B. There Are Things Which We Need to Make Certain Our Children Know 1. The popular TV ad urges us to talk with our kids about drugs and smoking.IWant My Kids to Know… Proverbs 22:6
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. Parents Must Train Up Their Children 1. This involves:
a. Instruction (Ephesians 6:4)
b. Encouragement (Colossians 3:20) c. Discipline (Ephesians 6:4)
2. The good parent models, sets the example, for his children. a. It is difficult to inculcate doctrine with a negative example. b. ‚Whose faith follow<‛ (Hebrews 13:7).
c. The power of positive example (2 Timothy 1:5).
B. There Are Things Which We Need to Make Certain Our Children Know 1. The popular TV ad urges us to talk with our kids about drugs and smoking.
a. It suggests that some parents find it difficult to get around to dealing with these issues. b. The message is don’t take for granted that they understand. Sit down and talk about it.
2. Well, I want to use that approach in this study.
a. Don’t assume your kids understand the matters we will study in this lesson. b. Follow up on this sermon, sit down and talk about it. Find out. Make sure.
II.DISCUSSION:
A. You Are Made in the Image of God 1. Creation, not chance!
a. You are not the by–product of a chance combination of amino–acids given sufficient
electric charge to self–determine your advance from the primordial seas to dry land and
world domination.
b. You are the result of intelligent design and eternal purpose (Genesis 1–3; Ephesians 1). 2. Spiritual, not alien!
a. You are not the offspring of alien invaders from outer space. Rather, you are the offspring of God (Acts 17:28).
b. God is the Father of our spirits (Hebrews 12:9). We partake of His nature (Genesis 1:26). There is that in us which is everlasting or eternal (Matthew 10:28–29).
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c. There is in all of us the desire to find and know our Creator (Ecclesiastes 3:11; cf. Romans
1:20). He is not very far from any one of us (Acts 17:27). 3. Salvation, not self–glorification!
a. There is a purpose for our existence and an explanation for the way things are. Find it. b. You must develop the right worldview. Without it life will be empty and miserable.
c. Only with God as the center and focus of your reality is their any happiness found in this world (Luke 10:25–28).
B. The Bible Is the Word of God 1. Is anybody listening?
a. ‚If God speaks and nobody listens, does that mean that God is dead?‛
b. The shelves are filled with books that nobody has read (Ecclesiastes 12:12).
c. However, God has not gone to the trouble to produce a book that is unimportant. d. Any book that claims to be infallible (2 Timothy 3:16,17) and a standard for eternal
judgment (Revelation 22:18,19) is worthy of your attention. 2. Mandatory reading!
a. The only way the Bible will ever be of any value to you is by reading it (Psalm 119:11; 2 Timothy 2:15).
b. Ignorance is not bliss, nor is it an excuse. Life is not a child’s game in which your moves and decisions do not count. ‚A card laid is a card played!‛
c. Why wait till you have messed up to find out what to do? 3. Commandments, not suggestions!
a. One of the clever billboards that have been seen says with respect to God’s Word, ‚I meant it!‛
b. It is not a take it or leave proposition. It’s not ‚I will if I want to.‛ He willed, now want to (Hebrews 2:1–3a; 10:28–29).
C. There Is Only One Church 1. “All for one, and one for all.”
a. Jesus died in order to purchase His Church (Acts 20:28).
b. All who are saved He has added to it (Acts 2:47).
c. There are none who are saved that are not in it (Ephesians 5:23–27). 2. “Your choice or God’s choice?”
a. We are told, ‚Join the Church of your choice.‛ When were we given a choice?
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b. The choice has already been made regarding the Church. Our choice is the same as
Joshua’s, ‚Choose you this day whom ye will serve <‛ (Joshua 24:15).
c. If you choose to serve Christ, you must choose His Church (Ephesians 4:4–6). 3. “Ridicule or Reason?”
a. It’s as easy to understand as a man having one wife.
b. It’s as easy to understand as your having only one daddy.
c. It’s as easy to understand as a house having only one owner.
D. There Are Wicked People in the World 1. “I never met a man I didn’t like.”
a. It is disappointing to learn that there are wicked people in the world.
b. It is even more disappointing to find out that some of these folks are among your closest friends.
c. It is hard to accept that people that are enjoyable can be wicked, evil or bad. 2. “Evil companions …”
a. The Bible warns against making friends with wicked men (I Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 22:24; 25:17).
b. It gives examples of what can happen when a man has a friend that is not committed to righteousness (Proverbs 1:10–19; Judges 16:1–20; II Samuel 11; 13:1–5; Matthew 26:48,49).
c. Childhood friends become adults. Parents, siblings, religious instruction and education influence them. Truth and righteousness may cause a separation (Matthew 10:34–40; Luke 12:51–53).
3. “Beware, but be friendly.”
a. Life is much more pleasant and less stressful if we try and assume the best about people. I had rather be disappointed once in a while than be alone.
b. The cynic sees everyone as bad and evil and never trusts or tries to help anyone. The optimist sees what people can be and tries to help them reach their potential (cf. I Corinthians 13).
c. Christ was an optimist, but He was careful (John 2:23–25). He exhorts us to be the same (Matthew 10:16). You must choose your friends wisely and carefully. Be certain that you give men time and opportunity to prove themselves worthy of your trust before you rely upon them.
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E. God Hates Divorce 1. “I hate putting away!”
a. Divorce is a terrible thing. While God has made a narrow provision for it, He hates it just
the same (Malachi 2:16).
b. It is not His desired purpose for man in marriage (Genesis 3:22–24).
c. Any time a divorce occurs somebody sins (Matthew 5:32; 19:1–11; Luke 16:18; Mark 10:2– 12; I Corinthians 7:1–16).
2. “If it doesn’t work out we will just get a divorce.” a. Divorce negatively impacts a lot of people:
(1) The children (2) The parents
(3) You and your spouse (4) Whom you remarry (5) Your friends
(6) The Church (7) The nation
b. God says you can make it work out, but it requires the total commitment of both spouses.
F. Baptism Is Important
1. “Baptism doth also now save us …”
a. You cannot be saved with out water baptism (Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 16:15,16; John 3:1–
11; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3,4; I Corinthians 6:9; Galatians 3:26,27; Ephesians 5:23–26;
Colossians 2:11,12; Hebrews 10:22; I Peter 3:21).
b. It is not a work of our own righteousness (Titus 3:2–5; James 2:14–26; Colossians 2:11,12). c. Baptism puts us into Christ where remission of sins is (Romans 6:3,4; Acts 2:38; Matthew
26:28; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 10:22; 9:14; I Peter 3:21). 2. However, baptism will not save …
a. The unbeliever (Mark 16:15,16)
b. The impenitent (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 2:38) c. The man–pleaser (Galatians 1:10)
d. The lover of the world (Matthew 6:24)
e. The closet confessor (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9,10) 3. Baptism implies an obligation.
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a. Baptism into Christ is not a ‚rite of passage;‛ it has real meaning.
b. The baptized believer is under obligation to God to live right, to conform himself unto the example of Christ (Rom. 6:1–11).
G. Sin Is Black, Hell Is Hot and Eternity Is Forever 1. “Sin stains the soul!”
a. There is no such thing as a little sin (1 John 1:6–10).
b. God does not fellowship the impenitent sinner (Isaiah 59:1,2; 1 John 1:6).
c. We cannot continue in sin so that grace may abound (Romans 6:1–4; Jude 4). 2. “God will punish sin.”
a. The popular idea is that God is too good and loving to punish sin.
b. Remember the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Uzzah (2 Peter 3:4–11). c. Hell is not a fairy tale (Mark 9:44–48; Matthew 25:44–46; Romans 2:5–11). d. God is not slack concerning His promise (Romans 6:23).
III. CONCLUSION:
A. I Want My Kids to Know …
1. You are made in the image of God.
2. The bible is the word of God.
3. There is only one church.
4. There are wicked people in the world. 5. God hates divorce.
6. Baptism is important.
7. Sin is black, hell is hot and eternity is forever.
B. Are You A Christian?
1. Believe (Romans 10:9–10)
2. Repent (Acts 11:18)
3. Confess (Romans 10:9–10) 4. Be baptized (Acts 2:38)
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How to Ruin Your Influence
Luke 14:34 35
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. Influence Is Important
1. The value of having a good influence is taught in the OT (Ecclesiastes 7:1; Proverbs 22:1).
2. Christ taught the Disciples the importance of influence (Matthew 5:13–16). 3. Paul affirmed the same (Philippians 2:14–16).
B. What Happens When You Lose Your Influence? 1. ‚It is good for nothing‛ (Luke 14:34–35).
2. Your enemies are justified (I Peter 3:15–16). 3. God is blasphemed (I Timothy 6:1).
4. Souls are not one to Christ (I Peter 3:1–2).
C. How to Ruin Your Influence
1. We are not encouraging anyone in this regard.
2. We are, rather, warning you against it.
II.DISCUSSION: A. Be Inconsistent
1. In your life example (Ecclesiastes 10:1).
a. The world is always trying to catch the believer in inconsistency.
b. This is why they ridicule and mock those that are caught in sin(e.g. Jim and Tammy Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, the Elmer Gantry type preacher).
c. This is the root of hypocrisy (Matthew 23:3)
d. The world does not like this in men (Matthew 18:31ff.). 2. In the way you deal with people (Romans 2:3)
a. Apply one standard of judgment to your friends and another to your enemies and strangers (James 2:1–12).
b. “The legs of the lame are not equal” (Proverbs 26:7).
c. A word of caution to parents (e.g. Isaac and Rebekah), to elders (I Corinthians 5) to preachers (Romans 2:19–23).
B. Be Unreliable
1. To be unreliable <
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a. Don’t be dependable. When given a job leave it undone. Don’t listen or pay attention to
instructions. Never ask a question if you don’t understand.
b. Don’t be responsible. Never do your duty consistently; never volunteer and never go beyond what is the minimum requirement.
c. Don’t be trustworthy. Don’t do what you say you will do. Never get in a hurry or concerned about be sidetracked. Forget a lot.
2. How do people respond to someone that is unreliable? a. They don’t trust them.
b. They don’t listen to them.
c. They don’t ask them to do a job.
d. They don’t give them responsibility. e. They do not depend on what they say. f. They are not influenced by them.
3. The Bible warns against trusting unreliable men (2 Kings 18:21; Proverbs 25:19).
C. Be Unfriendly
1. Those who are friendly have great influence (Luke 11:5–8).
2. In order to have friends you must be friendly (Proverbs 18:24).
3. The quickest way to lose influence is to be unfriendly.
a. I am unfriendly when I am rude and discourteous (cf. Romans 12:20–21).
b. I am unfriendly when I don’t care (cf. Galatians 6:2; Job 6:14–15; 19:13–14; Psalm 35:13–14). c. I am unfriendly when I don’t offer to help (cf. Exodus 23:4–5).
d. I am unfriendly when I gossip and reveal secrets (Proverbs 11:13; 17:9).
e. I am unfriendly when I forsake my friends in trouble (Proverbs 17:17; 27:10). f. I am unfriendly when I make a pest of myself (Proverbs 25:17; 27:14).
4. God’s word teaches us to be friendly and influence the world (Proverbs 27:17,19).
D. Be Quick Tempered
1. The Bible warns against being quick tempered or being friends with those that are
(Ecclesiastes 7:9; Proverbs 22:24).
2. Why? (Proverbs 14:17, 29)
a. Joseph Hunter once said, ‚My life is in the hands of any fool who makes me lose my temper.‛
b. Solomon said, ‚He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down,
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and without walls‛ (Proverbs 25:28; cf. 16:32).
C. The angry man is always getting in trouble (Proverbs 19:19; 29:22; James 1:20). 3. Those that lose their temper lose their ability to influence others for good.
a. No one wants to be around an angry man. They are afraid they will get hit, hurt or blamed! (cf. Proverbs 27:3)
b. The negative power of anger is indicated in the qualifications for the elder, ‚not soon angry‛ (Titus 1:7; cf. Proverbs 15:18).
c. The angry man has everyone he knows in turmoil and everything he does in ruins (Proverbs 15:18; 17:14; 29:8, 22; 30:33; Ecclesiastes 7:9).
E. Be a ―Big Mouth‖
1. The mouth can surely get one into trouble and ruin his influence (Ecclesiastes 9:17; Proverbs
10:19; 18:6–7; Ecclesiastes 5:3; Job. 13:5).
2. Those with the uncontrolled tongue include: a. The braggart (Proverbs 27:2)
b. The gossip (Proverbs 26:20–22) c. The ‚whiner‛ (Jude 16)
3. To be considered wise and spread a righteous influence: a. Let your words be few (Proverbs 10:19–20).
b. Let your words be well chosen (Proverbs 15:28). c. Let your words be well spoken (Colossians 4:6)
III. CONCLUSION: A. You Have Influence.
B. The First Step Toward Improved Influence Is to Obey the Gospel.
C. Will You Be A Christian Today?
Jeff Asher www.ExpositorySermonOutlines.com 8
MistakesYoung People Make Revealed In the Bible
Proverbs 1:1-7
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. The Tendencies of Youth—
1. It is a tendency of the young to think that they know more than their parents or elders.
However, knowledge is not wisdom.
2. There is in youth the curiosity of ignorance and inexperience. This sometimes leads us in the wrong direction.
3. There is an impetuosity that often causes young people to ‚leap‛ before ‚looking,‛ landing them ‚hip deep‛ in trouble.
B. The Text in Context—
1. Solomon is writing for the benefit of the young who, for all the admirable qualities in youth,
lack without instruction the essential thing, wisdom.
