Trinity Reformed Baptist Church, Meru, Kenya.: Recent Episodes
Trinity Reformed Baptist Church
We exist to glorify God through the preaching and teaching of the Bible with the aim that sinners will be saved and that saints will grow to Christian maturity, through sermons, podcasts.
1 Timothy 3:16
16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated by the Spirit,
seen by angels,
proclaimed among the nations,
believed on in the world,
taken up in glory.
1.Jesus Christ manifested to take away our sins (v5)
2.Whoever abides in Jesus Christ does not keep on sinning (v.6)
3. Whoever practices righteousness possesses the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ (v.7)
1.Deception is its main tool and we must unmask it.
2.Temptation is its fuel.
3.Positive virtue is the antidote that we must activate.
4.Confession of sins to a trusted friend.
5.Love for Christ.
Although in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly;4 so that there is not anything befalls any by chance, or without His providence;5 yet by the same providence He ordered them to fall out according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.6
4 Acts 2:23
5 Prov. 16:33
6 Gen. 8:22
True greatness in the kingdom of heaven comes from humbling ourselves and serving others rather than our self interests. Chiefly we are to serve the interest of Christ
1. By avoiding sin and not being a source of temptation.
2. By pursuing those in sin
3. By church discipline
4. By shining the gospel message through forgiving our fellow believers.
Isiah 53 : 7-9
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
stricken for the transgression of my people?
9 And they made his grave with the wicked
and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence,
and there was no deceit in his mouth.
1.The duty of mortification.
2.The means of mortification.
3.The promise to mortify sin.
4.The necessity to mortify sin.
Paragraph 1
God the good Creator of all things, in His infinite power and wisdom does uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures and things,1 from the greatest even to the least,2 by His most wise and holy providence, to the end for the which they were created, according unto His infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of His own will; to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, infinite goodness, and mercy.3
1 Heb. 1:3; Job 38:11; Isa. 46:10–11; Ps. 135:6
2 Matt. 10:29–31
3 Eph. 1; 11
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God spoke (v.3a)And God said, “Let there be light,”
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And there was light (v.3b)and there was light.
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The light was good (v.4)And God saw that the light was good.
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God names the Day and Night (v.5)God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
1. The glorious future of God's children (v.2)
2. The attainment of Christlike perfection (v.3
1.The work of the Triune God in the process of sanctification.
i)God the Father
ii)God the Son
iii)God the Holy Spirit
2.The Work of the believer in the process of sanctification.
i) Direct commands to the believer.
ii) Clear illustration of synergism.
Paragraph 3
Besides the law written in their hearts, they received a command not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil,9 which while they kept, they were happy in their communion with God, and had dominion over the creatures.10
9 Gen. 2:17
10 Gen. 1:26,28
1. The Earth Was Formless and Empty
2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep.
2. The Spirit Of God Was Hovering On The Earth
2…And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
Hebrews 12:3Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted
1.The profoundness of God’s Fatherly Love.
2.The privilege of God’s Fatherly Love.
3.The ignorance of God’s Fatherly Love.
Genesis 1:1
1. The Time Of Creation
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
2. The Author Of Creation
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
3. The Subject Of Creation
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
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It is central to God's plan of salvation.
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It is important in the accomplishment for salvation.
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It is central to the application of salvation.
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It is central to the outworking of salvation.
After God had made all other creatures, He created man, male and female,4 with reasonable and immortal souls,5 rendering them fit unto that life to God for which they were created; being made after the image of God, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness;6 having the law of God written in their hearts,7 and power to fulfill it, and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject to change.8
4 Gen. 1:27
5 Gen. 2:7
6 Eccles. 7:29; Gen. 1:26
7 Rom. 2:14–15
8 Gen. 3:6
1.The Initial history of the human race (Chapter 1 to 11)
i)Creation (1-2)
ii)The fall (3-5)
iii)The flood (6-9)
iv)The nations (10-11)
2.The patriarchal history of the chosen race (Chapters 12-50)
i)History of Abraham (12-25)
ii)Life of Isaac (25-27)
iii)Life of Jacob (28-36)
iv) Life of Joseph (37-50)
Luke 15:11-32
11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to[a] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’[b] 22 But the father said to his servants,[c] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
1. The Anointing Generally Teaches Us About Everything, (vv.26-27).
26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
2. The Anointing Specifically Teaches Us To Abide In Him, (v.27).
27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
- The LORD answers prayers. (v.13)
- The LORD provides a Redeemer. (v.14-15)
- The LORD makes full. (v.16-22)
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The promise of God 25 And this is the promise that He made to us -eternal life
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To His people
25 And this is the promise that He made to us-eternal life
- Eternal life
25 And this is the promise that He made to us-eternal life
In the beginning it pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,1 for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power,2 wisdom, and goodness, to create or make the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good.3
1 John 1:2–3; Heb. 1:2; Job 26:13
2 Rom. 1:20
3 Col. 1:16; Gen. 1:31
1.The provision of the kinsman redeemer is rooted in Grace.
2.It is secured by law
3.It is obtained by sacrifice
4.A reward is offered.
Matthew 26:36–46
[36] Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” [37] And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. [38] Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” [39] And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” [40] And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? [41] Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” [42] Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” [43] And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. [44] So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. [45] Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. [46] Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” (ESV)
1. The Son And The Father Are One, (v.23).
23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
2. Abiding In The Gospel Equals Abiding In The Son And In The Father, (v.24).
24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.
1. We Are To Fear The Name Of God
2. We Are To Fear The Presence Of God
3. We Are To Fear The Word Of God
Paragraph 7
The doctrine of the high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care, that men attending the will of God revealed in His Word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election;18 so shall this doctrine afford matter of praise,19 reverence, and admiration of God, and of humility,20 diligence, and abundant consolation to all that sincerely obey the gospel.21
18 1 Thess. 1:4–5; 2 Pet. 1:10
19 Eph. 1:6; Rom. 11:33
20 Rom. 11:5–6, 20
21 Luke 10:20
1. The Surprising Approach By Ruth, (vv.7-9).
2. The Honorable Acceptance By Boaz, (vv.10-14).
3. The Kindness Afforded By Boaz To Ruth & Naomi, (vv.15-18).
1. Believers Know This Truth, (v.21).
21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
2. Unbelievers Deny This Truth, (v.22a).
22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?
3. All Unbelievers Are ‘Antichrists’, (v.22b).
22…This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
Isaiah 11:1–3
[1] There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
[2] And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
[3] And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide disputes by what his ears hear,
Galatins 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”
- This final age is marked by the spirit of the antichrist(v.18)
- The antichrist are known for the apostacy(v.19)
- Genuine Christians have the knowledge of God(v.20)
- The millenium period on earth(vs.1-3 & vs.7-10)
- The binding of satan(vs.1-3)
- The loosing of Satan(vs.7-10)
2. The millenium period in heaven (vs. 4-6)
As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so He hath, by the eternal and most free purpose of His will, foreordained all the means thereunto;13 wherefore they who are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ,14 are effectually called unto faith in Christ, by His Spirit working in due season, are justified, adopted, sanctified,15 and kept by His power through faith unto salvation;16 neither are any other redeemed by Christ, or effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only.17
13 1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Thess. 2:13
14 1 Thess. 5:9–10
15 Rom. 8:30; 2 Thess. 2:13
16 1 Pet. 1:5
17 John 10:26, 17:9, 6:64
Romans 13:1-71 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Romans 121 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 101 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who does the commandments shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness based on faith says, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for
“Their voice has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world.”
19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,
“I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation;
with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”
20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,
“I have been found by those who did not seek me;
I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”
21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
Romans 91 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? 25 As indeed he says in Hosea,
“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’
and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”
26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’
there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
27 And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, 28 for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” 29 And as Isaiah predicted,
“If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring,
we would have been like Sodom
and become like Gomorrah.”
30 What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 as it is written,
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Romans 8:1-111 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 6:6-146 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Romans 3:21-3121 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
Romans 3:9-209 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one;
11 no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
13 “Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 in their paths are ruin and misery,
17 and the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Romans 1:1-171 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
- A Broken Spirit (v.19-21)
- The Perfections of God (v.22-24)
- Steadfast Love (v.22a)
- Unending Mercies(v.22b)
- Unchanging faithfulness(v.23)
- Unlimited Inheritance(v.24)
- The desires of the flesh (v.16)
- The desires of the eyes (v.16)
- The pride of life (v.16)
- The warning issued (v.17)
1.The Occasion of the Discourse (v.1-3)
2.The Characteristic of this Age (v.4-8)
i) There will be great religious deception (v.4-5)
ii) Great political turmoil (V.6-7a)
iii) There will be tremendous natural disasters (V.7b-8)
3.The Great Tribulation (v.9-14)
i) Persecution (v.9)
ii) False Prophets (v.10-11)
iii) Lawlessness and Loss of Affection (v.12)
iv) The Promise to Those Who Persevere (v.13-14)
PARAGRAPH 5
Those of mankind that are predestinated to life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to His eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of His will, hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of His mere free grace and love,11 without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving Him thereunto.12
11 Eph. 1:4, 9, 11; Rom. 8:30; 2 Tim. 1:9; I Thess. 5:9
12 Rom. 9:13,16; Eph. 2:5,12
Ruth 2:14-23
1. Boaz Is Kind To Ruth, (vv.14-17).
2. Ruth Is Kind To Naomi, (v.18).
3. The Blessings Of Being Kind, (vv.19-23).
Romans 5:1
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 John 2:15
1. The Essence of Worldliness, (v.15a).
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world.
2. The Evidence of Worldliness, (v.15b).
15 If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
-
Historic Premillennialism
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Dispensational Premillennialism
-
Post Millennialism
-
Amillennialism
PARAGRAPH 4
These angels and men thus predestinated and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed, and their number so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished. 10
10 2 Tim. 2:19; John 13:18
1. God Organizes Ruth’s Meeting With Boaz, (vv.1-3).
2. God Ensures That Boaz Is From Bethlehem, (vv.1,3,4).
3. God Makes Ruth & Boaz Attractive To Each Other, (vv.5-13).
1. The address to the Children in the faith (v.12,13c)
2. The address to the Young Men in the faith (v.13b,14b)
3. The address to the fathers in the faith (v.13a, 14a)
Ruth 2:1-3
1. An Introduction to Boaz (v.1)
1 Now Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.
2. God’s provision for Ruth (v.2,3)
2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” 3 So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech.
1 John 2:9-11
1. Hating A Brother Is Being In Darkness (vv.9,11)
9 Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness…11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
2. Loving A Brother Is Being In Light (v.10)
10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.
PARAGRAPH 3
By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His glory, some men and angels are predestinated, or foreordained to eternal life through Jesus Christ,7 to the praise of His glorious grace;8 others being left to act in their sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of His glorious justice.9
7 1 Tim. 5:21; Matt. 25:34
8 Eph. 1:5–6
9 Rom. 9:22–23; Jude 4
Ruth 1:6-18
1. The Test of loyalty (v.6-9)
2. True loyalty considers others. (V.10-13)
3. The Conflict of loyalty (v.14-18)
4. True loyalty does not shrink back from frowning providence (v.19-22)
Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death forever;
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,
and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.
1 John 2 : 7-8
1. The Old Commandment
7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard.
2. The New Commandment
8 At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you,…
- The Implication of the Commandment
8…because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.
PARAGRAPH 2
Although God knoweth whatsoever may or can come to pass, upon all supposed conditions,5 yet hath He not decreed anything, because He foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions.6
5 Acts 15:18
6 Rom. 9:11,13,16,18
1. Historical background.
2. Personal background.
3. Ceremonial background.
4. Redemptive context.
1 John 2 : 5-6
1. This Is How The Love Of God Is Perfected In You
5…but whoever keeps His word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.
Walk Like Jesus Because;
2. This Is How You Know That You Are In Him
…By this we may know that we are in Him: 6 whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.
- Biblical Witness to Immutability
- Objections to Immutability
- Implications of Immutability
PARAGRAPH 1
From all eternity God decreed everything that occurs, without reference to anything outside himself.1 He did this by the perfectly wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably. Yet God did this in such a way that he is neither the author of sin nor has fellowship with any in their sin.2 This decree does not violate the will of the creature or take away the free working or contingency of second causes. On the contrary, these are established by God’s decree.3 In this decree God’s wisdom is displayed in directing all things, and his power and faithfulness are demonstrated in accomplishing his decree.4
1Isaiah 46:10; Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 6:17; Romans 9:15, 18.
2James 1:13; 1 John 1:5.
3Acts 4:27, 28; John 19:11.
4Numbers 23:19; Ephesians 1:3–5.
Lamentations 5:19-22
1. God is the Sovereign Ruler who rules forever (v.19)
19 But you, O LORD, reign forever;
your throne endures to all generations.
2. God has forgotten and forsaken his people (v.20)
20 Why do you forget us forever,
why do you forsake us for so many days?
3. God is the only one who can restore his people (vv.21-22)
21 Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored!
Renew our days as of old—
22 unless you have utterly rejected us,
and you remain exceedingly angry with us.
Luke 23:44-49
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.
1 John 2:3-4
1. We Keep His Commandments, (v.3).
3 And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.
2. If We Don’t We Lie, (v.4).
4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,
- The Definition of God’s Goodness
- Biblical Witness to God’s Goodness
- The Goodness of God Revealed to all His Creation
- The Goodness of God Revealed in the Gospel
Lamentations 5:2-18
1. Deplorable condition (v.2-10)
2 Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers,
our homes to foreigners.
3 We have become orphans, fatherless;
our mothers are like widows.
4 We must pay for the water we drink;
the wood we get must be bought.
5 Our pursuers are at our necks;
we are weary; we are given no rest.
6 We have given the hand to Egypt, and to Assyria,
to get bread enough.
7 Our fathers sinned, and are no more;
and we bear their iniquities.
8 Slaves rule over us;
there is none to deliver us from their hand.
9 We get our bread at the peril of our lives,
because of the sword in the wilderness.
10 Our skin is hot as an oven
with the burning heat of famine.
2. Deplorable atrocities (v.11-13)
11 Women are raped in Zion,
young women in the towns of Judah.
12 Princes are hung up by their hands;
no respect is shown to the elders.
13 Young men are compelled to grind at the mill,
and boys stagger under loads of wood.
3. Emotions of disgrace (v.14-18)
14 The old men have left the city gate,
the young men their music.
15 The joy of our hearts has ceased;
our dancing has been turned to mourning.
16 The crown has fallen from our head;
woe to us, for we have sinned!
