What is true successful living? This question is one that many have wrestled with over the centuries. Some see success as having a great accumulation of wealth, having a prestigious career, owning a nice home, and being able to go as far in life as their imagination will take them. Others may define success by having excellent health, a strong family life, and an abundance of nourishing food to set on the table. These answers certainly have some validity, but do they fully define what true success really is?
King Solomon spent a great amount of time searching for the definition of true success. Fortunately for us he wrote down his findings in the book of Ecclesiastes. He tried everything from acquiring great wealth, building luxurious houses, acquiring servants, singers, wine, and any other indulgence his heart desired. He spared no expense in seeking satisfaction in life. When he evaluated all he had done he wrote:
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:11)
How many people try to find fulfillment through worldly indulgences like King Solomon did? They have become immersed with all types of pleasure only to find disappointment. So if the world cannot offer true fulfillment, where is true success found? Solomon’s search for answers was not in vain; he answers it for us. He writes:
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
Consider this; everything than man does is limited to the realms of this life. Man can start a small business and turn it into a vast empire. When his life comes to an end, his empire is left to another. Man can develop a cure for a deadly disease, yet death remains as an inevitable conclusion to life.
King Solomon gives man the answer by turning his attention from the temporal to the eternal. Man will never find satisfaction in living for himself. True success only comes from living in obedience to the will of God. This faithful living to God extends beyond the borders of this life and flows into eternity. When man hears God’s word (Romans 10:17), puts his faith in God (Hebrews 11:6), repents of his sins (Luke 13:3), confesses Jesus as the Son of God (Luke 12:8-9), and is baptized into Christ for the remission of sin (Acts 2:38), he is then in a saved state with God. No matter if good or ill happens in life, his soul is secure as long as he remains faithful to God. Remember, Jesus gives us the definition of true success. He says, “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)
]]>There’s an old joke about a pig and a chicken. Seems that a poor farmer came to the barnyard because he was low on food. He only had one pig and one chicken left. “Who will put food on my table?” the farmer asked. “I will” said the chicken, and laid an egg. The pig didn’t answer. The chicken asked the pig why he wouldn’t contribute some ham. The pig replied, “For you it’s a contribution, but for me it’s a sacrifice.” This story rings true in many of our lives.
Like the people in Malachi’s day, we offer God what we have in abundance—or the leftovers—and never consider making a real sacrifice. But why should we make such a sacrifice that will cost us something of great value? Let’s consider what the scripture teaches about why we ought to make sacrifices.
First, we make sacrifices to show our love for God. In 2 Corinthians 8, the apostle Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to give sacrificially. He said in 2 Cor.8:8, “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.” Their giving would prove the sincerity of their love for God. Either they really loved God, or they didn’t love God and only appeared to love God. Therefore, sacrificial giving is one way to show that we truly love God. Paul gives the example of the sacrifice of Christ in the next verse (9): “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” His sacrifice demonstrated His love for God (John 14:31).
Second, we make sacrifices to show our love for man. Certainly God showed His love for man when he gave His Son (John 3:16, Romans 5:8-9). The apostle John recognized this when he wrote, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Presaging his own death, Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Certainly Jesus demonstrated His own love for His fellow man when he sacrificed His life. And in 1 John 4:11, John wrote, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” Notice the little word “so” in this verse. It is an adverb of manner. The emphasis is upon how God loved us. That is the kind of love we should have for one another. Making sacrifices shows our love for one another.
Third, we make sacrifices to imitate God in Christ. As we have already seen, God and Christ both have shown sacrificial love for man, and as the exemplars of absolute truth and righteousness, we must follow that example. Paul said that we were to imitate him as he imitating Christ (1 Cor.11:1). Peter told us that we should walk in the steps of Christ by making great sacrifices of suffering (1 Pet.2:21). And, of course, Paul’s discussion of Christ’s sacrifice in Philippians 2:6-8 was preceded by the thought, “Have this mind in you which was in Christ Jesus” (Phil.2:5). God and Christ are worthy of our imitation. We look to Jesus as the author and finisher of the faith in running our race (Heb.12:1-2). The sacrifices that God and Christ made for the benefit of mankind are sacrifices worthy of imitation.
Truly we show our love for God and man by making sacrifices. The contrary is also true; those who refuse to make sacrifices demonstrate their lack of love for God and man. They also show their true character by failing to imitate God and Christ in their life. The result is the gradual promotion of self within their life, and the characterization of selfishness soiling their words and deeds. The two greatest commands cannot be fulfilled without making sacrifice. Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matt.22:37-39). Putting God first, and our neighbor second, we cannot but be involved in making sacrifices. May God help us to realize the true nature of sacrifice and its relationship to loving God and our fellow man.