2. The purpose throughout the book is to provide from his own experience and prior instruction of his father under the guidance of the Holy Spirit the necessary lessons for life (cf. 1:33).
C. Our Objective—
1. Consider several Old and New Testament examples of young people who for lack of
wisdom made serious mistakes.
2. In considering these examples we want to learn both the error and how to avoid it.
II.DISCUSSION:
A. The Prodigal Son—
1. The account of this young man’s mistake (Luke 15:11–18).
a. He wanted to leave home, get away from parental authority.
b. He took his inheritance and wasted it on ‚prodigal‛ living, that is, riotous living.
c. Fortunately, he realized his mistake before it was too late. d. The boy’s father welcomed him back into his home.
2. This young man’s mistake is a very common one even in our day.
a. Young people sometimes think that their parents are just old ‚moss backs‛ and ‚odd numbers.‛
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b. They imagine that their parents were never young, or have forgotten what it was to be
young.
c. What the young do not understand is that their parents know more about being young than they do!
3. What was wrong with this young man?
a. He disregarded the command of God, ‚Children obey your parents for this is right‛ (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20; cf. Luke 15:19).
b. He was not responsible. This young man neither knew the ‚value of a dollar‛ nor how to take his inheritance and earn a living (Ephesians 4:28; Proverbs 6:6–11; 10:4, 5; 20:13; 21:17; 23:20, 21).
c. He did not believe the wealthy always have friends (Proverbs 14:20; 19:4, 7; 17:17; 18:24). 4. This boy finally did the right thing (Luke 15:18).
a. He repented (Luke 15:7).
b. He confessed his sin (Luke 17:3–4). 5. How could this mistake been avoided?
a. This boy would not have erred if he had not envied sinners (Proverbs 23:17; 24:1).
b. This boy would not have erred had he been willing to listen and learn from his father (Proverbs 6:20–21; 13:1; 15:5).
c. This boy would not have erred had he understood the purpose of chastening and discipline (Proverbs 3:11–12; Hebrews 12:5-11).. He repented and did the right thing (Luke 15:18).
B. Cain, Adam’s Firstborn—
1. The account of this young man’s mistake (Genesis 4:1–8).
a. God required a sacrifice from them both (cf. Hebrews 11:4; Romans 10:17).
b. Cain did not obey God’s command (Genesis 4:3).
c. Cain was overcome with anger, envy and hatred (Genesis 4:5; 1 John 3:12; Mark 15:10). 2. We hear of different versions of this same mistake today.
a. A student is disciplined or corrected at the school for misbehavior and he takes it out on the teachers or the students.
b. The Menendez brothers
c. A young person does not receive a grade, a club membership, have certain clothes or a car; therefore, his envy and anger gets the best of him.
3. What was wrong with this young man?
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a. He would not accept correction (Proverbs 25:12; 9:7–9; 10:17; 12:1; 13:1).
b. He did not restrain his wrath (Proverbs 14:17; 16:32; 25:28; 27:3–4; 29:22; Ephesians 4:26). c. He had no pleasure in doing right (Proverbs 1:29-30; 2:14; Psalm 1:2).
4. Cain was destroyed by his sin.
a. He was driven away from his family (4:12). b. He was marked as a terrible sinner (4:15).
c. He was ostracized by society in general (4:17). 5. How could this mistake been avoided?
a. Had Cain been humble (Genesis 4:7).
b. Had Cain loved his brother (1 John 3:12).
C. The Rich Young Ruler—
1. The account of this young man’s mistake (Matthew 19:16-26).
a. He came to Jesus wanting to know what to do to be saved (19:16).
b. Jesus gave him the challenge of being able to give away his wealth (19:21). c. The young man could not do it, and went away (19:22).
2. Many of our youth make the same mistake today.
a. They come from families of moderate means, and are encouraged to succeed. b. They are blasted by family, teachers, television, etc. to climb to the top.
c. As soon as arrive at college they go to work on their ‚dream‛ and the church is forgotten. 3. What was wrong with this young man?
a. He trusted wealth to make him happy and deliver him from trouble (I Timothy 6:6–10, 17). b. He did not know the value of his own soul (Matthew 16:26).
c.He did not believe in the certainty of judgment (2 Peter 3:5-11). 4. This young man went away from Jesus.
a. Jesus can save the rich man (Matthew 19:23-26). b. However, it is hard.
5. How could this mistake been avoided?
a. He needed to have learned early on the power and responsibility that prosperity brings (Romans 12:13; I Timothy 6:18, 19).
b. He should have learned to be a cheerful giver (II Corinthians 9:6, 7; Acts 20:35).
c. He could have avoided this mistake had he known the joy of giving (Romans 12:8).
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D. Amnon and Jonadab—
1. The account of this young man’s mistakes (II Samuel 13:1–18).
a. Amnon was in ‚love‛ with Tamar (13:2).
b. Jonadab encouraged Amnon to contrive a plan whereby he could rape her (13:5). c. Amnon raped Tamar (13:14).
2. This type of mistake occurs often. a. Date rape
b. Gang activity
3. What was wrong with Amnon?
a. He listened to the counsel of the wicked (Proverbs 1:10, 15–16). b. He let lust get a hold on him (Matthew 5:28, 29).
c. He was naive to think that uncommitted sex was pleasant (Proverbs 9:17). 4. Amnon destroyed four lives.
a. He destroyed Tamar with the shame and disgrace. b. He was the occasion of Absalom’s fall.
c. He was the cause of David’s great sorrow. d. He lost his life and damned his own soul.
5. How could these mistakes have been avoided?
a. Amnon should have been careful about who his friends were (Proverbs 4:14–15; 13:20). b. Amnon should have respected God’s marriage law (Genesis 2:23–24; I Corinthians 7:2–3) c.Amnon needed to recognize that what is in the heart comes out in the life (Proverbs 4:23;
Mark 7:20-23; Philippians 4:8).
III. CONCLUSION:
A. From These Accounts We Learn:
1. There are many mistakes that we can make when we are young.
2. The consequences of them will follow us all our lives.
B. Be Careful to Avoid These Mistakes— 1. Choose your friends carefully.
2. Respect the wishes and instruction of your parents. 3. Give heed to the word of God.
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Young People Who Pleased God
Ecclesiastes 12:1
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. Today’s Youth Are Unfairly Characterized
1. Turn on the TV or the radio and listen for a story about American youth.
a. What you will see and hear is usually negative.
b. There are some young people who go out of their way to be rude, crude and obnoxious
(young women we saw in the doctor’s office last week).
c. Recent reports about the youth of Amarillo in the national media. 2. Such unfair generalization is nothing new.
a. This quote from Socrates in about 400 B.C.–– ‚Our youths love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority. They show disrespect for their elders and love to chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when their elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up food and tyrannize teachers.‛
b. All young people are not ‚bad,‛ ‚lazy‛ or ‚immoral,‛ anymore than all Negroes, women or left–handed persons are bad, lazy and immoral.
B. The Bible Speaks Favorably of Youth
1. Youth is a time for great service to God (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
2. Youth is the experience that provides the foundation for life (Ephesians 6:1–4).
3. The most important decisions are made in our youth (Proverbs 2:10–20).
4. A potential for spiritual greatness (I Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 John 2:13). 5. It is intended to be a happy and joyous time (Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10).
C. The Bible Presents Examples of Young People that Pleased God 1. The Bible gives a balanced and fair representation of young people.
2. The Bible shows us that there were good and bad, wise and foolish, moral and immoral
youths. Furthermore, it makes this revelation in such a way that we can profit from it.
II.DISCUSSION:
A. Joseph Was a Young Person that Pleased God 1. Joseph was intolerant of evil (Genesis 37:2).
2. Joseph was obedient to his father (Genesis 37:13; cf. Isaiah 6:8).
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3. Joseph was lived a chaste life (Genesis 39:7–9).
4. Joseph did not complain about his circumstances (Genesis 50:19,20). 5. Joseph was a forgiving person (Isaiah 50:21)
B. Samuel was a Young Person that Pleased God 1. Samuel was dedicated to God (I Samuel 1:26–28; 2:18).
2. He lived in the Tabernacle as a servant (I Samuel 3:1).
3. He developed a wonderful character (I Samuel 2:26; cf. Luke 2:40, 52).
4. He was obedient to God (I Samuel 3:10).
5. He became a prophet at a very early age (I Samuel 3:19–20).
6. He persevered as a young prophet during Israel’s darkest days (I Samuel 7:1–3).
C. Esther Was a Young Person that Pleased God 1. Esther was an obedient child (Esther 2:20).
2. Esther risked her life to save her people (Esther 4:10–17).
3. Esther was a great believer in prayer and providence (Esther 4:16). 4. Esther confronted Haman to his face with his evil (Esther 7:1ff).
5. Esther feared not to punish those that would kill here people (Esther 9:13).
D. Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah Were Young Men that Pleased God 1. With Daniel they did not eat the unclean things (Daniel 1:8, 17–21).
2. They refused to bow down to the golden image (Daniel 3:12). 3. They had an unswerving faith in God (Daniel 3:16–18).
4. Their influence helped convert Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:28–29; 4:37).
E. Hezekiah was a Young Person that Pleased God–– 1. Hezekiah lived a righteous life (2 Kings 18:1–3).
2. As King he removed idolatry from Israel (2 Kings 18:4).
3. He kept the Law of Moses (2 Kings 18:5, 6).
4. He rebelled against the King of Assyria (2 Kings 18:7, 9).
5. He was confident that God answered prayer (2 Kings 19:15).
6. At 39 he was stricken with a life threatening disease and prayed (1 Kings 20:1). 7. He served God with all his heart (2 Chronicles 31:21).
F. Ruth Was a Young Person that Pleased God
1. She came from a pagan background to believe in God (Ruth 1:4).
2. Widowed at an early age she accepted the care of her mother–in–law (Ruth 1:16).
3. She was a hard worker (Ruth 2:7, 17).
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4. She was considerate and selfless (Ruth 2:11, 18).
5. Ruth was a virtuous woman (Ruth 3:11).
G. Josiah Was a Young Person that Pleased God
1. He began to seek God at 16 years old (2 Chronicles 34:1–3).
2. At age 20 he began to purge Judah of idolatry (2 Chronicles 34:3–7). 3. At age 26 he ordered that the Temple be repaired (2 Chronicles 34:8). 4. Wept over the finding of the Book of God (2 Chronicles 34:19, 27).
5. Was tender hearted and humble (2 Chronicles 39:27). 6. Led a national revival (2 Chronicles 35).
7. He destroyed the altars at Bethel (2 Kings 23:15)
III. CONCLUSION:
A. Young People Can and Have Pleased God! 1. Joseph did.
2. Samuel did.
3. Esther did.
4. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah did. 5. Hezekiah did.
6. Ruth did. 7. Josiah did.
B. Will You Please God?
1. Begin by obeying the Gospel.
2. Continue by living a reverent, pure and devoted life.
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Jesus, an Example to Youth
Luke 2:39–52
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. WWJD: What Would Jesus Do?
1. The above slogan has been very popular in the last few years.
a. ‚In recent years, church youth groups have started wearing bracelets with the WWJD initials to keep them focused on their spiritual goals. Over 14 million bracelets have been sold in the United States alone‛ (WWJD.com).
b. WWJD has turned into a huge marketing device with an official website where you can order books, music and clothing.
2. The question is based on Charles Sheldon’s 1896 novel In His Steps.
a. The WWJD cultural movement was born out of Charles Sheldon's 1896 novel In His Steps whose lead character suggested that if each person asked "What would Jesus do?" with each decision they made, then the world would be a much better place.
b. The plot line is a commendable one. However, the novel is weak on account it was written during the late 19th century after many of the denominations abandoned evangelism for the social Gospel. The book is filled with references to missions, and boards and ministries designed to alleviate the suffering of the masses.
c. Today, the story is modernized to deal with AIDS, racial discrimination and homelessness. However, the moral intent of Sheldon’s book is still envisioned but watered down further.
B. Jesus Is an Example to Youth––
1. You do not need a bracelet, T–shirt or Bible cover to stimulate your spirituality.
2. You need to follow the powerful example of Jesus.
II.DISCUSSION:
A. Jesus set the example of following a pure and healthy lifestyle–– 1. Luke assures us that Jesus grew just like other boys grow.
a. Jesus was like all infants at birth in need of a mother (Luke 2:6–7, 22; Matthew 2:13–14).
b. As He matured He played games with His younger brothers and sisters (Mark 6:3).
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Certainly, He knew the children in the neighborhood and ran, jumped, climbed and
wrestled, etc. with them. Just like boys do (Matthew 11:16–17; 19:14; 21:15).
c. It is difficult for some folks to think of Jesus as an ordinary child, but that’s exactly what he was (See: Isaiah 7:14–16; Hebrews 2:17).
2. Jesus ‚grew‛ and ‚increased‛ in stature (Luke 2:40, 52).
a. According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance & are translated ‚grow‛ (12X), ‚increase‛ (7X), ‚give the increase‛ (2X), ‚grow up.‛ The words mean:
(1) to cause to grow, augment (2) to increase, become greater (3) to grow, increase
b. He did not follow a lifestyle of dissipation and debauchery He matured into a strong, healthy young man (Mark. 6:3; Luke. 2:52).
