Kuki-Chin- Zomi-Mizo Myanmar Version

https://www.scribd.com/doc/314558197/Kuki-Chin-Zomi-Mizo-Myanmar-Version

"IN GOD WE TRUST"

INTRODUCTION: For many years our currency has had the phrase "In
God We Trust." inscribed on one side. It is designed to demonstrate
that our country has placed it's trust in God to guide it through the
most difficult times in the past and hopefully, will in the future. "In
God We Trust" first appeared on U.S. coins after April 22, 1864, when
Congress passed an act authorizing the coinage of a 2-cent piece
bearing this motto. Thereafter, Congress extended its use to other
coins. On July 30, 1956, it became the national motto.
The Christian should have a special appreciation for this phrase. It
should be "In God We Trust" in every area of our life.
BODY
I. TRUST GOD TO FORGIVE.
A. God wants to forgive us.
1. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4- who desires all men to be saved and to come to
the knowledge of the truth."
2. 2 Peter 3:9- "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as
some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing
that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
B. God has provided a means for our forgiveness, the blood of Jesus.
1. Ephesians 1:7- "In Him we have redemption through His blood,
the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace"
2. Romans 3:24-26
3. Hebrews 7:25- "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost
those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make
intercession for them."
II. TRUST GOD TO KEEP US SAVED.

A. God has provided all we need to remain faithful.

1. 2 Peter 1:2-3 "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the
knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3- as His divine power has
given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the
knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,"
2. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17- that the man of God
may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
B. God has promised that we will not be tempted above our ability to
bear.
1. 1 Corinthians 10:13- "No temptation has overtaken you except
such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow
you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the
temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able
to bear it."
C. We can rest assured that God will be with us in the most difficult
of our problems if we only lean of Him.
1. You see, God cannot remove all the problems that we have in this
life. If he did He would take away the freedom of choice of mankind.
Christians are not promised escape from misfortune.
a. Job 14:1- ""Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of
trouble."
b. 2 Timothy 3:12- "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ
Jesus will suffer persecution."
2. But What God does is help us through the most difficult of our
problems to deliver us whole as Christians on the other
side of troubles.
a. John 16:33- ""These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you
may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of
good cheer, I have overcome the world.""
III. TRUST GOD TO KEEP HIS WORD ABOUT HEAVEN AND HELL.
A. God has promised Heaven to all His faithful.
1. John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God,
believe also in Me. 2- In My Father's house are many mansions; if it
were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

3- And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and
receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:1- "For we know that if our earthly house, this
tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
3. Colossians 1:5- "because of the hope which is laid up for you in
heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the
gospel,"
4. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 "For the Lord Himself will descend from
heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the
trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17- Then we
who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in
the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be
with the Lord."
B. But He has also promised that the lost will go to a Devil's Hell.
1. Matthew 13:41- "The Son of Man will send out His angels, and
they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those
who practice lawlessness, 42- and will cast them into the furnace of
fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
2. Matthew 18:8- "If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off
and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into
life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be
cast into the everlasting fire. 9- And if your eye causes you to sin,
pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life
with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."
3. Matthew 25:41- ""Then He will also say to those on the left hand,
'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for
the devil and his angels:"
4. Matthew 25:46- ""And these will go away into everlasting
punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.""
5. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 "and to give you who are troubled rest with
us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty
angels, 8- in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not
know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord

Jesus Christ. 9- These shall be punished with everlasting destruction

from the presence
of the Lord and from the glory of His power,"
6. You cannot believe in a Heaven and at the same time disbelieve
God when he talks about Hell.
IV. HOW CAN WE KNOW THAT WE CAN TRUST IN GOD TO KEEP HIS
PROMISES?
A. We can know because it is against the very nature of God to lie.
1. Titus 1:2- "in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie,
promised before time began,"
2. Hebrews 6:18- "that by two immutable things, in which it is
impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who
have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us."
3. Romans 3:4- "Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every
man a liar. As it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words,
And may overcome when You are judged.""
4. God simply does not have the capacity to lie because it is against
His very nature.
B. We can trust God because He has given us a revelation of His Will.
1. Acts 27:25- ""Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it
will be just as it was told me."
2. Paul believed God because He had given him a revelation of His
will.
3. Ephesians 3:3- "how that by revelation He made known to me the
mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4- by which, when you
read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
5- which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it
has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and
prophets:"
4. "Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so!"
C. We can trust God because we have record of a multitude of kept
promises.

1. Solomon: 1 Kings 8:56- "Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest
to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not
failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through
His servant Moses."
a. He brought the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage after
400 years, just like he said - Genesis 14:13 and
Acts 7:6.
b. He allowed His children to be in captivity to the Babylonians for
70 years, and then delivered them - Jeremiah
25:11-12 and Daniel 9:2.
2. He kept His promise concerning the birth of the Messiah in
Bethlehem - Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:1-6.
3. He kept His promise concerning the death and resurrection of
Jesus - Isaiah 53.
4. He kept His promise concerning the beginning the church in
Jerusalem - Isaiah 2:1ff and Acts 2.
5. He kept His promises concerning the fall of Babylon, Tyre and
Sidon, Egypt, Assyria, Rome, and the destruction of
Jerusalem. Not one promise was not kept!
6. 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 "For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was
preached among you by us; by me, Silvanus, and Timothy; was not
Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. 20- For all the promises of God in
Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."
CONCLUSION: Trust God to keep His Word! He will always be true
and faithful. He will be truthful to you when no one in the world will!

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

I recently conducted the funeral of Ruth Patterson, a dear sister in
Christ, she departed this life with a sure heavenly hope. I, along with

other preachers, have conducted many funerals for a variety of

people. Some have been relatively easy funeral because they were
for those who were prepared for their journey into eternity. Some
were difficult in that they were for those who left this life without
hope for eternity.

The Great Question

The great question that we must all ask ourselves is found in Acts
16:30, "what must I do to be saved?" This the question that the
Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas in depths of a Roman jail. In
order for us to be sure that we are pleasing to God when we leave
this life we have to ask this question. What must I do to be saved?

Why is it Important?
It is important because all have rebelled against God (Romans 3:23).
We will all be judged for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:10), and that the
wages of sins is death, or spiritual separation from sins (Romans
6:23). "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this
the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Since we have all sinned and we will
be held accountable for our those sins, then we must again ask the
question, "what must I do to be saved?"

No One Can Earn Their Salvation

No one can do enough good works to deserve salvation from God.
The Bible tells us that we are saved by the grace of God (Ephesians
2:7-9) and not by our own good works. Paul says that we are saved,
"not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according
to His mercy he saved us" (Titus 3:5). No one can live "good
enough" to be pleasing to God when we die.
Salvation - God's Part

God's has provided a part of our salvation that we could never

provide. Jesus came to this earth to pay the penalty for our sins.
Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 2:2). Isaiah, in
prophesying of Jesus declared, "But He was wounded for our
transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement
for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed"
(Isaiah 53:5). Jesus could make this sacrifice on the cross because
he was suffering for the sins of others, not his own sin (Hebrews
4:15).

Salvation - Man's Part

While we cannot do anything to deserve salvation, the Bible teaches
us that we must obey God's commands for us concerning salvation.
Concerning Jesus, the Hebrew writer tells us, "though He was a Son,
yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. and
having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to
all who obey Him" (Hebrews 5:8-9). We must "obey from the heart
that form of doctrine" (Romans 6:17).
What are the commands we are to obey? We are required to have
faith that Jesus is God's Son (John 8:24; Romans 10:9-10). We are
required to sorrow over and turn away from our sins - that's
repentance (Luke 13:3; Luke 24:47). We must confess our faith
before others - that's what the Bible calls confession (Romans 10:910; Acts 8:37). Finally, we must die to sin, being buried with Christ in
baptism (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21). When we come out of the waters
of baptism we start a new life (John 3:3-5; Romans 6:3-4). After our
baptism we are to remain faithful Christians all our lives and we will
inherit a crown of life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).
Are you prepared for death? Remember, some day a minister will be
preaching your funeral. Then, all that will matter will be whether you
die saved from your sins.

BLESSED BY THE FATHER

Ephesians 1:1-6

INTRODUCTION: Do you ever feel like you dont have any good things
happening in your life? Do you feel like everyone else gets all the breaks?
But we need to remember how Christians are abundantly blessed.
Today we begin a series on the book of Ephesians. Paul addresses the church
of Ephesus and declares the they have been blessed richly.
BODY
I. WE ARE BLESSED WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN CHRIST.
A. Christians have access to Every Spiritual Blessing.
1. Our blessings are not physical in nature. Christians are promised the
physical necessities, not great riches.
a. Matthew 6:33-34 ""But seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not
worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
2. Our blessings are spiritual in nature. Since our eternal nature is spiritual,
we would expect God to be most interested in it and that those things which
help us spiritually will tend to give us true satisfaction.
3. What are some of the great blessings that God has given to His children.
a. Ephesians 1:7 - the forgiveness of sins
b. Romans 8:28 - Gods providential care for us.
c. 1 John 3:22 - "And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we
keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight."
- The assurance that God hears and answers our prayers.
d. Romans 8:15 - "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear,
but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father.""
-The joy of having the heavenly Father to call our father.
B. Those blessings are "in Christ."
1. Such phrases as in Christ, and their equivalent, occur 164 times in the writings of Paul.
2. "In Christ" simply means in the body of Christ.
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
C. How do we get "into Christ?"

1. Galatians 3:27 - "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put
on Christ."
2. Romans 6:3-4 "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized
into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with
Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

II. WE HAVE BEEN CHOSEN "BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE

WORLD"
A. God chose us before the world began.
1. Before creation God had a plan for the salvation of mankind. This implied
that God knew before the creation of man that mankind would choose to sin
and depart from Gods way.
2. Revelation 13:8 - "All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose
names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the
foundation of the world."
3. 1 Corinthians 2:7 - "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the
hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,"
B. How are we chosen by God?
1. Calvinists claim that God chooses each Christian individually.
a. "By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and
angels are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others fore-ordained to
everlasting death. These angels and men, thus predestinated and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed; and their number is
so certain and definite that it cannot be either increased or decreased."
b. There can be no doubt that "Predestination" is taught in the New
Testament.
i. Romans 8:30 - "Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called;
whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He
also glorified."
2. But this doctrine directly contradicts the biblical principle that men and
women have a free-will to obey or disobey God.
a. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the
truth."

b. Revelation 22:17 - "And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him
who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let
him take the water of life freely."
3. God does predestine us.
a. God predestined all who obey the gospel to be saved.
b. The text here tells us. God chooses "us in him." God predestines that all
who accept the gospel and are "faithful unto death" will be saved. All those
outside of Christ are lost, based on their sin.
c. Ephesians 1:11 - "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being
predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according
to the counsel of His will,"

III. ALL CHRISTIANS "SHOULD BE HOLY AND WITHOUT BLAME

BEFORE HIM IN LOVE."
A. Because we are part of Gods elect, we have an obligation to live holy
lives.
1. This involves the putting off of the old man and the putting on of the new
man.
a. Ephesians 4:22-24 "that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the
old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be
renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which
was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."
2. 2 Corinthians 7:1 - "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us
cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God."
3. While we cannot be holy in the absolute sense, as God is, we can live
differently from the world.
a. Hebrews 12:14 - "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without
which no one will see the Lord:"
B. We are to live lives "without blame."
1. How can we live "without blame?" Can we live sinless as Christians?
a. 1 John 1:8 - "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us."
b. Matthew 5:48- ""Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in
heaven is perfect."
2. We are made perfect (sinless) by the blood of Christ.
a. Acts 22:16

3. We are continually sinless through the blood of Jesus.

a. 1 John 1:7 - "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have
fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses
us from all sin."
b. As we walk in the light we will continue to receive forgiveness. But this
also requires continued faithfulness and repentance of sins.