]]>What is so wrong in calling something a miracle? What is right about calling something a miracle? We don't go around all day long calling everything a miracle. We recognize that certain events that occur in life are routine and happen by way of the natural course that life takes. God designed the world to work on a series of natural laws and these laws interact with each other and with us to ensure that we have a relatively stable world in which to live.
Gravity, for example, is one of God's natural laws and it's a great thing to have. It keeps our feet on the ground; it keeps our cars on the road; it keeps our refrigerator from coming into the bedroom during the middle of the night. I'm thankful for gravity! Natural law is the non-miraculous way God keeps the earth going.
There are times, however, when natural law appears to be suspended. For example, when a terminally ill cancer patient becomes better; when someone picks up a vehicle in order to free a trapped person underneath; or when a baby that has been swept up by a tornado or strong wind is found safe and sound. Such events are unexpected and unlikely. People see these events and pronounce them "miraculous."
One of the dangers with saying that something is a miracle is attributing the event to God's direct involvement. Three men once did this. They had a friend who lost all of his family under terrible circumstances, who lost all of his property to enemies who raided his lands, and who lost his health to the terrible disease. When they looked upon all of these improbably circumstances, they said, "God is punishing you!" God said to those men, "You're wrong!" God hadn't punished Job at all; Satan was the one who was responsible for Job's suffering.
Another danger of this kind of thinking is concluding from the improbably events a good relationship with God. Someone once told me that he knew he had a good relationship with God because he had been saved from a falling brick wall and from pulling out into traffic in front of a semi-trailer truck. My question to him was, "How do you know that God wasn't 'saving' you to give you time to repent!?" How do you know that Satan didn't save you so that you would believe a lie?
Consider also that for every baby that is saved from a terrible event, there are dozens more that die. Where does this put God if the one He saved He did so by miracle? Does He not love the others enough to save them by miracle? The Bible teaches that the age of miracles has ceased (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). Working through natural law, however, God is fair to all; all are treated equally
Let us credit God for blessings received because as our creator, God is ultimately responsible for all things. However, let us not attribute actions to God that are beyond our knowledge. Doing so takes us away from God's word. We walk on tenuous ground when we base our faith on our own presuppositions regarding improbable events. Faith, the Bible teaches, comes from hearing God's word (Romans 10:17). Let's leave it at that.
]]>SUBJECT: God, God's People
TITLE: Studies in Daniel God's Protection
PROPOSITION: In the story of Daniel in the lion's den we see 1) Conspiracy, 2) Confrontation and Condemnation, 3) Conservation, 4) Consternation.
OBJECTIVE: That the hearer would be familiar with the story of Daniel in the lion's den and be familiar with lessons from that chapter.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Daniel 6:1-10
2. About the Text:
1) Daniel chapter six begins right where chapter five leaves off.
2) Darius has taken control of the Babylonian empire.
3) It is now the empire of the Medes and Persians.
4) Cyrus the Persian will eventually take control of the kingdom.
5) It was Cyrus who would then return the Jews from captivity to their native country.
6) Daniel's story now picks up under Darius rule.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: In the story of Daniel in the lion's den we see . . .
I. A Conspiracy (Daniel 6:1-10)
1. Darius organization.
1) After Darius took over, he appointed 120 princes or governors over the kingdom.
2) Over these princes, there were three presidents.
3) Daniel was made the first president "because an excellent spirit was in him" (verse 3).
4) This gave Daniel extraordinary influence.
2. The Dissatisfaction of the Governors.
1) The princes didn't like this arrangement.
2) We don't have their motives in detail.
3) Nevertheless, they sought to remove Daniel.
4) So they were looking for a occasion against him, but they could not find one.
5) Daniel was an altogether honest guy.
3. The Governors' invention.
1) The governors get together and they come up with a plan.
2) They will have the king pass a law that whoever petitions anyone, God or man for thirty days, except the king, shall be cast into the lion's den.
3) The king, not knowing what they were up to, signs the law.
4) No doubt, his ego was pretty lifted up by this gesture of the governors as well.
4. Daniel's prostration.
1) Daniel saw that the law had passed.
2) He went home and opened his windows.
3) He prayed to God as was his custom.
5. Some lessons.
1) Dealing wisely in our business affairs will bring us into positions of influence. Proverbs 22:29 "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men."
2) Daniel's honesty and integrity kept him out of trouble. Proverbs 11:3 "The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them."
3) Listening to those who flatter our ego blinds us to their true purposes. Proverbs 26:28 "A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin."
4) Some things cannot be compromised; prayer is one of them.
a. Prayer is a command (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
b. However, God's people desire to pray. Psalm 55:17 "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."
II. Confrontation and Condemnation (Daniel 6:11-17)
1. The Plan Consummated.
1) They saw Daniel praying as was his custom.
2) They confirmed the law.
3) They reported this to the king.
2. Deliverance Sought
1) The king was displeased with himself.
