Helix Bible Church

[8] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Think about things that are:

True

“Too many people go to church not to think or reason about the truths of Scripture, but to get their weekly spiritual high; to feel that God is still with them. Such people are spiritually unstable because they base their lives on feeling rather than on thinking…” – John MacArthur

Honorable
Just
Pure
Lovely
Commendable
Excellent
Worthy of Praise

2. Healthy Christian thinking leads to healthy Christian living. (vs. 9)

[9] What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

View Details

Main Text: Proverbs 23:23

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding”

I. Truth and the Trinity:

Psalm 31:5- Father - Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.

John 14:6- Son - I am the way, the truth, and the life. – Truth is the essence of God.

John 16:13- Holy Spirit - Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Truthfulness (and Faithfulness) God’s truthfulness means that he is the true God, and that all his knowledge and words are both true and the final standard of truth. - Wayne Grudem

All truth belongs to God, and it comes from him. It did not originate in man, and any truth we do have came from God.

Numbers 23: 19- “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

John 17:17- Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

John 4: 23- God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.

II. How do we Buy truth?

Matthew 13:44 - Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Mark 8: 34- When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

“Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

2 Peter 1: 3 - Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Knowledge of God, and faith in him, are the channel whereby all spiritual supports and comforts are conveyed to us; but then we must own and acknowledge God as the author of our effectual calling, for so he is here described: Him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Matthew Henry

I John 1: 6,7 – If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

I John 2: 3- And Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily, is the love of God perfected.

“Intimacy is rooted in honesty. It is the exposure of our inner selves to the searching light of God’s truth. God knows us completely. So why try to hide what we are or what we have done? But we do. We think he will love us only if we are good. When we are less than good, which is most of the time, we pretend that we are something that we are not. The dishonestly of duality results: we put up a front of righteousness, while inside we are a tangled web of distorted ambitions and frustrations, memories of the past, and fears of the future. The Lord wants to get beneath the surface to the real person whol llives in our skin. The tragedy is that we can profess Jesus Christ as Savior without allowing him to be Lord of our innermost thoughts, fantasies, plans, and purposes.” - Lloyd John Ogilvie

“…it is not the knowing, talking, and reading man, but the doing man that will at last be found the happiest man. If you know these things, happy are you if you do them. Judas called Christ Lord, and yet betrayed him. How many Judases kiss Christ, and yet betray him; in their words profess him, but in their works deny him; they bow their knees to him, and yet in their hearts despise him; they call him Jesus, and obey him not as Lord. Read and labor to know, but that you may do, or else you are undone forever.” - Puritan Thomas Brooks-

Gideons International –

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God it’s end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgement, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

Don’t sell it – But always share it!

I Peter 3: 15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

View Details

Main Text: Philippians 4:4-7

Main Idea: The transforming gospel of Jesus Christ empowers us to rejoice in the Lord, to be reasonable with everyone, to overcome anxiety through thankful prayer, and to experience the supernatural peace of God.

You can always find joy in the Lord. (vs. 4)

[4] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

“I am glad that we do not know what the quarrel was about; I am usually thankful for ignorance on such subjects; – but as a cure for disagreements, the apostle says, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always.’ People who are very happy, especially those who are very happy in the Lord, are not apt either to give offense or to take offense. Their minds are so sweetly occupied with higher things, that they are not easily distracted by the little troubles which naturally arise among such imperfect creatures as we are. Joy in the Lord is the cure for all discord.” (Charles Spurgeon)

Because the Lord is near, you can be reasonable with everyone. (vs. 5).

[5] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

Psalm 34:18: The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Anxiety is overcome by thankful prayer. (vs. 6)

[6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

A central experience of the Christian life is the internal, supernatural peace of God. (vs. 7)

[7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“What is God’s peace? The unruffled serenity of the infinitely-happy God, the eternal composure of the absolutely well-contented God.” (Charles Spurgeon)