17 For this our heart has become sick,
for these things our eyes have grown dim,
18 for Mount Zion which lies desolate;
jackals prowl over it.
1 John 2:2
1. He Is The Propitiation For The Jews
2 He is the propitiation for our sins,…
2. He Is The Propitiation For The Gentiles
2 …and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world
Exodus 34:5ff
5 The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. 6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” 8 And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped. 9 And he said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, please let the Lord go in the midst of us, for it is a stiff-necked people, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.”
PARAGRAPH 3
In this divine and infinite Being there are three subsistences, the Father, the Word or Son, and Holy Spirit,27 of one substance, power, and eternity, each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence undivided:28 the Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father;29 the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son;30 all infinite, without beginning, therefore but one God, who is not to be divided in nature and being, but distinguished by several peculiar relative properties and personal relations; which doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of all our communion with God, and comfortable dependence on Him.
27 1 John 5:7; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14
28 Exod. 3:14; John 14:11; I Cor. 8:6
29 John 1:14,18
30 John 15:26; Gal. 4:6
Lamentations 5:1
1. Remember, O LORD
1 Remember, O LORD, what has befallen us;…
2. Look At Our Disgrace
1…look, at…our disgrace!
3. See Our Disgrace
1…see our disgrace!
Ephesians 3:14-19
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
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The Biblical Basis for Scriptural Singing
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Why does the Bible place so much emphasis on singing?
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Reasons Why We Sing
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How to sing to the Lord.
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Defects in worship
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Evaluating your worship
Lamentations 4:11-22
1. God’s wrath is against the sins of His people (v.11-13).
2. God’s wrath causes His people to be scattered (v.14-17)
3. God’s wrath causes His people to be pursued by their enemies (v.18-20)
4. God’s Judgement coming to Edom (v.21-22)
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Jude
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They pervert the grace of God into sensuality and deny Jesus Christ. (v.4)
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They claim to receive direct personal revelation from God (v.8)
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They defile the flesh (v.8)
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They reject the authority of Jesus Christ (v.8)
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They blaspheme the glorious ones (v.8)
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They slander all that they do not understand (v.10)
PARAGRAPH 2
God, having all life,17 glory,18 goodness,19 blessedness, in and of Himself, is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creature which He hath made, nor deriving any glory from them,20 but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them; He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things,21 and He hath most sovereign dominion over all creatures, to do by them, for them, or upon them, whatsoever Himself pleases;22 in His sight all things are open and manifest,23 His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as nothing is to Him contingent or uncertain;24 He is most holy in all His counsels, in all His works,25 and in all His commands; to Him is due from angels and men, whatsoever worship,26 service, or obedience, as creatures they owe unto the Creator, and whatever He is further pleased to require of them.
17 John 5:26
18 Ps. 148:13
19 Ps. 119:68
20 Job 22:2–3
21 Rom. 11:34-36
22 Dan. 4:25,34–35
23 Heb. 4:13
24 Ezek. 11:5; Acts 15:18
25 Ps. 145:17
26 Rev. 5:12-14
Colossians 1 : 19 - 20
19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
- The Deception of Sinless Perfectionism, (v.8).
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
- The Gain Of Forsaking Sinless Perfectionism, (v.9).
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- The Ultimate Evil Of Sinless Perfectionism, (v.10).
10 If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
PARAGRAPH 1
The Lord our God is but one only living and true God;1 whose subsistence is in and of Himself,2 infinite in being and perfection; whose essence cannot be comprehended by any but Himself;3 a most pure spirit,4 invisible, without body, parts, or passions, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto;5 who is immutable,6 immense,7 eternal,8 incomprehensible, almighty,9 every way infinite, most holy,10 most wise, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will,11 for His own glory;12 most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him,13 and withal most just and terrible in His judgments,14 hating all sin,15 and who will by no means clear the guilty.16
1 1 Cor. 8:4,6; Deut. 6:4
2 Jer. 10:10; Isa. 48:12
3 Exod. 3:14
4 John 4:24
5 1 Tim. 1:17; Deut. 4:15–16
6 Mal. 3:6
7 1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23:23
8 Ps. 90:2
9 Gen. 17:1
10 Isa. 6:3
11 Ps. 115:3; Isa. 46:10
12 Prov. 16:4; Rom. 11:36
13 Exod. 34:6–7; Heb. 11:6
14 Neh. 9:32–33
15 Ps. 5:5–6
16 Exod. 34:7; Nahum 1:2–3
- May Your Confidence Be In The Lord;
1. Even When You Are In Utter Anguish, (vv.48-54).
2. Who Is A Covenant Keeping God, (vv.55-66).
1 John 1:6-7
1. Avoiding self-deception (v.6)
6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
2. Walking in the light (v.7)
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
(Matt. 7:13-20)
1. The warning against false prophets (v.15).
2. The characteristics of false prophets.
i) They are deceptive (v.15)
ii) They are destructive (v.15)
3. The discernment of false prophets (v.16,17,20)
4. The destruction of false prophets (v.19)
1. Acknowledge Your Sins And Repent (vv.40-42)
2. Acknowledge The Just Judgment Of God (vv.43-47)
Ephesians 1:7
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,...
1. We Have A Message From Jesus
5 This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you,…
2. This Message Is That, God Is Light
5 This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light,…
3. This Message Is That, In Him Is No Darkness At All
5…in Him is no darkness at all.
1. Abraham – The Prayer of Intercession
2. Moses – The Prayer of Dependence
3. David – The Prayer of Penitence
4. Paul – The Prayers of Thanksgiving
5. Jesus Christ – The Ultimate Example of Prayer
PARAGRAPH 9
The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself; and therefore when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which are not many, but one), it must be searched by other places that speak more clearly.20
20 2 Pet. 1:20–21; Acts 15:15–16
PARAGRAPH 10
The supreme judge, by which all controversies of religion are to be determined, and all decrees of councils, opinions of ancient writers, doctrines of men, and private spirits, are to be examined, and in whose sentence we are to rest, can be no other but the Holy Scripture delivered by the Spirit, into which Scripture so delivered, our faith is finally resolved.21
21 Matt. 22:29, 31, 32; Eph. 2:20; Acts 28:23
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A patient endurance (vv.25-30)
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God’s Compassion brings hope (vv.31-33)
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God’s Justice brings hope (v.34-36)
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God's Sovereignty brings hope (v.37-39)
1. So That There May Be Fellowship With God.
3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
2. So That There May Be Fellowship Among The Saints.
3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us;…
3. So That The Saints May Have Complete Joy.
4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
1. Pray Trinitarianly
2. Pray Biblically
3. Pray Privately And Publicly
4. Pray Humbly And Boldly
5. Pray Fervently And Reverently
6. Pray Slowly And Thoughtfully
PARAGRAPH 8
The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old),14 and the New Testament in Greek (which at the time of the writing of it was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and by His singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentic; so as in all controversies of religion, the church is finally to appeal to them.15 But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have a right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded in the fear of God to read,16 and search them,17 therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come,18 that the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship Him in an acceptable manner, and through patience and comfort of the Scriptures may have hope.19
14 Rom. 3:2
15 Isa. 8:20
16 Acts 15:15
17 John 5:39
18 1 Cor. 14:6,9,11-12,24,28
19 Col. 3:16
- A Broken Spirit (v.19-21)
2. The Perfections of God (v.22-25)
i) Steadfast Love (v.22a)
ii) Unending Mercies (v.22b)
iii) Unchanging faithfulness (v.23)
iv) Unlimited inheritance (v.24)
Mark 15:1-15
And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.
6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Jesus Christ Is The Origin Of The Gospel
1. Who Was From The Beginning
1 That which was from the beginning,… which was with the Father…
2. Who Appeared To The Apostles
1 …which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—…was made manifest to us—
3. Who Did It Through The Incarnation
2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—
1. We Have Been Commanded To Pray
2. We Have Communion With God In Prayer
3. We Have God’s Promise That He Will Hear And Answer
4. We Are Needy
PARAGRAPH 7
All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all;12 yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of ordinary means, may attain to a sufficient understanding of them.13
12 2 Pet. 3:16
13 Ps. 19:7; Psalm 119:130
- Author Of The Book
- Purpose Of The Book
- Theological Emphasis In The Book
- The Gospel In The Book
PARAGRAPH 6
The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of men.9 Nevertheless, we acknowledge the inward illumination of the Spirit of God to be necessary for the saving understanding of such things as are revealed in the Word,10 and that there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.11
9 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Gal. 1:8,9
10 John 6:45; 1 Cor. 2:9-12
11 1 Cor. 11:13,14; 1 Cor. 14:26,40
1. The Proper Counsel For God's Wrath, (vv.12-19).
2. The Proper Response To God's Wrath, (vv.20-22).
1. The Blessing of God's Peace.
2. The Blessing of God's Love.
3. The blessing of God's Grace.
1 Corinthians 9 : 24 -27
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
John 19:17
17and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.
- He expressed an open and voluntary communication with them.
- He exercised an selfless generosity towards them.
PARAGRAPH 4
The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, depends not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the author thereof; therefore it is to be received because it is the Word of God.7
7 2 Pet. 1:19–21; 2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Thess. 2:13; 1 John 5:9
PARAGRAPH 5
We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the church of God to a high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scriptures; and the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, and the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, and many other incomparable excellencies, and entire perfections thereof, are arguments whereby it does abundantly evidence itself to be the Word of God; yet notwithstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth, and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.8
8 John 16:13-14; 1 Cor. 2:10-12; 1 John 2:20, 27
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There Is Trouble In The City
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This Trouble In The City Is Deserved
-
This Trouble Has Been Brought By God
1. Pray for utterance (v.19)
"...words may be given to me..."
2. Pray for boldness (v.20)
"...I may declare it boldly..."
1. Self control is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
2. Self control is the fruit of saving Faith.
3. Self control is a requirement in our perseverance.
PARAGRAPH 2
Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments, which are these:
OF THE OLD TESTAMENT:
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalms
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
The Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
OF THE NEW TESTAMENT:
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
All of which are given by the inspiration of God, to be the rule of faith and life.5
5 2 Tim. 3:16
PARAGRAPH 3
The books commonly called Apocrypha, not being of divine inspiration, are no part of the canon or rule of the Scripture, and, therefore, are of no authority to the church of God, nor to be any otherwise approved or made use of than other human writings.6
6 Luke 24:27,44; Rom. 3:2
- A Lonely City
- A Bitter City
- A Distressed City
- A Worship-less City
- A Captive City
- A Kingless City
- A Regretting City
- A Sinful City
- A Fallen City
- A Conquered City
- A Despised City
Galatians 6:14 (ESV):
14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
1. The Frequency of Prayer
"..praying at all times."
2. The Kinds of Prayer.
"...with all prayer and supplication."
3. The Perseverance of Prayer
"...keep alert with all perseverance."
- General Principles relating to hearing the word of God
- List of Distractions
- Respectful Considerations
- How do you Listen to a Sermon
- Practical exhortations
PARAGRAPH 1
The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. 1 Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God and His will which is necessary unto salvation. 2 Therefore it pleased the Lord at sundry times and in divers manners to reveal Himself, and to declare that His will unto his church; 3 and afterward for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan, and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the Holy Scriptures to be most necessary, those former ways of God's revealing His will unto His people being now ceased. 4
1. 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Isaiah 8:20; Luke 16:29, 31; Ephesians 2:20
2. Romans 1:19-21; Romans 2:14-15; Psalms 19:1-3
3. Hebrews 1:14. Proverbs 22:19-21; Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19-20
1. What is this book about?
2. Why this book?
3. What are the major lessons in this book?
1. What Is The Sword Of The Spirit?
2. Why The Sword Of The Spirit?
3. How To Use The Sword Of The Spirit
1. The Gospel Grants Salvation, It Changes The Heart.
2. The Gospel Grants Proper Christian Living, It Changes Behavior.
3. The Gospel Grants Proper Church Structures, It Changes Church Practices.
Matthew 27:54
54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
1. Pretending to be godly is a vanity of vanities
2. One who pretends to be godly deceives himself
3. One who pretends to be godly angers God
4. One who pretends to be godly is hated by all
Titus 3:15
1.Greetings For The People Of God
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith…
2. Grace For The People Of God
15 Grace be with you all.
Ephesians 6:16
1.What is the Shield of Faith?
2.How does Faith extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one?
4. Godly Christians Love The Word Of God
5. Godly Christians Love To Commune With God
6. Godly Christians Love The People Of God
PARAGRAPH 3
As Christ would have us to be certainly persuaded that there shall be a day of judgment, both to deter all men from sin,7 and for the greater consolation of the godly in their adversity,8 so will he have the day unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because they know not at what hour the Lord will come,9 and may ever be prepared to say, Come Lord Jesus; come quickly.10 Amen.
7 2 Cor. 5:10–11
8 2 Thess. 1:5–7
9 Mark 13:35–37; Luke 12:35–40
10 Rev. 22:20
Titus 3:14
1. Devote Yourself To Good Works.
14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works,…
2. So That [Positively], You May Help Cases Of Urgent Need.
14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need,…
3. So That [Negatively], You May Not Be Unfruitful.
14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as…not to be unfruitful.
Luke 23:26-43
26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. 27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 28 But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Ephesians 6:15
1. What are the Shoes of the Gospel of peace?
2. Why is it an important armour of God?
1. Godly Christians Seek To Be Like God
2. Godly Christians Treasure The Son Of God
3. Godly Christians Have The Spirit Of God
4. Godly Christians Love The Word Of God
5. Godly Christians Love The People Of God
PARAGRAPH 2
The end of God's appointing this day, is for the manifestation of the glory of his mercy, in the eternal salvation of the elect; and of his justice, in the eternal damnation of the reprobate, who are wicked and disobedient;4 for then shall the righteous go into everlasting life, and receive that fulness of joy and glory with everlasting rewards, in the presence of the Lord; but the wicked, who do not know God, and do not obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, shall be cast aside into everlasting torments,5 and punished with everlasting destruction, from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.6
4 Rom. 9:22–23
5 Matt. 25:21,34; 2 Tim. 4:8
6 Matt. 25:46; Mark 9:48; 2 Thess. 1:7–10
Titus 3:12-13
1. The Apostle Paul Shows This By Promising To Send Artemas or Tychicus.
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
2. The Apostle Paul Shows This By Sending This Letter By The Hands Of Faithful Men.
13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.
Ephesians 6:14
14 Stand therefore,...having put on the breastplate of righteousness,...
1. What is the Breastplate of Righteousness?
2. Why do we need this Righteousness?
1. The Definition of Godliness
Thomas Watson - “Godliness is the sacred impression and workmanship of God in a man, whereby from being carnal he is made spiritual.”
