

10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

 

 

II.                The Chief Cornerstone

Matthew 21:42-43

42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you,  The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

 

A.     Jesus is the foundation of salvation

1.     Everything in the Christian life is built upon Him

 

 

 

1 Corinthians 3:10-11

10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

2.     Without all the truth from Jesus, there is no foundation upon which one can build his life.

Matthew 7:24-27

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

B.     Jesus is the foundation of the Church

Matthew 16:18

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

III.             The Breaking Stone

Matthew 21:44-46

44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. 45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

 

è      You have a choice

 

A.     Fall upon Him and be broken

1.     Broken from trusting in yourself

Romans 3:19-22

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

2.     Broken from your pride

Habakkuk 2:4

4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

 

3.     Broken as a penitent sinner coming to Jesus as your only hope of salvation.

Psalm 51:2-4

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

B.     Reject the Stone and have Him fall upon you and grind you to powder.

1.     Judgment awaits all who refuse to believe in this life.

John 3:18-20

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  

2.     All will bow down to Jesus some day.

Philippians 2:9-11

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Beautiful Behavior

Wednesday Evening Sermons

Titus 2:1-10

Preached Wednesday April 22, 2009

 

Introduction:

         

          There is a special skill required to dress well.  Certain styles of clothing can only be worn with a specific matching piece.  We have all witnessed fashion tragedies when striped ties are combined with plaid coats.  Guys in Bible College are taught that we are not to mix busy with busy.  Some people have a special skill, not only to avoid the awful but also to blend style, fabric, color, and body type perfectly.  When that perfect outfit is recognized sometimes we use the phrase, “That outfit really becomes you.”   

 

          The word “becomes” means that one has been distinguished by a thing.  It means that the clothing fits together perfectly.  The Christian life is made up of several areas that are to go together like a matching outfit.  They must not be considered separately, but as they match each other.  The Christian is to have love, but a professed love alone does not please the Lord.  The Corinthian Church was warned that they needed more than their love feasts in order to please the Lord.  The Christian is to have good doctrine, but doctrine alone does not please the Lord.  The Church at Ephesus was commended for their doctrine, but rebuked and warned because they had lost their first love.  The Christian is to have good behavior, but keeping a list of rules alone is not enough.  The Pharisees were sternly warned that their legalistic approach alone did not please God.

 

          Often we tend to focus on one of these areas rather than blending all into a very well matched spiritual outfit.  Paul told Titus that He needed not only to teach love for Jesus and expound sound doctrine, but also encourage behavior that becomes, or matches the other qualities.  

 

          God is very organized.  I was reading in my devotions today how each family and clan in the Levite tribe had a specific function regarding worship and the Tabernacle.  Each person was born with the ability to fulfill a specific role.  Each of us have different roles, depending upon who we are.  Paul told Titus that no matter what role we fulfill, our lifestyle must match our doctrine.  We need to adorn beautiful behavior.

 

 

I.                   Aged Men

 

Titus 2:2

2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 

 

A.    Be sober = abstaining from wine entirely.

 

               1 Thessalonians 5:6-7

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

 

B.     Be grave = reverent

C.     Be temperate = curbing one’s desires and impulses, to be self controlled.

 

 

1 Corinthians 9:25-27  25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

 

James 1:20

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

 

D.    Be sound ( healthy) in:

 

1.     Faith = The Faith – basic body of Christian doctrine.

 

2.     Love = Agape love produced in the heart of a saint yielded to the Holy Spirit.

 

3.     Patience = the ability to remain under trials and afflictions.

 

James 1:3

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

 

 

II.                Aged Women

 

 

Titus 2:3

3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  

 

A.    Behavior that is befitting of a sacred place

 

1 Timothy 2:9-10

9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

 

B.     Not false accusers = diablos = a slanderer.  This is the same word translated as “devil” in other scriptures.

 

2 Timothy 3:1-5

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

                  

C.     Not given to much wine. = Not a slave to wine.

D.    Teachers of good things = to younger women.

 

Hebrews 5:12

12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

 

III.             Young Women

 

Titus 2:4-5

4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,  5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

 