2) The king sought to have Daniel delivered.
3) The law of the Medes and Persians, however, could not be reversed.
3. Daniel Condemned
1) Daniel was thrown into the lion's den.
2) The king professed his confidence that God would deliver Daniel.
3) A stone was brought and sealed over the lion's den with the king's seal.
4. Some lessons.
1) The wicked are always seeking to catch the righteous in violation of something.
a. Psalm 37:32 "The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him."
b. Psalm 35:21 "Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it."
2) We should think a thing through before we act on it.
a. Proverbs 16:20 "He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he."
b. Proverbs 25:2 "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter."
3) We must trust in God even in the most desperate of times.
a. Psalm 91:2 "I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust."
b. Proverbs 3:5-6
III. Conservation (Daniel 6:18-23)
1. The king's anticipation.
1) The king fasted all night.
2) He didn't listen to any playing of music.
3) He didn't sleep.
2. The king's inspection.
1) When morning came, the king rushed to the lion's den.
2) He cried out with a lamentable voice.
3) He asked if God had delivered Daniel from the lions.
3. The king's alleviation.
1) Daniel called out, "O king, live forever."
2) Daniel said that God had sent an angel and shut the mouths of the lions.
3) Daniel pronounces his innocence and tells the king that he has done nothing to hurt him.
4) The king commanded Daniel to be brought out of the lion's den.
5) Daniel had not been hurt in any way.
4. Some lessons.
1) We need to take seriously the genuine peril of others.
a. It seems that society likes to laugh at the problems of others.
b. Proverbs 24:17-18 "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him."
2) Fulfillment of hope brings great joy. Proverbs 13:23 "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life."
IV. Consternation and Proclamation (Daniel 6:24-28)
1. The king's anger.
1) Those who plotted against Daniel also made a mockery of the king.
2) He took them and cast them into the lion's den with their families.
3) This demonstrated the king's wrath against those who manipulated the system for their own purposes.
2. The king's proclamation.
1) The king decreed that men tremble before Daniel's God.
2) This is the living God.
3) This is the God whose kingdom shall never be destroyed.
4) This is the God who delivers and rescues.
5) This is the God who works signs and wonders.
3. Some lessons.
1) If we do evil, we should expect wrath from the government. Romans 13:3-4 " For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."
2) There is no reason not to believe in God. Romans 1:20 "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"
CONCLUSION:
1. In the story of Daniel in the lion's den we see . . .
1) A Conspiracy.
2) Confrontation and Condemnation
3) Conservation
4) Consternation and Proclamation
2. Invitation
]]>SUBJECT: Thanksgiving
TITLE: Entering God's Gates with Thanksgiving
PROPOSITION: We enter God's gates with thanksgiving because 1) thanksgiving is the only appropriate response for what God has done for us, 2) thanksgiving brings about a change of attitude in our lives, 3) thanksgiving spurs us into action for the welfare and benefit of others.
OBJECTIVE: The hearer should be able to state why he ought to have a heart of thanksgiving and how that relates to Christian living.
Aim: That each one would harbor a heart of tremendous gratitude toward God for the blessings he has given us in our lives.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Psalm 100
2. About the Text:
1) Psalm 100 is a psalm of praise.
2) It is what we would consider an "opening song."
3) It speaks of coming before God's presence and entering His gates.
4) The Psalmist speaks of the relationship God's people have to Him like sheep to a shepherd.
5) It speaks of the goodness and mercy of the Lord.
6) Verse 4 says, "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."
7) When we come to worship God, we should come with thanksgiving in our hearts.
8) Thursday is our holiday known as "Thanksgiving."
9) It's an appropriate holiday.
10) As a Christian people, we must be thankful.
11) Not only on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: We enter God's gates with thanksgiving because . . .
I. Thanksgiving is the Only Appropriate Response for What God Has Done for Us.
1. God is . . .
1) Our creator Isaiah 45:12 "I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded."
2) Our sustainer Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
3) Our redeemer Isaiah 44:6 "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."
2. Because God is these things, we have no right to be anything but thankful.
1) Thankful for our existence Ephesians 5:20 "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
2) Thankful for our daily bread 1 Timothy 4:4 "For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:"
3) Thankful for our salvation Romans 6:17 "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you."
3. How could we be anything other than thankful for what God has done?
1) Thanksgiving requires us to focus on the blessings that God has provided.
2) When we stop focusing on the blessings God has provided, we lose our perspective regarding thanksgiving.
3) When we lose our perspective regarding thanksgiving, our relationship with God will begin to suffer.
4) Thanksgiving is the only appropriate response if we wish to maintain our relationship with God.
II. Thanksgiving Brings About A Change of Attitude In Our Lives.
1. What attitudes does thanksgiving affect?
2. Just about all of them, but let's look at three key attitudes.
3. Thanksgiving leads to humility.
1) Proverbs 29:23 states, "A mans pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit."