B. Jesus is an example of obedience to parents––
1. The New Testament says that Jesus was subject unto His parents (Luke. 2:52).
a. According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is translated as ‚put under‛ (6X),
‚be subject unto‛ (6X), ‚be subject to‛ (5X), ‚submit (one’s) self unto‛ (5X), ‚submit (one’s)
self to‛ (3X), ‚be in subjection unto‛ (2X), put in subjection under. It means: 1) to arrange under, to subordinate
2) to subject, put in subjection 3) to subject oneself, obey
4) to submit to one’s control
5) to yield to one’s admonition or advice 6) to obey, be subject
b. This is a Greek military term meaning ‚to arrange *as troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader‛. In non-military use, it was ‚a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden‛.
2. It is interesting to note that this statement is made of Jesus at age twelve. When most ‚authorities‛ want to attribute rebellion against parental authority to something that is ‚natural‛ and to be expected in the teenage years; however, the Bible says that Jesus subjected Himself to his parents.
3. The Lord kept the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12).
a. It is called the first commandment ‚with promise‛ (Ephesians 6:2).
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b. It is the promise of blessing in the land or ‚on the earth.‛
c. Israel’s remaining on the land was directly related to their obedience to God (Deuteronomy29:25–29). Therefore, obedience to one’s parents has something to do with becoming obedient to God (cf., Proverbs 22:15).
d. Jesus is the proof of this premise that the discipline and training that comes from obeying one’s parents prepares the heart for obedience to God (John 8:29; Luke 2:52).
C. Jesus observed the Law & customs of His people––
1. Often young people want to disregard properly constituted authority and the time honored
traditions and customs of the community.
2. Jesus obeyed the law and observed the customs:
a. He was circumcised (Luke 2:21).
b. He went up to the Temple when required (John 7:14).
c. He kept the traditions of the people (Matthew 17:24–27).
d. He respected the authority of the government (Matthew 22:21).
3. Men are either respected or despised in a community on account of their regard for what is right and good (Proverbs. 12:8; Luke. 2:52).
a. Jesus was held in esteem while He was a young man because He was obedient to parents and law–abiding.
b. Jesus was not a vandal, a protester, a rebel or a loner. He was respectful of others, their property and their desires.
D. Jesus is an example of the faithful worship of God–– 1. Jesus worshipped God from the beginning of His life.
a. On the eighth day he was circumcised (Luke 2:21).
b. He was presented in the Temple on the 40th day (Luke 2:23; cf., Leviticus 12:2, 3, 8).
c. He developed the habit of weekly attendance and participation at the synagogue (Luke 4:16).
d. He attended the feasts in Jerusalem from His youth (Luke 2:42). 2. Jesus understood the spiritual implications of worship (Luke 2:49).
a. Many attend worship for social, political and cultural reasons (Matthew 6:1–18; 23:5–7). b. However, Jesus recognized His duty to the Father in worship and praise (Luke. 2:49).
c. Jesus worshipped in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
3. The habit of worship is easiest developed in youth (Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:1; Proverbs 22:6,7;
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Luke 18:21; I Timothy 4:12; Acts 26:4; Psalms. 71:5,6).
a. The formation of such a habit is directly attributable to the influence of parents (2 Timothy 1:5; cf. I Samuel 1:19–29).
b. Consider why God chose Mary and Joseph to be the parents of Jesus.
E. Jesus set a proper example for Bible study––
1. Jesus not only grew physically, He grew spiritually (Luke 2:40, 52).
a. He was filled with wisdom.
b. He increased in wisdom. c. He waxed strong in spirit.
d. He increased in favor with God.
2. Spiritual growth comes by study of the Word (I Peter 2:2). a. Jesus studied (Luke 2:46,47).
b. Jesus read the Bible (Luke 4:16).
3. Jesus prioritized His life in order to have time to study. a. He learned a trade (Mark 6:3).
b. However, it did not take precedence over His Bible study.
c. We need to make the same choice (Matthew 6:33; 2 Timothy 3:15).
F. Jesus sought heavenly things first––
1. Jesus wanted what His Father wanted first (Luke 2:46).
2. By learning this lesson early, Jesus prepared His heart to do the difficult things that the Father would require later (Matthew 26:39, 42).
3. Youth have a tendency to indulge and never learn to do without (Ecclesiastes 11:9–10). a. To satisfy every whim to the sacrifice of the Father’s business is a bad habit to begin. b. Early in life, we need to learn to sacrifice for the Father.
G. Jesus made a conscious decision not to sin–– 1. Jesus did not sin (I Peter 2:21, 22; Hebrews 7:26–27).
2. He made this decision in youth (2 Timothy 2:22; Isaiah 7:15–16; Psalms 25:7).
3. We should follow the example of Jesus in deciding not to sin (Daniel 1:8; 1 John 2:1–2; I Corinthians 10:13; 15:34; I Peter 2:21, 22).
III. CONCLUSION: A. What Did Jesus Do?
B. Can I Do That?
C. Will I Do What Jesus Did?
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Scriptural Guidelines for Choosing a Mate
1.INTRODUCTION:
God Intends that Marriage Be Permanent—
1. God intends for marriage to be a completely fulfilling and permanent relationship: ‚For this
cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall
become one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate‛ (Matthew 19:5– 6).
2. A mate is the single most crucial and important decision that one will make, except for becoming a Christian. Therefore, it is not to be taken lightly, nor is one to ‚set sail‛ onto the murky waters of marriage without much mature contemplation and prayer to God, and counsel with those of much experience, knowledge, and wisdom.
3. There are legitimate questions one should ask himself and a prospective mate long before ‛I do‛ is said in the matrimonial ceremony.
Let’s Ask These Questions—
II.DISCUSSION:
A. Does He Believe In God?
1. Regardless of how much they believe in me, do they believe in deity?
a. No matter how much I believe in them, do they believe in God, and are they prepared to do the best they can to obey the will of God?
b. If not, you will he marrying a fool (Psalm 14:1), and you will be marrying someone who cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6).
2. Is this what you want?
a. Can you be spiritually stable in such a set of circumstances?
b. Can such a mate really give you the genuine spiritual encouragement that you need in such a situation?
B. Has She Been Married Before?
1. Didthe previous mate die? If no, did she ‚put away‛ her spouse because he committed the
sin of fornication?
2. If so, according to the word of the Lord the person may marry again, but if not, or if the
person is the one who was divorced because of fornication which he committed, he has no
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scriptural right to contract another marriage (Matthew 19:9; Mark 10:11-12; Luke 16:18).
a. Young friend, regardless of the emotional attraction you think you have for the person, if they have no right to marry you.
b. It is not worth putting your soul in eternal peril for the pleasure and happiness you think you will have in this life (Matthew 16:26ff.).
C. Is He a Faithful Member of the Lord’s Church?
1. Just being a member of Jesus’ spiritual body may not be sufficient.
a. Is the person faithful? Will he go to worship with you?
b. Not, will he see that a way is made available for you to worship, but will he go by your side? c. If not, you will not be marrying a Christian, and this is definitely not the wise thing to do
(I Corinthians 9:5).
2. A person who is a member of the body of Christ, but not faithful in study, attendance teaching, and living will not be an asset, but a detriment.
a. God commands us to ‚continue growing in grace and knowledge‛ (2 Peter 3:18).
b. Do you really want or need someone who cannot assist you in accomplishing your growth in the Lord?
D. Are You Choosing Her Because She Looks Good, or Because She Is Good?
1. One is much better off marrying a person who looks like he has been ‚run over by a Mack
truck,‛ but is thoughtful, gentle, and godly, than to marry someone who is ‚regal and stately
in appearance,‛ but who engages in verbal and physical brutality, and has no respect for God, you, and your feelings.
2. Physical beauty will only last as long as ‚Father Time‛ is merciful.
a. Even the most adorable will eventually lose the luster of youth, but the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, is in the sight of God of great price‛ (I Peter 3:3–6).
b. Choose someone who loves you for you without placing too much emphasis on outward, fleeting beauty.
E. How Is He Treating You During the Period of Courtship?
1. Is he attempting to get you to cast aside your virginity for a few moments of sinful, sexual
pleasure? (Genesis 39)
a. Has he attempted to force you into sexual activity? (II Samuel 13)
b. Have you found the person to be completely loyal to you during the courtship, or has he played the field with many women? Has she played with many men? (Consider the
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Shunnamite in Song of Solomon)
c. Does he attempt to engage in petting during dates? (Ezekiel 23, cf. I Corinthians 7:1, 2) Does he seek to put his hands in places that are to be kept private until you are married?
2. If so, how can you be sure that he can be trusted after marriage?
F. Is This Person Willing To Have, Lead or Care for a Family? 1. Does he have a mature sense of responsibility?
a. Is he qualified to assume the role of a husband, the leader of the family? (Ephesians 5:22-
33; Colossians 3:18-21)
b. Is he ready to support a family? (Ephesians 4:28; I Timothy 5:8; Genesis 2:24; 1 Thessalonians 3:10)
2. Does she understand the profound duty of guiding a house?
a. Is she capable of managing a household? (I Timothy 5:8; Titus 2:5). b. Is she willing to bear and rear children (I Timothy 2:15).
3. Are both of you ready to leave home? (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31; Matthew 19:5) a. Are you prepared to do with less and share more?
b. Will you think of others above yourself? (Philippians 2:3)
III. CONCLUSION:
A. Marriage Is Only for Those Who Are Prepared—
B. Is the Person You Are Considering as a Prospective Spouse Prepared?
C. Will You Consider the Consequences of an Improper Choice?
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The Importance of Creation
Genesis 1:1
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. Personal Experiences Which Demonstrate the Failures of Many to Understand the Importance of Creation––
1. In my sophomore year of high school my biology teacher affirmed her convictions regarding
evolution and the Bible. She saw no conflict and was convinced a belief in God did not
require a rejection of evolution.
2. In my freshman year of college my wood science professor informed all students that the assumptions of the evolution model of origins were the assumptions of the class. Furthermore, he would not entertain any arguments otherwise; he regarded himself as a theist and found no contradictions between the facts of science and the doctrines of the Bible.
3. Finally, in my senior year of college, I took literature from a woman who advocated that Genesis1 and 2 were mythical allegories and not to be regarded as statements of historical fact. The point being that Christians should not be so ignorant about their own Bible that they rejected obvious ‚scientific fact.‛
4. Each of the above examples reveal a very popular conviction that it is possible to believe both the Bible and the theory of evolution, that one can be a Christian and deny that God created the heavens and the earth and all that in them is in six literal 24 hour days.
B. Can We Reject Special Creation and Still Be Christians?
1. Is creation a central teaching of the Bible? Do the Scriptures require an acceptance of creation
as fact in order to be saved? I believe it does, and will show it from the scriptures.
2. Those who advocate otherwise offer various attempts at altering the creation narrative in order to make evolution fit.
a. They transform the entire first eleven chapters of Genesis into an allegory, a mythical story, oral tradition and fable.
b. Others seek to find a gap of time between verses one and two.
c. Still others will argue that the days were not literal days, but days of indeterminate length and are capable of including long eons of time.
3. It goes without saying each such attempt creates only more problems and embroils one in irreconcilable difficulties with the rest of the Bible.
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4. In this lesson study we will show some of the insurmountable consequences of rejecting the
creation narrative as actual factual history.
II.DISCUSSION:
A. A Rejection of Creation Is a Rejection of God and His Authority Over Us––
1. The Scriptures assert that the basis of God’s authority to rule over all men is the relationship
we sustain to Him of creature to Creator (Romans 9:20, 21; Hebrews 3:1-6; Revelation 4:9-11;
Nehemiah 9:5-6; Zechariah 12:1)
2. If the relationship of creature/Creator does not exist, then by what right should God expect man to revere Him?
B. A Rejection of Creation Is a Denial of the Power and Majesty of God––
1. The Scriptures present God to us as omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, etc. These powers
of God are tied directly to the fact that He by fiat created (Psalm 90:2; Hebrews 11:3; Psalm
19:1, 4; 2 Kings 19:15; 1 Chronicles 16:25, 26; Isaiah 40:28-31; Romans 1:18-20).
2. How can I rely upon a ‚God‛ who is less in power, intelligence and will than the universe in which He resides? To deny a supernatural cause for the universe is to diminish the God whom we worship.
C. A Rejection of Creation Jeopardizes the Eternal Well Being of Mankind––
1. The Scriptures teach that God is an eternal Spirit who made man in His own image (Genesis
1:26-27; 2:7; Hebrews 12:9; Ecclesiastes 12:7). He is the keeper of souls, and that because He is
the Creator (I Peter 4:19)
2. Now, what hope have we if there is no certainty regarding God’s creative power? According to evolution it is not discernible from observing nature (Romans 1:18-20; Psalm 19:1, 4).
3. What reason is there to believe that we even have a soul if God did not create man as the Bible teaches?
D. A Rejection of Creation Is a Denial of the Gospel––
1. When the Gospel was preached men were called upon to believe in a God who created (Acts
14:15; 17:23-27; John 1:1-3, 10; Hebrews 1: 2–10; Colossians 1:13-17)
2. When men deny a special Creation they deny that God planned and executed redemption (Ephesians 1:3, 4).
3. Furthermore, to deny creation casts reflection on Christ (Matthew 19:4-6) and the Scriptures (Isaiah 44:24)
4. If there is no creation, there is no foundation upon which to predicate the Gospel plan of salvation.
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E. A Rejection of Creation Is a Rejection of the Day of Judgment––
1. The Scriptures teach that the God who created is the God who will destroy in judgment (2
Peter 3:1-10; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:10-12)
2. Yet, if all things exist by natural causes, all things can only cease to exist by natural causes. What reason is there to believe that heaven and earth will ever pass away?