IV. IT IS NOT BECAUSE OF OUR OWN SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT WE

ARE SAVED, BUT IT IS "ACCORDING TO HIS GOOD PLEASURE."
A. We cannot be saved by our own efforts.
1. There is nothing we can do which can cause us to deserve salvation.
2. Titus 3:5 - "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration
and renewing of the Holy Spirit,"
3. Ephesians 2:7-9
B. It is according to Gods "good pleasure."
1. God did not depend on us. He did not need us. We rebelled against Him.
2. God conceived the plan, set it into place, sent His Son, allowed Him to
die.
3. Romans 5:8, 10 - "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us....For if when we were enemies
we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having
been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."

CONCLUSION: During the Depression, Charles Darrow could find no work.

Although he was broke and his wife was expecting a baby, he wasn't
discouraged. Every evening they played a game which he had devised.
Remembering happy vacations in nearby Atlantic City, he laid out his own
little boardwalk on a square piece of cardboard and pretended to be rich. On
his "properties" he put miniature houses and hotels he had carved out of
small pieces of wood. The game, called "Monopoly," was later marketed by
Parker Brothers and ultimately made Darrow a millionaire. Christians may not
have earthly wealth, but they have a wealth that should cause us to never
get discouraged. We have the wealth of our heavenly Father.

NTRODUCTION: Legendary Spanish artist Pablo Picasso was virtually unknown

when he painted his famous portrait of American writer Gertrude Stein in 1906.
Picasso gave the portrait to Miss Stein since, as the artist himself recalled with a
smile, at that time in his career "the difference between a gift and a sale was
negligible." Some years later, the portrait attracted the interest of millionaire art
collector Dr. Albert Barnes, who asked Miss Stein how much she had paid Picasso for
it. "Nothing," she replied. "Naturally, he gave it to me." Dr. Barnes was incredulous
that such a priceless work of art could have been a gift.
Isnt that the way it is about our salvation. It is priceless, yet has been given to us as a
gift.

BODY

I. WHAT WE WERE - WE WERE DEAD SPIRITUALLY (verses 1-3).

A. We were "dead in trespasses and sins"
1. We can be dead spiritually while still alive physically.
a. 1 Timothy 5:6 - But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives.
b. Revelation 3:1 - "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says
He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that
you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
c. It can also mean that those outside of Christ can be like "spiritual zombies" who are
dead but not even aware of their dead spiritual state.
2. We were cut off from God in our lost sinful state.
a. Isaiah 59:1 - Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His
ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 - But your iniquities have separated you from your
God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.
3. There is no true living outside of a relationship with God. We are cut off from that
which we desire, that which we need to make us truly happy, that which we need to
have true satisfaction for our souls.

4. This passage shows that a person is dead spiritually because of their sins, not the
sins of another.
a. Ezekiel 18:20 - "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the
father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall
be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
B. We "walked according to the course of this world."
1. Before becoming Christians we lived our lives according to the practices of the
world. We were influenced by the world, and followed its pattern.
2. To walk is to show a regular practice.
3. When we become Christians we walk a different pathway.
a. Ephesians 4:17-19
b. Ephesians 5:8-9 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Walk as children of light 9 - (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness,
righteousness, and truth)"
4. The world has come to be dominated by the power of the Devil. He controls the
world (the people of the world).
C. We "conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh fulfilling the desires of the flesh
and of the mind."
1. We lived responsive to our fleshly appetites.
2. Paul says that the Ephesian Christians fulfilled the desire of their flesh and also
developed a sinful mind.
3. Satan has always taken fleshly desires which were lawful when channeled in the
proper direction and turned them into sinful pursuits.
D. We "were by nature children of wrath."
1. "By nature" here does not mean that sinners are born that way, i.e. that it is a natural
condition. Literally means, "by long habitual practice."
II. WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR US - SAVED US FROM OUR SINS (verses 49).
A. God is "rich in His mercy" toward us.
1. Because of the serious nature of sin, how we have rebelled against God, how we
have sought to fulfill our sinful desires instead of seeking Him, Gods mercy is
especially shown.

2. This mercy, in light of how sinful we were outside of Christ (verses 1-3) and how
we have been saved from sin, shows how God extended mercy to us based on His
sovereignty, not what we deserve.
a. Romans 9:15 - For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have
mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion."
b. Titus 3:5 - not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His
mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy
Spirit,
c. Micah 7:18 - Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the
transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever,
Because He delights in mercy.
B. God loved us greatly.
1. Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were
still sinners, Christ died for us.
2. 1 John 4:9 - In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent
His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
3. John 3:16
C. The expression of Gods love for us is salvation by grace.
1. Grace - unmerited favor
2. Romans 3:24 - being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus,
3. Grace means that God provides salvation of a sinner without the sinner meriting
salvation.
D. While God has provided the means of grace (Jesus) man has a part in that salvation
- Faith.
1. Salvation by faith simply means accepting what God has told us to do concerning
salvation and obeying Him.
a. Matthew 7:21
b. Hebrews 5:8-9
2. What is the expression of that faith?

a. Verse 6 tells us. It is when we are "raised up together." That certainly is a reference
to baptism into Christ.
b. Romans 6:3-5
III. WHAT WE SHOULD DO FOR GOD - WORK FOR THE LORD (verse 10).
A. We are created for the purpose of good works.
1. Titus 2:14 - who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless
deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
B. God wants us to be active in good works.
1. Colossians 1:10 - that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being
fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
2. Titus 2:7 - in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine
showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,
3. Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works and glorify your Father in heaven.
C. We will be judged according to our works (continued obedience).
1. Romans 2:6-9
2. 2 Corinthians 5:10
CONCLUSION: A new product called "Disposable Guilt Bags" appeared in the
marketplace. It consisted of a set of ten ordinary brown bags on which were printed
the following instructions: "Place the bag securely over your mouth, take a deep
breath and blow all your guilt out, then dispose of the bag immediately." The wonder
of this is that the Associated Press reported that 2500 kits had been quickly sold at
$2.50 per kit. Would that we could dispose of our guilt so easily. There is nothing on
this earth powerful enough in itself to dispose of our guilt. We cannot fix ourselves,
which is what many of us are trying to do. That which makes it possible to be
forgiven, to be cleansed, to be healed, that which makes it possible for us to receive
our life back again, fresh and clean and new, is the power of God's Grace in the Cross
of Jesus Christ.
\

THE WALK OF UNITY

Ephesians 4:1-3
INTRODUCTION: Unity has been sadly illusive in the body of Christ,
and among all those who profess faith in Christ Jesus. Never have
those who acknowledge faith in Christ been so divided as today.
Many have gone to wild extremes concerning the quest for unity. Some will
simply declare that what we believe doesnt matter and simply "throw a
lasso around everyone who professes to believe in Christ. This ignores the
fact that the New Testament demands doctrinal purity. On the other hand,
many will demand that we "tow the line" on every matter of opinion, thus
making it impossible for two individuals to agree, much less all who seek to
follow Jesus.
Paul give a formula for unity in Ephesians chapter 4. The seven "ones" of this
chapter, when correctly understood, will allow us to unite "in Christ." Paul
begins the great chapter with three verses that describe his desire that they
maintain unity in the body.

BODY

I. A WORTHY WALK (A NEED TO MAINTAIN PERSONAL PURITY)

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the
calling with which you were called," (verse 1)
A. This walk is a continual, regular effort.
1. 1 John 1:7 - "If we walk in the light..." - from the Greek tense which mean
continual action in the present tense. Would literally mean, "If we continually
walk in the light..."
2. 1 Corinthians 15:31- "I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ
Jesus our Lord, I die daily."
B. What is the calling that we are called to walk in?
1. It is the calling of the Gospel that each Christian has yielded to in
becoming Christians.
2. 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14- "But we are bound to give thanks to God always
for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning
chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the

truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of
our Lord Jesus Christ."
3. 1 Corinthians 1:9- "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the
fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
C. How do we walk worthy of our Christian calling?
1. Paul is not saying that we can somehow walk so as to deserve the
blessings that God has given us in Christ. The Bible clearly states that we are
saved by the grace of God and not due to our righteousness. See 2:7-9.
2. We are to live in such a way as to have our lives consistent with the
teachings of the Gospel, as much as is humanly possible.
a. Philippians 1:27 - Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ,
so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs,
that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith
of the gospel,
3. There must be a difference in conduct between our previous life and our
life in Christ.
a. Ephesians 2:1-3
II. A HUMBLE WALK (A REQUIRED ATTITUDE TO MAINTAIN UNITY)
"with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one
another in love," (verse 2)
A. Notice the three adjectives used by Paul.
1. Lowliness - Literally, "humiliation of mind, i.e. modesty:--humbleness of
mind, humility (of mind)."
a. This seems to denote our attitude toward ourselves in relation to God.
2. Gentleness - It is synonymous with meekness (strength under control).
This is the attitude we have toward God. We submit our lives in obedience to
the precepts of God, even though we might desire to elevate ourselves.
4. Longsuffering - This carries with it the idea of patience, tolerance, and
forgiveness.
5. These are Divine characteristics.
a. Matthew 11:28 - "Come to Me, all you 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."

b. 2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count
slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish
but that all should come to repentance.
B. We are to "bear with one another in love."
1. Carries with it the idea of patience with each other frailties and faults. Not
winking at sin, but also not apply and haughty and vindictive attitude toward
others either.
2. 1 Peter 4:8 - And above all things have fervent love for one another, for
"love will cover a multitude of sins."
3. This kind of attitude of longsuffering is behind what our Lord had to say
concerning judging. While he did not condemn judging by the standard of
Gods word (See John 7:24), he did warn against judging by our own
standards, just the opposite of longsuffering.
a. Matthew 7:1-5
4. Colossians 3:13 - bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if
anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you
also must do.
III. A DILIGENT WALK (A NEED TO WORK AT MAINTAINING UNITY)
"endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (verse 3)
A. Unity is something that we must work at. It doesnt come about by
accident.
1. Endeavoring means, "to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or
earnest:--do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavor, labor, study."
2. Romans 14:19 - Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace
and the things by which one may edify another.
B. How do we keep the "unity of the Spirit?"
1. It is not being in lock step with every opinion. We are not mindless zombie
whose every action is controlled down to the tiniest detail. The New
Testament recognizes a group of personal beliefs that are to be held
personally.
a. Romans 14
2. The fact is that God has already given the means of unity. That is the force
behind "keeping the unity of the Spirit." What is that basis?
a. John 17:17 - "Sanctify ("set apart")them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
b. John 12:48 - "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that
which judges him; the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

c. 1 Corinthians 1:10 - Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no
divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same
mind and in the same judgment.
3. God has given us a means of unity, His inspired Word.
a. 1 Peter 4:11 - If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If
anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in
all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the
glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
CONCLUSION: Paul will proceed to give the great "Seven Ones" of unity
beginning in verse 4. But as with every great building he begins with a
foundation. Let us all maintain a worthy personal life, conduct ourselves
humbly before both God and our brethren, and let us seek to work at
maintaining the unity that the Holy Spirit has given to the people of God
through the Inspired Word.