2) To say "thank you" to someone means acknowledging someone else's contribution to your success.
3) That is an attitude of humility when you recognize that you haven't gotten to where you are alone.
4) Thankful people are humble people.
5) When we are thankful we will be much less likely to be lifted up with pride.
4. Thanksgiving leads to dependence on God in prayer.
1) Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
2) Prayer and thanksgiving go hand in hand.
3) The thankful person is the praying person.
4) When we are thankful in prayer, we recognize our reliance upon God in all things.
5) Recognizing our dependence on God keeps out an attitude of selfishness.
5. Thanksgiving leads to joy.
1) Psalm 97:12 "Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness."
2) People who are thankful are people who are content.
3) People who are content are people who rejoice.
4) People who rejoice are people who are happy.
5) Thankfulness and joy go hand in hand.
6) If you want to be happy, then be thankful to everyone you meet.
7) But most importantly be thankful to God!
8) If we fill our thoughts with gratefulness, there won't be room for ingratitude and discontent.
III. Thanksgiving Spurs us to Action for the Welfare and Benefit of Others.
1. When we're thankful, we want others to have the same blessings we have.
1) Psalm 107:22 "And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing."
2) When we're thankful for food, clothing, shelter, we want others to have these things also.
3) When we're thankful for a good life, we want others to have a good life as well.
4) When we're thankful to God for our salvation, we want others to have salvation also.
2. When we want others to have the blessings we have, we'll work toward that end in our lives.
1) Consider the example of Jesus in John 6:11when he fed over 5000. "And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would."
2) Jesus' thankfulness for the bread and fish was translated into an overflowing abundance of food.
3) So much so that they picked up 12 baskets of fragments.
3. Consider also the meaning and significance of the Lord's Supper.
1) This is supposed to be a time of thanksgiving.
2) Luke 22:19 "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."
3) It reminds us of what God and Christ did for our welfare and benefit.
4) It reminds us of what we also must do for the welfare and benefit of others in God's service.
5) Hence we will be spurred into action
a. To worship God
b. To keep ourselves pure.
c. To help others.
4. Hebrews 13:15 "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."
CONCLUSION:
1. We enter God's gates with thanksgiving because . . .
1) Thanksgiving is the only appropriate response for what God has done for us.
2) Thanksgiving brings about a change of attitude in our lives .
3) Thanksgiving spurs us into action for the welfare and benefit of others.
2. Invitation
]]>SUBJECT: Word of God
TITLE: The Strengthening of the Word
PROPOSITION: In this lesson we'll discuss how God' word strengthens us 1) In Inwardness 2) In Weariness 3) In Faithfulness.
Objectives: That each one would realize his need to turn to God's word to be strengthened in the difficulties of life.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Psalm 119:25-32
2. About Psalm 119.
1) It is the longest Psalm in the book of Psalms.
2) It is also the longest chapter in the Bible.
3) The Psalm is divided into 22 parts.
4) Each part begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
5) In Hebrew, each line of these parts begins with that letter.
6) Is this significant? There's not a letter that doesn't honor God's word.
7) The content of this chapter is respect, praise, and honor for God's word.
8) God's word is described with several different words in this Psalm.
a. Laws
b. Testimonies
c. Ways
d. Precepts
e. Statutes
f. Commandments
g. Judgments
h. Word
i. Truth
9) All of these words are used to refer to God's word.
10) There is great respect for God's word in this Psalm.
11) We ought to have this same respect also.
12) Without God's word we would not have the information we need for our salvation.
13) We ought to join the Psalmist in praising God for His wonderful word!
3. About the Text:
1) DALETH! This is the fourth section in Psalm 119.
2) Do we look to God's word when we need strength?
3) In our text the Psalmist says "strengthen me according to thy word" (verse 28).
4) We'll look at how God's word can strengthen us in this lesson.
4. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: God's word strengthens us in . . . has shown his love to man through . . .
I. Inwardness
1. When we are inwardly near death (Psalm 119:25).
1) We all have times when we feel like giving up.
2) The Psalmist had feelings like this as well.
3) He describes himself as cleaving to the dust.
4) This is a picture of one who is hugging the ground, down on all fours, ready to quit.
5) He asks God to quicken, revive, or make him alive by means of God's word.
6) God's word has reviving power.
7) Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any twoedged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart."
8) Psalm 119:93 "I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me."
9) John 6:63 "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
2. When we are inwardly seeking (Psalm 119:26).
1) The Psalmist says that he declared his ways to God.
2) Were these sinful ways?
3) Were these wandering ways?
4) Were these faithful ways?
5) Whatever ways these were, the Psalmist expresses a desire to seek if his ways are right.
6) He expresses confidence that God has heard him.
7) He expresses his desire that God teach him.