3. Of course, the consequence is what we see: ‚Many scoffers ...‛
III. CONCLUSION:
A. Evolution Theory and Christianity are Incompatible––
1. You cannot believe the Bible, trust God, accept Christ, live right or worship God and hold to
any theory of evolution.
2. The two are wholly incompatible—you cannot be a rational thinker and accept both––they cannot be harmonized.
B. The Promoters of Evolution Theory Intend to Weaken Faith–– 1. It has its origins among the godless and unbelieving.
2. It has been accepted by those who think more of the world and what it has to offer than they think of Christ and His church.
3. It is promoted and presented as plausible in order to align the church with the world rather than turning the world to Christ the eternal Creator.
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Our Clothes Send a Message
I Timothy 2:9
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. The Text in Context—
1. Paul writes Timothy concerning how believers ought to behave themselves in the local
church fellowship (I Timothy 3:15).
2. The instructions Paul gives concern a wide variety of subjects: a. Reproof of false teacher (1:3ff)
b. Prayers (2:1–7)
c. A chaste life [including clothing] (2:8ff) d. The eldership (3:1-7)
e. The deaconate (3:8-14) f. Asceticism (4:1-11)
g. Personal piety (4:12-16) h. Relationships (5:1-2)
i. The care of widows (5:3-16)
j. Servant/master relations (6:1-2) k. Money (6:6-19)
3. The instruction concerning proper dress appears in this context --
B. The Text Analyzed— 1. Meta
a. Thayer, ‚a preposition ... denoting association, union accomplishment with the genitive ... 2. of association and companionship with ... f. with the genitive of mental feelings, desires and emotions, of bodily movements, and other acts which are so to speak the attendants of what is done or occurs; so that in this way the characteristic of the action or occurrence is described––which in most cases can be expressed by a cognate adverb or participle: meta aidous I Timothy 2:9‛ (pp. 403-404).
b. Nicoll, ‚with shamefastness and self control or discreetness: the inward characteristic, and the external indication or evidence of it.‛ (p. 108).
c. BADG, ‚III. to denote the attendant circumstances of something that takes place. 1. of
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moods, emotions, wishes, feelings, excitement, states of mind or body ... with modesty 1
Tim. 2:9 ...‛ (p. 509). 2. “Modest apparel”
a. Literally, ‚adorn themselves in adorning attire—‚
b. The word as translated gets its significance from the attributes of the inner man–– shamefast and sober.
1) ‚becoming apparel‛ (ABUV) 2) ‚in seemly attire‛ (Rhm)
3) ‚in becoming attire‛ (Bev) 4) ‚suitable apparel‛ (Mon) 5) ‚seemly apparel‛ (Con)
6) ‚in proper clothes (Bepd)
C. The Text Applied––
1. Paul affirms that dress is an expression of the heart, the inner man, the spirit (2:9)
a. The heart is an essential element in our worship (John 4:24)
b. The condition of our heart affects our worship (Matthew 15:8)
c. Those who dress immodestly run the risk of making their worship vain (Matthew 15:9). 2. Paul affirms that proper attire is a good work that becomes the Christian (2:19).
a. Christians are to maintain good works (Titus 3:8, 14)
b. Our works will be considered in the judgment (II Corinthians 5:10)
3. Paul concludes that what we wear says more about us than what we say ourselves (2:8, 10). a. The old adage, ‚Actions speaks louder than words.‛
b. For example: The young lady the other evening at the Western Sizzlin’ (about 18, a short shirt and a bare midriff, wanting to join in our ‚religious‛ conversation because she was a student in our area Christian college).
c. Is your confession being obscured by your conversation? (I Peter 3:1)
II.DISCUSSION:
A. There Is Clothing Which Communicates Reverence–– 1. Joseph (Genesis 41:41)
a. He wanted to appeal to Pharaoh in order that he might be released. He wanted his favor.
b. Compare to being invited to the Whitehouse.
c. This is not ostentation, hypocrisy, or appeal to vanity. It is reverence for authority and power. Is God worthy of less?
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2. Peter (John 21:7)
a. Why would Peter go to the trouble of putting on this ‚ependutes‛, i.e. the outer garment? b. He was ‚naked‛, gumnos or nude (absolute or relative). His appearance was inappropriate
for greeting the Lord.
c. The term ‚naked‛ is used to indicate those who are improperly clad (Revelation 3:17). 3. The ill-clad man at the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:11, 12)
a. Yes, this is a parable. However, that which is a figure must be true in order for the spiritual lesson to be true.
b. This man demonstrated a lack of respect for the groom and bride by coming to the feast inappropriately dressed.
c. Therefore, recognize that certain clothing is appropriate for different situations. Every society knows this, even America!
4. There is just some clothing that is altogether inappropriate for worship because it communicates a lack of reverence for the Almighty and the Son of God.
a. Tee Shirts with advertisements and slogans, not necessarily, vulgar, but only suitable for ball games and working in the yard.
b. Casual wear (blue jeans, T-shirts, slacks and gym clothes) reflect a spirit that is hardly impressed with the gravity of coming into the presence of the throne room of heaven (cf. Revelation 4:2-6, 8-11).
B. There Is Clothing Which Communicates a Materialistic Mind–– 1. The Rich Man (Luke 16:19)
a. The rich man expressed him materialism through an opulent and lavish lifestyle that included his clothing.
b. Purple was the signature of wealthy and powerful men (Mark 15:17, 20; John 19:2, 5; Acts 16:14; Revelation 17:4; 18:12, 16; Judges 8:26; Esther 1:6; 8:15; Proverbs 31:22).
c. The rich man concerned himself with his appearance above the weightier matters of life–– Lazarus and his suffering.
2. The Man in Gay Clothing (Js. 2:2-4) a. Definitions:
1) goodly - radiant, magnificent, gorgeous, or sumptuous 2) gay - same Greek word as above
3) vile - dirty, i.e., relatively cheap or shabby
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b. This man’s clothing reflected his wealth and his emphasis on material things.
c. Christians should not, even though they can easily afford it, display their wealth in such a way.
d. The assemblies are no place for a fashion show or ‚Easter parade‛. 3. The Holy Woman of I Peter 3:3
a. What is prohibited?
1) ‚the plating of hair‛––a custom of ancient times that was both costly and expensive. 2) ‚putting on of apparel‛––the appeal to her husband is by the alluring use of clothing
instead of the appeal of a chaste conversation.
b. Here and in the circumstances above such ostentation reflects that one is preoccupied with a measure of himself by things (Luke 12:15).
4. This form of vanity is particularly unbecoming in men and women professing godliness. a. Preachers who are bedecked with enough ‚tinsel‛ to decorate a X-mas tree.
b. Churches whose reputation is that of a ‚rich church‛ (Revelation 3:17, 18). c. Better that we do as Dorcas (Acts 9:36-39)
C. There Is Clothing Which Communicates Wantonness and Sensuality–– 1. The Woman of Proverbs 7:10
a. She had on ‚the attire of an harlot‛, but she was not a harlot (7:19).
b. Tamar put on the clothes of a prostitute to deceive Judah (Genesis 38:14, 15) c. These women were thought to be wanton because of how they dressed.
2. The Great Whore (Revelation 17:1-4)
a. The ‚great whore‛ is shown by how she dressed.
b. What imagery comes to your mind when you read these words? c. You know there is such clothing.
3. The Levites Special Clothing (Exodus 28:42)
a. The worship of the pagan was commonly associated with lasciviousness and fornication (cf. Exodus 32:25)
b. God did not want his priests dressing in a way that would give rise to this sin.
c. Lesson: God is concerned that worship be pure, free from the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 11:4).
4. Adam and Eve were naked (Genesis 3:7-11)
a. Our first parents in their innocence were nude in the garden (Genesis 2:25)
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b. However, sin came and shame was in their hearts and their nakedness was now a matter
about which to be concerned (cf. to young children)
c. When they made their ‚aprons‛ they were still naked (3:10). God agreed with them (3:11). d. God covered their nakedness with ‚coats‛, a garment covering the shoulders to about the
knees (3:21).
5. Too many Christians wear clothing that, like Adam’s apron, leaves them naked. a. The swimsuits, the shorts, the miniskirts are all clothing that exposes the thighs. b. Tight fitting and shear blouses reveal the bosom, as do low cut necklines.
c. While some are covered (barely) standing up, they are naked when they sit down (Brother Lafayette Pounds used to say, ‚She is poked down too far in her frock.‛)
d. We are seeing this kind of dress among the members here even in the assemblies. e. Who must we admonish?
1) Husbands––you are the head (Ephesians 5:23).
2) Fathers––you are the disciplinarian (Ephesians 6:4)
3) Mothers––you are the accountable teachers (Titus 2:5, 6) 4) Grandparents––you are still an influence (Titus 2:3, 4)
5) Young people––you have influence too (I Timothy 4:12-16)
III. CONCLUSION:
A. Our Clothes Send A Message!
B. What Message Are You Sending? 1. ‚I reverence God in al things.‛
2. ‚My life consists of the things which I possess‛ 3. ‚I am chaste, sober and discreet.‛
C. Will You Think on These Things?
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You Reap What You Sow!
Galatians 6:7–8
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. Jesus Taught Truth from Agricultural Examples:
1. The Parable of the Sower to represent the Gospel of salvation (Matthew 13).
2. The Kingdom compared to a vine (John 15) or a flock of sheep (John 10). 3. The resurrection likened unto sowing seed (I Corinthians 15:36).
4. The final judgment is compared separating sheep and goats (Matthew 25). 5. Living in sin is compared to a hog wallow (Luke 15).
6. Apostates are compared to field of nettles (Hebrews 6)
7. Reprobates are likened to dogs in spirituality (Matthew 7).
B. The Law of the Harvest Used to Teach that Every Act has Its Consequences. 1. The lesson we will learn today is one of the simplest and most obvious, but one which is
rarely learned until it is too late.
2. Most folks seem to think that we can stroll through life, living however we choose, never to be held accountable for the choices we make.
3. However, sooner or later (hopefully sooner) the law of the harvest catches up with us.
II.DISCUSSION:
A. The Infallible Law of the Harvest—
1. This is the infallible rule in the natural realm (Genesis 1:11,12; 3:17–19; Genesis 8:21;
Matthew 13:24–30).
2. It is the infallible rule in the spiritual realm (Galatians 6:7,8; Proverbs 22:8; II Corinthians 9:6; Hosea 8:5; 10:12,13; I Corinthians 15:36–44).
3. Three things are certain from the ‚Law of the Harvest‛–– a. You reap only what you sow (Matthew 13:23).
b. You reap only when you sow (I Corinthians 15:36). c. You reap more than you sow (Hosea 8:5).
B. All of Us Are Sowing unto the Great Harvest 1. We are sowing in the ‚field’ of Family relations:
a. Fathers (Ephesians 6:1–4; Titus 1:6; Colossians 3:21)
b. Mothers (Titus 2:4; I Timothy 5:5–8)
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c. Husbands (Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19)
d. Wives (Ephesians 5:24; I Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:29) e. Children (Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 3:1–3)
(1) We are sowing in the ‚field‛ of Human relations: (a) Neighbors (Romans 12:18; Matthew 5:38–42)
(b) Friends (Proverbs 18:24; Proverbs 17:9,17; 25:17)
(c) Employers/Employees (Ephesians 6:5–9; Proverbs 29:21; James 5:4) (d) Civil Government (Romans 13:1–8)
(e) Enemies (Romans 12:19–21; Matthew 5:25,26) (2) We are sowing in the ‚field‛ of Spiritual relations:
(a) Bible Study (Hebrews 5:12–14; 6:7,8) (b) Overcoming sin (Hebrews 12:4–11) (c) Liberality (II Corinthians 9:6–10)
(d) Service (Luke 6:27–38)
(e) Worship (Matthew 6:1–18)
C. ―Be Not Deceived‖
1. Some sow their ‚wild oats‛ and pray for a crop failure.
a. You will reap what you sow!
b. Those that are sowing to the wind will reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:5). 2. Some reap in real time–– (Psalm 37; Acts 12:21–23)
3. Some will reap in eternity–– (Psalm 73; cf. Luke 16)
III. CONCLUSION:
A. There Is a Spiritual Law of the Harvest
B. All Men Are Subject to that Law
C. What Are You Sowing Today, that You Will Reap Tomorrow?
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When I AmTempted...
I. INTRODUCTION: A. ―I Am Tempted...‖
1. Our flesh is the great battleground in which we war against the Tempter (Ephesians 6:10–17;
II Corinthians 10:3–5).
a. Satan appeals to us along one of three avenues of temptation (1 John 2:16).
(1) ‚The lust of the eyes‛ (2) ‚The lust of the flesh‛ (3) ‚The pride of life‛
b. This is always his approach.
(1) This is how he came at Eve (Genesis 3:1–6).
(2) This is how he came at David (II Samuel 11:1–17). (3) This is how he came at Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11).
2. All men are engaged in this war in the flesh (James 1:14).
a. There are none who are not tempted (I Corinthians 10:13).
b. Furthermore, there are none who have not been wounded (Romans 3:23; Ecclesiastes 7:20). c. Spiritual death was the result of yielding to temptation (Romans 8:5–6; James 1:15; Ezekiel
18:4,20; I Timothy 5:6).
d. Thereby we are in need of a Saviour (Romans 7:5, 9, 14-17, 24-25). 3. This conflict does not end when we are redeemed (James 1:2, 12, 13).
a. The Christian is severely tried by Satan (I Peter 5:1-8). b. Jesus was a righteous man and tempted (I Peter 1:22).