A.    Taught to be sober = sane, to be recalled to one’s senses.

 

Romans 6:11

11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

B.     Taught to love their husbands.

C.     Taught to love their children.

D.    Taught to be discreet = having a sound mind, being careful about what one does or says.

E.     Taught to be chaste = not indulging in unlawful sexual activity.

 

1 Peter 3:1-2

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

 

F.      Taught to be keepers at home = caring for their own home rather than running from house to house with gossip.

 

1 Timothy 5:13

13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

 

G.    Taught to be good = kind, unselfish

H.    Taught to be obedient = a military word acknowledging rank.

 

1.     So that God’s Word is not blasphemed ( spoken reproachfully of)

2.     Because the wife pictures Christ’s relationship to the church.

 

Ephesians 5:22-24

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

 

         

IV.              Young men

 

Titus 2:6-8

6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.  7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

 

A.    Admonished to be sober minded = demonstrating self control, curbing one’s passions.

B.     Admonished to be a good example

 

1.     In doctrine

2.     In uncorruptness = purity

 

2 Corinthians 2:17

17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

 

3.     In sound speech = speech that cannot be condemned by those who wish to discredit your ministry.

 

V.                 Servants – employees

 

Titus 2:9-10

9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;  10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

 

A.     Obedient

B.      Please the boss in all things

C.     Do not back talk after orders are given.

D.     Not purloining = carrying away for one’s self – stealing

E.      Fidelity = faithfulness, care and exact observance of duty

 

Conclusion:

 

          Does your behavior fit with your doctrine?  You claim to believe in God, His Word, and His Son.  You say that He has made you a new creature.  If you are saved, you are right.  Does your behavior match?  Do you behave as God would have you to as an aged man or woman, as a younger woman or man, as an employee?  We must examine our lives and adorn beautiful behavior.

Church Discipline in our Covenant – Part 1

Sunday Evening Sermons

 

1 Corinthians 5:1-13

 

Introduction:

 

          Tonight we will look at the sobering subject of Church discipline.  In the past several weeks we have studied what we have promised God and each other when we joined this assembly.  Tonight we will study the things that God has placed in His Word, and the things that are in our constitution that will help enforce compliance to both.  

 

 

(The following is taken from Article V. Section D of our Constitution)

 

SECTION D – DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS

 

1        PURPOSE OF DISCIPLINE

 

The purpose of this Church’s discipline shall be to maintain its spiritual and doctrinal purity; to insure its self-perpetuation and existence in accordance with its original purposes; to follow the injunction of the New Testament regarding the maintaining of local church purity (I Corinthians 5:6-8); to head off, where possible, disunity and discord, both of which are not pleasing to the Lord; and to provide an atmosphere in the church which is conducive to carrying on the work of the Lord Jesus Christ to His greatest glory. While it is recognized that the individual member’s purity and correction should be sought (Galatians 6:1,2), where this is not possible, the purity and welfare of the Church as a whole must be the guiding principle in the discipline of its members. (Matthew 18:17; II Thessalonians 3:6, 7; Titus 3:9-11)

2        REASONS FOR DISCIPLINE

 

A member of this Church shall be subject to church discipline for anyone of a number of causes among which are:

 

a)                 Any member who discloses the confidential business of the Church to other than members;

b)                 Any member who circulates any report to the disparagement of this Church or any of its members;

c)                  Any member who is publicly guilty of common rumor charging him with gross impropriety of crime;

d)                 Any member who is not maintaining the standard of a member in good standing according to Section A, Paragraph 1 (see also Section C, Paragraph 2) of this Article, or pursuing any course of conduct, which in the judgment of the Church is considered unbecoming as good citizens and believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, or is considered disreputable to the Church as a body, or which tends to subvert the truth as we hold it;

e)                 Any member who holds and advocates doctrine and practices opposed to those set forth in the Church’s Statement of Faith, Covenant, or Constitution;

f)                   Any member who treats the acts or decisions of the Church contemptuously or pursues such a course which produces discord, disunity, or dissention.

.