8) Do we ever wonder about the decisions of our life?
9) We often seek answers to questions that we face each day.
10) How should I live as a husband, father, wife, mother, child?
11) What should I do when I have a boss that is out to get me?
12) What role does God desire for me in His kingdom?
13) What will happen with me and those I love in the future?
14) Turning to God's word gives us the answers for which we are looking.
15) 2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
16) Psalm 119:98-100 " Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts."
3. When we are inwardly challenged (Psalm 119:27).
1) The psalmist prays that God make him to understand the way of God's precepts.
2) He then expresses his desire to share the things he has learned with others.
3) We need to seek to apply God's word to our lives every day.
4) In that regard, we need to understand God's word as to how it applies to our lives.
5) Once we have such an understanding, then we can tell others about God's word as well and how it can apply to their life.
6) 1 Peter 3:15 "but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear:"
7) Colossians 4:6 " Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
II. Weariness
1. When overtaken with heaviness (Psalm 119:28).
1) The word "heaviness" here indicates a great burden.
2) This is a burden that is so great that we melt under the pressure of it.
3) It may be a burden over which we have shed tears.
4) It is a great weariness to us to have such heaviness upon us.
5) God's word can provide strength and comfort in such times if we will let it.
6) God's word brings comfort to those who are weary under financial burdens because all accounts will one day be settled.
7) God's word brings comfort to those who are undergoing family crises because there is wisdom there to solve all issues.
8) God's word brings comfort to those who are suffering as a result of death because God will take care of His saints.
9) Whatever the burden might be, there is nothing too great and for which we cannot find comfort in God's word.
10) Psalm 119:50 " This is my comfort in my affliction; For thy word hath quickened me."
11) 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 "Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
12) James 1:21 says that it is this same word which is able to save our souls.
2. When overtaken with sinfulness (Psalm 119:29).
1) The Psalmists asks God to remove him from the way of lying or falsehood.
2) This could be in regard to personal transgressions that he has committed.
3) It could be in regard to temptations that he experiences around him to walk in sinful ways.
4) He then asks for God to grant him His word graciously.
5) The Psalmist wants the fullest experience of God's word that he can have.
6) He wants God to give His word to him with favor and grace, holding nothing back.
7) He wants learning God's word to be a pleasurable experience.
8) What a tremendous attitude!
9) How do we look at the false ways around us?
10) How do we look at temptation?
11) How do we look at sin in our life?
12) Do we desire to be removed from it and delivered to God's word for relief and comfort?
13) Psalm 119:104 "Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way."
14) Romans 12:9 "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."
15) Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
16) God's word provides the remedy for the problem of sin.
III. Faithfulness
1. When we need faithful guidance (Psalm 119:30).
1) The Psalmist expresses confidence in his choice of following after truth.
2) He says that he has laid God's judgments before him as the guide for his life.
3) Truth is the only thing that will faithfully guide us in this life to the next.
4) John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
5) John 8:31-32 "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
6) John 17:17 "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
7) God's word provides the truth we need to be faithfully guided through all life's paths.
2. When we need confidence (Psalm 119:31).
1) The Psalmist speaks of his faithfulness to God's testimonies.
2) He prays that God will not put him to shame.
3) This prayer betrays a certain lack of confidence in the Psalmists thoughts.
4) We need to turn to God's word when we need confidence.
5) In Hebrews 3:14 we read, "for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end:"
6) Luke was confident regarding the message of the gospel. He wrote to Theophilus in Luke 1:4 "That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed."
7) John expressed his confidence in this way, "And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe" (John 19:35).
8) God's word is tried and true. We can be confident in it.
3. When we need encouragement (Psalm 119:32).
1) The Psalmist says that he will run in God's commandments.
2) He will do this as God enlarges his heart; i.e. encourages him.
3) Doing God's commandments in our lives is the best encouragement we can have.
4) Dreading is worse than doing.
5) We need to simply hunker down and do what God tells us to do and we will have the best of all possible lives.
6) James 1:25 "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."
7) Luke 11:28 "But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."
8) John 13:17 " If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."
9) Revelation 22:14 "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
CONCLUSION:
1. God's word strenghtens us in . . .
1) Inwardness
2) Weariness
3) Faithfulness
4. Invitation
]]>SUBJECT: Passage Study
TITLE: Daniel Chapter Five God's Punishments
PROPOSITION: In this lesson we'll look at Daniel chapter five. We'll notice from this chapter 1) The Folly of Feasting, 2) The Fault of Fouling Holy Things, 3) The Foolishness of False Idols, 4) The Failure of Forgetting History, 5) The Findings of the Faithful, 6) The Finality of Fatality.
OBJECTIVE: Each should be familiar with the events that transpire in Daniel 5 and the lessons presented in the hopes that we will avoid God's punishment.