"THE ONE BODY"

INTRODUCTION: There is much question in the religious world today
concerning the basis for unity among those who seek to follow
Christ. Some place man-made dogmas as the basis of unity. Some
simply say that love is the only basis of unity without any agreement
on essential doctrines. What is the bible answer?
Paul gives seven "Ones of unity" in Ephesians chapter four. When
properly interpreted these give the basis for unity for believers in
Jesus Christ.
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one
hope of your calling; 5- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 - one
God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you
all. (Ephesians 4:4-6)
Let's look at the first one on unity that Paul gives us, the one body.

BODY

I. PAUL TELLS US THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE BODY.

A. This is a different declaration that what many today would say.
1. Some will tell you that there are many bodies in existence
today that are pleasing to God.
2. Their attitude is "one church is as good as another"
B. This is not what the New Testament teaches us.
1. Romans 12:4-5 For as we have many members in one body, but
all the members do not have the same function, 5 - so we, being
many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one
another.
2. I Corinthians 12:12-14
3. While these passages teach that the body may have individual
members (Christians), they stress that there is only one body.
II. WHAT IS THE ONE BODY?
A. The New Testament teaches that the body is the CHURCH.
1. Ephesians 1:22 - And He put all things under His feet, and gave
Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 - which is His body,
the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
2. Colossians 1:18 - And He is the head of the body, the church, who
is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He
may have the preeminence.
3. Colossians 1:24 - I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up
in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of
His body, which is the church,
B. Therefore it is correct to say that there is one church.
1. This is true because if there is only one body (Ephesians 4:4), and
it is the church (Ephesians 1:22,23), then there must be only one
church.

2. This is supported by the fact that when the New Testament talks
about the church in the worldwide sense it always talks
about it in the singular.
a. Matthew 16:18-"...upon this rock I will build my church.."
b. Acts 2:47-"...And the Lord added to the church daily such as were
being saved."
c. Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also
loved the church and gave Himself for her,
d. 1 Timothy 3:15 - ....in the house of God, which is the church of the
living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

III. WE MUST BE MEMBERS OF THIS ONE BODY OF CHRIST IN

ORDER TO BE SAVED.
A. God wants all who believe in His Son to be united in one body.
1. 1 Corinthians 1:10 - Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that
there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined
together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
2. John 17:20, 21 - "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those
who will believe in Me through their word; 21 - that they all may be
one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be
one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."
3. God does not want anyone to be part of some counterfeit; that
only offers an easing of the conscience without true forgiveness
through Christ's blood.
B. Salvation is found only in Christ, His body.
1. Ephesians 1:7-"In whom we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
2. Romans 3:24 - being justified freely by His grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
3. 2 Timothy 2:10 - Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the
elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus
with eternal glory.

4. If redemption is through Christ's blood, forgiveness of sins,

redemption, and salvation is in the body of Christ, the church, then
one must be in the church that Jesus built in order to be in a right
relationship with God.
C. We are baptized into that one body, the church.
1. Romans 6:3, 4 - Or do you not know that as many of us as were
baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that
just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should walk in newness of life.
2. 1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit we were all baptized into
one body; whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free; and have
all been made to drink into one Spirit.
3. Galatians 3:27
4. Therefore, if one must be in the one body in order to be saved,
and one enters that one body through baptism, one must be
baptized in order to be saved.
D. We cannot be joined to another body and be pleasing to God.
1. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
2. 2 John 9-11
CONCLUSION: What may we conclude from these facts?
1. There is only one church, the one body of Christ.
2. A person must be a member of that one body in order to be
saved.
3. If he is outside of that body he is in a lost state.
4. He must be baptized into Christ in order to become a member of
that one body.
Are you a member of that one body that we read of in the new
testament? Have you been baptized into Christ based on your faith,
repentance, and confession of faith in the risen lord?

THE ONE HOPE

Ephesians 4:4
INTRODUCTION: It is sad when a doctor comes into the waiting room to tell the
anxious family of a desperately ill person that there is no hope! Hope is that
expectation, that desire that keeps people going in seemingly impossible situations.
But many today feel that there is no hope in their live for improvement of their
situations. Christians, however, have a real, lively, hope.
BODY
I. OUR HOPE IS DIFFERENT THAN WHAT MOST CONSIDER HOPE
A. Most feel today that hope is not assurance.
1. Webster-"To desire with expectation or with belief in the possibility of obtaining."
2. We might "hope" for a new suit or new car.
B. But Bible hope carries with it ASSURANCE, based on evidence, not a blind leap.
1. The definition of the Greek word for hope according to several respected Greek
scholars.
a. W. E. Vine- "a favorable and confident expectation." ( Vine's Expository
Dictionary of New Testament Words, age 572)
b. Joseph Thayer- "...joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation:" (Thayer
Greek English Lexicon, Page 205)
c. Hope is "...always the confident, sure expectation of divine saving actions.", New
International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, vol. 2, page 243)
2. New Testament hope, when speaking of spiritual things, in never some vague wish,
but is a sure expectation of the truth of the unseen.
a. 2 Timothy 1:12 - For this reason I also suffer these things;
nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed
and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to
Him until that Day.
b. Titus 1:1 - Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus
Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment
of the truth which accords with godliness,

c. Hebrews 3:6 - but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose
house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the
hope firm to the end.
d. 1 John 5:13 - These things I have written to you who believe in the
name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal
life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of
God.

II. THE CHRISTIAN'S ONE HOPE IS CENTERED IN JESUS CHRIST.

A. Our hope is a living hope.
1. Colossians 1:27 - To them God willed to make known what are the
riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is
Christ in you, the hope of glory.
2. 1 Peter 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again
to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead,
3. Our hope is not centered in a dead man, such as Buddha,
Mohammed, or Moses.
4. The old hymn we sing sums up this principle- "My hope is built on nothing less,
than Jesus' blood and righteousness."
B. Our hope is not in vain because of Christ's resurrection.
1. 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Many witnesses
2. I Corinthians 15:17-20

III. WE HAVE ABUNDANT HOPE IN CHRIST

A. Hope of salvation.
1. Colossians 1:5 - because of the hope which is laid up for you in
heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the
gospel,
2. Hebrews 6:18, 19 - that by two immutable things, in which it is
impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who

have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. 19 - This
hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and
which enters the Presence behind the veil,
B. We have hope of the resurrection of the Dead.
1. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
2. 1 John 3:2,3 - Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not
yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is
revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 - And
everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is
pure.
IV. ONLY DESPAIR WITHOUT THE CHRISTIAN HOPE.
A. All can have it if they submit to Christ
1. Matthew 11:28-30
2. Revelation 22:17 - And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears
say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water
of life freely.
B. The only lasting hope is found in Christ.
1. John 14:6
C. Outside of Christ is not hope!
1. Just like when the last lifeboat left the Titanic.
CONCLUSION: Is your hope for peace of mind in the life and everlasting life in
eternity founded on Jesus.

THE ONE SPIRIT

Ephesians 4:4
INTRODUCTION: We have been studying Pauls grounds for unity in
Ephesians 4 for the last two weeks. We taked about the fact that
there was only one body (the church) and the we could all be part of
that one body. Today we will talk about another unifying element for
the child of God, the one Spirit.
BODY

I. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT.

A. At the creation of the world
1. Genesis 1:2 - The earth was without form, and void; and darkness
was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over
the face of the waters.
a. The word "hovering" literally means, "to brood, flutter, move, or
shake."
b. This seems to suggest that the Spirit of God was active in bring
form and shape to the earth. This would include putting the
mountains, plains, valleys, rivers, etc. together instead of the earth
being a shapeless mass.
2. Job 26:13 - By His Spirit He adorned the heavens; His hand
pierced the fleeing serpent.
a. Job was likely declaring a truth known to those of Jobs day, that
the Spirit of God had a work in placing the heavenly bodies in the
sky. In other words, that the Spirit of God was active in putting the
universe together in an orderly and beautiful fashion.
B. In dealing with Gods people, the Spirit of God lead prophets and
inspired men to bring Gods Word.
1. Numbers 24:2 - And Balaam raised his eyes, and saw Israel
encamped according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon
him.
2. 2 Chronicles 24:20 - Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah
the son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood above the people, and said
to them, "Thus says God: 'Why do you transgress the
commandments of the LORD, so that you cannot prosper? Because
you have forsaken the LORD, He also has forsaken you.'"
3. 2 Peter 1:20, 21 - knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture
is of any private interpretation, 21 - for prophecy never came by the
will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the
Holy Spirit.

II. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT IN THE SCHEME OF

REDEMPTION.
A. There was a work that each of the persons of the God did in
placing the Scheme of Redemption (the Gospel) in place.
1. The Father conceived, planned and set in motion, the scheme of
redemption.
a. John 3:16
2. The Son willingly came to earth and offered himself as a sacrifice
for sins.
a. Philippians 2:5-8
B. The work of the Holy Spirit in the Scheme of Redemption.
1. It would be impossible for the apostles to remember everything
that Jesus taught them in the three years of his ministry. The Spirit
would remind them of those things that Jesus taught.
a. John 14:26 - "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will
send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your
remembrance all things that I said to you.
2. It would also be necessary for the Holy Spirit to teach Christs
apostles new truth that Jesus had not had opportunity to impart to
the concerning the Scheme of Redemption.
a. John 16:13 - "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He
will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own
authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you
things to come.
3. It would also be necessary to bring to remembrance truth for the
apostles and inspired men when they were being called to answer
before king, leaders, and rulers.
a. Luke 12:11, 12 - "Now when they bring you to the synagogues
and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what
you should answer, or what you should say. 12 - For the Holy Spirit
will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."
4. The Holy Spirit would work through spirit endowed preachers and
teachers comfirming their words with miracles.
a. Acts 1:8 - "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has
come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and
in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

b. Mark 16:20 - And they went out and preached everywhere, the
Lord working with them and confirming the word through the
accompanying signs. Amen.
5. The Spirit would guide the writers so that they would write
without error.
a. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
6. The Spirit would give various miraculous gifts to the Christians in
the first century in order to build up and perfect the church, and to
finalize a completed Word.
a. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
b. Ephesians 4:11-13
7. These miraculous gifts were to end at the completion of the
Inspired Word.
a. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
III. THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT FOR THE CHRISTIAN TODAY.
A. The Holy Spirit pricks the minds of alien sinners with the truth of
the Gospel.
1. Ephesians 6:17- "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
2. Acts 2:37 - Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,
and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren,
what shall we do?"
3. Acts 11:14 - 'who will tell you words by which you and all your
household will be saved.'
B. The Holy Spirit indwells the Christian.
1. Romans 8:9 - But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if
indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have
the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19 - Or do you not know that your body is the
temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God,
and you are not your own?
C. The Holy Spirit strengthens and empowers the Christian in his
daily life.