 

 

I.                   Purpose for Church Discipline

 

A.     Maintain purity

 

1.     Spiritual/ moral

 

1 Corinthians 5:1-2

It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

 

2 Thessalonians 3:6-7

6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

 

2.     Doctrinal

 

Romans 16:17

17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

 

Titus 3:9-11

9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

 

B.      Insure self perpetuation

 

Revelation 2:5

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

 

C.     Head off disunity and discord

 

James 3:13-16

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 

 

D.     Provide a Godly atmosphere of ministry in the church.

 

James 3:17-18

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

 

 

E.      Help an erring brother or sister find restoration and forgiveness through repentance.

 

Galatians 6:1-2

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

 

Matthew 18:15-17

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

 

II.                Reasons for Church Discipline

 

A.     All discipline comes from the sin of not repenting.

 

2 Timothy 2:25-26

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.  

 

B.      Disclosing confidential business of the church.

 

Proverbs 11:13

13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. 

 

C.     Circulating a report that hurts the reputation of the church or her members.

 

Proverbs 17:9

9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. 

 

D.     A member guilty of living publically in a state of sin.

 

 

1 Corinthians 5:9-11

9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

 

E.      A member not in good standing.

 

1.     Behavior unbecoming to a Citizen

 

1 Timothy 3:7

7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

 

2.     Behavior unbecoming to a Believer

 

Matthew 5:16

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

Titus 2:4-5

4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,  5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

 

F.      A member who holds doctrine not in line with our statement of faith, covenant, or constitution.

 

2 Timothy 4:3

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

 

G.     A member who stirs up discord regarding the decisions of this church.

 

Proverbs 22:10

10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

 

Proverbs 6:12-19

12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. 13 He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; 14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.  15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy. 16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:  17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,  18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

The Passion of Our Christ

Sunday Morning Sermons

Matthew 21:12-22

Preached Sunday Morning, April 19, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

          Often when the World thinks of our Savior, they think of Jesus as a meek, spineless individual who has little drive or personality.  They see Him as so passive that He never creates a stir.  

 

          The Bible describes Jesus as one who has great passion.  According to Webster’s Dictionary, to be passionate is to have strong emotion, to be animated.  Today we will see that Jesus is very passionate about certain things.  Make no mistake, Jesus never sinned.  He was, however, very emotional about certain things.  We can learn a lot about Jesus as we study our text this morning and discover the Passion of Our Christ.

 

I.                   Jesus is passionate about Holiness

 

Matthew 21:12-13

12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

 

A.     The Temple was a place for people to meet with God.

 

B.     The Passover was coming – Jesus was the final and ultimate Passover sacrifice.

 

C.     The people used this season as a business opportunity

 

D.    The animals were sold directly out of the temple making an increased profit for all involved.

 

E.     Jesus took personal offense to this “My house”

 

F.      Jesus took deliberate and specific action

 

1.     Jesus did not lose His temper

 

Hebrews 4:15

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

 

1 Peter 2:21-22

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:  22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

 

2.     Jesus took the time to deliberately fashion a whip

 

John 2:15

15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;

 

3.     Jesus deliberately mixed the money of the merchants

 

4.     Jesus acted with authority like He owned the place.

 

G.    Our bodies are God’s Temple this side of Calvary

 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

 

è      What are you allowing to defile your Temple?

 

II.                Jesus is passionate about honor.

 

A.     People recognized His power after He stood with authority for holiness

Matthew 21:14

14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

B.     The children shouted praise to the Messiah

Matthew 21:15-17

15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, 16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read,  Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? 17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

 

1.     Their faith was pure and simple enough to believe and respond.

2.     This simple faith enraged the self-righteous religious establishment.

C.     Jesus is worthy of all honor!

Luke 19:37-40

37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. 39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. 40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

 

III.             Jesus is passionate about feeding the hungry

Matthew 21:18-22

18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. 19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.  20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! 21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

 

A.     The literal fig tree

1.     Jesus was hungry

2.     The tree was all leaves and no figs

3.     Jesus cursed the unfruitful tree

B.     Symbol of unfruitful Israel

1.     Religious teaching happened under fig trees

2.     All leaves = a superficial list of external compliance.

3.     No figs = No fruit of a changed life and the reality of a relationship with God.

C.     Symbol of unfruitful Christians

John 15:8,16

8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

 