Aim: To impress upon the listener the ultimate consequences for offending God.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Daniel 5:1-9
2. About the Text:
1) The time of Nebuchadnezzar had passed.
2) Now we find in the book of Daniel a new ruler.
3) It is Nebuchadnezzar's grandson, Belshazzar.
4) We shall see that Belshazzar, lifted with great pride, offends God.
5) As a result of this offence, God pronounces the punishment of death upon him.
6) Daniel 5 is a great reminder that offending God doesn't go unnoticed.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: From Daniel chapter five we learn . . .
I. The Folly of Feasting (Daniel 5:1)
1. Belshazzar's downfall started with a raucous party.
1) This kind of party wasn't what is thought of as innocent fun.
2) This was the kind of party where righteousness was ignored and sin prevailed.
3) Most commentators agree that this was a drunken orgy type of party.
4) Secular history tells us that it was a feast to the cities false gods.
2. There are several parties like this one in scripture.
1) We see such a party held by Ahasuerus in Esther chapter one.
2) We see such a party conducted by Herod at his birthday celebration in Matthew 14 which resulted in John the baptizer losing his head.
3) Such parties and feastings have only one end in mind, namely, the satisfaction of the lusts of the flesh.
3. This type of partying is condemned in the scriptures.
1) Paul lists such things among the works of the flesh. Galatians 5:21 "Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
2) Peter calls it doing the "the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries" (1 Peter 4:3).
4. No good ever comes from participating in such drunken revelries.
II. The Fault of Fouling Holy Things (Daniel 5:2-3)
1. Belshazzar commands that gold and silver vessels be brought.
1) These are the vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem.
2) Belshazzar's purpose was for his court to use those vessels in their feasting: the king, the princes, his wives and concubines.
3) Scholars believe that this was an effort on his part to show the superiority of his gods over the God of Jerusalem.
2. The Holy Vessels
1) The vessels that Belshazzar had brought were God's vessels.
2) They had been dedicated to God and were to be used for holy purposes.
3) Numbers 4:15 pronounced the sentence of death upon those who touched these holy things.
4) Historically when God's holy things were not respected, men were punished.
5) We're reminded here of Nadab and Abihu and their transgression with strange fire (Leviticus 10:1).
6) We also recall the story of Uzzah who put his hand on the ark and died (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
7) Holy things were to be used for holy purposes.
3. We must respect God's holy things today also.
1) In worship to God (John 4:24).
2) In teaching God's plan for man's salvation (Mark 16:15-16).
3) In regard to the organization of the church (Ephesians 4:11-12).
4) Holy things must be respected.
III. The Foolishness of False Idols (Daniel 5:4)
1. They praised the gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood and stone.
1) They robbed God of his glory and gave glory to fleshly things.
2) As we mentioned earlier, history records that this was some kind of annual feast to these false gods.
3) They perverted God's holy vessels to honor false idols what an offense!
2. Idolatry condemned in scripture.
1) Of course we have the first and second commandments.
2) Exodus 20:3-5 " Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;"
3) Isaiah 42:8 "I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."
3. Idolatry doesn't have to take the form of graven images.
1) Colossians 3:5 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:"
2) Anything that we put before God is an idol.
IV. The Failure of Forgetting History (Daniel 5:5-23)
1. The handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5:5-9).
1) In the middle of this party, a giant hand comes out.
2) It writes on one of the walls.
3) This troubles the king.
4) He calls for all of his wise men to read the writing and interpret it.
5) None can do so even though they are promised treasure and a position of power.
2. The queen remembered Daniel (Daniel 5:10-12).
1) She told the king not to be troubled.
2) She told him about Daniel who had the Spirit of God in him.
3) She reminded him about what Daniel did for Nebuchadnezzar on several occasions.
4) She told him that Daniel would show the interpretation.
3. Daniel stands before the king (Daniel 5:13-23).
1) The king inquires of Daniel.
2) He promises Daniel riches and power if he can interpret the writing.
3) Daniel refuses the gifts.
4) He says he will read the writing and make it known.
5) Daniel reminds Belshazzar of the pride of Nebuchadnezzar.
6) Daniel chastises Belshazzar for not learning from the mistakes of Nebuchadnezzar.
7) Daniel chastises Belshazzar for not glorifying the God of heaven.
4. Belshazzar forgot the lessons from his own family's past.
1) 2 Peter 3:5 speaks of how scoffers who walk after their own lusts willfully forget God's punishments.
2) Romans 1:28 "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not appropriate."
3) Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I also will forget thy children."
5. Belshazzar failed to remember God's work in Nebuchadnezzar's life.
V. The Findings of the Faithful (Daniel 5:24-29)
1. What was the meaning of the writing on the wall?
1) MENE MENE TEKEL UPHARSIN.
2) MENE God has numbered the kingdom and finished it.