1. Ephesians 3:14-16
2. There is no doubt that the Holy Spirit strengthen and builds up
the Christian today. But the question has to be, how does he do
that?
3. The Holy Spirit works through a medium, the Word of God.
a. Ephesians 6:17 - And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
IV. THE ONE SPIRIT SERVES AS THE BASIS OF UNITY.
A. The Holy Spirit has provided a means of unity.
1. It is the Spirits Word that can bring unity. This is the only basis.
Our personal feelings and opinions cannot bring about unity of all
who believe in Christ.
2. James 1:21 - Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of
wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which
is able to save your souls.
3. John 10:10
B. This is what is meant by Paul introductory statement about the
"unity of the Spirit."
1. All Christian are those who have been born again and receive the
Holy Spirit (John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38).
2. He has the Spirit indwell him.
3. He follows His words.
4. He is united with all other Christians who have obeyed the words
of the Spirit and follow them faithfully.
CONCLUSION: Bobby Liddell, faithful gospel preacher, as said, "If we
walk according to the Spirits direction, we will have unity with
others who so do and with the Godhead." Let us obey what the Spirit
says concerning becoming Christians and follow what the Spirit says
about living and the church

FOUR THINGS GOD DOES NOT KNOW!

INTRODUCTION: One of the characteristics of God is His
omniscience, i.e. that He is all knowing! But did you know that there
were some things God did not know?
BODY
I. GOD DOES NOT KNOW ONE SIN THAT HE DOES NOT HATE.
A. The Psalms describes God's attitude toward sin.
1. Psalms 5:4-6 "For You are not a God who takes pleasure in
wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. 5- The boastful shall not
stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. 6- You shall
destroy those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the
bloodthirsty and deceitful man."
2. Psalms 45:7- "You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness
more than Your companions."
3. Proverbs 6:16-19
B. God hates even the "small sins" that we sometimes think are
trivial.
1. Zechariah 8:17- "Let none of you think evil in your heart against
your neighbor; And do not love a false oath. For all these are things
that I hate,' Says the LORD.""
C. What attitude, then, should we take toward sin?
1. Psalms 119:104, 128- "Through Your precepts I get
understanding; Therefore I hate every false way....Therefore all Your
precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every
false way."
2. Romans 12:9- "Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil.
Cling to what is good."
3. Psalms 101:3- "I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate
the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me."

4. Proverbs 8:13- "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and
arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate."
5. 1 Corinthians 13:6- "(love) does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices
in the truth;"
II. GOD DOES NOT KNOW EVEN ONE SINNER THAT HE DOES NOT
LOVE.
A. As intensely as God hates sin, He just as intensely loves those
sinners who have rebelled against Him.
1. Ezekiel 33:11- ""Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I
have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked
turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why
should you die, O house of Israel?'"
2. John 3:16
B. God wants all those who have departed from His way to return
and be saved!
1. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of
God our Savior, 4- who desires all men to be saved and to come to
the knowledge of the truth."
2. 2 Peter 3:9, 15- "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as
some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing
that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 15and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; as also
our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has
written to you,"
C. A couple word pictures of the love of God.
1. The Shepherd and the sheep- Luke 15:4-7
2. The Loving Father- Luke 15:20-24
D. This is why God sent His Son, to provide a means for salvation
from sins.
1. Romans 5:8- "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in
that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
2. 1 John 4:10- "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He
loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

III. GOD DOES NOT KNOW ANY METHOD, OTHER THAN THE GOSPEL,
THAT WILL SAVE.
A. The Gospel is God's means of salvation for all mankind.
1. Romans 1:16- "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it
is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the
Jew first and also for the Greek."
B. It is through that gospel that God provides salvation from sins and
a relationship with Him, in the church.
1. Ephesians 1:3-10, 20-23.
C. It is that method of salvation, the Gospel system, that we must
remain loyal to, not depart from, and not change and modify!
1. Galatians 1:6-9
IV. GOD DOES NOT KNOW ANY BETTER TIME THAN NOW FOR YOU TO
SUBMIT TO THE
GOSPEL.
A. God has only promised one opportunity for salvation - TODAY!
1. 2 Corinthians 6:2- "For He says: "In an acceptable time I have
heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold,
now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
2. James 4:14- "whereas you do not know what will happen
tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a
little time and then vanishes away."
B. Christians must not get complacent about their salvation. We
must work and be faithful TODAY!
1. Romans 13:11-14 "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is
high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than
when we first believed. 12- The night is far spent, the day is at hand.
Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the
armor of light. 13- Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry
and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
14- But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the
flesh, to fulfill its lusts."
2. John 9:4- ""I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is
day; the night is coming when no one can work."
CONCLUSION: If you are a sinner you need to realize that God hates
your sinful ways but loves you so much that He sent His son to die

for you. Only today is promised so that you may respond to the
Gospel plan of redemption. Why not listen to Ananias as he says to
Saul: "'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and
wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'" (Acts 22:16).
Special thanks to Jim Sasser for the original sermon.

WHAT ABOUT TOBACCO?

INTRODUCTION: Much has been said and written on tobacco.
Occasionally, you have a Christian defend it's use.
I will tell you up-front that I do not believe that a Christian should
use either of these substances. I believe them harmful to us
physically, morally, and eternally.
I. LET'S REVIEW AGAIN SOME PRINCIPLES THAT WE USE WHEN
MAKING MORAL JUDGEMENTS.
A. The Bible gives us the answers to all of today's questions.
B. Our bodies belong to God, therefore, anything that would defile
them would be wrong.
C. God made us, therefore, He knows better what is good and right
for our bodies than ourselves.
D. Human life is sacred. Therefore, the murder of innocent life is an
abomination in God's sight.
E. Anything that would cause another honest brother to stumble is
wrong.
II. SHOULD A CHRISTIAN USE TOBACCO?
A. The primary ingredient in tobacco is a poison.
1. Nicotine is one of the most deadly poisons available.
2. It's toxicity is comparable to that of cyanide.

3. The only reason why it is not more deadly is that is diluted on

tobacco products and that much of it is excreted in the
urine.
4. Nicotine has been a traditional ingredient in animal repellants and
insecticides, until costs became prohibitive.
B. Three important ingredients found in cigarette smoke.
1. Nicotine
2. Carbon monoxide - the same stuff that can kill people as
emissions from automobiles.
3. Cancer causing carcinogens.
4. The fact is that every time a person ingests tobacco products
he/she is taking poison into their system.
C. Some reasons why a Christian should not take tobacco products.
(Much of this was taken from the excellent tract by A. G. Hobbs,
What About Tobacco?
1. Tobacco users stand self-convicted.
a. I have never seen a long time tobacco user recommend that a
non-user start. On the contrary, all I have talked to
have urged young people to never take up the habit. If it is such a
good thing, why don't smokers recommend its use? Most will admit,
"It's a bad and nasty habit."
b. Many will become angry when the subject is discussed. If a
Christian can defend it as good and wholesome, why get so angry
and defensive about it.
2. It is a questionable practice.
a. Even among those who will not admit that it is sinful would admit
that they have some questions about it's use.
b. Romans 14:14, 23- "I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus
that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who
considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean....But he who
doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith;
for whatever is not from faith is sin."

3. It's use enslaves the user.

a. It is obvious that the use of tobacco tends to be addictive. How
often have you seen smokers, etc. who have tried to
quit and have all kinds of problems "kicking the habit."
b. It tends to control the tobacco users actions. From getting out of
bed to getting back into bed the tobacco user
is controlled by tobacco.
c. What the New Testament says about enslavement?
2 Peter 2:19- "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are
slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also
he is brought into bondage."
1 Corinthians 6:12- "All things are lawful for me, but all things are
not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought
under the power of any."
4. It is destructive to the body of the Christian.
a. Can there be little doubt that tobacco products are damaging to
the human body? Check again the ingredients of
tobacco: Carbon Monoxide, Nicotine, and Cancer causing
carcinogens.
b. There is abundant evidence to show that smokers have far more
chance of getting sick than non-smokers. For
example, smokers suffer 70 % more heart attacks than nonsmokers.
c. What does the New Testament say about damaging the human
body?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Or do you not know that your body is the
temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God,
and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore
glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
2 Corinthians 7:1- "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us
cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God."

5. It hurts the influence of the Christian.

a. Many non-Christians are turned off by a Christian who smokes.
b. Most Christians understand this. Many who smoke will attempt to
hide that they do so when in the presence of other
Christians.
c. Those who use tobacco certainly do not help the influence of the
church, and often hurt it.
d. What the Bible says about influence.
Matthew 5:16
1 Peter 5:3
1 Timothy 4:12
III. SOME ARGUMENTS ADVANCED IN DEFENSE OF SMOKING AND
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS.
A. Some arguements that Christians sometimes advance.
1. "The Bible doesn't say not to smoke, chew, etc."
a. This is a useless arguement. While it is true that the Bible doesn't
specifically say something about tobacco, there
are principles that would guide us in determine whether it is right to
use it.
b. Such could just as easily be said about heroin consumption,
eating rat poison, euthenasia, etc.
2. "The Bible says that it is not what goes into a man that defiles
him, but what comes out."
a. This is a gross misinterpretation of Matthew 15:18. Jesus is
speaking of the outward washing of hands. His disciples had been
accused of not being righteous because they did not carry on the
pharisical custom of washing hands before eating. He demonstrates

that eating foods prior to washing doesn't make one holy or unholy,
it is what is inside of you.
b. Would some drunkenness, cocaine use, or sexual immorality be
ok, since it was not on the inside?
3. "I knew _________. He/She lived into their eighties and used
tobacco every day of their lives. Tobacco didn't kill them."
a. This doesn't prove anything either. The fact is that every study,
even though sponsored by the tobacco industry,
has found that those who use tobacco significantly reduce their life
expentancy.
b. Someone may happen to beat the odds and live to an old age. Do
you want to gamble with sickness, radiation and
chemotherapy, and an agonizing death?
4. "I like it, and it doesn't seem to be hurting me."
a. Personal likes and dislikes do not change whether something is
wrong.
b. But most tobacco users, who have been using it any length of
time, admit that they would like to quit. If it is so
great, why do they want to quit?
5. "Overeating is bad for you too"
a. There is little doubt that many in the church do overeat and have
a weight problem.
b. This can happen for various reasons.
c. But just because many preachers, elders, deacons, and other
member of the church have a weight problem doesn't change the
truth about tobacco.
6 "It's none of your business"
a. This is the final resort of a person who cannot argue his case
successfully.

b. Brethren, the fact is that they Bible does tell us that we should be
concerned about others. See Galatians 6:1 and James 5:19-20.
B. Some final thoughts.
1. This writer does not know how hard it is to quit tobacco. However,
many Christians have told me that it is about the
hardest thing in the world to do. If it is like taming hunger for food, it
is surely difficult.
2. We should have compassion on those who smoke, chew, etc. We
should any help we can in helping them quit. We should never be
haughty and rude toward those who are weaker.
3. If you smoke, chew, etc. seek the Lord's help in prayer, seek help
from other Christians, and do whatever it takes to quit.
CONCLUSION: William Talman was the actor who played District
Attorney Burger on the famous Perry Mason television series. He
made a commercial for the American Cancer Society shortly before
his death. On it he told
how he smoked and how he was "in a battle I can't afford to lose." At
the end he said, "If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke,
stop." Don't be a loser. As the screen faded, the message was
flashed on the screen that Mr Talman died of lung cancer shortly
after the making of this commercial.