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

If Christ Be Not Raised

Sunday Morning Sermons

I Corinthians 15:12-22

Preached Easter Sunday Morning April 12, 2009

 

1 Corinthians 15:17

17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

 

Introduction:

 

          Jesus Christ is risen from the grave!  On this Easter Sunday morning, we celebrate one of the basic doctrines of orthodox Christianity, the resurrection.  Have you ever wondered why it is necessary that Jesus actually rise from the grave?  We know that He is sinless and paid the price for our sin with His death.  If His death paid the price, why does the Bible say that Jesus had to rise from the grave?  Why could Jesus not just go immediately to Heaven to be with His Father?  Some would say that He had to prove that He had power over sin and death.  To whom did He have to prove this?  Would our salvation really hinge upon this proof?

 

          This morning we are going to take a detailed doctrinal look at the reason behind the statement of 1 Corinthians 15:17.  We will discover that Jesus Christ had to rise from the dead because His blood needed to be applied in order to obtain our redemption from sin.

 

I.                   Essential Elements of the Gospel

 

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.   3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

 

A.     Christ died for our sins

 

1.     Because the price for sin is death.

 

 

 

Romans 5:12

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 

 

2.     Because we cannot pay that price with works.

 

Romans 3:19-20

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

 

Galatians 2:21

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

 

B.     Christ was buried

 

1.     Dream- an altered reality

2.     We are unaware of what is happening around us

3.     Are unable to respond to danger

4.     Are unable to warn others of danger

 

C.     Christ rose again on the third day.

 

1.     This is essential to our salvation

 

1 Corinthians 15:17-18

17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

 

2.     If Christ did not rise again, then your faith is in vain

3.     Why was the resurrection an essential element of the Gospel?

4.     Could not Jesus have still paid the price of death without the resurrection?

 

è    Jesus Christ had to rise from the dead because His blood needed to be applied in order to obtain our redemption from sin.

 

II.                The Essential Elements of the Passover

 

Exodus 12:3-7, 12-13

3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:  4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:  6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.  7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

 

12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.  13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. 

 

 

A.     A spotless lamb

B.     A beloved lamb

C.     Slay the lamb before all

D.    Apply the blood to the doorposts

 

1.     Sign of the Trinity

2.     The death of the Lamb was not enough

 

E.     Jesus is our Passover Lamb

 

1 Corinthians 5:7

7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 

 

 

III.             The Essential Elements of the Day of Atonement

 

Hebrews 9:7-9

7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

 

 

A.     There was a separation between God and man, the veil.

 

Leviticus 16:2

2 And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.

B.     The only one allowed access to the Mercy Seat was the High Priest

C.     The High priest must enter with innocent blood offered for his sins and the sins of the people.

 

Leviticus 16:6,16

6 And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house. 16 And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness. 

 

IV.              Jesus Ascended to Heaven after the Resurrection

 

 

A.     Mary was told not to touch Jesus

 

John 20:11-17

11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

 

B.     Eight days later Jesus told men to go ahead and touch Him

 

John 20:26-28

26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

C.     The Blood had been applied

 

V.                 Jesus Had to Rise Again in order to act as our High Priest and Apply His Blood for Us

 

 

 

Hebrews 9:11-14

11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 

 

A.     There is a Mercy Seat in Heaven

B.     Jesus enter Heaven with His own blood

C.     Redemption was obtained when the Blood was applied

D.    The Blood stains the mercy seat, purging you from dead works.

 

Their Mouths Must Be Stopped

Wednesday Evening Sermons

Titus 1:1-16

Preached Wednesday April 15, 2009

 

Introduction:

         

          Today we begin studying the last of the Pastoral Epistles.  Titus was also an assistant to Paul.  We will find some similar thoughts in this letter as we found in those written to Timothy.