B. How Do I Resist Temptation?
1. While all are tempted, it need not result in sin (James 1:15; 1 John 3:4; 2:1, 16–17;
I Corinthians 10:12).
a. There is a way of escaping temptation (I Corinthians 10:13).
b. Jesus commands us to resist it and sin not (1 John 2:1; I Corinthians 15:34). 2. What we want to learn is how to resist temptation and sin not (1 John 2:1).
a. I believe some have given into the notion that sin is inevitable in our lives. b. I am not saying that we will be perfect, that is, sinless (1 John 1:8, 10).
c. But, I am saying that we do not have to give into temptation.
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II.DISCUSSION:
A. I Remember That the Devil Can Be Resisted–– 1. The devil is not an evil ‚God.‛
a. He is not omniscient.
b. He is not omnipresent. c. He is not omnipotent. d. He is not eternal.
2. The Devil can be resisted (James 4:7; Ephesians 4:27, 6:11; I Peter 5:8, 9). 3. His devices are not a secret (II Corinthians 2:11; 11:13-15).
B. I Remember That I Am a Man Created in the Image of God–– 1. According to Genesis 1:26 that likeness is in the inner man.
2. What does this imply?
a. Intellect or reason
b. Will or choice
c. Morality, the knowledge right and wrong
3. My nature is not corrupt (Ecclesiastes 7:29; 1 John 2:1; I Corinthians 15:34). 4. God’s will is not beyond my ability to do it
a. We can understand it (Ephesians 3:4; 5:17; John 7:17). b. We can do it (1 John 5:3).
c. The issue is do we will it (John 7:17).
C. I Recall Scriptures Related to the Particular Temptation— 1. The example of Jesus (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).
a. Jesus is my example in temptation (I Peter 2:21,22; 1 John 2:6).
b. His methods are tried and proven successful (I Peter 2:22 Hebrews 4:15). 2. The secret to this success is Bible study (Psalms 119:11).
a. Bible study eliminates ignorance (John 8:32).
b. Bible study gains for us wisdom (Proverbs 1:1–4). c. Bible study builds character (Hebrews 4:12).
3. Scripture related to common temptations.
a. Make a list of verses that apply to your besetting sin and commit them to memory. b. Make a purposeful application of those verses in your daily experience.
D. I Reflect Upon the Offering of Jesus—
1. I remember Him at the last supper (John 13:1–38; Matthew 26:20–35).
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2. I remember Him in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-50).
3. I remember Him on trial (Matthew 26:57-68; Mark 15:1ff; Luke 23:6-12).
4. I remember him on the cross (Matthew 27:32–38; Mark 15:21–41; Luke 23:33–38).
E. I Pray for Deliverance––
1. When Jesus was tempted Jesus prayed (Luke 6:11, 12 Matthew 26:36–44).
2. Jesus taught us to pray for deliverance (Matthew 6:13).
3. God will answer these prayers (I Corinthians 10:13; James 1:13).
F. I Re-evaluate My Pattern of Life—
1. Temptations often come because we are not circumspect.
a. We are with the wrong people (Proverbs 1:10).
b. We are watching the wrong things (Job 31:1).
c. We have our priorities out of order (Matthew 6:33). d. We are not where we should be (II Samuel 11:2).
2. Jesus taught us to watch and pray.
a. Some start praying after they have run up and embraced temptation. b. Bible examples of watchfulness:
(1) Joseph fled (Genesis 39:12).
(2) Timothy was told to flee (2 Timothy 2:22).
(3) The Corinthians admonished also (I Corinthians 6:18). (4) The Romans admonished also (Romans 13:14).
3. Much of our trouble comes because we do not learn to break off the associations, activities and entertainments that give rise to temptation.
III. CONCLUSION:
A. Temptation Is the Common Experience of Man— 1. It need not result in sin
2. But, we must face it and resist it.
B. How to Do This?
1. I remember that the devil can be resisted.
2. I remember that I am a man created in the image of God.
3. I recall scriptures related to the particular temptation. 4. I reflect on the suffering of Jesus.
5. I pray for deliverance.
6. I re-evaluate my pattern of life.
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“Faithful in That Which Is Least”
Luke 16:10
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. The Parable of the Unjust Steward 1. A difficult parable to understand. Why?
a. Jesus seemingly gives a commendation of what is obviously dishonest (16:8).
b. However, if we remember that this is a comparison and not positive instruction the
difficulty will disappear.
c. Jesus does not commend theft, but a wise use of material things. 2. Jesus makes three applications of the actions of the Unjust Steward:
a. First, Jesus ‚in character‛ commends the steward’s actions from the standpoint of a ‚man of the world‛ (16:8a). This sets the parable up for the spiritual application.
b. Next, Jesus makes the broader spiritual application, ‚Use your material possessions to provide yourself not a temporal habitation, but an eternal habitation.‛ Jesus wants us to be wiser than the world (16:8b).
c. Finally, Jesus makes a sub–application of the former by instructing us with respect to the proper use of material things. We have a stewardship of which we must give an account. How we have handled this stewardship will determine whether or not we are given our own things––the heavenly treasure (cf. Matthew 6:19–24).
B. Our Lesson Study Is Built Around the Third Application
1. I believe that there is an eternal principle of truth contained in these words that have
application to every facet of the human experience––ultimately affecting our eternal destiny. 2. ‚He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much‛ applies to (1) our jobs, (2)
our homes, (3) our friendships, (4) the Church and (5) eternity. 3. In this study let’s consider the application of the principle.
II.DISCUSSION:
A. Are You Faithful in that Which Is Least on the Job?
1. The Bible has some plain instruction concerning a proper work ethic.
a. Man was created to work (Genesis 2:15; Ecclesiastes 5:12).
b. Without work, men would become idle and troublemakers (Matthew 20:1–15; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:11; I Timothy 5:13; Ezekiel 16:49).
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c. Work establishes the ethical basis for property ownership (Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians
3:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:12).
d. When another man’s servant, it is required that we be faithful (I Corinthians 4:2; Ephesians 6:5–8; Colossians 3:22–25; Titus 2:9,10).
e. God expects us to earn our wage (Job 7:1,2; 14:1; Matthew 20).
f. He expects us to be satisfied with our wages (Matthew 20:12; Luke 3:14). 2. Do you want to advance on your job? Do you want to get a raise?
a. You cannot be like the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:3). You must work your way up! b. Are you trustworthy in the small responsibilities you have? Do you steal?
c. Do you give a ‚full day’s work‛ for your pay? On the other hand, are you like the ‚hireling‛ looking for ‚quittin’ time‛?
d. Are you a contented and satisfied employee? Do you grouse with the rest of them? Are you rendering service or eye–service?
B. Are You Faithful in that Which Is Least at Home?
1. Young people need to learn this principle in their relation with their parents.
a. Young people often want parental ‚trust‛ and give additional privileges (e.g., a car,
extended curfews, choice of entertainments, un-chaperoned activities, etc.).
b. What do you suppose is the basis for establishing trust in a person? That’s right, faithfulness in that which is least.
2. Are you building or destroying trust between you and your parents? a. Do you lie to your parents? (Proverbs 14:5)
b. Are you obedient to their rules? (Jeremiah 21:22; cf. Ephesians 6:1) c. Are you diligent to cooperate in their desires? (Galatians 4:1–2)
3. These are the things that will constitute a man a ‚wise son‛ in whom a father can trust (Proverbs 10:1; 15:20; 19:13; 27:11; 29:3).
C. Are You Faithful in that Which Is Least in Your Relationships?
1. The Bible tells us that friendships are built by faithfulness in small things.
a. Friends are careful to keep confidences (Proverbs 17:9; 11:13).
b. Friends are not fickle (Proverbs 17:17; 25:17; 27:10). c. Friends are truthful (Proverbs 27:6,9,17,19).
d. Friends stick with you in trouble (Proverbs 17:17; Job 6:14; Psalm 41:9). e. Friends are forgiving (Proverbs 17:9).
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2. Do you wonder why you do not have any friends?
a. ‚A man that hath friends must show himself friendly‛ (Proverbs 18:24). b. Friendships require mutual trust (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12).
c. Are you the kind person with which others will ‚walk through the fire‛ (Daniel 3:21).
D. Are You Faithful in that Which Is Least in the Church?
1. The Church is a place where faithfulness in that which is least is important.
a. Elders (I Timothy 3:1ff)
b. Deacons (I Timothy 3:10)
c. Servants (II Corinthians 8:22; Acts 15:38)
d. Saints (II Corinthians 2:9; 8:8,24; 13:5; Galatians 6:3,4) e. Evangelists (Philippians 2:22; 2 Timothy 4:5)
2. Many never learn the importance of small things. a. Our attendance (Hebrews 10:25).
b. Our giving (II Corinthians 9:6,7).
c. Our random acts of kindness (Colossians 3:12–14).
3. Greatness comes through the small things (Matthew 18:4; 23:11–12).
a. Many wonder why the Church does not promote them to a place of responsibility. b. It is because they have not been faithful in the small things.
c. What are you doing with the opportunities you have today to prove your fitness for service? Are you squandering them by your faithlessness?
III. CONCLUSION:
A. Faithfulness in the Least Determines Eternity’s Outcome 1. Jesus cast aside the One Talent Man?
a. He did not do what he was able and obligated to do (Matthew 25:30).
b. The Five Talent Man and the Two Talent Man were faithful over a few things that were not theirs. After that, the Lord gave them their own cities to rule.
c. Jesus will give us eternal treasure for our own after we complete our stewardship to him (Luke 16:11–12).
2. It may not seem important what we do in the kingdom. a. We are tempted to be slack in our duties.
b. We are careless in the way we handle ourselves.
c. We manage to shove something in front of Christ and His church.
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d. We cheat our Master and tell his competitors to take more than their share.
B. Have You Been Faithful in that Which Is Least? 1. Have you been a faithful <
a. Worker
b. Child
c. Friend
d. Member of the local Church
2. If not, then now is the time to be begin; it’s not too late.
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Back to School
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. Every Year at This Time We Get Our ―Back To School‖ Checklist–– 1. No. 2 Pencils
2. Three–ring Binder
3. Black or blue ink pens
4. Spiral bound notebooks 5. Glue sticks
6. Scissors
7. Wide ruled paper
8. Doctor’s notes on prescriptions 9. Gym clothes
10. Book bag
B. However, Everything You Need at School Is Not On the List–– 1. School is not what it used to be.
a. The biggest problem we had in school when I was going was the boys smoking in the bathrooms.
b. That was considered major compared to the problems of a generation or two before, chewing gum and being tardy.
c. Young people today face some very serious challenges in the classroom and on the school grounds: drugs, alcohol, lying, fornication, gangs, etc.
2. What you need to meet these challenges you are not going to buy at the Wal-Mart or the Dollar General. Neither the school board nor the teachers are going to provide what you need.
3. What every person needs to meet the challenges of going back to school, whether a student, a parent, a teacher or an administrator is to be found in the pages of God’s book.
C. In This Study We Will Consider Some Things You Must Take Back to School in This Coming Year––
II.DISCUSSION:
A. When You Go Back To School Carry Honesty with You–– 1. What is honesty?
a. ‚The quality or condition of being honest.‛
b. ‚The quality or truthfulness and probity, combined with overall moral excellence.‛
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c. ‚Integrity and straightforwardness in conduct, thought and speech; free from fraud.‛
d. Sincerity, truthfulness
e. Syns.: honesty, incorruptibility, incorruptibleness, integrity, rectitude, uprightness. 2. The Word of God says:
a. Romans 12:17, ‚Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.‛
b. II Corinthians 13:7, ‚Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.‛
c. I Peter 2:12, ‚Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.‛
3. With whom should you be honest?
a. Be honest with God and His Word. You cannot fool God, or hide from God, or disregard His word with impunity (Galatians 6:7-8; Numbers 32:23; John 12:48).
b. Be honest with yourself. Some chimney corner scripture says, “To thine ownself be true and thou canst not be false to any.” You have a conscience and while it is not a perfect guide, God gave it to you to warn when you stray from what He has taught you in His word (John 8:9; Acts 24:16; Romans 2:15; I Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 13:18; I Peter 3:16).
c. Be honest with your fellow students. Lying and cheating is the best way to ruin friendships and destroy trust (I Peter 3:10; Proverbs 11:9).
d. Be honest with your teachers. Your teachers are there to help you and instruct you. If you are a cheater or a liar you undermine the implicit trust which exists between student and instructor (Proverbs 25:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12), and you hurt yourself in the long run (Proverbs 20:17).
e. Be honest with your parents. Your parents are on your side and they want to help you through the difficult times (Psalms 103:13). However, dishonesty can ruin a good relationship between parents and children (Proverbs 27:11). The surest way to avoid this pitfall is always obey your parents (Ephesians 6:1).
B. When You Go Back to School Carry Respect for Authority with You––
1. Teachers are in a position of authority over students and are to be respected and obeyed.
a. They are in authority over you because your parents have given you into their care (Galatians
4:1–2; Ephesians 6:1).
b. They are in authority over you because they are the agents of the state (Romans 13:1–2).
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c. They are in authority over you because they are adults (Leviticus 19:32).
2. Everyone of us is under some authority, and always will be under some authority. We cannot live a peaceable prosperous life without learning respect for and submitting to authority (Romans 13:1–7; I Peter 2:13-19).
a. Turmoil in the home because a lack of respect for authority.
b. Turmoil in the schools because of a lack of respect for authority. c. Turmoil on the job because of a lack of respect for authority.
d. Turmoil in society because of a lack of respect for authority.
3. The importance of learning respect for authority is demonstrated by the Centurion who came to Jesus in Matthew 8:5-10.
a. Without respect for parents there will be no respect for teachers.
b. Without respect for teachers there will be no respect for law officers and civil government. c. Without respect of government there will be no respect for God.