JESUS, FRIEND OF SINNERS

John 15:13-17
INTRODUCTION: "Friendship is the only cement that will hold the
world together." Wouldn't life be miserable without friends. Everyone
wants to think that they have at least one friend. Abraham Lincoln
said, "The better part of one's life consists of his friendships."
Why are friends so important? A friend is one who is your ally in
trouble. He is one to whom you can tell your troubles and deepest
secrets, without fear of having them revealed. He is one who like

you because you are you, and not for what he can get from you.
"Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you"
(Elbert Hubard)
With these facts in mind it is perfectly appropriate to think of Jesus
as our best friend.
BODY
I. JESUS WAS A FRIEND TO ALL WHILE ON THE EARTH.
A. Jesus was a friend to Children.
1. Matthew 19:13-15 "Then little children were brought to Him that
He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked
them. 14- But Jesus said, =91Let the little children come to Me, and
do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' 15- And
He laid His hands on them and departed from there."
2. Used little children as examples of the attitudes necessary for
adults to enter the kingdom.
a. Matthew 18:1-4
B. Jesus was a friend to the Poor.
1. A proof of his messiahship
a. Matthew 11:1-5
2. Emptied himself and became poor in order to save the poor.
a. 2 Corinthians 8:9 - "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor,
that you through His poverty might become rich."
C. Jesus was a friend to the Sick.
1. Even when he wanted to rest himself he still found time for the
sick.
a. Matthew 14:13-14 "When Jesus heard it, He departed from there
by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes
heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14 - "And when
Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with
compassion for them, and healed their sick."
D. Jesus was a friend to All Races.
1. John 4:4-42

2. He wanted to good news about him to be preached to all.

a. Matthew 28:19 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all the
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit,"
3. Acts 15:9 - "and made no distinction between us and them,
purifying their hearts by faith."
II. IN A VERY SPECIAL WAY JESUS IS A FRIEND TO SINNERS.
A. Jesus laid down his life for Sinners.
1. Romans 5:6-8 "For when we were still without strength, in due
time Christ died for the ungodly. 7- For scarcely for a righteous man
will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare
to die. 8- But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
2. John 1:29 - "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and
said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the
world!"
3. 1 Peter 1:18-19 "knowing that you were not redeemed with
corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct
received by tradition from your fathers, 19- but with the precious
blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."
B. This was the good news that was Preached to Lost Sinners.
1. Acts 2:38
2. Acts 13:38 - "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that
through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
3. Romans 1:16
C. This makes Jesus a friend to all of us, since We are all Sinners.
1. Romans 3:9-12 "What then? Are we better than they? Not at all.
For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are
all under sin. 10- As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not

one; 11- There is none who understands; There is none who seeks
after God. 12- They have all turned aside; They have together
become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one."
2. Romans 3:23 - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
God,"
3. Isaiah 64:6 - "But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our
righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our
iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away."
4. Jesus loves us all. He is touched with our weaknesses (Hebrews
4:15).
III. JESUS CALLS ON US TO BE HIS FRIENDS.
A. How did he show his friendship?
1. John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down
one's life for his friends.
B. Jesus calls all men to be his friends.
1. Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to Me, all you 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."
2. Mark 16:15-16 and Matthew 28:18-20
a. "Every Creature" and "All Nations."
3. 1 Timothy 2:4 - who desires all men to be saved and to come to
the knowledge of the truth.
C. How do we become the friends of Jesus?
1. John 15:14 - "You are My friends if you do whatever I command
you.
2. Matthew 7:21- "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall
enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father
in heaven. 22- Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we
not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and
done many wonders in Your name?' 23- And then I will declare to
them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice
lawlessness!'"

D. What does Jesus call on us to do to be our friends?

1. We must believe that he is the Messiah.
a. John 8:24 - "Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins;
for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."
2. Repent (turn away from) our sins.
a. Luke 13:3-5
3. Confess the name of Christ.
a. Matthew 10:32
4. Be baptized into Christ
a. Acts 2:38, 22:16
CONCLUSION: Jesus was a "people-person" when He walked among
us. He was "the friend of tax collectors and sinners" (Luke 7:34). He
befriended the alienated, morally down and out people of His day.
Will Rogers said, "In ever met a person I didn't like," but Jesus' life
says, "I never met a sinner I didn't want to befriend." Jesus loved the
sinner but hated the sin. He treated people he came in contact with
as individuals of great worth . He looks at you and sees what you
can become, not what you are. He holds out his hand and says,
"Come, accept my friendship and be my friends."

WHAT GOD WANTS FROM YOU

Micah 6:6-8
INTRODUCTION: Apparently, people have always needed to know
what God wants from them. It's true that He has revealed what He
wants ... and expects. But people have attempted life on their own
terms, and what God wants of them gets "lost" in the darkness of
human wisdom and striving. Then comes another reminder
(sometimes in a deafening or dreadful way) of what God wants of
us. My purpose this morning is simple: I want to think about this
matter of what God wants from us.
BODY
I. HE WANTS OUR ATTENTION.

A. People forget God!

1. Deuteronomy 8:11-14,17 - ""Beware that you do not forget the
LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments,
and His statutes which I command you today, {12} "lest; when you
have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in
them; {13} "and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your
silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is
multiplied; {14} "when your heart is lifted up, and you forget
the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from
the house of bondage....then you say in your heart, 'My power and
the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.'"
2. Psalms 50:22- ""Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear
you in pieces, And there be none to deliver:"
3. Perhaps they remember His name, His existence: but in practice
in fact they forget Him. Deuteronomy 8:11- ""Beware that you do
not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments,
His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today,"
B. Listen to God!
1. Matthew 4:4- "But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall
not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the
mouth of God.'""
a. this verse comes out of great human need ... such need as can
cause one to "forget" God.
2. Matthew 17:5- "While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud
overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud,
saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear
Him!""
II. HE WANTS OUR LOVE
A. That fact has always amazed me
1. Why would omnipotent God want a puny human's love?
2. I'm not alone in my amazement!
a. Psalms 8:3-5- "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your
fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, {4} What

is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit
him? {5} For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And
You have crowned him with glory and honor."
B. He wants our undivided, unreserved love!
1. Deuteronomy 6:5- ""You shall love the LORD your God with all
your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."
2. Matthew 22:37- "Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the LORD your
God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'"
III. HE WANTS OUR OBEDIENCE
A. Certainly, the obedience grows naturally from our love.
1. an important point of understanding
a. Psalms 51:16-19- "For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would
give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. {17} The sacrifices of
God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart; These, O God,
You will not despise. {18} Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion;
Build the walls of Jerusalem. {19} Then You shall be pleased with
the sacrifices of
righteousness, With burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then
they shall offer bulls on Your altar."
2. Love is the underpinning for obedience.
a. Mark 12:33- ""And to love Him with all the heart, with all the
understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to
love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt
offerings and sacrifices.""
3. Did God command sacrifices and offerings?
a. Absolutely! but obedience with our heart, willingness,
understanding was not the obedience He wanted.
b. Obedience without conviction, commitment, concurrence is cold
"ceremony" ...
c. Romans 6:17- "But God be thanked that though you were slaves
of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which
you were delivered."
B. So, God wants your ...
1. John 3:16 belief in Christ
2. 2 Peter 3:9 repentance of sin

3. Colossians 2:12 burial with Christ in baptism

4. Are these "things" expressions of love for God? I can only answer
with scripture.
a. 1 John 5:3- "For this is the love of God, that we keep His
commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome."
IV. HE WANTS YOUR LIFE
A. God should control our lives.
1. Galatians 2:20- ""I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I
who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the
flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
Himself for me."
2. Colossians 3:1-4- "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those
things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of
God. {2} Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
{3} For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. {4}
When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with
Him in glory."
3. God does not want an on again, off again, relationship.
4. God does not want a sort of wise warm (nominal) relationship ...
He wants all of you.
B. The practical expression of this?
1. Romans 6:22- "But now having been set free from sin, and having
become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end,
everlasting life."
2. Ephesians 4:22-24- "that you put off, concerning your former
conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful
lusts, {23} and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, {24} and that
you put on the new man which was created according to God, in
true righteousness and holiness."
3. Philippians 3:13-14- "Brethren, I do not count myself to have
apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are

behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, {14} I
press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in
Christ Jesus."
V. HE WANTS YOUR "COMPANY"
A. Surrounded by angels, He wants you there with Him
1. Once again, I find a certain amazement in this.
2. But the testimony of scripture supports.
B. Look at what God has for us.
1. John 14:1-2
2. Psalms 116:15- "Precious in the sight of the LORD
Is the death of His saints."
3. Note, though, this homecoming is for people who have responded
to what God wants from them!
a. Revelation 14:12-13- "Here is the patience of the saints; here are
those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
{13} Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write:
'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says
the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works
follow them.""
CONCLUSION: My purpose in these thoughts is simple. And the
thoughts are simple enough for all of us to understand. What I really
hope, though, is that we will grasp these thoughts as ours ... and act
on them.

DO THE RIGHT THING, NO MATTER WHAT

INTRODUCTION: If I asked each on of you the question, "Do you

want to do what is right?," I am sure all of you would say "yes." But
do we really want to do right all time?
BODY
I. DO RIGHT EVEN WHEN "EVERYBODY'S DOING IT."
A. Two examples
1. 1 Peter 3:20- "who formerly were disobedient, when once the
Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was
being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved
through water."
a. Noah served God, even when everybody else in his generation
was wicked.
2. Shadrach, Neshach, and Abednego.
a. Daniel chapter three
B. Bible warns against following the crowd.
1. Exodus 23:2- ""You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall
you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert
justice."
2. Matthew 7:13-14- ""Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate
and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many
who go in by it. {14} "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the
way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
II. DO RIGHT EVEN WHEN YOU COULD GAIN MATERIALLY FROM SIN.
A. Look at Moses gave up.
1. Hebrews 11:24-26- "By faith Moses, when he became of age,
refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, {25} choosing
rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the
passing pleasures of sin, {26} steeming the reproach of Christ
greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the
reward."
B. Some couldn't give up wealth to serve God in the New Testament.
1. Matthew 19:22- "But when the young man heard that saying, he
went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."

2. 2 Timothy 4:10- "for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this
present world, and has departed for Thessalonica; Crescens for
Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia."
C. But there were some who gave up much for the cause of Christ.
1. Acts 19:19-20- "Also, many of those who had practiced magic
brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all.
And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand
pieces of silver. {20} So the word of the Lord grew mightily and
prevailed."
III. DO RIGHT EVEN WHEN NO ONE WILL KNOW.
A. Consider Joseph.
1. Genesis 39:7-20 Potiphar's wife
2. Her husband had placed Joseph in a position which Joseph could
use to have full access to his home. Potiphar was willing, and likely
no one would know of their affair.
B. But some could not defeat temptation.
1. Achan could withstand the temptation to take some of the wealth
of Jericho, likely thinking that no one would ever find out.
2. Joshua chapter seven
a. Joshua 7:20-21- "And Achan answered Joshua and said, "Indeed I
have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and this is what I have
done: {21} "When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian
garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold
weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. And there
they are, hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, with the silver
under it.""
3. Numbers 32:23- ""But if you do not do so, then take note, you
have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you
out."
IV. DO RIGHT EVEN WHEN IT MEANS PERSECUTION.