2. The Nature of Godliness
i. Godliness Is A Matter Of The Heart
ii. Godliness Is Holistic
iii. Godliness Continues To The End
iv. Godliness Is Fervent
v. Godliness Is Real
Isaiah 53:4–6
4 Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
HANDLING CHURCH FUNDS (2 Cor. 8:16-24)
-
Properly qualified people need to be appointed to handle Church funds.
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Properly implemented procedures need to be followed for the handling of Church funds.
i)There should be a plurality of people should be involved in handling charge funds.
ii) There should be a blameless transparency before God and man
PRINCIPLES OF CHARITABLE GIVING (2 Cor. 9:1-14)
- The purpose of Paul's messengers (v.1-5)
2.Principles of Christian giving (v.6-14)
i) The principle of sowing and reaping with reference to ourselves (V.6-10)
ii) The principle of Thanksgiving and praise with reference to God (V.12-13)
iii) Reciprocity in ministry (v.14)
PARAGRAPH 1
God has appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness, by Jesus Christ;1 to whom all power and judgment is given of the Father; in which day, not only the apostate angels shall be judged,2 but likewise all persons that have lived upon the earth shall appear before the tribunal of Christ, to give an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds, and to receive according to what they have done in the body, whether good or evil.3
1 Acts 17:31; John 5:22–27
2 1 Cor. 6:3; Jude 6
3 2 Cor. 5:10; Eccles. 12:14; Matt. 12:36; Rom. 14:10,12; Matt. 25:32–46
Ephesians 6:12-13
1. The nature of our enemy (v.12).
2. The method to defeat our enemy (v.13).
What is Biblical Giving? (1 Chronicles 29)
1. Biblical Giving is Willing
2. Biblical Giving is full hearted
3. Biblical Giving is worshipful
Why do we give? (Phil. 4)
1. Biblical giving is an opportunity to display Christ love v.10-13
2. Biblical Giving is gospel fellowship in action (v.14-15)
3. Biblical Giving meets the needs of those whom Christ loves (v.16)
4. Christian giving secures heavenly treasure (v.17 and 19)
5. Christian giving is well pleasing to God (v.18)
PARAGRAPH 2
At the last day, such of the saints as are found alive, shall not sleep, but be changed;5 and all the dead shall be raised up with the selfsame bodies, and none other;6 although with different qualities, which shall be united again to their souls forever.7
5 1 Cor. 15:51,52; 1 Thess. 4:17
6 Job 19:26–27
7 1 Cor. 15:42–43
PARAGRAPH 3
The bodies of the unjust shall, by the power of Christ, be raised to dishonour; the bodies of the just, by his Spirit, unto honour, and be made conformable to his own glorious body.8
8 Acts 24:15; John 5:28–29; Phil. 3:21
Titus 3:4-7
1. God The Father Is Sovereign In Salvation (vv.4-5, 7).
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy,…
2. God The Holy Spirit Is Sovereign In Salvation (vv.5-6).
5…by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us richly…
3. God The Son Is Sovereign In Salvation (vv.6-7).
6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Hebrews 10:12
12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,...
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
1. The Grace of God in the Macedonian Giving (v.1-7)
2. The Example of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (v.8-10).
3. There is a legitimate expectation because of Grace (V.11-15)
Chapter 31: Of the State of Man After Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead
PARAGRAPH 1
The bodies of men after death return to dust, and see corruption;1 but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them.2 The souls of the righteous being then made perfect in holiness, are received into paradise, where they are with Christ, and behold the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies;3 and the souls of the wicked are cast into hell; where they remain in torment and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day;4 besides these two places, for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledgeth none.
1 Gen. 3:19; Acts 13:36
2 Eccles. 12:7
3 Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 5:1,6,8; Phil. 1:23; Heb. 12:23
4 Jude 6, 7; 1 Peter 3:19; Luke 16:23,24
Titus 3:7
1. Justification Is By God’s Grace
7 so that being justified by His grace…
2. Justification By Grace Grants Heirship
7…we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
1. All the money we have comes from God.
2. Both wealth and poverty can be used for our spiritual harm.
3. Our attitude and use of money is a great indicator of our relationship with God.
Titus 3:5-6
1. God The Holy Spirit Regenerates.
5…by the washing of regeneration…of the Holy Spirit,
2. God The Holy Spirit Renews.
5…by the…renewal of the Holy Spirit,
3. God The Holy Spirit Is Richly Poured By God The Father Through God The Son.
6 whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,…
Proverbs 18:24
Jesus Is Our Best Friend because;
1. His Companionship Does Not Come To Ruin
24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,…
2. He Sticks Closer Than A Brother
24…but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Introduction: Meditate Out Of Love For God And For The Glory Of God
1. Meditate At The Best Time Possible
2. Meditate After Reading
3. Meditate Upon One Topic At A Time
4. Meditate While Examining Yourself
5. Meditate Prayerfully
Conclusion: Meditate So That You May Do The Things Wherein You Engage
PARAGRAPH 7
Worthy receivers, outwardly partaking of the visible elements in this ordinance, do then also inwardly by faith, really and indeed, yet not carnally and corporally, but spiritually receive, and feed upon Christ crucified, and all the benefits of his death; the body and blood of Christ being then not corporally or carnally, but spiritually present to the faith of believers in that ordinance, as the elements themselves are to their outward senses.11
11 1 Cor. 10:16, 11:23–26
PARAGRAPH 8
All ignorant and ungodly persons, as they are unfit to enjoy communion with Christ, so are they unworthy of the Lord's table, and cannot, without great sin against him, while they remain such, partake of these holy mysteries, or be admitted thereunto;12 yea, whosoever shall receive unworthily, are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, eating and drinking judgment to themselves.13
12 2 Cor. 6:14–15
13 1 Cor. 11:29; Matt. 7:6
Acts 1:11
1. He Came From Heaven To Save His People.
11 “…This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven,…
2. He Went Back To Heaven For The Good Of His People.
11 “…This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven,…
3. He Will Come Back From Heaven To Take His People.
11 “…will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
John 13:1
1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
Luke 2:11
Glory to God for;
1. The Good News Of Jesus The Savior.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ…
2. The Good News Of Jesus The Lord.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David…the Lord.
We Forget and Fail
1. We Forget God’s Word
2. We Fail To Observe God’s Providences
3. We Become Hard Hearted
PARAGRAPH 5
The outward elements in this ordinance, duly set apart to the use ordained by Christ, have such relation to Him crucified, as that truly, although in terms used figuratively, they are sometimes called by the names of the things they represent, to wit, the body and blood of Christ,7 albeit, in substance and nature, they still remain truly and only bread and wine, as they were before.8
7 1 Cor. 11:27
8 1 Cor. 11:26–28
PARAGRAPH 6
That doctrine which maintains a change of the substance of bread and wine, into the substance of Christ's body and blood, commonly called transubstantiation, by consecration of a priest, or by any other way, is repugnant not to Scripture alone,9 but even to common sense and reason, overthrows the nature of the ordinance, and has been, and is, the cause of manifold superstitions, yea, of gross idolatries.10
9 Acts 3:21; Luke 14:6,39
10 1 Cor. 11:24–25
Titus 3:4-5a
1. Through His Goodness And Loving Kindness.
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us,…
2. Not Because Of Works Done By Us.
5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness,…
3. According To His Mercy.
5 He saved us,…but according to His own mercy,…
Ephesians 6:9
1. The Masters Are To Relate With The Slaves In A Similar Way.
9 Masters, do the same to them,…
2. The Masters Are To Relate With The Slaves Without Threatening Them.
9 Masters,…and stop your threatening,…
3. The Masters Are To Remember That There Is A Heavenly Master.
9 Masters,…knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
1. Meditation Is Necessary Because God Has Given Us His Word That We May Meditate Upon It.
2. Meditation Is Necessary Because Without It We Cannot Be Godly Christians.
3. Meditation Is Necessary Because Only Through It Will Head Knowledge Become Heart Knowledge.
PARAGRAPH 3
The Lord Jesus hath, in this ordinance, appointed His ministers to pray, and bless the elements of bread and wine, and thereby to set them apart from a common to a holy use, and to take and break the bread; to take the cup, and, they communicating also themselves, to give both to the communicants.5
5 1 Cor. 11:23–26, etc.
PARAGRAPH 4
The denial of the cup to the people, worshipping the elements, the lifting them up, or carrying them about for adoration, and reserving them for any pretended religious use, are all contrary to the nature of this ordinance, and to the institution of Christ.6
6 Matt. 26:26–28, 15:9, Exod. 20:4–5
Titus 3:3
1. We Were Slaves To Sin
- foolish,
- disobedient,
- led astray,
- slaves to various passions and pleasures,
- passing our days in malice and envy,
- hated by others and hating one another.
John 19:30
30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
Ephesians 6:5-8
1. With Fear And Trembling As You Would Christ,
5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, …as you would Christ,
2. With A Sincere Heart As Bondservants Of Christ
5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters… with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
3. With A Good Will As To The Lord
5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters… 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free
Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper
PARAGRAPH 2
In this ordinance Christ is not offered up to His Father, nor any real sacrifice made at all for remission of sin of the quick or dead, but only a memorial of that one offering up of Himself by Himself upon the cross, once for all;3 and a spiritual oblation of all possible praise unto God for the same.4 So that the popish sacrifice of the mass, as they call it, is most abominable, injurious to Christ's own sacrifice the alone propitiation for all the sins of the elect.
3 Heb. 9:25–26,28
4 1 Cor. 11:24; Matt. 26:26–27
1. The Christian’s Conduct To The Authorities
1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,...
2. The Christian’s Conduct To Everyone Else
1…to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
1. Parents are not to provoke their children to anger. (Negatively)
2. Parents are to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Positively)
1. Definition of hatred
i) Righteous hatred.
ii) Sinful hatred
2. Hatred is a characteristic of God.
i) God hates sinful deeds.
ii) God hates wicked people.
1. The Pastor must speak God’s Word to God’s people.
2. The Pastor must teach God’s Word by exhorting and rebuking with all authority.
3. The Pastor must not let God’s people to disregard the Word of God.
Revelation 1:9-20
9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”
12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Ephesians 6:1-3
1. The General Command To Obey (v.1).
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2. The Specified Manner Of Obedience (v.2a).
2 “Honor your father and mother”…
3. The Promise Attached To Obedience (vv.2b-3).
2…(this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
Chapter 30: Of the Lord's Supper
PARAGRAPH 1
The supper of the Lord Jesus was instituted by him the same night wherein he was betrayed, to be observed in his churches, unto the end of the world, for the perpetual remembrance, and showing to all the world the sacrifice of himself in his death,1 confirmation of the faith of believers in all the benefits thereof, their spiritual nourishment, and growth in him, their further engagement in, and to all duties which they owe to him; and to be a bond and pledge of their communion with him, and with each other.2
1 1 Cor. 11:23–26
2 1 Cor. 10:16–17,21
Titus 2:11-14
1. God’s grace brings salvation to all people (2:11).
2. God’s grace trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions (v.12a)
3. God’s grace trains us to live in Godliness by looking ahead and behind (v.12b-14)
Ephesians 5:32-33
1. The Substance Of The Mystery
32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.
2. The Application Of The Mystery
33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
- Husband Is To Love His Wife As Himself
33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself,…
- Wife Is To Respect Her Husband
33…and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
1. Temptation Works For The Good Of God’s People
2. Sin Works For The Good Of God’s People
Chapter 29: Of Baptism
PARAGRAPH 3
The outward element to be used in this ordinance is water, wherein the party is to be baptized, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.5
5 Matt. 28:19–20; Acts 8:38
PARAGRAPH 4
Immersion, or dipping of the person in water, is necessary to the due administration of this ordinance.6
6 Matt. 3:16; John 3:23
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Submission (v.9)
-
Wellpleasing (v.9)
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Not Argumentative (v.9)
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Honesty (v.10)
-
Loyalty (v.10)
Luke 22:44
39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Colossians 3:1-5
1. Direct Your Affections To Christ
2. Direct Your Hope To The Coming Glory
3. Direct Your Fight To Your Sinful Desires
Series Passage: Romans 8:28
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
1. The Son's Intercession Works For The Good of God's People
2. The Spirit's Intercession Works For The Good of God's People
3. The Intercession Of The Saints Works For The Good of God's People
4. The Fellowship Of The Saints Works For The Good of God's People
Chapter 29: Of Baptism
PARAGRAPH 2
Those who do actually profess repentance towards God, faith in, and obedience to, our Lord Jesus Christ, are the only proper subjects of this ordinance.4
4 Mark 16:16; Acts 8:36–37, 2:41, 8:12, 18:8
Titus 2:6-8
1. An Instruction on how to Live (v.6)
6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
2. Be an example to other men (v.7-8a)
7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned,
3. The result of right living (v.8b).
8 ...so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
Ephesians 5:31
1. Because Of Their Leaving Of Their Parents
31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother...
2. Because Of Their Cleaving To One Another
31 “...and hold fast to his wife,...
3. Because God Has Brought Them Together
31 “...and the two shall become one flesh.”
Series Passage: Romans 8:28
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
1. The Attributes of God Work For The Good of God's People
2. The Promises of God Work For The Good of God's People
3. The Mercies of God Work For The Good of God's People
4. The Graces of The Spirit Work For The Good of God's People
Chapter 29: Of Baptism
PARAGRAPH 1
Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, to be unto the party baptized, a sign of his fellowship with him, in his death and resurrection; of his being engrafted into him;1 of remission of sins;2 and of giving up into God, through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of life.3
1 Rom. 6:3–5; Col. 2:12; Gal. 3:27
2 Mark 1:4; Acts 22:16
3 Rom. 6:4
Titus 2:3-5
1. Exhortations For Older Women, (v.3).
3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,
2. Exhortations For Younger Women, (v.4-5).
4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
Ephesians 5:28-30
1. Do You Love Her As Your Own Body? (v.28)
28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
2. Do You Demonstrate Responsible Love? (v.29-30)
29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body.
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Definition
-
Scriptural Basis
-
God is sovereign in the exercise of his attributes
i) He is sovereign in the exercise of his power.
ii) God is sovereign in the exercise of His mercy
iii) God is sovereign in the exercise of his love.
iv) God is sovereign in the exercise of his grace.