C. When You Go Back To School Carry Moral Courage with You–– 1. What is moral courage?
a. ‚That quality of mind which enables one to meet danger and difficulties with firmness.‛
b. Moral courage exemplified in Daniel, Mishael, Hananiah and Azariah (Daniel 1, 3, 6). c. Moral courage exemplified in Joseph (Genesis 39:7–8).
2. Why the need for moral courage at school?
a. The public schools belong to the people, both good and bad. Thus, both good and bad have an influence in the schools.
b. The government cannot and, sometimes will not, legislate against all that is sinful.
c. Therefore, you will have to be brave and resist those influences that come your way that would lead you into sin.
3. Challenges to be faced with moral courage:
a. Modesty (I Timothy 2:9–10; I Peter 3:1-6; Proverbs 2:10) b. Alcohol and drugs (I Peter 4:1-4; Proverbs 23:29-35)
c. The dance (Galatians 5:21) d. Gangs (Proverbs 1:10-19)
e. Evolution and humanism (Psalms 14:1; Romans 1:20)
f. Sex education (Matthew 19:1–12; Genesis 2:24–25; I Corinthians 7:1-5)
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III. CONCLUSION:
A. Things We Definitely Need To Take With Us Back To School: 1. Honesty
2. Respect for authority
3. Moral courage
B. Where Are We Going To Find These Things?
1. We will find them in God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
2. We must find them in the training and discipline of the home (Proverbs 22:6)
3. We must have them in our hearts before we can put it into practice at school (Psalms 119:11).
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What Is Repentance?
II Corinthians 7:8–11
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. The Most Difficult Command—
1. Of all the commands of God, if I were asked to rank them in order of difficulty, I would choose
repentance as God’s most difficult command to obey.
a. I do not intend to imply repentance is any more important than any other command of God. b. I only point out that there is a difficulty which lies with men in regard to this command.
c. Repentance is not a command men cannot obey; it is often a command they will not obey.
2. However, the importance of repentance is that it is a condition of salvation from sin (Lk.24:46; Acts 17:30).
a. It is not the only condition of salvation, but like all God’s conditions it cannot be ignored. b. The fact is that Jesus has commanded every man that would be righteous to repent.
3. Furthermore, repentance being a command, it is something we must do.
a. It is true that God has ‚granted‛ repentance unto mankind (Acts 11:18). However, the fact that a thing is granted does not prove that it is done for us.
b. Of all of God’s rational created beings, only mankind has extended to them the privilege to repent (II Peter 2:4).
II.DISCUSSION:
A. Repentance Is Not:
1. ‚A promise to quit sinning.‛
a. The fruit which is required of repentance demands that one quit sinning, and not just promise
to do so (Luke 3:8– 9; Matthew 3:8)
b. The drunkard may promise his family and friends that he will quit drinking, but that does not mean he has repented.
2. ‚The quitting of one sin.‛
a. There is not sequence in repentance. It is not a piecemeal approach to sin, one today another next week.
b. When a person repents he turns from sin in its eternity (Psalm 119:1-4).
c. Consider the drunkard again, he has not repented even though he quits drunkenness if he
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continues in fornication, cursing and swearing, and lying.
d. This approach to sin reminds us of the little boy who cut off the dog’s tail one inch at a time so it wouldn’t hurt so much.
3. ‚The hiding of sin.‛
a. I am amazed sometimes the way we think about sin. If we can hide it from the brethren or our neighbors, we somehow think we have hidden it from God.
b. There is no spiritual prosperity in secreting our transgressions (Proverbs 28:13). Our sins will find us out (Numbers 32:23).
c. Short of repentance these sins cannot be forgiven (Acts 3:19). 4. ‚Sorrow for sin.‛
a. Indeed, for men to come to repentance they must mourn over their sins (Matthew 5:3–5). b. This mourning must be ‚godly‛ so that it might produce repentance (II Corinthians 7:10)
c. I have known sinners that were sorry, regretful, because their sins brought misery and sadness, but they had not repented. They were just sorry they had gotten caught!
d. In Matthew 19 you can read about a man who was ‚sorry,‛ but did not repent. The rich young ruler had remorse and regret that eternal life requires total commitment to Christ.
e. Judas also was sorry when he recognized the consequence of his sin (Matthew 27:3–5). 5. ‚Saying, ‘I have sinned!’‛
a. I am surprised that some think that by uttering these words before an assembly of believers they have invoked the deity and grace has been bestowed.
b. Such a statement could be made by us all and is expressive of nothing, except perhaps a shallow concept of true religion.
c. Men must be convicted of sin in their hearts, but that alone is not repentance (Acts 2:37–38). If conviction were all that was necessary, then Peter would not have enjoined it upon these believers.
B. Repentance Is:
1. Repentance can be simply defined as the turning of the human will toward service unto God
with an abhorrence of sin.
a. This accounts for the difficulty that so many have with this command.
b. The most difficult thing any man will find to do is submit his will to the will of another. c. It has been said, correctly so, that men do just about whatever they want to do.
2. Jesus gave us a clear definition of repentance in Matthew 21:28.
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a. Here Jesus defines repentance as the voluntary submission of our will to that of God.
b. Proud, arrogant, stubborn, and rebellious men cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven (I Peter 5:5).
c. Repentance is the change of volition from ‚I will not‛ to ‚I will.‛
C. How Repentance Is Produced & Its Results—
1. II Corinthians 7:8-11 reveals to us the means by which repentance is produced.
a. The goodness of God and the certainty of judgment leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4; Acts
17:30, 31). This we learn by the revelation of God; therefore, repentance proceeds from faith. b. By that revelation we are made sorry toward God, through the bounty of His grace we are
moved to change our wills.
2. Repentance results in a reformation of life, a changed life, behavior that is different than before. Notice how Paul describes the effects of repentance.
a. Carefulness,‛ earnestness, eagerness, dispatch.
b. ‚Clearing,‛ a plea, exculpate, to give an account of oneself, answer for self. c. ‚Indignation‛ to be greatly afflicted, to be much displeased.
d. ‚Fear‛ alarm of fright, exceedingly afraid, terror. e. ‚Vehement Desire‛ intensely crave, a longing for. f.‚Zeal‛ ardor, fervent mind.
g. ‚Revenge‛ vindication, retribution, punishment.
3. This is the mind which receives salvation from sin (‚The Parable of the Prodigal‛ in Luke 15). III. CONCLUSION:YOU MUST REPENT!
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Why I Need Jesus
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. The Prevailing Opinion of the World about Christianity—
1. ‚Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in
numbers.‛ (Jesse Ventura in Playboy)
2. ‚Religion has caused more harm than any other idea since the beginning of time. There's
nothing good I can say about it. People use it as a crutch.‛ (Larry Flynt in Hustler).
3. ‚Religion is something left over from the infancy of our intelligence; it will fade away as we adopt reason and science as our guidelines‛ (Bertrand Russell).
4. ‚Religion is just mind control‛ (George Carlin).
5. ‚Your belief in God is merely an escape from your monotonous, stupid and cruel life‛ (Jiddu Krishnamurti [Indian Theosophist Philosopher, author of The Future of Humanity, Songs of Life, Kingdom Happiness. 1895-1986]).
6. ‚Being unable to reason is not a positive character trait outside religion‛ (Dewey Henize). 7. ‚Religion is as helpful as throwing a drowning man both ends of a rope‛ (Richard Dawkins
[evolutionary theorist at Oxford]).
8. All the above quotations are taken from ThinkExist.com Quotations.
B. Jesus Said Some Need Him—
1. The prevailing idea is that you have to be in some kind of serious trouble or just plain dumb to
need Christianity.
a. I plainly confess to you that I need Jesus.
(1) However, I am not in financial trouble. (2) I am not about to go through a divorce. (3) My children are fine.
(4) I have my health.
(5) As a matter of fact, everything seems to be going very well for me.
b. And, while I admit that the wife, children and I work very hard at it; we give God the thanks and pray for His continued blessings.
2. Jesus said that there were some who needed Him (Matthew 9:12; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31). a. I have known men to turn to God in trouble, who never thought of Him in fortune.
b. I have also known men who trusted Him in fortune and continued to trust Him in trial.
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c. The truth is that the circumstances of life do not determine whether or not a man needs Christ.
It may influence whether or not he chooses Christ; but it does not determine the need (cf. Deuteronomy 8:11-13).
c. Now, I am convinced that every man needs Jesus and precisely for the same reasons that I need Him. Therefore, I would like to explain to you why I need Jesus.
II.DISCUSSION:
A. I Need Jesus as My Savior from Sin— 1. I was a sinner.
a. All accountable persons sin (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8, 10).
b. We sin by transgression (1 John 3:4; 5:17). c. We sin by omission (James 4:17).
2. The Bible reveals the plight of sinners.
a. The punishment for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23; II Thessalonians 1:7–9; Jude 14–15). b. The Lord has prepared a place for sinners known as Hell (Matthew 25:41, 46; Mark 9:43–44;
Revelation 21:8).
c. As a sinner, I faced Hell as the consequence of having violated God's word.
3. There was nothing I could do to save myself from the just consequences of my sins. a. Not my regret.
b. No amount of righteous living.
c. No special deeds of kindness to humanity or works in support of religion. 4. Jesus Christ came to save me from the consequences of my sin.
a. Jesus' death effects the remission of the sins of all mankind (Matthew 26:28; 20:28; Hebrews 10:4–10).
b. It is by His blood that we are cleansed and redeemed (I Peter. 1:18, 19; 1 John 1:7; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14).
c. Now, He is not a savior, but He is the Savior (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 10:43).
B. I Need Jesus as My Intercessor—
1. There are still times when I do sin (Galatians 6:1–2; II Timothy 2:24-26; James 5:19, 20).
2. On those occasions I still need Jesus (1 John 2:1, 2; I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:25; 4:14-16).
3. Some reasons why people think they do not need Jesus once they are born again.
a. The sins of the Christian do not damn his soul.
b. The perfect life of Christ has been imputed to them. c. The Holy Spirit keeps them from sinning
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d. Sins are not imputed to the believer.
C. I Need Jesus as an Example—
1. We all are looking or an example to follow.
a. Young children often imitate parents.
b. Young adults seek to emulate those who are remembered for greatness.
c. The Scriptures recognize the power of example (I Corinthians 10:6; 11:1; Ephesians 5:1; I Thessalonians 1:6; I Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7; Hebrews 13:7).
2. Christ is a perfect sinless example from whom we learn how to live. I can follow his example in every way:
a. Resisting temptation (Matthew 4:1-11).
b. Submission in suffering (Hebrews 5:7; Matthew 26:39).
c. Enduring mistreatment and willingness to forgive (I Peter 2:21-22; Luke 23:34). 3. When I make moral choices I always ask, "What would Jesus do?"
D. I Need Jesus to Give Meaning to Life—
1. Most people are dissatisfied with life and living.
a. Routine
b. Vanity of things
c. "They have the most of life and nothing to live for!"
d. If we are wise we come to the same conclusion that Solomon reached ‚I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit‛ (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
2. Jesus brings meaning to life and makes it worth living.
a. I am here because I was created by God (Genesis 1:1). He has a purpose for me.
b. Being endowed with free will I can choose to bring my life into subjection to Christ or rebellion (II Corinthians 5:10–11; Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).
3. Since I chose Christ I have never regretted it. He satisfies my every yearning and life is fulfilling (Matthew 5:6; John 4:13–14; 6:35).
E. I Need Jesus for Daily Strength—
1. Some things in this life are impossible to face alone.
a. People are facing their problems with pills, alcohol, or psychoanalysts because they have tried it alone.
b. No problem, however, is too big for Jesus (Philippians 4:13; II Timothy 4:16-17). 2. Our God is a refuge to us in times of trouble (Psalm 56:3–4; 3:6; 46:1–2.)
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a. He cares when we are troubled (I Peter. 5:6–7).
b. He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5–6). c. Song in the hymnal: Lily of the Valley.
F. I Need Jesus to Win the Victory Over the Grave— 1. I think we all fear death to some extent (Hebrews 2:14–15).
a. The experience of death is the most difficult any are called upon to face. b. Without Christ it is a senseless, bitter end to the human experience.
c. However, Christ brought "life and immortality to light through the Gospel" (II Timothy 1:10). d. There is ample evidence for the resurrection (John 11:25).
2. There is hope for the believer (John 14:1–2; I Peter 1:4– 5; I Corinthians 15:555)
III. CONCLUSION:
A. You Need Jesus Too— 1. You need a Savior.
2. You need an Intercessor. 3. You need an Example.
4. Your life needs meaning.
5. You need strength for living.
6. You need to win the victory over the grave. B. Will You Receive Christ Today?
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Questions for Youth to Answer
Ecclesiastes 12:1
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. The Question & Answer Method Has Always Been Revered as a Teaching Tool— 1. Jesus, the Apostles and the prophets all engaged in asking questions which were intended to
illicit a certain response or direct the students thinking.
2. Lawyers and polemists skillfully ask questions in order to expose motives and reasoning.
3. Jesus used questions to convict his audiences of sin and error. Those who were unrepentant often left in silence while others were amazed (Mark 11:29; 12:34; John 4:17; Luke 20:39).
B. The Purpose in These Questions—
1. I am not eliciting information. I am seeking to generate thought and critical self-examination.
2. I do not want to be critical or judgmental. Rather, I want to encourage you to make careful and well thought out life decisions.