          Why do we need preachers?  There are those that advocate a pooling of opinions from a group of believers and studying the Bible in a forum setting rather than hearing an authoritative sermon.  Our passage gives us the answer to this question.  There will always be false teachers, driven by lust and money, who seek to deceive the masses for their own personal gain.  There will always be trusting and ignorant people who will follow these spiritual predators. The seasoned veteran, the Apostle Paul, warns Titus about these enemies of the truth.  It is important that pastors be trained, ordained and ready to stand against lies and for the truth.  When it comes to these clever false teachers, their mouths must be stopped.

I.                   The Minister of God must understand his divine role.

Titus 1:1-4

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;  3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; 4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

 

A.     Servant of God= One who gives himself up to the will of another

B.      Acknowledging truth

C.     Anchored on the Hope of eternal life

D.     Realize that God chose preaching to reveal His word to the world.

Romans 10:17

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1 Corinthians 1:21

21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

E.      The Word has been committed to God’s servant and he must be a good steward of that revelation.

1 Corinthians 4:1-4

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 

 

II.                The minister of God must understand his qualifications.

Titus 1:5-9

5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 

6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;  9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 

A.     Churches need pastors

B.     Blameless = that which cannot be called to account

C.     Husband of one wife

D.    Faithful children = reliable

1.     Not accused of riot = wild partying

2.     Not unruly

E.     A good steward

F.      Not self willed

 

 

2 Peter 2:10

10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 

G.    Not soon angry

Proverbs 15:18

18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

 

H.    Not given to wine

Proverbs 31:4-5

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.  

I.       Not a striker = a brawler

J.      Not ruled by a lust for money or material possessions

K.     Loves hospitality

L.      Companies with good men

M.    Sober = of a sound mind

N.    Just = doing what is right

O.    Holy = pure, unpolluted

P.     Temperate = self controlled

Q.    Holding tenaciously to sound doctrine

Jude 3

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

 

III.             The minister of God must deal with the enemies of the truth

A.     Unruly deceivers

 

 

 

Titus 1:10

10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

B.      Their mouths must be stopped

Titus 1:11

11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.

C.     They must be rebuked sharply

Titus 1:12-14

12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; 14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

D.     To the pure all things seem to be pure

E.      To the unbelieving, nothing is pure

Titus 1:15-16

15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. 

 

Evangelical Baptist Church Constitution Part 1

Sunday Evening Sermons

What Am I Doing In Church?

 

 

Member Responsibilities

 

 

Evangelical Baptist Church Constitution Part 1

Acts 2 41-47

 

 

 

(Taken from EBC Constitution Article V, section C, subsection 2)

 

RESPONSIBILITY AND CONDUCT OF MEMBERS

 

The responsibilities of members are set forth in general terms in the Church

Covenant. In addition and by way of clarification, a member in good

standing shall strive to maintain, with the Lord’s help, the highest ideals of Christian living as suggested in the following paragraphs:

 

a)         MEMBERS TO THE LORD. It shall be the duty of each member of this Church

to strive to put the Lord Jesus Christ first in his life; to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1) and to heed the Scripture which says “And whatever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance; for ye serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23,24)

 

b)         MEMBERS TO THEMSELVES. It shall be the duty of each member of this

Church to strive to acquire a knowledge of the Scriptures for himself

and his family: to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and

Savior, Jesus Christ…” (II Peter 3:18); to strive for a moment by

moment walk in dependence upon the Holy Spirit so as not to “fulfill the

lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16); and to live a consistent Christian life.

 

c)         MEMBERS TO THEIR CHURCH. It shall be the duty of each member of this

Church to strive to attend the services of their church faithfully and to invite and encourage others to attend; to be friendly and sociable at the services and meetings of the Church; to contribute regularly and cheerfully (II Corinthians 9:6,7) to the local expenses and missionary program of the church “as God hath prospered him” (I Corinthians 16:2);

to help willingly in whatsoever way possible in the program of the church; to pray daily for the spiritual welfare of the church (Ephesians 6:18), and if at any time he finds himself opposed to the fundamental doctrines of the Church as expressed in the Statement of Faith, or if for any other reason is unable to harmonize with the decisions of the  Church or with other members, he will quietly and in a Christian manner withdraw himself from the membership by taking his membership to another church.