3) TEKEL Thou art weighed in the balances and found lacking.
4) PERES The kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.
5) This is an oracle of condemnation for the Babylonian empire.
2. Belshazzar honors Daniel.
1) Belshazzar gave Daniel what he promised.
2) It's hard to tell whether this was sincere here or if it was just the acts of a drunken fool.
3) The gesture was somewhat meaningless considering the oracle that was just read by Daniel.
3. Those who are faithful to the Lord deliver His messages regardless the circumstances.
1) No doubt, this was not a popular message.
2) The meaning of the writing was the Belshazzar was going to be destroyed.
3) Evidently, Belshazzar didn't take this very seriously or didn't consider how urgent the message was.
4) God's messages are always serious and they are always urgent.
5) 2 Timothy 4:2-5 "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."
VI. The Finality of Fatality (Daniel 5:30-31).
1. Belshazzar is slain.
1) As the writing foretold, Belshazzar and his kingdom came to a swift end.
2) Secular history tells us that the Medes and Persians diverted the Euphrates river and drained it while the Babylonians were partying.
3) They then invaded the city by the river bed and found the gates unguarded and the people wholly given over to revelry.
4) Belshazzar was slain by two of Cyrus generals, Gadatus and Gobryus.
5) History records that Cyrus put to death every person who was found outside of his house.
6) Because the faithful Hebrews would not have participated in the revelries of the pagan gods, they were spared death.
2. This was the end of Belshazzar and the kingdom of Babylon.
1) This was prophesied by the prophets of Israel.
2) Isaiah 13:19 "And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah."
3) Jeremiah 25:12 "And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations."
3. The Bible teaches that death comes to all men.
1) Hebrews 9:27 "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
2) Will we learn the lesson that Belshazzar failed to learn and prepare?
CONCLUSION:
1. We've seen in these verses the following:
1) The Folly of Feasting
2) The Fault of Fouling Holy Things
3) The Foolishness of False Idols
4) The Failure of Forgetting History
5) The Findings of the Faithful
6) The Finality of Fatality
2. Invitation
]]>SUBJECT: Worship
TITLE: Before the Throne
PROPOSITION: When we come before the throne we see that 1) Beauty is Defined, 2) God is Exalted, 3) Holiness is Honored, 4) Praise is Lifted, 5) Man is Humbled, 6) Authority is Respected, 7) Worship is Consummated.
OBJECTIVE: The listener should be keenly aware of the throne room of God and what happens when we enter that throne room.
Aim: To fix within our hearts the proper attitude that we ought to have when we come before the Father's throne to worship.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Revelation 4:1-11
2. About the Text:
1) We often talk about coming before the throne when we worship God.
2) We rightly understand God as the King of the Universe.
3) Psalm 95:1-3 says, "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods."
4) And the Bible pictures God sitting on a throne of majesty and greatness.
5) Isaiah 6:1 states, "In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple."
6) We read in Daniel 7:9 "I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire."
7) Perhaps the greatest picture of God sitting on His throne is found here in Revelation 4.
8) This morning let us open our eyes spiritually and see the throne of God as pictured in Revelation 4.
9) We are walking up the steps to the gates of the throne room.
10) The great golden doors of that throne room swing open before us.
11) We see this tremendous picture that has been presented in Revelation 4.
a. God is on his throne surrounded by the cherubim.
b. The twenty-four elders are surrounding Him.
c. The sea of glass spreads out from the throne like a floor of crystal.
d. We are in the presence of God.
12) Let us now ask the question, "What transpires when we come before the throne?"
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION:
I. Beauty is Defined
1. Beauty
1) We see beauty around us in various forms: art, people, music, foods, nature, etc.
2) There is a deeper beauty that we appreciate associated with spirituality; a morally pure life is a thing of beauty.
3) In that regard, there are some truly beautiful people in the world.
2. The beauty of God.
1) We haven't seen true beauty, however, until we've seen God.
2) God's beauty surpasses the works of man's hands.
3) God's beauty surpasses the world of creation.
4) God's beauty surpasses the purest of lives.
5) Psalm 27:4 "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple."
3. Revelation 4:3 "And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald."
1) Jasper and Sardius stones are deeply red in color.
2) Emeralds are deeply green.
3) The picture is of One Whose beauty is deep and brilliant.
4) Dictionary.com defines beauty as follows: "The quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest)."
5) God is the One who gives us intense spiritual pleasure and deep satisfaction to the mind.
II. God is Exalted
1. Exalted
1) The word exalted means to be raised, elevated, or lifted up.
2) We think of a king on his throne as being exalted.
3) He is above it all; his place and station lifts him above the mundane and average; he is above such things.
4) Not only is he above all things physically, but in authority, power, prestige, honor, and magnificence.
2. God is exalted.
1) God is that King sitting on His throne in the throne room of heaven.