A. Daniel understood this.

1. Daniel 6:7-24
B. Paul understood this.
1. 2 Timothy 1:12- "For this reason I also suffer these things;
nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed
and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to
Him until that Day."
C. If we live for Christ we will suffer persecution.
1. Matthew 5:10-12- "Blessed are those who are persecuted for
righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {11}
"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all
kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. {12} "Rejoice and be
exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they
persecuted the prophets who were before you."
2. 2 Timothy 3:12- "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ
Jesus will suffer persecution."
CONCLUSION: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed,
not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;" (Philippians
2:12)

LIVING BY THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

INTRODUCTION: Christians are commanded to grow to maturity.
Those who are carnal prove that they are still babies. Paul tells us:
"And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as
to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2- I fed you with milk and not with
solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even
now you are still not able; 3- for you are still carnal. For where there
are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and
behaving like mere
men?" (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

Christians are commanded to "walk in the Spirit" in Galatians 5:16.

We do this by walking according to the Spirit's teachings, as found in
His word.
BODY
I. THERE IS A BATTLE THAT GOES ON IN OUR LIVES BETWEEN THE
SPIRIT OF GOD AND THE FLESH.
A. There is a battle going on in our bodies.
1. Galatians 5:17- For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit
against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you
do not do the things that you wish.
B. We have to constantly struggle to live according to the Spirit that
dwells in us!
1. Romans 8:13- For if you live according to the flesh you will die;
but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will
live.
2. Colossians 3:5-7 Therefore put to death your members which are
on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and
covetousness, which is idolatry. 6- Because of these things the wrath
of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7- in which you
yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
II. WE ARE TO LIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,
HENCE "WALKING IN THE SPIRIT."
A. Being born again of the Spirit and having the Spirit dwell in us is a
prerequisite to being able to have the Spirit control our lives.
1. John 3:3-5
2. Titus 3:5- not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of
regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
3. 1 Peter 1:23- having been born again, not of corruptible seed but
incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides
forever,

4. Romans 8:9- But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed
the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the
Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
B. How do we walk in the Spirit and thus be able to bear the fruit of
the Spirit?
1. We walk according to the Spirit's directions and instructions,
sensitive to His leading.
a. Romans 8:14- For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these
are sons of God.
2. How do we know His leading?
a. We walk according to his leading, as found in His instruction
manual, the Holy Scriptures.
b. Psalms 119:105- Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my
path.
c. Ephesians 4:1; 6:17- I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech
you to walk worthy of the calling with which
you were called.... And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
d. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks to God
always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the
beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit
and belief in the truth, 14- to which He called you by our gospel, for
the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Thus, we are to listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives
(His Word) and allow it to influence us in
bearing the fruit of the Spirit.
C. What does it mean to bear the "fruit of the Spirit?"
1. John 15:8- "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit;
so you will be My disciples.
2. Some has mistakenly thought that "bear fruit" had to be limited to
just teaching and baptizing other Christians. While the this is
certainly a part of the Christian life and will be the result of our life,

Galatians 5 teaches us that fruit is the manner of life that we display

before others.
3. Thus, the fruit of the spirt are those characteristic of a godly life
that we display as a result of being under
the influence of the Spirit.
III. A BRIEF EXPOSITION OF THE "FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT."
A. Love
1. Love is the foundation of the fruit of the Spirit that we are to bear
in our lives.
2. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 13
3. Love makes us complete and allows us to have the other
characteristics in our lives. Without love we cannot have the
others.
a. Romans 13:10- Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is
the fulfillment of the law.
b. Colossians 3:14- But above all these things put on love, which is
the bond of perfection.
B. Joy
1. Joy is an a feeling of complete satisfaction and gladness.
2. It is a byproduct of our relationship with God.
a. Matthew 28:8- So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear
and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.
b. Luke 24:52- And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem
with great joy,
c. Acts 8:39- Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of
the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch
saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.
3. Christians are commanded to continually rejoice.

a. Philippians 4:4- Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say,

rejoice!
C. Peace
1. Literally means calmness and tranquility of mind and heart.
2. True peace comes through a relationship with God.
a. Romans 5:1- Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
3. Because we have peace with God through the forgiveness of our
sins we can have a peace in our souls!
a. Philippians 4:7- and the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus.
b. John 15:27- "And you also will bear witness, because you have
been with Me from the beginning.
D. Longsuffering
1. It is the ability to undergo trials, tribulations, and suffering without
wavering from our faithfulness. It enables us to endure hardship.
2. A characteristic of God.
a. 2 Peter 3:9- The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some
count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any
should perish but that all should come to repentance.
3. Colossians 1:11; 3:11- strengthened with all might, according to
His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; ...
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender
mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
E. Kindness
1. While longsuffering is passive, patient under affliction, kindness is
the active seeking of the best for all, even our enemies.
2. Romans 12:20- Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he
is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire
on his head. 21- Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with
good.

3. Ephesians 4:32- And be kind to one another, tenderhearted,

forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
4. Kindness leads us to never seek someone harm or hurt, to do
good toward them. Even when we might need to rebuke sin, we
must do so in a loving and kind manner. Anger should never rule
over us!
F. Goodness
1. This is a general right living, good citizenship, good neighbor kind
of attitude.
2. Romans 15:14- Now I myself am confident concerning you, my
brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all
knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
3. Ephesians 5:9- (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness,
righteousness, and truth),
G. Faithfulness
1. Fidelity, the characteristic of being able to be relied on, trusted!
2. Faithfulness is something that all Christians should strive for.
3. Look at a couple of examples.
a. Galatians 3:9- So then those who are of faith are blessed with
believing Abraham.
b. Hebrews 3:5- And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a
servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken
afterward,
c. 1 Timothy 1:12- And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled
me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
4. A great blessing for Christians who are faithful.
a. Matthew 25:21- "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful
servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler
over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

b. Luke 12:42-44 And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and
wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household,
to give them their portion of food in due season? 43-"Blessed is that
servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44"Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.
H. Gentleness
1. Another word we could use for this is meekness or humility.
2. Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to Me, all you 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."
3. Galatians 6:1- Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you
who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of
gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
4. 1 Peter 3:15- But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always
be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for
the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
I. Self-Control
1. The virtue that masters ones desires and passions, especially the
sensual appetites.
2. Acts 24:25- Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control,
and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and
answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will
call for you."
3. 1 Corinthians 9:25- And everyone who competes for the prize is
temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown,
but we for an imperishable crown.
CONCLUSION: "Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and
drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But
put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to
fulfill its lusts" (Romans 13:13-14).

THE CHRISTIAN AND HIS TALENTS

Matthew 25:14-29
INTRODUCTION: It is sad when someone who is obviously talented at
what they do is not able to live up to that ability. My favorite
baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, has someone pitching for them
who seems to be living up to
that tag. His name is John Rocker. He is obviously very talented at
playing baseball. Just ask all the batters that he struck out last year.
But for better or worse, John has two problems. He has a big mouth.
And he has a bad temper. The big mouth came play when he said
some things that got lots of people angry over the Winter and got
John a suspension this Spring. His temper flared recently when he
could not throw strikes.
Who knows what John's future will be. He is still very young and
hopefully will experience some "attitude modifications" and go on to
a great career. But Christians often are like John. They have been
given talents and for some reason or other never use them to the
glory of God.
BODY
I. SOME THINGS WE NEED TO REALIZE ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP
WITH GOD AND OUR TALENTS.
A. God has bought us out of a life of sin. We belong to Him.
1. 1 Peter 1:18_19_ "knowing that you were not redeemed with
corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless
conduct received by tradition from your fathers, {19} but with the
precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without
spot."
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19_20_ "Or do you not know that your body is the
temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God,
and you are not your own? {20} For you were bought at a price;
therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are
God's."
3. Revelation 5:9_ "And they sang a new song, saying: "You are
worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain,

And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and
tongue and people and nation,"
B. We are God's bond-servants.
1. Romans 6:16_18_ "Do you not know that to whom you present
yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you
obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to
righteousness? {17} But God be thanked that though you were
slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to
which you were delivered. {18} And having been set free from sin,
you became slaves of righteousness."
C. God has entrusted us with various gifts, or abilities, that He
expects us to use to His glory.
1. 1 Corinthians 12:4_7_ "There are diversities of gifts, but the same
Spirit. {5} There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
{6} And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God
who works all in all. {7} But the manifestation of the Spirit is given
to each one for the profit of all:"
2. Ephesians 4:11_13_ " And He Himself gave some to be apostles,
some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
{12} for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ, {13} till we all come to the unity of
the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man,
to the measure of the
stature of the fullness of Christ;
a. Please note: This certainly has reference to at least some
miraculous gifts and temporary gifts. But the principle is the same.
God gives to various Christians various gifts to use to His glory.
D. We are stewards, given the responsibility to wisely use God's
wealth given to our care.
1. Luke 12:42_43_ " And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and
wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household,
to give them their portion of food in due season? {43} "Blessed is
that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
2. Titus 1:7_ " For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God,
not self_willed, not quick_tempered, not given to wine, not violent,
not greedy for money,

3. 1 Peter 4:10_ " As each one has received a gift, minister it to one
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
4. 1 Corinthians 3:2_ " I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for
until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still
not able;
II. THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS - AN OVERVIEW.
A. The context in which it is given.
1. Jesus has just given the great Olivet discourse, which deals with
the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world.
2. Jesus follows up with the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
(Matthew 25:1-13). In it he warns about the foolishness of not being
prepared for His return.
3. After he finishes the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) he
brings chapters 24 and 25 to a fitting conclusion with the a view of
the Final Judgement (Matthew 25:31-46). He warns Christians to be
concerned about what many would consider small things and says
that there will be those on that day who are lost, even though they
preached and taught "in his name."
B. What the Parable of the Talents says.
1. The Participants
a. A Man traveling to a far country - The Lord Jesus Christ who was
to return to Heaven. He was departing to prepare a place for his
disciples (John 14:1-4).
b. The servants - They are Christians who are servants of Jesus and
left behind to do his work till he returns.
2. The trust given
a. Each servant was entrusted with a considerable amount of
wealth.
b. It was in relation to their differing abilities. One was given five
talents, one two, and one was given one.
3. The Master's journey
a. The Master went away and left his disciples to carry on his work.
(Ephesians 4:10)

b. Two of the servants labor and bring forth an increase based on

their ability. One is fearful and hides his talents.
4. The Reckoning
a. The Master returns and calls for an accounting. (2 Corinthians
5:10)
b. He blesses both the five and two talent man for being faithful
"over a few things." (Ephesians 2:7-9)
c. He deals harshly with the one talent man. His excuse is called
wicked and lazy. He is cast out into "outer darkness." (Matthew
25:46)
III. LESSONS TO BE LEARNED
A. Every Christian is entrusted by God with certain abilities to be
used in His service.
1. Notice that each of these were given what amounted to be a
great deal of money.
2. While it is impossible to know for sure, it is likely that the talent
was either gold or silver, either of which would represent a great
deal of wealth.
3. It is obvious that the talent here represents whatever God has
given us to help the body of Christ to function and grow. It would
certainly include wealth, but as certainly cannot be limited to just
wealth!
4. Romans 12:6 - "Having then gifts differing according to the grace
that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in
proportion to our faith;"
5. 1 Corinthians 12:4 - "There are diversities of gifts, but the same
Spirit."
6. Our life no longer belongs to us. Whatever God has given us, we
are responsible to use to the best of our ability to His glory. And God
has given ability to all His children!