Applications
- Humility
2.Submission
3.Confidence
4.Worship
Chapter 28: Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
PARAGRAPH 1
Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of positive and sovereign institution, appointed by the Lord Jesus, the only lawgiver, to be continued in his church to the end of the world.1
1 Matt. 28:19–20; 1 Cor. 11:26
PARAGRAPH 2
These holy appointments are to be administered by those only who are qualified and thereunto called, according to the commission of Christ.2
2 Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 4:1
Titus 2:2, 6
1. Exhortations For Older Men, (v.2).
2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.
2. Exhortations For Younger Men, (v.6).
6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
1 Peter 1:18-19
18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
- The blood of Jesus ransomed us from futile ways
- The blood of Jesus is precious than gold or silver
- The blood of Jesus is blemishless
Ephesians 5:26-27
1. Hubands, love your wives with a sanctifying love (v.26)
26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
2. Husbands, love your wives with a preserving, beautifying love (v.27)
27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints
PARAGRAPH 2
Saints by profession are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification;4 as also in relieving each other in outward things according to their several abilities, and necessities;5 which communion, according to the rule of the gospel, though especially to be exercised by them, in the relation wherein they stand, whether in families,6 or churches,7 yet, as God offers opportunity, is to be extended to all the household of faith, even all those who in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus; nevertheless their communion one with another as saints, does not take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man has in his goods and possessions.8
4 Heb. 10:24–25, 3:12–13
5 Acts 11:29–30
6 Eph. 6:4
7 1 Cor. 12:14–27
8 Acts 5:4; Eph. 4:28
Titus 2:1
1. The Man Of God Addressed, (v.1).
1 But as for you,...
2. The Man Of God Instructed, (v.1).
1...teach what accords with sound doctrine.
1. The nature of love required for husbands.
i) It is Unconditional.
ii) It is Whole-hearted.
iii) It is Unending.
iv) It is Tangible.
2.The motive that is offered.
i) It is a command from God.
ii) The example of Christ
iii) The union between husbands and wives.
i) God's love is sovereign.
ii) God's love is immutable.
iii) God's love is infinite.
iv) God's love is holy.
Chapter 27: Of the Communion of Saints
PARAGRAPH 1
All saints that are united to Jesus Christ, their head, by his Spirit, and faith, although they are not made thereby one person with him, have fellowship in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory;1 and, being united to one another in love, they have communion in each others gifts and graces,2 and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, in an orderly way, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.3
1 1 John 1:3; John 1:16; Phil. 3:10; Rom. 6:5–6
2 Eph. 4:15–16; 1 Cor. 12:7; 3:21–23
3 1 Thess. 5:11,14; Rom. 1:12; 1 John 3:17–18; Gal. 6:10
Titus 1:15-16
1. Knowing God Grants Purity, Which The False Teachers Do Not Have (v.15).
15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.
2. Knowing God Grants Good Works, Which The False Teachers Do Not Have (v.16).
16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Romans 5:1-11
1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Ephesians 5:23-24
1. The Husband is the Head of the Wife (v.23)
23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
2. The Submission is in totality to obedience to God (v.24)
24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Jeremiah 31:1-3
1 “At that time, declares the LORD, I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they shall be my people.”
2 Thus says the LORD:
“The people who survived the sword
found grace in the wilderness;
when Israel sought for rest,
3 the LORD appeared to him from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Hosea 11:1-4
1 When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
2 The more they were called,
the more they went away;
they kept sacrificing to the Baals
and burning offerings to idols.
3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk;
I took them up by their arms,
but they did not know that I healed them.
4 I led them with cords of kindness,
with the bands of love,
and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws,
and I bent down to them and fed them.
Titus 1:10-14
1. False Teachers Must Be Silenced, (vv.10-11)
10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.
2. False Teachers Must Be Rebuked Sharply, (vv.12-14)
12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.
Ephesians 5:22
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
1. It is a voluntary.
2. It is exclusive.
3. It is Christ oriented.
Psalms 90:1-2
A PRAYER OF MOSES, THE MAN OF GOD.
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place
in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
1. God is eternal means that he has no beginning.
2. God is eternal means that there is no succession of time with God.
3. God is eternal means that He has no end.
Chapter 26: Of the Church
PARAGRAPH 15
In cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of doctrine or administration, wherein either the churches in general are concerned, or any one church, in their peace, union, and edification; or any member or members of any church are injured, in or by any proceedings in censures not agreeable to truth and order: it is according to the mind of Christ, that many churches holding communion together, do, by their messengers, meet to consider, and give their advice in or about that matter in difference, to be reported to all the churches concerned;29 howbeit these messengers assembled, are not intrusted with any church-power properly so called; or with any jurisdiction over the churches themselves, to exercise any censures either over any churches or persons; or to impose their determination on the churches or officers.30
29 Acts 15:2,4,6,22–23,25
30 2 Cor. 1:24; 1 John 4:1
Titus 1:9
1. Ability To Hold Firm To The Word
9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught,...2. Ability To Give Instruction
9...so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine...3. Ability To Rebuke The Contradicters
9...and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
John 19:1-11
1 Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3 They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
Ephesians 5:18-211. Spirit Filled Christians Sing To The Lord
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,2. Spirit Filled Christians Give Thanks Always
20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 3. Spirit Filled Christians Submit To Their Appropriate Authority21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Philippians 2:5-8
1. Look at how high He was
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
2. Look at how low He goes
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Chapter 26: Of the Church
PARAGRAPH 14
As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ,27 in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces, so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification.28
27 Eph. 6:18; Ps. 122:6
28 Rom. 16:1–2; 3 John 8–10
Titus 1:6-8
1. His Domestic Life
6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.2. His Personal Life
7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
Ephesians 5:17
1. Do Not Be Foolish
17 Therefore do not be foolish,...2. Understand The Will Of The Lord
17...but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Chapter 26: Of the Church
PARAGRAPH 13
No church members, upon any offence taken by them, having performed their duty required of them towards the person they are offended at, ought to disturb any church-order, or absent themselves from the assemblies of the church, or administration of any ordinances, upon the account of such offence at any of their fellow members, but to wait upon Christ, in the further proceeding of the church.26
26 Matt. 18:15–17; Eph. 4:2–3
Titus 1:5
1. The Apostle Leaves Titus In Crete For This
5 This is why I left you in Crete,2. The Apostle Says That An Orderly Church Is One That Has Elders
5...so that you might put what remained into order,3. The Apostle Directs Titus To Appoint Elders
5...and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—
Matthew 26:36-44
36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.
Ephesians 5:15-16
1. Walk Carefully
15 Look carefully then how you walk,...2. Walk Wisely
15...not as unwise but as wise,...3. Making The Best Use Of The Time
16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
1. God is present everywhere
Psalm 139:7-10,7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?Or where shall I flee from your presence?8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!9 If I take the wings of the morningand dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,10 even there your hand shall lead me,and your right hand shall hold me.
2. God is near/imminent
Isaiah 57:1515 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:“I dwell in the high and holy place,and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,to revive the spirit of the lowly,and to revive the heart of the contrite.
3. God is in Hell
Revelation 14:10; 10 he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
4. God is transcendent
Psalm 123:1; 1 To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
Psalms 97:9; 9 For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
Isaiah 6:1; In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up;…
Chapter 26: Of the Church
PARAGRAPH 12
As all believers are bound to join themselves to particular churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do; so all that are admitted unto the privileges of a church, are also under the censures and government thereof, according to the rule of Christ.25
25 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6,14–15
Titus 1:44 To Titus, my true child in a common faith:
Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
1. The Man
2. A Common Faith
Ephesians 5:13-14
1. The Sleeper Is Exposed By Light
13 But when anything is exposed by the light, itbecomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light.
2. The Sleeper Is Able To Awake And Arise Because Of Light
14...Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
3. Jesus Is The Light That The Sleeper Needs
14...and Christ will shine on you.”
1. God has eternal knowledge
2. God has future knowledge
3. God has exhaustive knowledge
4. God’s has penetrative knowledge
5. God has latent knowledge
6. God has perfect ‘outside-knowledge’
7. God has perfect self-knowledge
Titus 1:2-3
1. God Promised Eternal Life (v.2).
2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began
2. God Keeps His Promise Through The Preaching Of The Gospel (v.3).
3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;
Psalms 45:2
- Jesus is the most handsome
2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; * Jesus is the most gracious
2...grace is poured upon your lips; * Jesus is the most blessed
2...therefore God has blessed you forever.
Colossians 1:16
1. All Things Were Created By Him
16 For by Him all things were created, in heavenand on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him.
2. All Things Were Created Through Him
16...all things were created through Him...
3. All Things Were Created For Him
16...and for Him.
Selected Scriptures
1. God’s Power is Boundless
2. God’s Power is Invincible
3. God’s Power is Constant
4. God’s Power is Incomprehensible
5. God’s Power is Self-consistent
Chapter 26: Of the Church
PARAGRAPH 11
Although it be incumbent on the bishops or pastors of the churches, to be instant in preaching the word, by way of office, yet the work of preaching the word is not so peculiarly confined to them but that others also gifted and fitted by the Holy Spirit for it, and approved and called by the church, may and ought to perform it.24
24 Acts 11:19–21; 1 Pet. 4:10–11
Hebrews 10:19-25
1. The work of Christ transforms our relationship to God (vv.19-22).
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
2. The work of Christ is the reason for our hope and assurance of faith (v.23).
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
3. The work of Christ transforms our relationship with one another (vv.24).
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Ephesians 5:11-12
1. Children of light reject works of darkness (v.11a).
11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness,...
2. Children of light rebuke works of darkness (v.11b)
11 ...but instead expose them.
3. Children of light do not speak about works of darkness without a purpose (v.12)
12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.
Romans 12:1-2
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Chapter 26: Of the Church - Paragraph 10
PARAGRAPH 10
The work of pastors being constantly to attend the service of Christ, in his churches, in the ministry of the word and prayer, with watching for their souls, as they that must give an account to Him;19 it is incumbent on the churches to whom they minister, not only to give them all due respect, but also to communicate to them of all their good things according to their ability,20 so as they may have a comfortable supply, without being themselves entangled in secular affairs;21 and may also be capable of exercising hospitality towards others;22 and this is required by the law of nature, and by the express order of our Lord Jesus, who has ordained that they that preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.23
19 Acts 6:4; Heb. 13:17
20 1 Tim. 5:17–18; Gal. 6:6–7
21 2 Tim. 2:4
22 1 Tim. 3:2
23 1 Cor. 9:6–14
1 Peter 3:13-17
1. Be devoted to do good (v.13)
13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
2. A willingness to suffer (v.14a)
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed.
3. Honor Christ in your hearts (v. 14b-15)
14...Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,...
4. A good conscience (v.16-17)
16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.
Luke 2:1-7
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Ephesians 5:7-10
1. Have no fellowship with the world (v.7)
7 Therefore do not become partners with them;
2. The description of their former life (v.8a)
8 for at one time you were darkness,
i) Intellectual darkness
ii) Moral darkness
iii) Spiritual darkness.
3. The description of their present condition (v.8b)
8...but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
4. Their future responsibility (v.9-10)
9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
1 Timothy 3:8-11
1. Personal character v.8
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
2. Spiritual life v.9
9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
3. Christian service v.10
10 And let them also be tested first;...
4. Moral purity v.10b
10...then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
5. Domestic life v.11-12
11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.
Chapter 26: Of the Church
PARAGRAPH 9
The way appointed by Christ for the calling of any person, fitted and gifted by the Holy Spirit, unto the office of bishop or elder in a church, is, that he be chosen thereunto by the common suffrage of the church itself;16 and solemnly set apart by fasting and prayer, with imposition of hands of the eldership of the church, if there be any before constituted therein;17 and of a deacon that he be chosen by the like suffrage, and set apart by prayer, and the like imposition of hands.18
16 Acts 14:23
17 1 Tim. 4:14
18 Acts 6:3,5–6
Titus 1:1
1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,
1. Authorship
2. His position
3. His purpose
Ephesians 5:6
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Acts 6:1-7
1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Ecclesiastes 12:12-14
1. Be warned (v.12)
12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
2. Fear God and Keep His commandments (v.13)
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
3. For God will bring every deed into judgment (v.14)
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Ephesians 5:4
1. Thanksgiving Over Filthiness
4 Let there be no filthiness..., but instead let there be thanksgiving.
2. Thanksgiving Over Foolish Talk
4 Let there be no...foolish talk..., but instead let there be thanksgiving.
3. Thanksgiving Over Crude Joking
4 Let there be no...crude joking..., but instead let there be thanksgiving.
1. Reasons For Repentance: Why Must We Repent?
i. Because God Sovereignly Commands It
ii. Because God Is Holy
iii. Because God Sent His Son To Proclaim Repentance
iv. Because God Has Been Wronged By Sinners
1. Motivations To Repentance: What Ought To Motivate Us To Repent?
i. No One Ever Truly Repented That Was Rejected.
ii. It Does Not Matter How Great Our Sins May Seem
iii. Consider What Christ Endured For Our Sins
iv. Repentance Grants God’s Blessings
v. God’s Wrath Is Coming
Genesis 3:1-6
1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.
He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, 3 but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.
-
He is Lord of all creation; He is Lord of the Beasts, He is Lord of the seas; He is Lord of the demons, 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3, Listen to Hebrews 1, He is Lord of all even the angels, He is Lord of all creation
-
He is Lord of all lords, Lord of all kings; Revelation 17:14; 19:16
- He is Lord of all people both Christians and non-Chrisitians; He has been given the name that is above all names; Philippians 2
2 Kings 5:1-19
1 Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and in high favor, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 2 Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman's wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” 4 So Naaman went in and told his lord, “Thus and so spoke the girl from the land of Israel.” 5 And the king of Syria said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.”
So he went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you Naaman my servant, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” 7 And when the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Only consider, and see how he is seeking a quarrel with me.”
8 But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come now to me, that he may know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9 So Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of Elisha's house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his servants came near and said to him, “My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
15 Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and he came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel; so accept now a present from your servant.” 16 But he said, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused. 17 Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the LORD. 18 In this matter may the LORD pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the LORD pardon your servant in this matter.” 19 He said to him, “Go in peace.”
James 1:2-3, 13-14
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
Acts 2:42-47
42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
1 Corinthians 5:1-7
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
Matthew 18:15-20
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Biblically Qualified Men Should Lead The Church
1 Timothy 3:1-7;
1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
1 Peter 2:5-9
5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
8 and “A stone of stumbling,
and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Ecclesiastes 12:9-11
1. He taught the people knowledge (v.9)
9 Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care.
2. He sought acceptable words of truth (v.10)
10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.
3. The source of his wisdom (v.11)
11 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd.