3. Like Jesus I want us to really think about our goals, our motives and our desires. Youth is that critical time wherein we can make choices that will affect us for the rest of our life (Ecclesiastes 12:1; Psalm 119:10, 11).
II.DISCUSSION:
A. What Kind of Son or Daughter Shall I Be?
1. God has a preference, your parents have a preference, but it is ultimately up to you.
a. ‚Children obey your parents in the Lord‛ (Ephesians 6:1–3). b. ‚A wise son maketh a glad father<‛ (Proverbs 10:1).
c. ‚A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her that bare him‛ (Proverbs 17:25).
2. God calls for obedience to parents; the only alternative is disobedience (Luke 2:51; cf. Romans 1:30; II Timothy 3:2).
3. Obedience to parents consists of<
a. Willing compliance to parental instruction.
(1) ‚With my whole heart have I sought Thee‛ (Psalm 119:10). (2) ‚Not as I will, but as thou wilt‛ (Matthew 26:39).
(3) ‚Ye have obeyed from the heart‛ (Romans 6:17).
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b. Consistent performance without repeated remonstrance.
(1) ‚I have stuck unto Thy testimonies‛ (Psalm 119:31). (2) ‚I do always those things that please him‛ (John 8:29).
(3) ‚Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence‛ (Philippians 2:12).
c. A desire to please, honor and revere the one in authority.
(1) ‚Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear‛ (Psalm 119:38).
(2) ‚Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered‛ (Hebrews 5:8–9).
(3) ‚Fear God, and keep his commandments‛ (Ecclesiastes 12:13). 4. In the process of self-examination, ask yourself the following:
a. Are you and your parents in constant conflict with respect to your responsibilities, your behavior and your choices? (Luke 16:10)
b. If you feel your parents are too restrictive? (cf. Matthew 25:22–23) c. Do you honor and revere your parents? (Ephesians 6:2)
B. What Kind of Character Shall I Develop?
1. The dictionary defines character as ‚the combined moral and ethical structure of a
person<moral or ethical strength<integrity<fortitude.‛
a. One philosopher observed that ‚Character is what you are when no one else is looking.‛
(1) ‚For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret‛ (Ephesians 5:12).
(2) ‚Thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly‛ (Matthew 6:4).
b. Upon which reality Nathaniel Hawthorne observed, ‚No man can for any considerable time wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which is the true one‛ (1001 Quotes, Illustrations and Humorous Stories… Edward K. Rowell).
(1) ‚Behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out‛ (Numbers 32:23).
(2) ‚Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after‛ (I Timothy 5:24).
2. Christianity is all about character development.
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a. It was noted by Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‚It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion.
It is easy in solitude to live after one’s own. But the great man is he who, in the midst of the crowd, keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of his character‛ (1001).
b. God is building men fitted for eternal glory.
(1) For this reason, He left us in the world (John 17:14–16). (2) What we do here matters (II Thessalonians 1:6–11).
(3) What we become is important (I Peter 1:7).
c. Now, in particular, what you make of your youth is extremely important.
(1) The years between 17 and 23 are not a freebie to be blown off and wasted (Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:1). These years count as much, if not more than any other.
(2) Youth must not be wasted (I Timothy 4:12).
3. In the process of self-examination, ask yourself the following:
a. Are you seriously pursuing the Christian life? Have you obeyed the Gospel?
b. Are you building on a solid foundation? (Micah 6:8; Matthew 7:12; Ephesians 4:17–23)?
C. Whom Shall I Choose as My Companions?
1. One of the most important factors in faithfulness to God is the choice of friends (I Corinthians
15:33; Deuteronomy 13:6–9; Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 1:10–19; 22:24–25).
2. Numerous examples of poor friendships can be found in the Bible: a. Job’s friends forsook him in his trials (Job 16:20; 19:19).
b. Delilah was a false friend to Samson (Judges 16). c. David was a false friend to Uriah (II Samuel 11). d. Jonadab encouraged Amnon to evil (II Samuel 13) e. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus (Matthew 26:48–49).
f. The Twelve abandoned Christ in His critical hour (Matthew 26:56, 58; John 16:32). g. Paul’s friends forsook him (II Timothy 1:15; 4:10).
3. There are abundant examples of great friendships: a. Ruth and Naomi
b. Samuel and Saul
c. Jonathon and David
d. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah e. Jesus and the Twelve (John 13:1)
f. Jesus, Mary, Martha and Lazarus
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g. Paul, Aquila and Priscilla
4. When choosing a friend for what should I look? a. A person who brings out the best in me.
b. Someone whom I respect.
c. Someone who will tell me the truth, even when it hurts. d. Someone who loves Jesus and His church.
e. A person I can count on no matter what.
f. An individual who has convictions and stands up for them.
D. What Should I Choose as My Life Occupation?
1. Having an occupation one enjoys and finds satisfying is a great blessing from God.
a. ‚There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God‛ (Ecclesiastes 2:24).
b. ‚Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth‛ (Ephesians 4:28).
c. ‚And the LORD God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it‛ (Genesis 2:15).
2. There are two common mistakes that youth make regarding employment.
a. Some make no preparation at all to succeed at their work, or transition with age.
(1) Education, training & experience are all important (Proverbs 12:11, 24; 13:4; 14:4; 22:29). (2) Ambition, discipline and diligence are approved of God and are rewarded.
b. Others choose their employment based on covetousness and carnality.
(1) Money and things is all they are interested in. Thus, they seek opportunities that will allow them to have as much as possible.
(2) This is dangerous to the soul (I Timothy 6:7–10; Ecclesiastes 5:13).
3. Are you considering how your ‚life goals‛ are going to affect your spiritual success? (Proverbs 19:1; 30:7–9; Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5).
a. Are you choosing a profession that is going to help or hinder you in pursuit of heaven?
b. Is the career you are seeking one that is going give you greater opportunities for glorifying God and helping others or less?
c. Will your advancement in your profession make you more or less likely to have time, energy and opportunity to qualify for leadership roles in the Kingdom?
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E. Whom Shall I Marry?
1. There is no need to be in a hurry to get married.
a. ‚You have the rest of your life to be married‛ (Romans 7:2–3; Matthew 19:6–9).
b. You must prepare. Are you the kind of person you would want to marry? (I Peter 3:1–7).
c. When you are that person, respect yourself enough to find the person that deserves you and whom you deserve.
2. The most important consideration is finding a spouse who shares your spiritual goals. a. ‚Pretty is as pretty does.‛
b. ‚She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life‛ (Proverbs 31:12). c. ‚<but nourisheth and cherisheth it‛ (Ephesians 5:29).
3. ‚Is he a member of the church?‛ a. Do they attend assemblies?
b. Do they read and study their Bible?
c. What are their views on Bible authority?
d. Is going to heaven more important than pleasing you?
e. Do they understand their unique role in the marriage relationship?
f. Is she the kind of woman that will help you to become a deacon and an elder?
g. Is he the kind of man that will rule his house well and command his children after him?
III. CONCLUSION:
A. Parents Discuss These Questions with Your Youth—
1. This is your responsibility, ‚Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will
not depart from it‛ (Proverbs 22:6).
2. They need your input and insight.
B. Young Believer Please Ponder What Has Been Said— 1. I hope you wrote the questions down.
2. Put them somewhere you will see them and give attention to them frequently. 3. If need be, alter your course and get headed in the right direction.
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Knowing Right FromWrong
II Timothy 3:14–17
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. The Bible Is the Last Word on Right & Wrong (II Timothy 3:16–17)— 1. The Scriptures are intended to studied and understood by all (vv. 14–15).
2. These Scriptures point men to eternal through Jesus Christ (v. 16).
3. The Scriptures are intended to serve as the basis for saving faith (v. 16)
4. The Scriptures are intended to provide a lifetime of guidance and instruction (v. 14). 5. These Scriptures are the product of divine inspiration (vv. 14, 16).
6. They are sufficient (v. 17).
7. The Scriptures are the standard by which all questions of right and wrong are settled (v. 16).
B. Right & Wrong Are Not Relative—
1. Some things always wrong (Galatians 5:19–21)
2. Some things always right (Galatians 5:22–23)
3. Truth is absolute (John 8:32). The Christian sees the world in black and white, rather than shades
of grey (John 14:6; 17:17).
C. It Is About What Is Right and Not My Rights—
1. While something of itself may be right, it is not necessarily advantageous (I Corinthians 6:12).
2. Actions affect others and our chief concern is that rather than self (8:4, 7–13; Romans 14:16-20). 3. It is about what is right and not ‚my rights‛ (Philippians 2:3–5).
D. Choices Have Consequences—
1. We are free to choose between right and wrong.
2. However, we are not free to choose the consequences:
a. Whether temporal (Ecclesiastes 8:11-14; 1Timothy 5:24). b. Or spiritual (Ezekiel 18:20).
3. Sin sometimes affects privileges (I Corinthians 7:9–11; Matthew 5:32; 19:9).
II.DISCUSSION:
A. Prerequisites to Knowing Right & Wrong— 1. Determination to know (John 7:17)
a. If one does not really want to know truth he will believe a lie (II Thessalonians 2:11)
b. Truth must be sought (Proverbs 23:23; Matthew 13:46).
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c. It will require personal effort (2 Timothy 2:15)
2. Commitment to conform (Philippians 2:5, 8)
a. Unless one is willing ‚to sell all that he hath? there is no point in searching (Matthew 13:46). b. Truth benefits not the ‚possessors? but the ‚keepers? (Hebrews 5:8–9; Romans 6:16).
3. Total trust in God (Proverbs 3:5)
a. Where many fail is in this area (I Corinthians 1:18).
b. Truth is not confined to the material universe subject to examination (John 20:26–29).
B. Incorrect Methods for Determining Right— 1. ‚Everyone else is doing it? (Matthew 7:13)
a. If everyone were jumping off a ten story building<
b. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil (Exodus 23:2). 2. ‚No one is hurt by it? (I Corinthians 6:17–18)
a. Define ‚hurt.?
b. What ‚harm? was done by Eve eating the fruit? (Genesis 3:5–7) c. In the first place, all sin is against God (Genesis 39:9).
3. ‚I can afford it? (Matthew 16:26)
a. Do you really want to go down that path? What about illicit drugs? What about prostitution? b. Wealth, or even sufficiency, do not justify evil (Proverbs 15:6; 16:8).
c. Can you not find something good to do with it? 4. ‚My conscience is clear? (Acts 23:1)
a. Conscience is not the guide (I Timothy 1:5, 19; Hebrews 13:18).
b. It is the function of conscience to condemn or approve (I John 3:20–21; Romans 2:14–15). c. If conscience is improperly trained one cannot expect it to condemn sin (Acts 26:9).
5. ‚We have always done this? (Matthew 15:3–6)
a. The antiquity of a practice does not make it right.
b. Sprinkling has been practiced as baptism since the middle of the 12th century. Is it right? (Acts 8:36–38; Matthew 3:13–16).
c. Polygamy has been around as long as man himself (Genesis 4:19). Is it right? (Matthew 19:8) 6. ‚It’s legal? (Acts 5:28–29)
a. We have had legalized alcohol sales since the passage of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution (12/05/1933). Does that make it right? (Habakkuk 2:15)
b. We have had legalized abortion on demand in this country since 1973. Does that make it right?
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(Exodus 1:15–16; Acts 7:19; Ezekiel 16:4–5; Genesis 9:6)
7. ‚I enjoy it? (Hebrews 11:25)
a. No one will deny that sin is pleasurable at the moment.
b. This is the deceitful nature of sin (Hebrews 3:13; II Peter 2:13; Titus 3:3; Proverbs 15:21). c. But there is eternal pleasure in righteousness (Psalm 16:11).
C. Appropriate Guidelines for Determining Right— 1. Is there Bible authority? (Colossians 3:17)
a. Command, example, necessary inference.
b. This is true in matters of morality as well as religious practice. 2. Does it offend my conscience? (Act 24:16)
a. Whereas conscience is not the guide, neither is it to be ignored. b. It is a sin to violate one’s conscience (Romans 14:23).
3. Will it cause others to sin? (I Corinthians 10:23–24)
a. We observed in the introduction, we are responsible for the effects of our acts.
b. We MUST consider how what we do affects others (Matthew 5:28; Proverbs 7:10). 4. Does it promote evil desire? (Romans 13:14)
a. Do we sometimes walk as close to the line as possible?
b. We put ourselves in situations where we are surrounded by opportunities to transgress. c. Consider David (II Samuel 11:1–4).
5. Does it enslave? (I Corinthians 6:12)
a. There are things that may be harmless but to which we become enslaved. b. For example: TV, telephone, gaming, hobbies, etc.
c. Are we putting the Kingdom first?
6. Does it reflect Christ to others? (Galatians 2:20)
a. Does the world see Christ reflected in my conduct during this activity? b. Do I adorn the doctrine of Christ? (Titus 2:10; I Timothy 2:9–10)
III. CONCLUSION:
A. We Can Know Right from Wrong— 1. If we really want to know, we can learn.
2. The Bible will lead us in our pursuit of Truth.
B. More Importantly, We Can Chose to Do Right Over Wrong— 1. Let each one make a commitment to think right, do right and be right.
2. Let us reject the reasoning of the world and walk by the faith of Christ.
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I Am Not a Campbellite
Matthew 16:18 I. INTRODUCTION:
A. One Tactic Employed by the Opponents of Truth Is Name-Calling---1. Jesus’ enemies often employed it.
a. ‚Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil<? (John 8:48). b. ‚Thou wast altogether born in sins<? (John 9:34).
c. ‚Blasphemy<blasphemy<? (Matthew 26:65). d. ‚Babbler<? (Acts 17:18)
e. The early Christians were called ‚atheists? and ‚cannibals?. 2. The enemies of Truth still resort to this tactic.
a. ‚Waterdogs<salamanders<water Salvationists<hydrophobics<baptismal regeneration? b. ‚Southern Catholics<?
c. ‚Dumb thump of a Campbellite<? d. ‚Antis?
e. ‚Liberalism? f. ‚Modernism?