B. Each Christian will be judged, based on our own use of God's

gifts, not what we do not have.
1. 2 Corinthians 8:12 - "For if there is first a willing mind, it is
accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he
does not have.
2. The Word is clear. There is a law of sowing and reaping! We do not
have to reap the spiritual harvest for others. We are responsible for
ourselves.
a. Galatians 6:7_8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for
whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to
his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the
Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
C. Each Christian will be called on to give an account for his/her life.
1. Each of the three servants were called before their Master for the
day of reckoning.
2. Romans 14:10_12 "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do
you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before
the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: "As I live, says the
LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess
to God." 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God."
D. When compared with the great blessings God has promised us,
our effort are small indeed!
1. Notice the statement by the Lord, "you have been faithful over a
few things, I will make you ruler over many."
2. While God requires faithfulness, we need to remember that it is
God who has poured out His blessings on us! He simply requires
faithfulness.
a. Titus 3:5_7 "not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of
regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out
on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having
been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the
hope of eternal life."
E. A place of eternal punishment is reserved for the unprofitable
servant!

1. Verse 30 - "And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer

darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
a. Matthew 13:41_42 "The Son of Man will send out His angels, and
they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those
who practice lawlessness, 42 "and will cast them into the furnace of
fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
2. And we need to remember that all we need to do to go to eternal
punishment is NOTHING AT ALL!
a. James 4:17 - "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does
not do it, to him it is sin."
CONCLUSION: Our Lord has entrusted us with His work and given
each of us all the talents we need to do His work. When Jesus
returns he will judge us based on our faithfulness in using what God
has entrusted with us.

WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?

INTRODUCTION: THE BIBLE TALKS ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN LIFE BEING
A "NEW LIFE."
(2 CORINTHIANS 5:17) WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?
BODY
I. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A LIFE OF FAITH.
A. Faith- What we live by.
1. Hebrews 11:1
2. Romans 1:17 - For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from
faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:7 - "(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"
B. Faith comes from the study of God's word.

1. Romans 10:17
C. It is that which enables us to win over the world.
1. 1 John 5:4-5 "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.
And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. 5Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus
is the Son of God?"
2. It is this faith in the risen Christ that gives us great spiritual
power.
a. Luke 17:6 - "So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard
seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots
and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you."
II. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A LIFE OF REPENTANCE.
A. A requirement to become a Christian.
1. Acts 2:38
2. Acts 17:30 - ""Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but
now commands all men everywhere to repent,"
B. A continuing way of life.
1. Acts 8:13-24
2. Revelation 2:5 - ""Remember therefore from where you have
fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you
quickly and remove your lampstand from its place; unless you
repent."
3. Revelation 3:19- "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be
zealous therefore, and repent."
III. IT IS A LIFE OF GOOD WORKS.
A. We must abound in good works.
1. 1 Corinthians 15:58
B. We need to be on the lookout for good works.
1. Titus 3:1 - "Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to
obey, to be ready for every good work,"
2. Galatians 6:10 - "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do
good to all, especially to those who are of the
household of faith."

3. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ

Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we
should walk in them."
IV. IT IS A LIFE FREE FROM FEAR AND DREAD.
A. We must learn to lean on the Lord.
1. Proverbs 3:25, 26 - "Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of
trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 - For the LORD will be
your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught."
B. God commands "Fear not"
1. Matthew 10:28-31
2. Hebrews 13:5, 6 - "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be
content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will
never leave you nor forsake you." 6- So we may boldly say: "The
LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?""
C. Christians can have confidence in their relationship with the
Heavenly Father.
1. Ephesians 3:12 - "in whom we have boldness and access with
confidence through faith in Him."
2. Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of
need."
3. 1 John 4:17 - "Love has been perfected among us in this: that we
may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are
we in this world."
CONCLUSION: Someone has said, "God gives the ingredients for our
daily bread, but He expects us to do the baking." Let us live the
Christian life, as well as realize what it is all about.

LORD, MAKE ME A SERVANT

INTRODUCTION: How many times in the church is our actions
marked by wanting to serve, or by a desire to be served? I am afraid

that we are motivated more by a desire to be served, to lead and

get honor, or to receive
praise.
But the Bible calls on us to be servants.
BODY
I. ALL CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED ON TO BE SERVANTS.
A. Jesus calls on us to empty ourselves in order to be a child of God.
1. Matthew 18:3-4 "and said, Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are
converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter
the kingdom of heaven. 4- Therefore whoever humbles himself as
this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
2. It is obvious that while we continue with a carnal mind set we can
never become servants of God.
a. Romans 8:5-8
B. What does it mean to be a servant?
1. It is to humble oneself and put the good of others before self.
2. It is to lose your life in service for God and others.
3. It is the opposite of pride and arrogance, or wanting to elevate
self.
1. Jesus defined what it means to be a servant.
a. John 13:3-17
C. The Attitude of a servant...
1. ...is a mind set we adopt - I Corinthians 9:19
2. ...is without consideration of repayment - Luke 6:34-35
3. ...is unselfish - Philippians 2:3-8
4. ...is preferential to another, putting others first - Romans 12:10
II. OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER AND OUR GOD IS TO BE
MARKED BY OUR SERVANTHOOD.

A. We are to copy our Lord's attitude of service.

1. Philippians 2:3-8
2. Hebrews 5:8-9
B. The pathway to true greatness is found in service.
1. Matthew 23:8-12 "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is
your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9- Do not call
anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in
heaven. 10- And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher,
the Christ. 11- But he who is greatest among you shall be your
servant. 12- And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he
who humbles himself will be exalted.
III. APPLYING THE SERVANTHOOD PRINCIPLE TO OUR RELATIONSHIPS
IN THE CHURCH.
A. Toward one another.
1. Romans 12:10- Be kindly affectionate to one another with
brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
2. Ephesians 5:21- submitting to one another in the fear of God.
3. Philippians 2:3- Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or
conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than
himself.
B. Toward brethren in need.
1. 1 John 3:17- But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his
brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love
of God abide in him?
2. Acts 9:36-39
C. Toward brethren who are spiritually sick.
1. Galatians 6:1- Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you
who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,
considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
2. James 5:19-20 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the
truth, and someone turns him back, 20- let him know that he who

turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death
and cover a multitude of sins.
IV. APPLYING THE SERVANTHOOD PRINCIPLE TO EVANGELISM.
A. If we have the attitude of service we will have compassion on the
lost and desire to take the gospel to them.
1. Jude 22-23 "And on some have compassion, making a distinction;
23- but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating
even the garment defiled by the flesh."
B. If we are applying the servant principle we will not be concerned
about who "gets credit" for teaching others!
1. The important thing will be the soul.
C. If we are applying the servant principle we will not chaff at having
to do work, no matter what it is, in the work of saving souls.
1. We will want to do whatever it takes to reach out to the Lost.
D. If we are applying the servant principle we will not seek converts
to "our philosophy" or "our church" but to Christ.
CONCLUSION: The legend is told of a desert wanderer who found a
crystal spring of unsurpassed freshness. The water was so pure he
decided to bring some to his king. Barely satisfying his own thirst, he
filled a leather bottle with the clear liquid and carried it many days
beneath the desert sun before he reached the palace. When he
finally laid his offering at the feet of his sovereign, the water had
become stale and rank due to the old container in which it had been
stored. But the king would not let his faithful subject even imagine
that it was unfit for use. He tasted it with expressions of gratitude
and delight, and sent away the loyal heart filled with gladness. After
he had gone, others sampled it and expressed their surprise that the
king had even pretended to enjoy it. "Ah!" said he, "it was not the
water he tasted, but the love that prompted the offering." Many
times our service is marked by multiplied imperfections, but the
Master looks at our motives and says "It is good."
IN PRAISE OF GODLY FATHERS
INTRODUCTION: I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of
the news media placing the blame on everything that is wrong in
American society on the institution of fatherhood. Every pervert,

nut, crazy, and crackpot is supposidly that way because they were
beaten, abused and excessively disciplined by a sick, cruel, overly
religious zealot of a father. If you look at television, newspapers, and
movies all fathers are unloving, cold, distant louts who do not care
about his children or wife, and care only about their carnal
pleasures.
Brethren, I am convinced that this represents the small minority of
fathers. While there are few "ideal" fathers, most are trying to do
what is right toward their children and wife. Most work hard to bring
home a living and care about what happens at home. Most seek to
discipline out of love and not with a perverted sense of cruelty. To
these father we should tip our hats in tribute. To them, this lesson is
meant as a challenge to reach for greater heights.
BODY
I. GODLY FATHERS - REMEMBER THAT YOU SHOULD BE THE RIGHT
EXAMPLE BEFORE YOUR CHILDREN.
A. We need fathers who will understand and follow the Bible
commands to be careful about their influence.
1. Matthew 5:13-16
2. 1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an
example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in
spirit, in faith, in purity."
B. Our examples as fathers speak louder than words.
1. Do we tell our children that the church is the most important thing
in the world and act like it is a just a sideline for us?
2. Do we tell our children not to drink, smoke, take drugs and
partake of them ourselves?
3. Are we preaching one thing and living another?
4. Does this go beyond having faults and enter the realm of
hypocrisy.
II. GODLY FATHERS - REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE THE LEADER IN THE
HOME.

A. Many have abandoned their God-ordained role as head of the

home.
1. Some have not taken this role because they don't want the
responsibilities, thus forcing it on the wife.
2. Some have given it to the children, making them "little dictators."
3. Some, wishing to exercise this authority have faced rebellion from
both mother and children.
B. What does the Bible say concerning the father's role?
1. The father is to lead the family in church attendance, Bible study,
devotional time, prayer and other spiritual activities. Spiritual
activities are not "women's work."
2. Ephesians 6:4 "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to
wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
3. Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and
when he is old, he will not depart from it."
4. We should be like Abraham.
a. Genesis 18:19 - "For I know him, that he will command his
children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of
the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring
upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him."
III. GODLY FATHER - BE THE RIGHT KIND OF MAN.
A. Some fathers pride themselves in the "tough guy" image.
1. This is the kind that takes delight in beating up the kids and/or
wife just to show them who's the boss.
2. This the type of "man" who like to go out with the "boys" and
drink and chase women, but will leave the wife and children to fend
for themselves.
3. This is the man who can never bring himself to tell his wife and
kids "I love." He thinks it is for weaklings.
B. But this is the image of the godly father.
1. God's man will practice love in the home.

a. 1 Corinthians 13:13 - "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these

three; but the greatest of these is charity."
2. The godly man will rejoice in his children.
a. Psalms 127:3-5 "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the
fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a
mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that
hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they
shall speak with the enemies in the gate."
3. Godly men will understand that it is not sissy to shed the tear.
a. John 11:35
4. Godly men will understand that there is no virtue in unbridled
passion and lust.
a. He will understand that there is a difference between meekness
and weakness.
b. Matthew 11:28-30
IV. GODLY FATHERS - REMAIN MORALLY PURE IN A GARBAGE CAN
SOCIETY.
A. The godly father understand that he sets the pace in the type of
language used in the home.
1. He seeks to practice pure speech.
2. Ephesians 4:29 - "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of
your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it
may minister grace unto the hearers."
3. Colossians 4:6 - "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned
with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
B. He avoids anything that would polllute the home.
1. Alcoholic beverages
2. Sexually oriented books, magazines, or tapes.
3. Questionable television programs.