1. By Requiring You To Stay Away From Sexual Immorality
3 But sexual immorality…must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral…has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.2. By Requiring You To Stay Away From All Impurity 3…and all impurity…must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral…has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.3. By Requiring You To Stay Away From Covetousness
3…or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral…has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Question: What is repentance unto life?
Answer: Repentance unto life is a saving grace (Acts 11:28), whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin (Acts 2:37, 38), and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ (Joel 2:12; Jer 3:22), doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God (Jer 31:18, 19; Ez. 36:31), with full purpose of and endeavour after new obedience (2 Cor. 7:11; Is. 1:16, 17).
Thomas Watson says, “Repentance is a grace of God’s Spirit whereby a sinner is inwardly humbled and visibly reformed.” 4. True Repentance Has Shame for Sin
5. True Repentance Hates Sin
6. True Repentance Turns from Sin
Chapter 26: Of the Church
PARAGRAPH 7
To each of these churches therefore gathered, according to his mind declared in his word, he has given all that power and authority, which is in any way needful for their carrying on that order in worship and discipline, which he has instituted for them to observe; with commands and rules for the due and right exerting, and executing of that power.14
14 Matt. 18:17–18; 1 Cor. 5:4–5,13, 2 Cor. 2:6–8
Isaiah 42:1-4
1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
3 a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged
till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law.
Introduction
Importance of the Subject: Why Think about What It Means that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah?
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Your eternal destiny- heaven and hell depend on it
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Christian growth
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Witness in the world
Isaiah: "Yahweh is salvation". Isaiah 42 in context. A greater salvation by a coming Servant/Messiah.
-The Man, His Mission, His Manner
I. The Servants Identity (The Man)
A. God's Special Servant
B. God's Equipped Servant
(Applications)
II. The Servant's Mission
A. A Justice Mission
(Applications)
B. A Global Mission
C. A Difficult Mission
D. A Successful Mission
(Applications)
III. The Servant's Manner
A. The Servant's Humility
B. The Servant's Compassion
(Applications)
Conclusion
Psalms 51:16-17
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Ephesians 5:1-2
1. Imitate God (v.1)
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
2. By Walking In Love (v.2)
2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Question: What is repentance unto life?Answer: Repentance unto life is a saving grace (Acts 11:28), whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin (Acts 2:37, 38), and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ (Joel 2:12; Jer 3:22), doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God (Jer 31:18, 19; Ez. 36:31), with full purpose of and endeavour after new obedience (2 Cor. 7:11; Is. 1:16, 17).
Thomas Watson says, “Repentance is a grace of God’s Spirit whereby a sinner is inwardly humbled and visibly reformed.”
1. True Repentance has a clear Sight of Sin
Luke 15; Psalm 51
2. True Repentance has proper (appropriate) Sorrow for Sin
2 Corinthians 7
3. True Repentance Bursts Out In Confession Of Sin
Psalm 51
Ecclesiastes 12:2-8
1. There is an expectation of an aging process (v.2-6)
2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, 3 in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, 4 and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low— 5 they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets— 6 before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern,...
2. Accept what God brings into your life (v.7,8)
7...and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. 8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.
Ephesians 4:31-32
1. Put Off Unforgiveness, (v.31).
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
2. Put On Forgiveness, (v.32).
32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,...
3. Do It As God Has Done It, (v.32).
32...as God in Christ forgave you.
1. Why Study This?
Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Mark 1:15; 6:12 Luke 3:8; 5:32; 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 8:22; 17:30; 19:4; 20:21; 26:18, 20;
2. What Repentance Is Not
i. Repentance is not being terrified
ii. Repentance is not making vows against sin
iii. Repentance is not leaving many sinful ways
Chapter 26: Of the Church
PARAGRAPH 6
The members of these churches are saints by calling, visibly manifesting and evidencing (in and by their profession and walking) their obedience unto that call of Christ;12 and do willingly consent to walk together, according to the appointment of Christ; giving up themselves to the Lord, and one to another, by the will of God, in professed subjection to the ordinances of the Gospel.13
12 Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2
13 Acts 2:41–42, 5:13–14; 2 Cor. 9:13
Ecclesiastes 12:1
1. Remember The One True God, Who Is The Creator
1 Remember also your Creator...
2. Remember Him In Your Youth
1 ...in the days of your youth,...
3. Remember Him Before You Get Old
1 ...before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;
John 1:1-18
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
Ephesians 4:30
1. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,...
2. The Holy Spirit seals for the day of redemption
30 ...by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Philippians 2:1-11
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Chapter 26: Of the Church
PARAGRAPH 5
In the execution of this power wherewith He is so entrusted, the Lord Jesus calleth out of the world unto Himself, through the ministry of His word, by His Spirit, those that are given unto Him by His Father,9 that they may walk before Him in all the ways of obedience, which He prescribeth to them in His word.10 Those thus called, He commandeth to walk together in particular societies, or churches, for their mutual edification, and the due performance of that public worship, which he requireth of them in the world.11
9 John 10:16; John 12:32
10 Matt. 28:20
11 Matt. 18:15–20
Ecclesiastes 11:7-10
1. Rejoice In Your Old Age But Remember That The Days Of Darkness Will Be Many (vv.7-8).
7 Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun. 8 So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.
2. Rejoice In Your Youth But Remember That For All Things God Will Bring You Into Judgment (vv.9-10).
9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. 10 Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.
Ephesians 4:29
1. Watch Out For Rotten Speech!
29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,
2. Use Your Words To Build Others Up
29 ...but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion,
3. So That It May Give Grace To Others
29 ...that it may give grace to those who hear.
Philippians 2:1-11
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1. His pre-incarnate exaltation.
2. His Self-denying humiliation
Chapter 26: Of the Church
PARAGRAPH 4
The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, in whom, by the appointment of the Father, all power for the calling, institution, order or government of the church, is invested in a supreme and sovereign manner;7 neither can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof, but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalts himself in the church against Christ, and all that is called God; whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.8
7 Col. 1:18; Matt. 28:18–20; Eph. 4:11–12
8 2 Thess. 2:2–9
Ecclesiastes 11:1-6
1. Sow Good And You Will In Due Time Reap (v.1).
1 Cast your bread upon the waters,
for you will find it after many days.
2. Do Good When You Have The Opportunity (vv.2-3). 2 Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.3 If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth, and if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.
3. Take Hold Of Opportunities As Often As You Can (vv.4-6).
4 He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.5 As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.6 In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.
Revelation 5:9-10
9 And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”
Ephesians 4:28
1. Stop stealing
28 Let the thief no longer steal,
2. Work hard ...but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands,
3. Give generously
...so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
Ecclesiastes 10:16-20
1. Rejoice When Your King Is The Son Of The Nobility (vv.16-19).
16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child,
and your princes feast in the morning!
17 Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility,
and your princes feast at the proper time,
for strength, and not for drunkenness!
18 Through sloth the roof sinks in,
and through indolence the house leaks.
19 Bread is made for laughter,
and wine gladdens life,
and money answers everything.
2. Do Not Curse Your King If He Is Not The Son Of The Nobility (v.20).
20 Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king,
nor in your bedroom curse the rich,
for a bird of the air will carry your voice,
or some winged creature tell the matter.
Ephesians 4:26-27
26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.
1. Be angry. v.26
26 Be angry
2. Be angry but do not sin. v.26
26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
3. And give no opportunity to the devil v.27
27 and give no opportunity to the devil.
HUMILITY: EXPOSING PRIDE
1.Definition of pride
2.What does the Bible say about pride?
a) God hates not only pride but also the proud.
b) Pride brings destruction.
c) Pride is a self-deceiving sin.
3. Characteristics of pride
a) It is the sin of Satan himself.
b) It is divisive.
c) Pride resist to be taught; it hates authority and it hates criticism
d) Pride demands to be recognised and praised.
e) Pride resents trials.
f) Pride treats people with harshness.
g) The proud are always correcting.
h) Pride boasts and glories in self.
i) Pride can look like self-pity.
j) Pride opposes God's grace and loves works
Hebrews 9:24-28
24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Two reasons why the Bible speaks of death.
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It is certain in this life.
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The brevity of life.
Biblical Definition
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When the Bible speaks of death it refers to physical death.
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The Bible also speaks of spiritual death.
Exodus 20:17
17 “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.”
Chapter 26: Of the Church
PARAGRAPH 2
All persons throughout the world, professing the faith of the gospel, and obedience unto God by Christ according unto it, not destroying their own profession by any errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are and may be called visible saints;2 and of such ought all particular congregations to be constituted.3
2 1 Cor. 1:2; Acts 11:26
3 Rom. 1:7; Eph. 1:20–22
Ecclesiastes 10:12-15
1. The Words of the Wise are Gracious (v.12a)
12 The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor,
2. The Words of the Fool are destructive (v.12b-15)
i) The words of the fool consume him (v.12b) 12...but the lips of a fool consume him.
ii) The words of the fool end in evil madness (v.13)
13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness,
and the end of his talk is evil madness.
iii) The fool keeps multiplying his words (v.14)
14 A fool multiplies words,
though no man knows what is to be,
and who can tell him what will be after him?
iv) The words of the fool are wearisome (v.15)
15 The toil of a fool wearies him,
for he does not know the way to the city.
Ephesians 4:25-27
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.
1. Christians Must Put Away Falsehood (v.25)
2. Christians Must Speak The Truth (v.25)
3. Because Christians Are One In Christ (v.25)
Exodus 20:1717 “You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.”
Question: What is required in the tenth commandment?
Answer: The tenth commandment requireth full contentment with our own condition (Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:6), with a right and charitable frame of spirit toward our neighbour, and all that is his (Job 31:29; Rom. 7:15; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Cor. 8:4, 7).
Question: What is forbidden in the tenth commandment?
Answer: The tenth commandment forbiddeth all discontentment with our own estate (1 Kings 21:4; Esther 5:13; 1 Cor. 10:10), envying or grieving at the good of our neighbour (Gal. 5:26; James 3:14, 16), and all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his (Rom. 7:7, 8, 13:9; Deut. 5:21).
Ecclesiastes 10:8-11
8 He who digs a pit will fall into it,
and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.
9 He who quarries stones is hurt by them,
and he who splits logs is endangered by them.
10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,
he must use more strength,
but wisdom helps one to succeed.
11 If the serpent bites before it is charmed,
there is no advantage to the charmer.
Psalms 51:14-15
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
Ephesians 4:20-24
1. Because They Have Jesus Christ (vv.20-21).
20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,
2. Because This Is What They Are Taught In Him (vv.22-24).
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Question: What is required in the ninth commandment?Answer: The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man (Zech. 8:16), and of our own neighbour’s good name (Jn. 5:12), especially in witnessbearing (Pr. 14:5, 25).
Question: What is forbidden in the ninth commandment?Answer:The ninth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever is prejudicial to the truth, or injurious to our own or our neighbour’s good name (1 Sam. 17:28; Lev. 19:16; Ps. 15:2, 3).
1. What Is Forbidden In This Commandment?
i. Slander
ii. Lying
2. What Is Implied In This Commandment?
We are to stand up for others and vindicate them, when they are accused falsely.
Chapter 26: Of the Church
PARAGRAPH 1
The catholic or universal church, which (with respect to the internal work of the Spirit and truth of grace) may be called invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ, the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fulness of him that fills all in all.1
1 Heb. 12:23; Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:10,22–23, 5:23,27,32
Ecclesiastes 10:4-7
1. The fool lacks self control (v.4)
4 If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.
2. It is evil when a ruler promotes a fool (v.5-6a)
5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: 6 folly is set in many high places,
3. It is evil when the fool rules over the wise (v.6b-7)
and the rich sit in a low place. 7 I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves.
Ephesians 4:17-19
1. Non-Christians Walk In The Futility Of Their Minds (v.17)
17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
2. Non-Christians Have Hard Hearts (v.18).
18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.
3. Non-Christians Are Greedy To Practice Every Kind Of Impurity (v.19).
19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
1. The Reasons For Stealing
i. People steal because they are greedy.
ii. People steal because they have unbelief.
iii. People steal because of Satan’s enticement. iv. People steal because they are lazy.
2. The Forms Of Stealing
i. There is a stealing from one’s self.
ii. There is stealing from others.
iii. There is stealing from God.
3. The Remedies Against Stealing
i. Be content with what you have. ii. Work hard. APPLICATIONS
- Do not steal; because, society hates thieves, the thief is always in fear, God hates thieves and will punish them eternally, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. Think about it this way, thieves rob others things here on earth and at the same time they rob themselves of eternity so that when one is stealing from others, he is also stealing from himself.
2. The ultimate remedy for us who have broken the law of God is to run to Jesus Christ.
Ecclesiastes 10:1-4
1. Walk Uprightly With God Because Wisdom Is Vulnerable (v.1).
1 Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench;so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
2. Walk Uprightly With God Because This Is How You Maintain Wisdom (vv. 2-3).
2 A wise man's heart inclines him to the right,
but a fool's heart to the left.
3 Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense,
and he says to everyone that he is a fool.
3. Walk Uprightly With God Because You Will Learn His Virtue (v.4).
4 If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place,
for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.
Romans 5:18-19
18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.
Ephesians 4:15-16
1. Upholding truth in Love (v.15)
15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
2. It is our maintaining of the truth that we are able to grow up into maturity (v.16)
16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Chapter 25: Of Marriage
PARAGRAPH 4
Marriage ought not to be within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity, forbidden in the Word;8 nor can such incestuous marriages ever be made lawful, by any law of man or consent of parties, so as those persons may live together as man and wife.9
8 Lev. 18
9 Mark 6:18; 1 Cor. 5:1
Luke 9:18-27
18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” 21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”
Chapter 25: Of Marriage
PARAGRAPH 3
It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry, who are able with judgment to give their consent;5 yet it is the duty of Christians to marry in the Lord;6 and therefore such as profess the true religion, should not marry with infidels, or idolaters; neither should such as are godly, be unequally yoked, by marrying with such as are wicked in their life, or maintain damnable heresy.7
5 Heb. 13:4; 1 Tim. 4:3
6 1 Cor. 7:39
7 Neh. 13:25–27
Ecclesiastes 9:17-18
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Wisdom is better than the shouting of a ruler (v.17).17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.
-
Wisdom is better than weapons of war (v.18).
18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Ephesians 4:12-13
- Equipping the saints for the work of service (v.12a).
12...to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
- Building up the body of Christ (v.12b).
12...for building up the body of Christ,
- Christian Maturity (v.13).