 

d)         MEMBERS TO OTHER MEMBERS. It shall be the duty of each member of this

Church to strive to cultivate and cherish Christian love for the other members regardless of their action toward us; to visit and sympathize with members in affliction; to pray with and for each other; to consider it a privilege to administer financial help to other members who may be in need at any time; to guard each others reputation (“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people…” Leviticus 19:16); and to strive by all proper means to promote one another’s spiritual welfare.

 

e)         MEMBERS TO THEIR PASTOR. It shall be the duty of each member of this

Church to strive at all times to honor and “esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake” (I Thessalonians 5:12,13); to pray for him in the scriptural exercise of his official authority; to “obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account…” (Hebrews 13:17); to regularly attend upon his ministrations; to guard his reputation (I Timothy 5:19); and to contribute to his support in proportion to their ability (Philippians 4:16,17; I Corinthians 9:7,9,10,13,14; I Timothy 5:18).  They should assist him in carrying out the program of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Church.

 

f)         MEMBERS TOWARD THOSE NOT IN THE CHURCH. It shall be the duty of each member of this Church to strive to win their friends, neighbors, etc., to the Lord Jesus Christ by their personal witness; living a consistent Christian life before the unsaved; and by inviting them to attend the services of this Church with them.

 

 

 

I.                   Members to the Lord

 

A.     Be a living sacrifice

 

Romans 12:1

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 

1.     Holy – keep a short account of sin

2.     Acceptable to God – come to Him on His terms

3.     This is only reasonable

 

B.      Be excellent in everything you do

 

Colossians 3:23-24

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

 

1.     Mediocrity is not an option

2.     Eternal reward is at stake

 

II.                Members to Themselves

 

A.     Grow in spiritual maturity

 

2 Peter 3:18

18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

 

1.     Take personal responsibility for your spiritual growth.

2.     Grow in Grace – experiencing God’s power

3.     Grow in Knowledge – experiencing God’s love.

 

Ephesians 3:14-21

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

 

B.      Walk in the Spirit

 

Galatians 5:16

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 

 

1.     Walk = a series of steps in the same direction

2.     Yield to the Spirit, starve and ignore the flesh.

Romans 13:14

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

 

Romans 6:12-13

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 

 

 

III.             Members to their Church

 

A.     Attend services faithfully

 

Hebrews 10:25

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

 

B.      Invite and encourage others to attend

 

Hebrews 10:24

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

 

Acts 2:46-47

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

 

C.     Be friendly at the services

 

Proverbs 18:24

24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

 

D.     Give financially

 

 

 

Malachi 3:8-11

8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. 

 

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

 

E.      Serve in the church

 

Matthew 20:26-27

26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

 

F.      Pray for the church

 

Ephesians 6:18

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

 

G.     If you cannot in good conscience remain one mind with the assembly, leave and find an assembly where you can.

 

Philippians 2:1-2

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

 

1.     Doctrine

2.     Business decisions

What Are You Looking For?

Sunday Morning Sermons

Matthew 20:17-34

Preached Sunday Morning, March 28, 2009

 

 

I.                   Jesus is our example for proper motivation

 

Matthew 20:17-19

17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, 18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, 19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

 

A.     Jesus was selfless

 

Philippians 2:5-8

5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

 

B.     Jesus was humble

 

John 1:10-11

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

 

C.     Jesus was totally surrendered to God’s will

 

Isaiah 53:4-6,10

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.   6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 

 

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 

 

Matthew 26:39,42

39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

 

42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

 

John 10:17-18

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

 

II.                Do you seek titles and recognition?

Matthew 20:20-24

20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. 23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. 24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.

 

A.     What motivates you?

B.     Some are motivated by public recognition

C.     We must serve unconditionally, not based upon perceived reputation and recognition?

1.     Are you willing to serve, if no one knows about it?

2.     Are you willing to serve if you do not get a title for your efforts?

3.     Will you continue to serve if people are not constantly patting you on the back telling you what a wonderful Christian you are?