3. ‚One may employ a name which implies that which we disapprove and argue that since it is such and such a thing it must be condemned.? (James Bales, Christian Contend for Thy Cause).
a. Calling a thing a name doesn’t prove anything about it. Defining the name and demonstrating that such a thing is actually what it has been called does.
b. This is an attempt to shift the burden of proof onto the accused and require that he prove what he is not rather than defend what he is.
4. From the Encyclopedia of Religion by Vergilius Ferm, published by the Philosophical Society of New York:
a. ‚Campbellites: a term sometimes applied to the Disciples of Christ (1) Whimsically by themselves
(2) Ignorantly by the non-church public
(3) Viciously, as well as ignorantly, by the less enlightened sects, obsolescent, with the general advance of religious intelligence and interdenominational courtesy.?
b. There are only three reasons why people use the name Campbellite.
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(1) In jest
(2) In ignorance (3) In meanness
B. Who Was Alexander Campbell?
1. He was born near Ballymena, Co. Antrim, Ireland, September 12, 1788 (over 200 years ago).
2. He arrived in New York September 29, 1809 having broken his ties with Presbyterianism. 3. Alexander’s first sermon was preached July 15, 1810.
4. The five Campbells and two others were immersed upon their confession of faith by Baptist Elder Matthias Luce, June 12, 1812.
5. In 1832 Campbell and Barton W. Stone (also a onetime Presbyterian who started preaching independent of that denomination in June of 1804) acknowledged one another as brethren and began working together.
C. What Were Campbell and Others Trying to Do?
1. Rid the world of religious division which they believed was inherent in the adoption of creeds
and the appointment of ecclesiastical bodies.
2. Restore the New Testament Church in faith, worship, and organization. 3. Adopt no name except that of the Savior—Christian.
4. Cause men to acknowledge no head over the church but Christ, and to have no creed but the Bible.
D. What Campbell and Others Were Not Trying to Do–-
1. Alexander Campbell labored the bulk of his adult life with a view to encouraging others to
abandon sectarianism and be simply and only Christians. It is a tragedy that some would accuse
him of being the head and founder of the ‚Campbellite? church. This pious man utterly
repudiated the designation. For example, in 1826 he wrote: ‚Some religious editors in Kentucky call those who are desirous of seeing the ancient order of things restored<the Campbellites<This may go well with some; but all who fear God and keep his commands will pity and deplore the weakness and folly of those who either think to convince or to persuade by such means? (The Christian Baptist, Vol. IV, pp. 88-89).
2. In 1828 Mr. Campbell responded to the question: ‚What is Campbellism?? in the following fashion: ‚It is a nickname of reproach invented and adopted by those whose views, feelings and desires are all sectarian—who cannot conceive of Christianity in any other light than an ISM? (Christian Baptist, Vol. V, p. 270).
3. Once when Campbell was in New Orleans, a local newspaper characterized him as the
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‚founder? of a denomination. Mr. Campbell was not pleased. He penned a letter to the editor in
which said the following: ‚You have done me, gentlemen, too much honor in saying I am the ‘founder’ of the denomination, quite numerous and respectable in many portions of the West, technically known as ‘Christians,’ but more commonly as ‘Campbellites.’ I have always repudiated all human heads and human names for the people of the Lord, and shall feel very thankful if you will correct the erroneous impression which your article may have made in thus representing me as the founder of a religious denomination? (The Memoirs of Alexander Campbell, Vol. ii. p. 441).
4. The truth is Alexander Campbell denied that he was the head or founder of anything with respect to the Church of Christ. It is a gross misrepresentation of him and his work to call him such.
II.DISCUSSION:
A. I Am Not a Campbellite—
1. First, we make no claim of following Alexander Campbell or any man other than Jesus of
Nazareth.
a. I do not wear the name of Campbell but Christ.
b. I will not be guilty of wearing any such party labels (I Corinthians 1:10–13). 2. Salvation is not in Campbell’s name (Acts 4:12).
3. I do not preach the word of Campbell. I preach the Word of God (II John. 9-11; Mark 7:13; Matthew 15:9; II Timothy 3:15; I Peter. 1:20)
4. Campbell did not establish a church, he sought only to restore ‚the? church (Luke. 8:11; Matthew 13:19; I Peter 1:22; John 3:5; Revelation 2:5).
B. Paul’s Argument on the Name (I Corinthians 1:12–13)–-1. If one is not ‚of Christ? he has no right to wear his name.
2. In order to be ‚of Christ,? and, therefore, have the right to wear his name, two things are indispensable:
a. Christ must be crucified for you. b. You must be baptized in his name.
3. This is true of my brethren and me:
a. Christ was crucified for us (Hebrews 2:9). b. We were baptized in his name (Acts 2:38).
c. Therefore, we are of Christ and have a right to wear his name and do—Christian 4. I am not of Campbell, and, therefore, cannot be a Campbellite:
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a. Campbell was not crucified for me.
b. I was not baptized in Campbell’s name. c. Consequently, I am not a ‚Campbellite.?
C. To Call Me a Campbellite Is Contrary to Reason and Dishonest–-
1. To call a man a Campbellite for no other reason than that a man named Campbell taught him the
truth of God is a violation of all rules of common sense and honesty. 2. Consider this ‚logic? applied to Paul:
a. Paul preached the Gospel to the Corinthians (I Corinthians 15:1). b. They believed and obeyed it (Acts 18:8).
c. Therefore, they were Christians—not Paulites.
d. They were members of the Lord’s body (I Corinthians 12:27)–-his church (I Corinthians 1:2). (1) They were not Paulites for the two reasons explained above (I Corinthians 1:13).
(2) We are not Campbellites for the same reasons.
III. CONCLUSION:
I Do Not Deny Historical Association With Alexander Campbell–-1. He was a great American religious reformer.
2. He was also a fallible human being.
3. Anything I may have learned from him directly or indirectly which I accept as a matter of faith I accept on the authority of Jesus Christ.
4. It is Christ that I follow, not Alexander Campbell.
B. If You Show Me One Thing I Believe or Practice that Originated with Campbell… 1. I will quit it.
2. I will publically acknowledge it as human innovation and necessarily sinful. 3. I will renew my studies in that matter to learn and practice only what is true.
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Seven Bible Drunkards
Proverbs 23:29–35
I. INTRODUCTION:
A. The Use of Beverage Alcohol Has Been a Problem for Mankind a Long Time–-1. Almost since creation man has struggled with drunkenness and its debilitating effects.
2. Solomon’s picture of the drunkard is startling and, unfortunately, very realistic.
b. He pictures a man whose life is in turmoil; his relationships are destroyed, his health is destroyed, his reputation is destroyed.
c. Drink impairs his judgment and inhibitions; adultery, lying, brawling, recklessness become the markers of his life.
d. He is a in a stupor both physical and spiritual; he is insensible to his pitiful condition; he becomes addicted to drink seeking that which destroys his health, his life and his soul.
B. The Bible Reveals to Us the Folly of the Drunkard’s Path–-
1. The Bible paints a true picture of what drink has done and will do to men.
2. I n this study, we will look at seven drunkards whose tales are told in Scripture. From them we should learn the evils of strong drink.
II.DISCUSSION:
A. Drink Deprives Man of Dignity–-1. Noah:
a. His name means ‚rest? (Genesis 5:28–29). His father named him believing he would be a
source of comfort to them in their time of distress.
b. He is remembered as a great man of faith (Hebrews 11:7; II Peter. 2:5). By his faith he condemned the world.
c. God has written for him a marvelous epithet (Genesis 6:9).
2. His experience with alcohol (Genesis 9:18–29; cf. Proverbs 20:1, 23:29; Jeremiah 23:9, 25:27).
a. Noah was a man that commanded the respect of all. His elder sons still regarded him as they ought to have.
b. But Noah’s folly with drink robbed him of the dignity which he had and that before the young.
B. Drink Robs a Man of Morals–-1. Lot:
a. Lot was part of a great family of believers in God (Genesis 11:31).
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b. You remember his sad experience at Sodom (Luke 17:29; Genesis. 12–14; 19).
c. He is pictured in the NT as a man vexed, that is, ‚worn down by? the filthy manner of life of the Sodomites (II Peter 2:6–8).
2. His experience with alcohol (Genesis 19:30–38; cf. Proverbs 23:33; Habakkuk 2:15).
a. Lot had lost nearly everything in life that many think should have mattered to him: a wife, two daughters and their husbands, his home and wealth. Yet, these did not compare to what he gave away.
b. In a drunken stupor he lost what was more precious than all that and more, his virtue. He would eventually sober up, but he would never shake the shame that engulfed him because of his pursuit of comfort at the bottom of the bottle.
C. Drink Steals a Man’s Good Sense–-1. Amnon:
a. Amnon was King David’s firstborn (II Samuel 3:2). He was the expected heir to his father’s
throne.
b. Amnon was a man of reprehensible character (II Samuel 13:1–19). It is difficult to be sympathetic toward him. However, think seriously as to why he became such.
2. His experience with alcohol robbed him of judgment, he was dulled to any sense of right and wrong (II Samuel 13:28–38; Proverbs 31:4–5; Isaiah 28:7).
a. Drink had help to harden his wicked heart and drink helped to lead the assassins’ daggers there (1 Kings 16:9; 20:16; Daniel 5:1-6).
b. Amnon is not the first young man with promise of greatness that was ruined by drink.
D. Drink Ruins Reputation–-1. Solomon:
a. Solomon was renowned for his wisdom (I Kg. 4:29–31).
b. In the beginning of his reign he was humble and diligent toward God (II Chronicles 1:7–12).
2. His experience with alcohol proved to be disastrous (Ecclesiastes 2:3; Hosea 3:1 and 4:11; 1 Kings 11:1–13; Proverbs 20:1; Isaiah 5:1; 28:7).
a. Solomon, like many philosophers since, sought enlightenment through the mood altering affects of alcohol.
b. Many artists, writers and philosophers have proposed that perception is ‚enhanced? and understanding ‚broadened? under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
c. Wine turned Solomon’s heart away from God, introduced him to inferior wisdom; made his
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eyes to wander about looking for many women.
d. The man who should have been remembered for his wonderful wisdom is remembered as a broken drunk who lamented his many foolish mistakes (Ecclesiastes 12).
E. Drink Wrests Away Reverence for God–-1. Belshazzar:
a. Belshazzar was Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson and reagent of Babylon (Daniel 5:2; 7:1; 8:1; 5:39). b. He was ruler in Babylon at the time of the Persian invasion and fall of that kingdom (5:1–39).
(1) It was he who saw the ‚handwriting on the wall?.
(2) It was he who humbled not his heart before God (5:22–23).
2. His experience with alcohol lead him to be irreverent toward God (Daniel 5:1–4; Isaiah 5:11–12; Leviticus 10:9–10; Ezekiel 44:21; Daniel 1:8; 17–21).
a. He took the vessels of the temple and toasted the gods of Babylon (cf. Daniel 4).
b. The Christian is sober minded and filled with the Spirit not drunk with wine (Ephesians 5:18). c. Drunkenness impedes worship; proper regard for the Almighty, and understanding of God’s
word. A drunk cannot be thinking spiritual thoughts.
F. Drink Destroys Respect for Others–-1. Ahasuerus:
a. This is Darius the Great who ruled over the Persian Empire at its zenith (Esther 1:1ff; Ezra 4:5). b. He is the king who engages the Greeks which ultimately displace the Persian world power
(Daniel 8:20–21).
2. His experience with alcohol proves that a drunk is selfish and has no genuine regard for anyone else but himself (Esther 1:10–12; Matthew 14:6–12; Proverbs 23:29–33; Ephesians 5:18).
a. What kind of man parades his wife before others to be ogled?
b. The drunk is not concerned about anyone but himself (Amos 6:1, 6; Deuteronomy 21:20–21). c. Once addicted to wine all the drunkard can think about is the next drink (Proverbs 23:35).
G. Drink Casts Aside Responsibility–-1. The Servant in Luke:
a. This servant thought his master was delayed in coming (12:41–48).
b. Therefore, he violated a cardinal rule of servant-hood (Ephesians 6:5–7).
c. He began to think he was the ruler of the house (cf. Luke 12:42)
2. His experience with alcohol caused him to overestimate his authority and to disregard his duty (Luke 12:45–48; Isaiah 5:11; Proverbs 21:17; Proverbs 23:20–34; Proverbs 31:6–7; Amos 6:1, 6;
I Thessalonians 5:8).
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a. A drunkard is an unreliable employee, an unreliable friend, an unreliable spouse and,
certainly, an unreliable disciple of Christ (Proverbs 23:35; Isaiah 5:11; Luke 21:34).
b. The drunk is busy getting his next drink; he isn’t concerned about you or yours. He isn’t looking for the Lord; he is looking for a bottle.
III. CONCLUSION:
A. Where Does the Drunkards Path Lead? 1. To the loss of dignity
2. To immorality
3. To foolishness and bad judgment, perhaps even death
4. To the loss of reputation 5. To irreverence
6. To the mistreatment of others 7. To irresponsibility
B. Abstinence from Drink Is the Only Wise Choice Regarding Alcohol–-
Jeff Asher www.ExpositorySerm