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
Exodus 20:12
12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
Chapter 25: Of Marriage
PARAGRAPH 2
Marriage was ordained for the mutual help of husband and wife,2 for the increase of mankind with a legitimate issue,3 and the preventing of uncleanness.4
2 Gen. 2:18
3 Gen. 1:28
4 1 Cor. 7:2,9
Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross
Ecclesiastes 9:13-16
13 I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. 14 There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. 15 But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16 But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.
Psalms 51:13
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
Ephesians 4:11
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,...
Exodus 20:8-11
8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
Ecclesiastes 9:11-12
1. Time And Chance Happen To All (v.11)11 Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.
2. Time Of Death Is Unknown To All (v.12)12 For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.
Ephesians 4:7-10
1. The Gifts Given By Christ Are Diverse (v.7)
7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
2. The Foundation Of The Gifts Is The Descension AndAscension Of Jesus Christ (v.8-9)8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?
3. The Ascended Christ Is Exalted Above All Heavens So ThatHe Might Fill All Things (v.10).10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Exodus 20:7
7 “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.
1. Definition and significance of the third commandment
2. Ways in which we break the third commandment.
Chapter 25: Of MarriagePARAGRAPH 1
Marriage is to be between one man and one woman; neither is it lawful for any man to have more than one wife, nor for any woman to have more than one husband at the same time.1
1 Gen. 2:24; Mal. 2:15; Matt. 19:5–6
Ecclesiastes 9:7-10
1. Enjoy Eating and Drinking (v.7)7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
2. Enjoy all Occasions (v.8)8 Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.
3. Enjoy your Marriage (v.9) 9 Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.
4. Enjoy your Work (v.10)10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Hebrews 4:14-1614 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Ephesians 4:4-6
1. One Body And One Spirit (v.4)4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—
2. One Lord, One Faith (v.5)5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
3. One God And Father Of All (v.6)6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Exodus 20:4-6
4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate
PARAGRAPH 3
Civil magistrates being set up by God for the ends aforesaid; subjection, in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but for conscience’ sake;4 and we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.5
4 Rom. 13:5–7; 1 Pet. 2:17
5 1 Tim. 2:1–2
Death Is Unavoidable
Ecclesiastes 9:1-6
1. God Is Sovereign Over The Lives Of All (v.1)1 But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him.
2. This Same Event Happens To All (vv.2-3)2 It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. 3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all.
3. The Reality Of Sin Is True For All (v.3)3 ...Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.
4. There Is Hope For The Living (vv.4-6)4 But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.
Walk In A Manner Worthy Of Your Calling
Ephesians 4:1-3 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you towalk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
1. With All Humility And Gentleness2 with all humility and gentleness,
2. With Patience, Bearing With One Another In Love2...with patience, bearing with one another in love,
3. With Eagerness To Maintain The Unity Of The Spirit
3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond ofpeace.
Exodus 20:3
3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
1. That God must be our only God.
i. We must Acknowledge God
ii. We must Fear God
iii. We must Love and Obey God
iv. We must Trust God2. That we must have no other God.
Chapter 24: Of the Civil Magistrate
PARAGRAPH 2
It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of a magistrate when called thereunto; in the management whereof, as they ought especially to maintain justice and peace,2 according to the wholesome laws of each kingdom and commonwealth, so for that end they may lawfully now, under the New Testament, wage war upon just and necessary occasions.3
2 2 Sam. 23:3; Ps. 82:3–4
3 Luke 3:14
Ecclesiastes 8:14-17
1. Even Though Things Don’t Seem To Be Fair (v.14)14 There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.
2. Because God Has Given Life To Be Enjoyed (v.15)15 And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.
3. Because The Secret Things Belong To Him And He Is Good (vv.16-17)16 When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one's eyes see sleep, 17 then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.
John 10:17-18
17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
1. He Is Able20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
2. In The Church21 to him be glory...in the church
3. In Christ Jesus21 to him be glory…in Christ Jesus
4. Throughout All Generations21 to him be glory…throughout all generations,
5. Forever And Ever21 to him be glory…forever and ever.
APPLICATIONS
What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.
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Is your life’s business to esteem God, having high thoughts of Him? – When you inwardly have strong affections toward God, constantly thinking what He would have you do and how He would have you live, then you are glorifying God. When you would constantly be meditating upon the being of God however feeble your thoughts may be then you are glorifying God. When you are outwardly acknowledging what God has revealed to be true and are living in light of that, then you are glorifying God.
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Do you have confidence in God when you go to Him in prayer? – He is the one who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, and hence all our confidence ought to be in God alone.
Exodus 20:1-2
1 And God spoke all these words, saying,2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
Why Does This Matter?
1. This matters because we have to know the character of God
2. This matters because of the relationship between the Law and the Gospel
3. This also matters because of our understanding of Justification and Sanctification
Principles For Right Understanding And Use Of The Ten Commandments by Ernest C. Reisinger
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The commandments must be understood according to the explanation that the prophets, Christ, and the apostles gave of them.
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The commandments are spiritual; therefore, they go to the heart and require internal obedience. They require more than outward conformity; they require inward affection. They forbid not only the acts of sin, but the desire and inclination to sin. The Tenth Commandment shows this.
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There is a positive and a negative side to each of the commandments. Where a sin is forbidden, a duty is commanded; where a duty is commanded, a sin is implied.
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Where a sin is forbidden, what leads to that sin is also forbidden.
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Our understanding of the commandments which deal with relationships between people must be governed by the commandments which deal with our relationship to God. If there seems to be a conflict, our duty to God personally must take precedence.
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It is essential to remember that the purpose of the commandments is our good as well as God's glory.
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Whatever is forbidden or commanded we are bound to try to prevent or see performed by others, according to our position in society and our relationship to them.
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What is forbidden is not to be done at any time, while what is required is always our duty, and especially so at particular times.
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The beginning and the end, as well as the sum of all the commandments, is love, which is the fulfilment of the law.
Chapter 24: Of the Civil MagistratePARAGRAPH 1God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, has ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this end has armed them with the power of the sword, for defence and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers.1
1 Rom. 13:1–4
Ecclesiastes 8:10-13
1. The Wicked Get Away With Evil (v.10)10 Then I saw the wicked buried. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. This also is vanity.
2. Evil Advances Because Justice Is Not Executed Swiftly (v.11)11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.
3. The Wicked Live For A Long Time (v.12)12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him.
4. It Will Not Be Well With The Wicked (v.13)13 But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God.
Ephesians 3:14-19
1. The Right Attitude And Motive Of Prayer (vv. 14-15)14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
2. Prayer For Divine Inner Strength (v. 16)16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
3. Prayer For Divine Indwelling Love (vv. 17-18)17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
4. Prayer For Divine Fullness (v. 19)19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
1. The Biblical Basis for Scriptural Singing
2. Why does the Bible place so much emphasis on singing?
3. Reasons Why We Sing
4. How to sing to the Lord.
5. Defects in worship
6. Evaluating your worship
Ecclesiastes 8:1-9
1. How wisdom looks? (V.1)1 Who is like the wise?
And who knows the interpretation of a thing?
A man's wisdom makes his face shine,
and the hardness of his face is changed.
2. What wisdom does? (VV. 2-9)2 I say: Keep the king's command, because of God's oath to him. 3 Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. 4 For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?” 5 Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way. 6 For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him. 7 For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? 8 No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. 9 All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt.
Psalms 51:10-12
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.11 Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Ephesians 3:11-13
THE ETERNAL PURPOSE OF GOD
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GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE TO MAKE HIS WISDOM KNOWN THROUGH THE CHURCH IS REALISED IN JESUS CHRIST (V.11)
11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, -
SINCE THE CHURCH IS AT THE CENTRE OF GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE, WE MUST PRAY (V.12).
12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. -
SINCE THE CHURCH IS AT THE CENTRE OF GOD’S ETERNAL PURPOSE, WE MUST NOT LOSE HEART IN TRIALS (V.13).
13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and VowsPARAGRAPH 5A vow, which is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone, is to be made and performed with all religious care and faithfulness;8 but popish monastical vows of perpetual single life,9 professed poverty,10 and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself.11
8 Ps. 76:11; Gen. 28:20–22
9 1 Cor. 7:2,9
10 Eph. 4:28
11 Matt. 19:1
Ecclesiastes 7:23-29
1. Realizing That Wisdom Is Limited (Verses 23-25).23 All this I have tested by wisdom. I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me. 24 That which has been is far off, and deep, very deep; who can find it out? 25 I turned my heart to know and to search out and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know the wickedness of folly and the foolishness that is madness.
2. Realizing That Sin Is Seductive And Destructive (Verse 26).26 And I find something more bitter than death: the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and whose hands are fetters. He who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is taken by her.
3. Realizing That Ultimate Meaning And Purpose Cannot Be Discovered Through Human Cleverness (Verses 27-28).27 Behold, this is what I found, says the Preacher, while adding one thing to another to find the scheme of things— 28 which my soul has sought repeatedly, but I have not found.
4. Realizing That There Are No Truly Righteous People In The World (Verse 28).28 …One man among a thousand I found, but a woman among all these I have not found.
5. Realizing That It Is Our Fault That The World Is Broken (Verse 29).29 See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.
Ephesians 3:7-10
1. The Calling Of The Ministry (V.7)
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
2. The Message Of The Ministry (V.8)
8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
3. The Ministry Of Illumination (V.9)
9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,
4. The Purpose Of The Ministry (V.10)
10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
A Practical Guide to worship: Corporate Prayer
1. Guidelines to Corporate prayer.
2. Practical benefits.
3. What to avoid in corporate prayer.
Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and VowsPARAGRAPH 3Whosoever takes an oath warranted by the word of God, ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he knows to be truth; for that by rash, false, and vain oaths, the Lord is provoked, and for them this land mourns.6
6 Lev. 19:12; Jer. 23:10
PARAGRAPH 4An oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words, without equivocation or mental reservation.7
7 Ps. 24:4
Ecclesiastes 7:15-22
1. This Wisdom Ensures That One Is Not Overly Righteous Or Overly Wicked.15 In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. 16 Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.
2. This Wisdom Ensures That One Is Painfully Aware Of His Sinfulness.19 Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.21 Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. 22 Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.
Psalms 51:7-9
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
Ephesians 3:2-6
The Revelation Of The Great Mystery
1. THE MYSTERY INTRODUCED (v.2-3)
2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
2. THE MYSTERY RECEIVED (v.4)
4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,
3. THE MYSTERY EXPLAINED (v.5-6)
5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Question 157: How is the Word of God to be read?
Answer: The Holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them; with a firm persuasion that they are the very Word of God, and that he only can enable us to understand them; with desire to know, believe, and obey the will of God revealed in them; with diligence, and attention to the matter and scope of them; with meditation, application, self-denial, and prayer.
1. Old Testament
2. New Testament
3. Church History
Practical Exhortations
Applications
Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and VowsPARAGRAPH 1A lawful oath is a part of religious worship, wherein the person swearing in truth, righteousness, and judgment, solemnly calls God to witness what he swears,1 and to judge him according to the truth or falseness thereof.2
1 Exod. 20:7; Deut. 10:20; Jer. 4:2
2 2 Chron. 6:22–23
PARAGRAPH 2The name of God only is that by which men ought to swear; and therein it is to be used, with all holy fear and reverence; therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadful name, or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful, and to be abhorred;3 yet as in matter of weight and moment, for confirmation of truth, and ending all strife, an oath is warranted by the word of God;4 so a lawful oath being imposed by lawful authority in such matters, ought to be taken.5
3 Matt. 5:34,37; James 5:12
4 Heb. 6:16; 2 Cor. 1:23
5 Neh. 13:25
Living Wisely Under The Sovereignty Of God: Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
1. Honour Is Better Than Luxury (Verse 1)1 A good name is better than precious ointment,
and the day of death than the day of birth.
2. Seriousness Is Better Than Being Trivial (Verses 2-6)2 It is better to go to the house of mourning
than to go to the house of feasting,
for this is the end of all mankind,
and the living will lay it to heart.3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.5 It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise
than to hear the song of fools.6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot,
so is the laughter of the fools;
this also is vanity.
3. Restraint Is Better Than Rashness (Verses 7-10)7 Surely oppression drives the wise into madness,
and a bribe corrupts the heart.8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,
and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.9 Be not quick in your spirit to become angry,
for anger lodges in the heart of fools.10 Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?”
For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
4. Wisdom Is Better Than Wealth (Verses 11-12)11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance,
an advantage to those who see the sun.12 For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money,
and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.
5. Submission Is Better Than Rebellion (Verses 13-14)13 Consider the work of God:
who can make straight what he has made crooked?14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.
Ephesians 3:1
1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—
PAUL: A Prisoner And Servant Of Jesus Christ
1. A prisoner of Jesus Christ
...Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus...
2. A servant of Jesus Christ...on behalf of you Gentiles—
A Practical Guide To Worship: How To Listen To A Sermon
- General Principles relating to hearing the Word of God
- List of Distractions
- Respectful considerations
- How do you listen to a sermon?
- Practical exhortations.
Ecclesiastes 6:1-12
1. Others can enjoy one’s prosperity (v.1-21 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: 2 a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil.
2. Prosperity does not go beyond death (v.3-6)3 If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with life's good things, and he also has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. 4 For it comes in vanity and goes in darkness, and in darkness its name is covered. 5 Moreover, it has not seen the sun or known anything, yet it finds rest rather than he. 6 Even though he should live a thousand years twice over, yet enjoy no good—do not all go to the one place?
3. Prosperity does not satisfy (v.7-9)7 All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied. 8 For what advantage has the wise man over the fool? And what does the poor man have who knows how to conduct himself before the living? 9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
4. God is Sovereign (v.10-12)10 Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he. 11 The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man? 12 For who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain life, which he passes like a shadow? For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun?
Ephesians 2:19-22
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
The church is the household of God;
1. In Its Incorporation Of Both Jew And Gentile, (Verse 19).19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
2. In Its Core/Foundation Being Christ, (Verse 20-21).20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
3. In Its Being Preserved By God In Christ, (Verse 22).22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day - Paragraph 8The sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering their common affairs aforehand, do not only observe a holy rest all day, from their own works, words and thoughts, about their worldly employment and recreations,30 but are also taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.31
30 Isa. 58:13; Neh. 13:15–22
31 Matt. 12:1–13
Psalms 1171 Praise the LORD, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!2 For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD!