4. "We cannot feed at the garbage trough of the world six days a
week and think that we can honestly sing 'Purer in heart O God, help
me to be' and have God miraculously remove six days of garbage.
CONCLUSION: Let us thank God for every godly father. They are not
perfect men, but they are sincerely seeking to lead they children in
the direction of heaven. May their tribe increase.

GOD'S PLAN FOR MARRIAGE

INTRODUCTION: TWO CHILDREN WERE PLAYING HOUSE. MOTHER
DECIDED TO LISTEN IN TO THEIR CONVERSATION. THE LITTLE GIRL
SAID TO THE LITTLE BOY. "IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT I'LL JUST GET A
DIVORCE!" WHERE DID THE CHILD PICK UP THE IDEA OF DIVORCE?
FROM TV FROM HER FRIENDS? OR WAS IT FROM OVERHEARING
MOM AND DAD FIGHTING?
THE HOME IS IN A MESS IN AMERICA TODAY. ALMOST HALF OF ALL
MARRIAGES END IN DIVORCE. WE DESPERATELY NEED TO GO BACK
TO GOD'S ORIGINAL PLAN FOR MARRIAGE.
BODY
I. WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF MARRIAGE?
A. Jesus tells us.
1. Matthew 19:3-9
2. in the beginning
B. God performed the first "wedding"
1. Genesis 2:20-25
C. The institution of marriage is the oldest ordinance of God in
continual effect.
II. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF MARRIAGE?
A. To provide a relationship whereby both partners can fulfill one
another's need for companionship.

1. Genesis 2:18-20
2. Man needs the company and encouragement of others.
3. Your mate provides that much needed companionship that cannot
be provide by any other.
4. This is accomplished when each spouse looks to fulfill the needs
of their mate instead of their own.
B. For the propagation of the human race.
1. Genesis 1:28-"And God blessed them, and God said unto them,
Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue
it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the
fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon
the earth."
C. Provide a forum for successfully raising our children.
1. Ephesians 6:1-4
2. We are just beginning to pay the price for one parent and no
parent homes.
3. A child is much more likely to grow up to become a good citizen
and child of God from a home that is stable and spiritual.
4. The Bible has relatively little to say concerning "one parent"
homes because it did not envision them as the ideal and that
they are poor substitutes for God's plan for two loving parents
training their children in the nuture and admonition of the Lord.
D. To prevent immorality.
1. I Corinthians 7:1-5, 8-9
2. Hebrews 13:4-"Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."
3. Proverbs 5:15-20
E. To help us develop our spiritual lives.
1. Ephesians 5:22-32
a. Marriages serves as a model of our relationship with Christ.
2. I Peter 3:7

3. While there may be rare circumstances of distress where

marriage is not advisable for the Christian (I Corinthians 7:1,26), our
relationship with our spouse should aid us in maturing as a
Christian, not hinder us.
III. THE ABIDING NATURE OF GOD'S MARRIAGE LAW.
A. God's ideal arrangement for marriage has never changed.
1. Matthew 19:8
B. It is a law older than any of God's commandments
1. Genesis 2:24
2. Had it's origin in the first man and woman.
3. Applies to all mankind.
IV. THE NATURE OF GOD'S MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT.
A. It is a lifetime relationship.
1. Romans 7:2-3
2. Marriage is a binding commitment that is designed for life.
B. Marriage is to be the start of new family.
1. Matthew 19:5
C. The husband is to be the head of the family.
1. Ephesians 5:22-24
D. The wife is to be in subjection to the husband.
1. Ephesians 5:22-24
2. Colossians 3:18-"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own
husbands, as it is fit in the Lord."
3. I Peter 3:1-"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your
own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may
without the word be won by the conversation of the wives:
E. It is to be a relationship cemented together by love.
1. Husbands must love their wives with a sacrificial love,
like Christ loved the church.
a. Ephesians 5:25-"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved
the church, and gave himself for it;"
b. Colossians 3:19-"Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter
against them."

2. Titus 2:3-5
CONCLUSION: ONE BROTHER HAS SAID CONCERNING MARRIAGE,
"THE KIND OF MARRIAGE THAT GOD WANTS IS SO SUBLIME THAT IT
IS A LITTLE TASTE OF HEAVEN ON EARTH." MAY WE ALL STRIVE TO
MAKE OUR MARRIAGES TO BE OF THIS CALIBRE.

MOTHERHOOD: STILL THE MOST IMPORTANT INSTITUTION

INTRODUCTION: Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948) first suggested the
national observance of an annual day honoring all mothers because
she had loved her own mother so dearly. At a memorial service for
her mother on May 10, 1908, Miss Jarvis gave a carnation (her
mother's favorite flower) to each person who attended. Within the
next few years, the idea of a day to honor mothers gained
popularity, and Mother's Day was observed in a number of large
cities in the U.S. On May 9, 1914, by an act of Congress, President
Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother's
Day. He established the day as a time for "public expression of our
love and reverence for the mothers of our country."
While not a spiritual holiday observed by Christians, this is a good
day to reflect of motherhood and pay tribute to godly mothers.
BODY
I. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT MOTHERHOOD.
A. To be a mother is a holy privilege from God.
1. Look at what Eve said when she gave birth for the first time.
a. Genesis 4:1 - "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived,
and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD."
2. Becoming a mother is the greatest joy that a person can have in
this life.
a. John 16:21 - "A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow,
because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the
child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is
born into the world."
B. Children are a gift from God.

1. Psalms 127:3 - "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the
fruit of the womb is his reward."
2. God specially designed the woman physically and emotionally to
not only conceive and bear a child but to nurture and raise a child as
well.
II. ENEMIES OF MOTHERHOOD.
A. The playboy philosophy.
1. This philosophy looks upon women as playthings and objects of
lust. Motherhood simply complicates the playboys "fun."
2. Many husbands have become infected with this philosophy,
resenting the time that children take away from them. One father
once complained to his friends, "We had so much fun until that baby
was born." This shows a selfish side.
3. This goes against the spirit and letter of what the Bible says
concerning the place of women/mothers in general in society and
specifically what it says about the place of mothers in family.
a. Matthew 5:28- "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a
woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in
his heart."
b. 1 Peter 3:7- "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to
knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel,
and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be
not hindered."
B. The Feminist Movement.
1. Modern feminism looks down upon motherhood as degrading and
a trap to keep women "barefoot and pregnant."
2. Everything is done today to foster the notion that fulfillment
comes from working outside the home instead of being a mother.
3. The Bible stresses the homemaking responsibility of mothers.
a. Titus 2:4- "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to
love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste,
keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the
word of God be not blasphemed."
4. In spite of what some think, the Bible does not prohibit women
from working. It does, however, teach that this should be
supplementary to her role as a keeper of the home.

a. Proverbs 31:10-24
5. The problem is when huge numbers of mothers enter the
workplace full-time to the exclusion of raising children properly. The
children lose the nurturing of a mother in the home. They turn to
surrogate mothers (grandmothers, aunts, day care workers). This is
not a blanket condemnation of all mother who have to work.
Mothers, however, net to be careful that they work out of necessity
and not out of a desire to have things or have freedom. Never be
ashamed of the fact that you are mothers.
C. Abortion has caused many women to hate their roles as mothers.
1. The belief that a woman has absolute control over her own body
has caused mothers to despise the child in their womb.
2. Many women have bought the satanic lie that the child of their
body is not a human life. Add to this the rise of sexual promiscuity
and over a million abortions result each year in the United States.
3. The fact is that mankind is made in the image of God (Genesis
1:27). The taking of human life is murder and is deserving of death
(Genesis 9:6). God hates those who shed innocent blood (Proverbs
6:16-17).
4. Every child deserves to live, even those who are unwanted.
Give those who cannot have children can adopt.
D. Divorce has eroded the foundations of motherhood.
1. It has forced many mothers, who did not desire to work, to choose
between welfare and working outside the home.
2. It has taken a great support for the godly mother, a godly father,
out of the home.
3. It has also caused many women to make bad choices, including
unwise second marriages and living with boyfrieds, to put food on
the table.
4. God still hates divorce!
a. Malachi 2:15-16 "But did He not make them one, Having a
remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring.
Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously
with the wife of his youth. 16) For the LORD God of Israel says That
He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says
the LORD of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do
not deal treacherously.""

5. The ease of divorce has lulled many women into the Devils lie of,
If it doesnt work out Ill just divorce him and get another.
b. Matthew 19:9
III. THE BIBLE HAS SEVERAL EXAMPLES OF GODLY AND
WICKED MOTHERS.
A. Godly mothers.
1. Hannah, the mother of Samuel.
a. She promised God that she would dedicate her son completely to
Him if God would give her conception.
1. 1 Samuel 1:11- "And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts,
if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and
remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto
thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all
the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head."
b. Mothers should be willing to put God first and seek to dedicate
her child to the service of the Lord. The godly mother will not be so
much concerned with how much money their children make when
they become adults as how faithful they will be to the Lord and what
service they will be to Him.
2. Mary, the mother of Jesus.
a. She was thankful to be the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:41-45).
b. She willingly followed her son all the way to the cross (John 19:25)
and afterward to the beginning of the church (Acts 1:14).
3. Lois and Eunice.
a. They show the power of a mothers influence. Godliness was
passed on through three generations.
b. Lois was faithful to God, passed on that faith to her daughter
Eunice, who influenced her son Timothy to follow God.
1. 2 Timothy 1:5- "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith
that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy
mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also."
2. 1 John 3:18- "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in
tongue; but in deed and in truth."
c. There can be little doubt that Eunice and, if she were still living,
Lois were encouragers of Timothy in his work of preaching the
Gospel.

B. Wicked Mothers.
1. Jezebel.
a. She was a wicked idol worshiper (1 Kings 16:31).
b. She lied, cheated, and was hypocritical.
c. She fulfilled the proverb found in Ezekiel 16:44 -"Behold, every
one that useth proverbs shall use this proverb against thee, saying,
As is the mother, so is her daughter." Her daughter Athaliah turned
out just as wicked as her mother.
2. Herodias, the wife of Herod.
a. She was the wife of Herods brother and was an adulterer
(Matthew 14:3-4).
b. She influenced her daughter Salome to do wickedness. They
teamed together to have Herod kill John the baptist
c. Matthew 14:6- "But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter
of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. 7) Whereupon
he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. 8)
And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here
John Baptist's head in a charger. 9) And the king was sorry:
nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at
meat, he commanded it to be given her. 10) And he sent, and
beheaded John in the prison."
CONCLUSION: A little boy forgot his lines in a Sunday school
presentation. His mother was in the front row to prompt him. She
gestured and formed the words silently with her lips, but it did not
help. Her son's memory was blank. Finally, she leaned forward and
whispered the cue, "I am the light of the world." The child beamed
and with great feeling and a loud clear voice said, "My mother is the
light of the world." While Jesus is the true light of the world, you
mother can be the light which will lead your children to Christ.

God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.

--Jewish Proverb
The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.

--W. S. Ross
A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning
unnecessary.
--Dorothy Canfield Fisher
All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
--Abraham Lincoln
The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom.
--Henry Ward Beecher