View Details

Main Text: Proverbs 10:18-21

I. The principle of words: God speaks; speech is a gift of God, to be used for His glory.

A. Ex. 20:16, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

B. Lev. 19:16, Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am the Lord.

C. James 1:26, If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

II. The power of words.

A. Pro. 18:21, Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

B. Pro. 26:22, The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

C. Pro. 16:24, Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

III. The blessing of words.

A. Pro. 4:20-22, My son, attend to my words; . . . For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

B. Pro. 25:11, A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

C. Pro. 10:11, The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

D. Pro. 10:20, The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

E. Pro. 10:21, The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

F. Pro. 15:1, A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

G. Pro. 15:4, A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

H. Pro. 20:15, There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

I. Pro. 12:25, Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

IV. The potential danger of words.

A. Pro. 26:28, A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

B. Pro. 11:9, An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

C. Pro. 11:13, A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

D. Pro. 12:18, There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

E. Pro. 12:22, Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

F. Pro. 16:27, An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.

G. Pro. 16:28, A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

H. Pro. 17:4, A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

I. Pro. 18:7-8, A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

J. Pro. 10:18-21, He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

K. Pro. 18:13, He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

L. Pro. 15:2, The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

M. Pro. 13:3, He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

N. Pro. 29:20, Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

V. The permanence of words.

A. Pro. 12:19, The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

B. Pro. 15:23, A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

IV. A prayer for our words.

A. Ps. 141:3, Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

B. Pro. 21:23, Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Q. 144. What are the duties required in the ninth commandment?

A. The duties required in the ninth commandment are, the preserving and promoting of truth between man and man, and the good name of our neighbor, as well as our own; appearing and standing for the truth; and from the heart, sincerely, freely, clearly, and fully, speaking the truth, and only the truth, in matters of judgment and justice . . . a ready receiving of a good report . . . love and care of our own good name, and defending it when need requireth . . .

Q. 145. What are the sins forbidden in the ninth commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the ninth commandment are, all prejudicing the truth, and the good name of our neighbors, as well as our own, especially in public judicature; giving false evidence, suborning false witnesses, wittingly appearing and pleading for an evil cause, . . . calling evil good, and good evil . . . raising false rumors, receiving and countenancing evil reports, and stopping our ears against just defense . . . Westminster Larger Catechism

"In the inner man, the heart is the main thing to be kept; in the outer man, the tongue." Charles Bridges

"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, a tongue that delivers out salutary instructions, wholesome advice and counsel; a healing tongue which pacifies contending parties, and heals the divisions between them. To have the benefit of such a man's company and conversation is like being in paradise." John Gill

"The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, a fountain of living water, continually running and flowing with water, wholesome, reviving, and refreshing." John Gill

"The soft answer need not be a weak one, nor should it imply any compromise of truth, nor any yielding of righteousness. It may be firm in substance, though soft in language and spirit." John Gill

"Wise words proceed only from practiced lips. We do not acquire the sacred art of wise and helpful speech in a day or even in the year; it is the happy and exquisite product of patient effort, it is a growth, it is a holy and beneficent habit, it is a grace to be cultivated; we may begin poorly enough, but by earnest endeavour we shall succeed and will continue in well doing." Matthew Henry

View Details

Main Text: Philippians 4:1-3

Main Idea: The transforming gospel of Jesus Christ empowers us to stand firm in the Lord by living in harmony with other Christians.

The transforming gospel of Jesus Christ empowers us to stand firm in the Lord. (vs. 1)

[1] Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

*1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 3:1–4

Philippians 3:17–21: Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. [18] For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. [20] But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

One way we stand firm in the Lord is by living in harmony with other Christians. (vs. 2-3)

[2] I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. [3] Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

“He that is not a son of peace is not a son of God. All other sins destroy the church consequentially; but division and separation demolish it directly.” Richard Baxter

*Isaiah 55:6–9; Luke 10:20; Romans 12:14–20

“Some people will quarrel, and it is barely possible to keep upon good terms with them. In their case we must do our best, and if after all, we cannot live peaceably with them, it will be fortunate for us if we can move off and live without them.” Charles Spurgeon

View Details

I. The cry of wisdom, 1-4

A. Psalm 49:3, My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

B. I Corinthians 2:6-8, Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

II. The content of wisdom's cry, 5-9

A. Wisdom. "In Scripture theology, wisdom is true religion; godliness; piety; the knowledge and fear of God, and sincere and uniform obedience to his commands." Noah Webster