1. The Lord's Summons To Praise1 Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!
2. The Reason For Praise2 For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!
Ephesians 2:17-1817 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
1. There Is Peace For All, All Without Distinction, (Verse 17).17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
2. This Peace Grants Access To The Father In One Spirit, (Verse 18).18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
1. Realizing that your faith will be strengthened when you abound in spiritual thoughts upon spiritual objects.
2. Realizing that your hope will be fuller when you abound in spiritual thoughts upon spiritual objects.
3. Realizing that you will be prepared for suffering when you abound in spiritual thoughts upon spiritual objects.
4. Realizing that you will be kept from fixing your mind on the things here below when you abound in spiritual thoughts upon spiritual objects.
Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day - Paragraph 7
As it is the law of nature, that in general a proportion of time, by God's appointment, be set apart for the worship of God, so by his Word, in a positive moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men, in all ages, he has particularly appointed one day in seven for a sabbath to be kept holy unto him,28 which from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ was the last day of the week, and from the resurrection of Christ was changed into the first day of the week, which is called the Lord's Day:29 and is to be continued to the end of the world as the Christian Sabbath, the observation of the last day of the week being abolished.
28 Exod. 20:8
29 1 Cor. 16:1–2; Acts 20:7; Rev. 1:10
Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
THE VANITY OF MATERIAL RICHES.
1. POLITICAL OPPRESSORS ABUSE POWER FOR MATERIAL RICHES (v.8-9)
2. THE FOLLY OF MATERIAL RICHES (V.10-12)
i) Material riches cannot bring lasting satisfaction (v.10)
ii) Material riches will complicate your life (v.11)
iii) Material riches may cost you sleep (v.12)
3. THE UNCERTAINTY OF MATERIAL RICHES (v.13-17)
i) You cannot keep it (v.13)
ii) Material riches can easily be lost (v.14)
iii) You cannot take it with you (V.15)
iv) The Application (v.16-17)
4. ONLY GOD CAN GIVE ENJOYMENT OF GIFTS (v.18-20)
i) Accept your lot (v.18)
ii) Accept your gift (v.19)
iii) Enjoy life (V.20)
Ephesians 2:14-16
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
1. He has broken down the wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile (verse 14).
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
2. By abolishing the law of commandments (verse 15).
15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,
3. He reconciles both Jew and Gentile to God (verse 16).
16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
1. Observe the special providential circumstances that you face and apply your mind unto thoughts about them.
2. Observe the special trials and temptations that you face and apply your mind unto thoughts about them.
3. Observe all things in religion, both in faith and practice and apply your mind unto thoughts about them.
Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day - Paragraph 6
Neither prayer nor any other part of religious worship, is now under the gospel, tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed; but God is to be worshipped everywhere in spirit and in truth;23 as in private families24 daily,25 and in secret each one by himself;26 so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly nor wilfully to be neglected or forsaken, when God by his word or providence calls thereunto.27
23 John 4:21; Mal. 1:11; 1 Tim. 2:8
24 Acts 10:2
25 Matt. 6:11; Ps. 55:17
26 Matt. 6:6
27 Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:42
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
1Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. 2Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words. 4 When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. 5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6 Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.
Psalms 51:3-6
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13
1. Remember What You Were (Verse 11-12).
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
2. Rejoice In What You Are (Verse 13).
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
1. Spiritual Thoughts Arising NaturallyFrom Us.
2. Having Our Minds FilledWith These Spiritual Thoughts.
3. Contentment From The EnjoymentThat We Get From Spiritual Things.
Ecclesiastes 4:4-16
Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.
6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun:8 one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice.14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor.15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king’s place.16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Philippians 2:9-11;
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1. God Has Highly Exalted Him (Verse 9).
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him
2. God Has Given Him The Name That Is Above Every Name (Verse 9).
9 ...and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
3. Because Jesus Is Lord; Because Jesus Is King, Every Knee Should Bow And Every Tongue Should Confess It (Verses 10-11).
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
1. The Fact Of His Birth (Verse 4).4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
2. The Purpose Of His Birth (Verse 5).5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
The goodness of God is seen
- in creation.
- in the variety of natural pleasures which He has provided for His creatures.
- in that when man transgressed the law of His Creator, God did not pour out His wrath all at once.
- in sending forth His Son.
APPLICATIONS
-
Praise the Lord for His goodness
-
Trust God more and more for His goodness
John 15:1-5
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
1. There Is An Inseparable Union Between Christ And His People
2. There Are True Christians And False Christians
3. There Are Evident Effects Of Abiding In Christ
Ephesians 2:4-7
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
1. God Has Rich Mercy And Great Love Toward Us In Christ (v. 4).
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,
2. God Has Made Us Alive, Raised Us Up And Seated Us With Christ (vv. 5-6).
5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ... 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
3. God Has Rich Grace And Kindness Toward Us In Christ (vv. 5 & 7).
5...by grace you have been saved... 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Malachi 3:6; 6 “For I the LORD do not change;...
James 1:17; 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
1. God is distinguished from His Creatures
2. Aspects of God's Immutability
- God is immutable in His Essence
- God is immutable in His Attributes
- God is immutable in His Counsel
3. Can Human beings be depended upon?
4. Where should we fix our feet?
Luke 7:11-17
Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.
Psalm 34:1-7
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
The Aseity Of God
Psalm 90:1-2
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Ecclesiastes 4:1-3
Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
Ephesians 4:1-3
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
The Deprived Condition of Man
- Man is Spiritually Dead in Sin
- Man is in Active Rebellion Against God
- Man is in Bondage to the World, the Flesh, and Satan
The Christian Worker
Pt 1: How Do You Find Your Vocation/Calling?
Pt 2: The Christian Worker in the Workplace.
Ecclesiastes 3:16-22
1. A Day Of Judgment Is Coming (Verses 16-17).
16 Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. 17 I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work.
2. Both Beast And Man Dies (Verses 18-21).
18 I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. 19 For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. 20 All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?
3. Enjoy Life (Verse 22).
22 So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?
Hebrews 3:1-6
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession,2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house.3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.4 (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.)5 Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later,6 but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
The text tells us to:
- Consider Jesus the High Priest
- Consider Jesus the Faithful
- Consider Jesus the Worthy one
Ephesians 1:20-23
- He Is Raised From the Dead (Verse 20).20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead
- He Is Seated At The Right Hand Of The Father In The Heavenly Placesand seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named,
- It Is In This Age And In The Age To Comenot only in this age but also in the one to come.
- All Things Are Under His Feet22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Application
- Look to Christ, depend on Him.
- Pray through Christ with new light and understanding
- Pray appropriately - Pray to the Father through Christ in the power in the of the Holy Spirit
The Holiness of God
- God is Separate
- God is Righteous
Applications
- Fear God
- Desire to be Like God
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
9 What gain has the worker from his toil?10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live;13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.
14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.15 That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.
Ephesians 1:18-19
1. The Meaning of Knowing God
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened,
2. We Are Blessed in Knowing The Hope of God's Calling
that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you,
3. We Are Blessed in Knowing The Glorious Riches of His Inheritance in The Saints
what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
4. We Are Blessed in Knowing The Surpassing Greatness of His Power
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
Biblical Work Ethic - Pt 2
- Work is The Primary Means God Provides For Us
- Since Work is Just, You Work So That You Can Receive Your Pay
- We Work Hard So That We Can Give More
God Must Be In The Picture: Ecclesiastes 2:12-26
1. Preeminence Cannot Satisfy (Verse 12-17)
12 So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly. For what can the man do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done. 13 Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness. 14 The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I perceived that the same event happens to all of them. 15 Then I said in my heart, “What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?” And I said in my heart that this also is vanity. 16 For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool! 17 So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind.
2. Hard Work Cannot Satisfy (Verse 18-23)18 I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, 19 and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. 20 So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, 21 because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22 What has a man from call the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? 23 For dall his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.
3. God Alone Can Satisfy (Verse 24-26)
24 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment3 in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, 25 for apart from him4 who can eat or who can have enjoyment? 26 For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Psalm 51:1-2
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
Ephesians 1:17
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,
- To Whom He Prays
- The Intention For Prayer
- The Ultimate Purpose For Prayer
Biblical Work Ethic - Pt 1
- Everything In Life Including Work Worship to God
- Every Work is a Calling from God
- We are to Live Out Our Calling for God's Glory and Honor
- A Sluggard: Warnings and Counsels
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity.1 2 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. 4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines,2 the delight of the sons of man.
9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Ephesians 1:15&16
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
Introductory Principles
God is the supreme worker
God Created man to be a worker
Work is a Creation Ordinance
It's a MORAL REQUIREMENT
Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
12 I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.13 And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
15 What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.
16 I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.”17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.
18 For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
Matthew 11: 28-30
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Ephesians 1:13 & 14
13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
To the Glory of GOD Alone - Soli Deo Gloria
Ephesians 2: 8&9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Romans 3:27
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.
Psalm 3:8
8 Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people!
Jonah 2:9
9 But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay.
Revelation 7:9&10
9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
1 Corinthians 10:31
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
- Vanity of vanities, says athe Preacher, cvanity of vanities! All is vanity. 3 What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? 4 A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. 5 The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. 6 The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. 7 All jstreams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. 8 All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 9 What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us. 11 There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after.
Scripture Alone - Sola Scriptura
- The authority of Scripture
- The interpretation of Scripture
- The Sufficient of Scripture
Ecclesiastes 1:1
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
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The Preacher
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The Words Of The Preacher
Application
- Be thoughtful
- Be humble
- Be thankful for life
- Be thankful for the resurrection
Ephesian 1:8-10
4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
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He Has Lavished Us With This Grace
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He Has Revealed to Us His Will Through This Grace
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He Unites All Things In Christ With This Grace
Salvation is By Christ Alone - Solus Christus
1. There is No Other Message to be Preached But Christ Crucified
1 Corinthians 1 :20-24
20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 2:1-2
1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
2. There is No Other Name By Which Men Ought to be Saved
Acts 4:12
12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
3. There is No Other Mediator
1 Timothy 2:5
5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
**2 Timothy 2:8-10
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
1. Remember the Glorious Resurrected Christ
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel,
2. Content that the Word of God is Not Imprisoned
9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!
3. Obtaining Salvation with Eternal Glory
10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Ephesians 1:7
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
- The Riches of Redemption
In him we have redemption through his blood,
- The Results of Redemption
...the forgiveness of our trespasses,
- The Cause of His Redemption
...according to the riches of his grace,
Romans 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Romans 3:20-30
20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
Galatians 2:15-16
15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
- Jesus Is The Way; No One Comes to The Father Expect Through Him
- Jesus Is The Truth; No One Comes to The Father Expect Through Him
- Jesus Is The Life; No One Comes to The Father Expect Through Him
- God Chose Us In Christ
- God Predestined Us Through Christ
- God Did This For His Glory
Application
- Always praise God for Christ
- Christians are God's children and thus they should be holy
- Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God
- How do you know that you're part of the elect? By believing in Christ Jesus
Grace Alone - Sola Gratia
Salvation is all by grace alone!
Application
- The basis of our assurance is that we understand that salvation is by grace alone.
- To reject sola gratia is to reject the only true Gospel.
- Praise the Lord for His grace in salvation.
John 11:25-27; 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
1. Jesus Is The Resurrection And The Life, (Verse 25).
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.
2. There Is Life For Those Who Believe In Him, (Verses 25 & 26).
25...Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.
3. Do You Believe This? (Verses 26 & 27).
26...Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
Matthew 1:21; 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
1. Jesus has His people
"...for He will save His people from their sins.”
Jesus has His sheep, everyone is not His sheep.
Jesus has His people, not every one is His. He comes to save those that are His, He comes to redeem those that belong to Him.
2. Jesus cares for His people
"...for He will save His people from their sins.”
He will save them, He must save them, He will accomplish redemption for them,
The implication here is that those who go to hell are not His because those that are His, He must save them, He will save them, He will do it.
And He cannot be defeated, can He? He cannot loose, can He?
3. Jesus deals with His people's greatest enemy
What did Jesus save you from? Accident? Hunger? Poverty? Sickness?
"...for He will save His people from their sins.”
Jesus saves His people from their greatest enemy. No one is able to stand against sin, no one is able to fight with it. The separation that is there between man and God can only be removed by Jesus Christ.
1. God Has Blessed Us
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
2. God Has Blessed Us In Christ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
3. We In Turn Bless God
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
6. The Ordinances
Acts 2:42, 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16
7. Church Discipline
Matthew 18:15; 1 Corinthians 5; Hebrews 12
8. True Worship
Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16; Acts 2:42; John 4:24
9. The Right Use Of The Lord's Day
Publicly - Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42
Privately - 2 Timothy 3:15; Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:7; Psalm 78:4
10. Biblical Giving
Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 16; 2 Corinthians 8 & 9
1. Jesus Is The Good Shepherd (Verses 11, 14 & 15)
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd...15...I lay down my life for the sheep.
2. Jesus Knows And Cares For His Sheep (Verses 12, 13, 14 & 15)
12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 ...I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father;...
3. Jesus Has Sheep From Everywhere (Verse 16)
16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
1. The Author (Verse 1)1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
2. The Audience (Verse 1)To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
3. The Acknowledgement (Verse 2)2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Faithful Teaching And Preaching Of God’s WordPsalms 119:130; 2 Timothy 3:14ff - 4:4
2. Pastoral CareHebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28
3. EvangelismMatthew 28:19-20; Acts 13
4. Confirmation Of Authentic FaithEphesians 4:17ff
5. FellowshipHebrews 3:13
John 10:7-10
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
- Jesus is the Door (vv. 7, 9)
- Watchout for the thieves and robbers (vv. 8, 10)
- Jesus grants abundant life (v. 10)
Applications
- Jesus alone should be trusted with all our hearts.
- Be careful not to put too much trust in the men of God/ pastors.
- Be on the look out for false teachers.
- Be encouraged that if you have Christ, you are safe, you have life.
As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. 33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), 34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 35 And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 36 Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. 37 And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”
38 Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
Psalm 19: A Psalm on Scriptural Sufficiency
- The Word Of God is sufficient to meet all our needs
- The Word Of God is trustworthy making us wise
- God's directive Word makes us joyful
- God's clear Word enables us to understand life
- God's instructive Word is always relevant - it endures forever
- God's Absolute Word is always right
Why Do We Want to Affirm Inerrancy Of Scripture?
- God cannot lie
- All the Words of God are true words without error.
Why Is Inerrancy Of Scripture Important?
- Accepting biblical inerrancy is a matter of submission of Christ lordship over our mind.
- Inerrancy touches on the character of God
John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
- Jesus Is the Light of the World
- Whoever Follows Jesus Does Not Walk in Darkness
- Whoever Follows Jesus Has the Light of Life
Application
- You're in darkness if you don't have Jesus.