III.             Do you seek to serve out of love?

Matthew 20:25-28

25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

 

A.     The world is motivated by great authority

1.     The threat from it

2.     The promotion to it

B.     God promotes based on service

C.     One must be others oriented in order to honor God.

Philippians 2:1-4

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

 

IV.              Do you seek deliverance?

 

Matthew 20:29-34

29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? 33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. 34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

 

A.     A great crowd followed Jesus

 

B.      Two blind men aggressively sought Jesus

 

1.     Son of David – Messiah

2.     Cried aloud

3.     Have mercy

4.     Total humility and dependence while seeking deliverance

 

C.     The Blind men endured the scornful crowd

 

D.     They made specific requests

 

E.        They received a specific answer.

 

 

Kingdom Principles of Reward

Sunday Morning Sermons

Matthew 19:27-20:16

Preached Sunday Morning, March 22, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

          We have learned several Bible principles in our Sunday morning visits so far.  We have discovered that salvation does not come through our own merit or effort.  Last week we discovered that Jesus paid the price for our sin on the cross, because we could not pay for sin through our works.  If works do not count for us to get to Heaven, then what is our motivation to do right?  

 

          In our passage this morning we are going to discover that God does reward His servants.  We will see that no matter what we may see with our finite understanding, God is always fair and just.  As we labor together to serve God on Planet Earth, let us conform our thinking to God’s Word as we consider the Kingdom Principles of Reward.

 

I.                   Forsake and Follow

 

Matthew 19:27

27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

 

A.     Forsake worldly lusts

 

1 John 2:15-17

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

 

1.     The Lust of the Flesh

2.     The Lust of the Eyes

3.     The Pride of Life

 

 

B.     Forsake selfish career goals

 

Matthew 4:20-22

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. 21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

 

Matthew 9:9

9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

 

Philippians 3:8

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

 

C.     Forsake any personal and selfish priorities that conflict with the will of God.

 

Luke 14:27-33

27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

 

II.                Sow and Reap

Matthew 19:28-29

28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

 

A.     This is an undeniable universal law

 

Galatians 6:7-9

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Psalm 126:6

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. 

 

B.     There are rewards in this life

Mark 10:29-30

29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

C.     There are eternal spiritual rewards

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

 

D.    Be assured of eternal significance for actions taken now.

1 Corinthians 15:58

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

 

III.             Trust and Obey

A.     God chooses workers as He needs

 

 

 

Matthew 20:1-7

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. 2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.  3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? 7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

Ephesians 4:16

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 

B.     God will reward as He sees fit

Matthew 20:8-16

8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. 9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. 11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, 12  Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.  13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? 14 Take that thine is, and go thy way:  I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. 15  Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?  Is thine eye evil, because I am good? 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

 

C.     We cannot understand His infinite ways with our finite minds

Isaiah 55:6-9

6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.   8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Wrong Question, Right Answer

Sunday Morning Sermons

Matthew 19:16-26

Preached Sunday Morning, March 15, 2009

 

 

I.                   The Wrong Question – What Good Thing Must I Do?

 

Matthew 19:16-17

16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

 

A.     There is no one good but God

 

Romans 3:10,23

10 As it is written,  There is none righteous, no, not one:

 

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

 

B.     All stand condemned, because we have all fallen short of perfection.

 

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Revelation 21:8

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

 

C.     Therefore it is impossible to pay for sin by good deeds.

 

 

 

Romans 4:4

4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

 

Isaiah 64:6

6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

 

II.                The Wrong Understanding of the Law

Matthew 19:17-22

17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which?  Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

 

A.     The law was made in order to expose unrighteousness, not create righteousness.

Romans 3:19-20

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

B.     If one offends in one part of the law, he is guilty of breaking the whole law.

James 2:10-11

10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 

C.     The law is a diagnostic tool to expose our need for salvation outside the law.

Romans 3:21-25

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;  

III.             The Right Path to Salvation

A.     With man, salvation is impossible

Matthew 19:23-25

23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

Ephesians 2:8-9

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Galatians 2:21

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

 

B.     With God, salvation is made possible, through the substitutionary work of Jesus on the cross.

Matthew 19:26

26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Romans 5:8

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

2 Corinthians 5:21

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

Romans 10:13

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.