B. An understanding heart, a mind which can accurately separate things.

C. Excellent things, honorable themes.

D. Truth, stability, certainty.

E. Righteousness, equity.

F. Plainness, having integrity.

G. Rightness, straightness.

H. Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

III. The economics of wisdom, 10-12

A. Proverbs 3:13-16, Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

B. Proverbs 16:16, How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

C. Proverbs 20:15, There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

D. Psalm 119:127, Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

IV. Loving and hating the right things, 13.

A. Evil; pride; arrogance; the evil way; a froward (perverted, fraudulent) mouth.

B. Proverbs 16:6, By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.

C. Psalm 5:5, The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

D. Psalm 97:10, Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

E. Psalm 101:3, I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

F. Psalm 119:104, Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

G. Psalm 119:128, Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

V. The governmental authority of wisdom, 14-16

A. Kings, princes, nobles, judges.

B. Isaiah 10:1-2, Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!

VI. The prosperity of wisdom, 17-21

A. Proverbs 3:16, Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

B. Proverbs 8:10-11, Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

VII. The eternity of wisdom, 22-31

A. Proverbs 3:19, The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

B. Psalm 136:5, To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

VIII. Receiving wisdom by watching daily at wisdom's gates, 32-36

A. Blessing; life; the favor of the Lord.

B. The catastrophic results of the rejection of wisdom.

C. Psalm 128:1, Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.

D. "Wisdom's child will ever be familiar with wisdom's gates." Charles Bridges

"Listen now to the calls of heavenly wisdom--to the voice of the Son of God. Doth not wisdom cry, and that not in the hour of darkness and in the secret corners, but in the high places, the paths of the city, the doors of thy house? Has she not followed thee in thy places of business, of diversion, of sin? Has she not put forth her voice in the Bible, in family devotions, in the preached Word? The loudness of her cry betokens earnestness in thy friend, and danger in thy condition. For would she have cried so loud, or continued so long, if she had not loved thy soul, or if she had not known the wrath that was hanging over thee?" Charles Bridges

"The acquisition of wisdom demands earnest attention, hearkening, watching, waiting. Something much more than a casual 'putting in an appearance' at the sanctuary. It implies an earnest heedfulness of spirit; a diligent, intelligent, patient inquiry of the soul; a hungering of the mind for the saving truth of God." William Clarkson

"Contrasted with sensual allurements are the advantages of divine wisdom, which publicly invites men, offers the best principles of life, and the most valuable benefits resulting from receiving her counsels. Her relation to the divine plans and acts is introduced, though more fully, to commend her desirableness for men, and the whole is closed by an assurance that those finding her find God's favor, and those neglecting ruin themselves." David Brown

"Watching daily at wisdom's gates--here is the devoted servant waiting for the master to come out with his instructions for the day, or the citizen expecting an important announcement from the king's chamber, or the beggar waiting for the rich man's servant to throw out some scraps for him to feed on. The intensity of concentration on the part of such is what we need in relation to the wise sayings of the word of God." Eric Lane

"Those are blessed that watch and wait at wisdom's gates; even their attendance there is their happiness; it is the best place they can be in. Those are blessed that wait there, for they shall not be put to wait long; let them continue to knock awhile and it shall be opened to them. They are seeking wisdom, and they shall find what they seek." Matthew Henry

View Details

Main Text: Philippians 3:17-21

Philippians 3:17-21, Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

I. The power of a positive example.

A. Imitate me (as I imitate Christ). Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. I Corinthians 11:1

B. Imitate others (as they imitate Christ). For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. II Thessalonians 3:7-9

C. "God has no more precious gift to a church or an age than a man who lives as an embodiment of His will, and inspires those around him with the faith of what grace can do." Andrew Murray

D. "We ought to hear good instructions and good counsels of anyone, let him be whom he may. But yet we are under special obligations to hearken to the good instructions and examples of those whom God has made our teachers. For that is the very office to which God has appointed them to teach and to counsel us." Jonathan Edwards

II. The danger of a negative example.

A. They are enemies of the cross--they oppose everything for which the cross stands, the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

B. Their end is destruction--the trajectory of their lives tends toward ruin.

C. Their god is their belly--their every motivation is sensual, earthly.

D. Their glory is their shame--that which would shame a godly person is their delight.

E. They mind earthly things--they reject the mind of Christ for an earthly, secular perspective.

F. Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 23:30-32

G. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15

H. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Galatians 6:14

I. "Beloved, I would rather have a thousand devils out of the church, than have one in it. I do not care about all the adversaries outside; our greatest cause of fear is from the crafty 'wolves in sheep's clothing,' that devour the flock. It is against such that we would denounce in holy wrath the solemn sentence of divine indignation, and for such we would shed our bitterest tears of sorrow. They are 'the enemies of the cross of Christ.'" Charles Spurgeon