- If you're a Christian, following Jesus Christ, you have His promise - You will have the light of life.
- If you're a Christian, following Jesus Christ, take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness instead, expose them.
- Jesus is the light of the world therefore, depend on Him
- Because Jesus is the light of the world, there is a necessity to proclaim it to the world.
2 Timothy 3:16
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2 Peter 1:20-21
20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
The Importance Of Scripture In Sanctification
- We Grow Through the Word of God
- We Are Sanctified Through the Word of God
- The Word of God Is Efficiently and Analytically Exposing Our Hearts
Luke 18:9-14
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
John 6:36
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
- Jesus Is the Bread of Life
- Come to the Bread of Life; You Will Never Hunger
- Believe in the Bread of Life; You Shall Never Thirst
Application
- Bread can only be taken by those who hunger. The blood by those who thirst.
- You need the life of God to live eternally
- You must come to Jesus Christ
- You must believe in Jesus Christ
Sin Is Against Man in the Life to Come
- Sin Produces Eternal Fear
- Sin Produces Eternal Death
- Sin Produces Eternal Sorrow
- Sin Produces Eternal Gloom
Application
- Hate sin completely - do all things possible to be rid of sin
- Beware of the subtle nature of sin - it appears to be lovely but IT'S NOT
- Have a heart for those who do not know Christ
Philippian 4:8-9
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. 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.
Practical Suggestions
- Read and re-read the scripture
- Learn to write scripture: In your meditations, write what stands out from the scripture
- Listen to scripture - audio bibles (click here)
- Memorize scripture
- Pray through scripture
- Behold the glory of God in scripture
John 8:58
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
1. Jesus is God
Application
- Do you depend on Jesus as he is, as God?
- Is Jesus the I AM to you?
- Believer be comforted, Jesus is God and the salvation you have obtained firm and secure.
- When proclaiming Jesus, proclaim him to the world as he is - As God.
Sin Is Against Man
- It Separates Man From God
- It Attacks Man's Very Existence
- It Denies Man The Comfort And Joys Of This Life
- It Attacks The Conscience
- It Twists The Good Gift Of God And Makes Us Idolators
Applications
- Consider this, sin attacks your very existence - run away from it.
- Think of sin and be driven to The Savior; to be submitted to Him and to be dependent on Him.
Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Mark 15:1-15
And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.
6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
The New Birth Is A Cleansing Birth (verse 5)
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
The New Birth Is Spiritual Birth (verse 6)
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit
The New Birth Is A Sovereign Birth (verse 7 & 8)
Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Application
- Ask Yourself, Have You Being Born Again?
- If You Are Not Committed To The Life Of Righteousness, How Sure Are You That You Are Born Again?
Sin Is Against God
- It Is Resistant Against The Authority Of God
- It Costed The Blood Of God - Jesus Christ
- It Grieves The Spirit of God
- It Is Ungrateful To The Goodness Of God
Application
- Fear God!
- Recalibrate The Way You Think About Sin
- Ask Yourself Whether You're Willing To Be Found Doing That Which God Hates
- Give Thanks To The Lord By Staying Away From Sin
- Always Be Looking To Jesus The Author And The Perfector Of Our Faith
Jonah 4: 6-11 God Shows Himself to Be Compassionate to Jonah (verse 6) Now the LORD God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. God Shows Himself to Be More Compassionate Than Jonah (verse 7-11) But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered.8 When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.”9 But God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the plant?” And he said, “Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.”10 And the LORD said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night.11 And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?”
The New Birth Is Necessary (Verse 1 & 2)
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”
The New Birth Is A Second Birth (Verse 3)
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
The New Birth Is Heavenly (Verse 4)
Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
The Nature Of Sin
- Sin Is Transgression Of The Law
- Sin Is Extremely Wicked
- Sin Is The Most Detestable Thing
Jonah Is Not Compassionate (Verse 1, 2a, 3, & 5)
But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry.2a And he prayed to the LORD and said, “O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish;
3 Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”
5 Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city.
Jonah Knows God Is Compassionate (Verse 2b, & 4)
2b For I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.
4 And the LORD said, “Do you do well to be angry?”
Application
- Be careful of remaining sin in you.
- Look at the mercy of God and rejoice.
- Thank God for the unanswered prayers.
- Success in ministry does not always mean that the man of God is right with God.
- Sinner, see how God is compassionate. Repent and turn to Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sin
We Are All Prone to Wander From The Truth (Verse 19a) My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and The Solution Determined (Verse 19b) someone brings him back The Salvation Desired (Verse 20) let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. Application
Pray for the wanderer Be willing to spend time with them Be gentle with them Be brave to point out the sin Be there for them
God Is The Supreme Authority
- God Appoints All Civil Authorities
- Civil Authorities Are Ministers Of God
- Christians Have A Basic Obligation to Obey The Governing Authorities. However, Our First Obligation Is To The Lord, Not The State
Jonah 3:5-10
1. True Repentance Will Believe God
(5a:And the people of Nineveh believed God.)
2. True Repentance Will Turn Away From Sin
(5b:They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.6 The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.7 And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water,8 but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.9 Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.”)
3. True Repentance Will Escape The Wrath Of God
(10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.)
Psalm 32: 1-2
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
James 5:16-18
1. Prayer Should Be Mutual
2. Prayer Must Come In The Right Purity
(V16a:Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.)
3. Prayer Must Come From A Righteous Person - A Saved Man
(V16b:The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.)
4. The Example Of Elijah
(V17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.)
Our Citizenship Is In Heaven
(1 Peter 2:9-11: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.11 Beloved, I urge you has sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.)
What Is Our Attitude Toward Our Country?
How Should We Love Our Country?
Warnings And Counsels
Acts 2:41-47
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.43 And awe4 came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Micah 5:2
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.
Song Of Solomon 1:1-4
The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine;3 your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you.4 Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers.
Luke 24:44
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
Context: Types Of Context
- Textual Context
- Canonical Context
- Systematic Context
- Historical Context
1 Corinthian 2: 10-13
These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.13 And we impart this tin words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
Luke 24:27
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
2 Timothy 2:1-13
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel,9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.11 The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
Acts 2: 41-47
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
2 Timothy 3:10-17
You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
The Word Of The Lord, Again (Verse 1)
Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying,
The Commission Of The Lord, Again (Verse 2)
“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.”
The Word And Commission Of The Lord Obeyed (Verses 3-4)
So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey in breadth. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”
When Suffering, Keep Praying
James 5:13
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.
When Cheerful, Keep On Praising
James 5:14-15
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
The Four Principles
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The Lordship Of Jesus Christ: All Things Should Be Done To The Glory Of God - Including Politics
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Christians Should Seek The Welfare Of The Nation (Jeremiah 29:1-14)
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Godly Influence: Biblical Examples Of Godly Influence On The Government
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Joseph
- Daniel
-
Mordecai
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The Christian Should Pray For The Elected Officials
Jonah 2
1. True Salvation Begins With Prayer (Verses 1-3).
1 Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish, 2 saying,
“I called out to the LORD, out of my distress,
and he answered me;
out of the belly of Sheol I cried,
and you heard my voice.
3 For you cast me into the deep,
into the heart of the seas,
and the flood surrounded me;
all your waves and your billows
passed over me.
2. True Salvation Desires Communion With God (Verses 4 & 7).
4 Then I said, ‘I am driven away
from your sight;
yet I shall again look
upon your holy temple.’
7 When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.
3. True Salvation Hopes In God (Verses 5, 6, & 8).
5 The waters closed in over me to take my life;
the deep surrounded me;
weeds were wrapped about my head
6 at the roots of the mountains.
I went down to the land
whose bars closed upon me forever;
yet you brought up my life from the pit,
O LORD my God.
8 Those who pay regard to vain idols
forsake their hope of steadfast love.
4. True Salvation Recognizes That Salvation Belongs To God (Verses 9-10).
9 But I with the voice of thanksgiving
will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay.
Salvation belongs to the LORD!”
10 And the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.
John 19:28-37
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. 31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”
James 5:12
12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
1. Believers should always tell the truth
But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath,...
2. Believers should always keep their word
...but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no,...
3. Integrity in speech is a mark of true Christianity
...so that you may not fall under condemnation.
Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Jonah 1:17
Friday Dead (17a)
17And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah.
Sunday Risen (17b)
And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
James 5:7-11
1. Believers Should Patiently Endure Under Trails Because The Lord Is Coming (V7,8)
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
2. Believers Should Not Complain Under Trials Because The Lord Will Judge Righteously (V9)
9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
3. Believers Should Not Despair Under Trials Because The Lord Is Faithful (V10-11)
10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
The FIVE Views On Politics:
- Government Should Compel Religion
- Government Should Exclude Religion
- All Government Is Evil And Demonic
- Do Evangelism, Not Politics
- Do Politics, Not Evangelism
Jonah 1:7-16
1. Every Decision Of The Lot Is From The Lord (V7)
And they said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, that we may know on whose account this evil has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.
2. Every Decision We Make Has Consequences (V8-13)
Then they said to him, “Tell us on whose account this evil has come upon us. What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?”9 And he said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.”10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid and said to him, “What is this that you have done!” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.
11 Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?” For the sea grew more and more tempestuous.12 He said to them, “Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great tempest has come upon you.”13 Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them.
3. Every Man Who Calls On The Name Of The Lord Will Be Saved (V12-16)
Therefore they called out to the LORD, “O LORD, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not on us innocent blood, for you, O LORD, have done as it pleased you.”15 So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging.16 Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows.
James 5:1-6
1. We Must Never Envy The Prosperity Of The Wicked (V1-3)
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten.3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.
Three Reasons Why We Should Never Envy The Prosperity Of The Wicked
- Because Their Misery Is Eternal (V1)
- Because Their Wealth Is Temporary (V2-3a)
- Their Judgement Is Sure (V3b)
2. God Will Right Every Wrong (V4-6)
Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of ethe Lord of hosts.5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and gin self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in ha day of slaughter.6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.
Errors To Avoid, That:
1. The Fourth Commandment Is Abolished
2. The Sabbath Was Only For The Israelites
3. We Are The Lords Of The Sabbath
4. The New Testament Says Nothing But Sunday Worship
5. It Is Not Written In Everyone's Conscience
Jonah 1:3-6
Jonah Fleeing (V3)
But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.
God's Hurling (V4)
But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea so that the ship threatened to break up.
Mariner's Fears (V5-6)
Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried out to his god. And they hurled the cargo that was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone down into the inner part of the ship and had lain down and was fast asleep. 6So the captain came and said to him, “What do you mean you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us, that we may not perish.”
James 4:13-17
Self Sovereignty puts me at the center of my universe (V13)
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—
Self Sovereignty fails to acknowledge human frailty (V14)
yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
Self Sovereignty fails to live in submission to God (V15)
Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
Self Sovereignty comes from pride (V16)
As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
Verse 17
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Jonah 1:1-2 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.”
Observe:
- The Word of the Lord
- The Commission of the Lord
James 4:11-12 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Observe:
- It disregards your fellow brethren. V11
- It undermines the Word of God. V11
- It disregards the only law giver - God. V12
- It reveals our proud self-perception. V12
Christ The Lord Of The Sabbath
Matthew 12:8: For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.
Mark 2:27-28: And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”
Change Of Day
John 20:1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
John 20:19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews,[a] Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
John 20:26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet.
James 4:1-10: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Creation Ordinance
Genesis 2:1-3: Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.
The Forth Commandment
Exodus 20:8-11:“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
James 4:1-6
1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
James 3:13-18
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Acts 2:23 This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
Acts 4:28 ...to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.
James 3:1-5a
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God, so far manifest themselves in His providence, that His determinate counsel extends itself even to the first fall, and all other sinful actions both of angels and men;11 and that not by a bare permission, which also He most wisely and powerfully binds, and otherwise orders and governs,12 in a manifold dispensation to His most holy ends;13 yet so, as the sinfulness of their acts proceeds only from the creatures, and not from God, who, being most holy and righteous, neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin.14
11 Rom. 11:32-34; 2 Sam. 24:1; 1 Chron. 21:1
12 2 Kings 19:28; Ps. 76:10
13 Gen. 1:20; Isa. 10:6-7, 12
14 Ps.1, Ps. 21; 1 John 2:16
James 2:14-26
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
A consideration of the Doctrine of Providence from the Scriptures.
God the good Creator of all things, in His infinite power and wisdom does uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures and things,1 from the greatest even to the least,2 by His most wise and holy providence, to the end for the which they were created, according unto His infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of His own will; to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, infinite goodness, and mercy.3
1 Heb. 1:3; Job 38:11; Isa. 46:10-11; Ps. 135:6
2 Matt. 10:29-31
3 Eph. 1:11
James 2:8-13
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
How doth Christ execute the office of king?
Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself (Acts 15:14, 15, 16), in ruling (Is. 33:22), and defending us (Is. 32:1, 2), and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies (1 Cor. 15:25; Ps. 110 throughout).
James 2:1-7
1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?
Christ executeth the office of priest in his once offering up himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice (Heb. 9:14, 28) and reconcile us to God (Heb. 2:17), and in making continual intercession for us (Heb.7:24, 25).
James 1:26-27
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
Christ executeth the office of prophet in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation (John 1:18; 1 Peter 1:10, 11, 12; John 15:15; and 20:31).
James 1:22-25.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
This is a teaching on the Person and Work of Christ, especially on Redemption.
Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?
The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 2:5, 6); who, being the eternal Son of God, became man (Jn. 1:14; Gal. 4:4), and so was and continueth to be God and man in two distinct natures, and one person for ever (Rom. 9:5; Lk. 1:35; Col. 2:9; Heb. 7:24, 25).
1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13:
12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
Hebrews 13:17:
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
1 Peter 5:1-4:
1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight,[a] not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;[b] not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Acts 20:28:
28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
James 1:19-21
19Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:16-18
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
James 1:13-15
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
James 1:12
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Exodus 20:8-11
8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
James 1:9-11
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
True Worshippers worship God in spirit and truth, True Worshipper worship God as He has prescribed in His Word.
John 4:24: 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
James 1:5-8
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
A continuation of the lesson on Church Discipline
Matthew 18:15-20
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
1 Peter 4:8
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Corinthians 11:17-32; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; Job 1 and 2; Genesis 3
1 Corinthians 11:17-34
17 But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.
23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31 But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.
33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.
1 Corinthians 5:1-5
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
James 1:2-4
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
1 Timothy 3:1-13
1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
James 1:1
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
Greetings.
Galatians 6:11-18
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.