J. "Whenever the true message of the cross is abolished, the anger of hypocrites and heretics eases, and all things are in peace. This is a sure token that the devil is guarding the entry of that house, and that the pure doctrine of God's word has been taken away. The church, then, is in the best state when Satan assaileth it on every side, both with subtle slights and outright violence. And likewise it is in the worst state, when it is most at peace. . . No man understands the Scriptures, unless he be acquainted with the cross." Martin Luther

K. "It becomes us to be so affected, that when we see the place of pastors occupied by wicked and worthless men, we shall sigh, and testify, at least by our own tears, that we are deeply grieved for the calamity of the churches." John Calvin

L. "They call themselves spiritual, yet they live for earthly things; indulging their appetites, living for self, yet pretending to be Christians, whereas selfishness is the very reverse of Christianity." Charles Spurgeon

III. The foundation of a godly life: the realization that our citizenship is in heaven.

A. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2

B. Our citizenship (Greek politeuma, the source of the English word 'politics') is in heaven; new life, new standards, new goals, new priorities.

C. Because of His resurrection, we live in the expectation of our resurrection.

D. "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next. . . It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth 'thrown in;' aim at earth and you will get neither." C.S. Lewis

IV. The promise of the future life: the subjugation of all things to Jesus Christ.

A. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:18-23

B. The what: the transformation of our body like unto His glorious body.

C. The how: by His all-conquering power.

D. "What is meant by our being citizens in heaven? Why, first that we are under heaven's government. Christ the king of heaven reigns in our hearts; the laws of glory are the laws of our consciences; our daily prayer is, 'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.' The proclamations issued from the throne of glory are freely received by us, the decrees of the Great King we cheerfully obey. We are not without law to Christ. The Spirit of God rules in our mortal bodies, grace reigns through righteousness, and we wear the easy yoke of Jesus. Thine are we, Jesus, and all that we have; rule thou without a rival." Charles Spurgeon

E. "What heart can conceive, or tongue recount--the daily, hourly triumphs of the Lord Jesus Christ's all conquering grace? We see scarcely a millionth part of what He, as a King on His throne, is daily doing. What a crowd of needy petitioners every moment surrounds His throne! What urgent needs and woes to answer! What cutting griefs and sorrows to assuage! What broken hearts to bind up! What wounded consciences to heal! What countless prayers to hear! What earnest petitions to grant! What stubborn foes to subdue! What guilty fears to quell! . . . Sitting on His throne of grace, His all seeing eye views all, His almighty hand grasps all, and His loving heart embraces all whom the Father chose--whom He Himself redeemed by His blood--and whom the blessed Spirit has quickened into life by His invincible power! . . . O could we but see what His grace is--what His grace has--what His grace does--and could we but feel more what it is doing in and for ourselves, we would have more exalted views of the reign of grace now exercised on high, by Zion's enthroned King!" J.C. Philpot

View Details

I. The sinful nature of pride

Proverbs 21:4 - A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin.

Proverbs 16:5 - Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.

1 Timothy 3:6 - (A bishop must be) not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

II. The fearful judgment of pride

Proverbs 15:25 - The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow.

Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Malachi 4:1 - “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.

III. The deceptive influences of pride

Proverbs 29:23 - A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.

Proverbs 28:25 - He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will be prospered.

Proverbs 13:10 - By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2 - When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.

IV. The victory of grace over pride

Proverbs 8:13 - The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.

Romans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

James 4:6 - But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5 - Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

View Details

Main Text: Philippians 3:12-16

[12] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. [13] Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. [16] Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Main Idea: Christian maturity is a life-long process marked by an attitude of pressing on towards the eternal goal of perfect communion with Jesus Christ.

Christians mature, but never arrive. (vs. 12a)

[12] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect

Mature Christians press on in response to Jesus’ great salvation. (vs.12b)

...but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

Mature Christians press on with focused concentration on eternity. (vs. 13-14)

[13] Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Mature Christians are patient with the immature. (vs. 15)

[15] Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

Mature Christians don’t go backwards. (vs. 16)

[16] Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Helix Bible Church: Recent Episodes

Helix Bible Church