2) Psalm 57:5, 11 both say, "Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth."
3) Isaiah 25:1 "O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth."
3. Revelation 4:4-6 gives us a picture of God's exaltation: "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind."
1) We see a picture of exaltation here.
2) There is the sea of glass surrounding the throne.
3) Then 24 elders on chairs surrounding the throne.
4) Around the throne are the four beasts full of eyes.
5) Out of the thone comes lightning, thunder, and voices.
6) On the throne is God, the exalted one.
III. Holiness is Honored
1. Holiness is not something that is honored in the world.
1) In the world, holiness is denigrated; nothing is sacred.
2) Speech is corrupt, filthy, and crass.
3) Sexual morals are loose, vulgar, and adulterated.
4) Many develop personal relationships for intensely selfish purposes.
5) Personal entertainment consists of nothing more than a romp through the proverbial pig pen.
6) Psalm 14:1 summarizes such attitudes: "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good."
2. Before the throne, however, holiness is honored.
1) Holiness is that sacredness and purity of words, deeds, and thoughts which cannot be condemned.
2) To be holy is to be like God, for God is holy.
3) 1 Peter 1:15-16 "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation [behavior]; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
3. Revelation 4:8 "And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."
1) There are nine "holies" pronounced here in the original Greek; three sets of three.
2) Our Bibles only record three.
3) Three is the number of holiness and God is three times three holy.
4) Holiness is honored.
IV. Man is humbled.
1. Humility
1) Humility is not to think or behave more highly than we ought.
2) Romans 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
2. Man is humbled.
1) In consideration of the throne room of God and Who God is, man has no avenue but humility.
2) Consider the Psalmists words in Psalm 144:3-4 "LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away."
3. Notice Revelation 4:9-10 "And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne . . ."
1) The 24 elders fall down before the throne of God.
2) They cast their golden crowns before His throne.
3) They and all that they have are humbled before God's magnificence.
V. Praise is lifted.
1. Praise
1) Praise is the act of lauding, commending, approving, honoring, and admiring another.
2) Psalm 145:21 "My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever."
2. Praise is lifted.
1) In the presence of God, praise leaps forth from our lips and resounds.
2) Psalm 148:13 "Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven."
3. Revelation 4:11 "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
1) God is worthy to receive our praise.
2) Hebrews 13:5 "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."
VI. Authority is Respected
1. Authority
1) To respect authority is to do things as the One in authority deems necessary.
2) Jesus never went beyond God's authority.
3) John 12:49-50 "For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak."
2. Authority is respected.
1) You see no picture of rebellion or disrespect before the throne of God.
2) God's worship is conducted according to His pleasure as He has authorized.
3) Man's inventions are absent.
4) There exists only the will of God and man's yielding to God's will.
3. Again, Revelation 4:11 "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
1) It is for God's pleasure that we and all things were created.
2) We exist to please Him.
3) We must worship as He has authorized, in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
VII. Worship is Consummated
1. Worship
1) Worship is the total and complete adoration and devotion to another.
2) God is the only One worthy of worship.
2. Worship is Consummated.
1) In worship there is the worshipper and the one who is worshipped.
2) Together, worship is accomplished.
3) Revelation 19:10 and Revelation 22:9 admonish us to worship God and no other.
3. Revelation 4:10 "The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne. . . ."
1) We cannot help but worship before God's throne.
2) We owe worship to God.
3) It is the penultimate act of man to worship the One True God.
4) Psalm 29:2 states, "Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness."
CONCLUSION:
1. What do we see when we come before God to worship? What have we seen before the throne of God?
1) Beauty is defined.
2) God is exalted.
3) Holiness is honored.
4) Man is humbled.
5) Praise is lifted.
6) Authority is respected.
7) Worship is consummated.
2. Let us remember . . .
1) The beauty of God His brilliance, depth, and color.
2) The thunder and lightning that comes from His throne.
3) The four living creatures surrounding our Holy God.
4) The twenty-four elders bowing down and casting their crowns before Him.
5) The glass sea clear and smooth as crystal.
6) The praises that are offered to God.
7) Our place of humility as we grope before Him in worship.
3. If we keep this picture of God's throne before our mind's eye, we can and will worship Him acceptably, with reverence and awe.
4. Invitation
]]>The word hell is used today to describe anything from stubbing one's toe to engaging in a combat operation. Frequently the word is used lightly with little or no gravity at all in respect to its subject matter. Comedians have used it routinely; the word is sprinkled generously in movies; and television hesitates not the slightest to throw it out if it will generate a mild guffaw.
In stark contrast, however, the use of it to describe the recent fires in California seemed appropriate. The intensity of the flames, the smoke enveloping darkness, the completely dismal portrait painted, all testified to exactly the kind of place described in the New Testament that awaits impenitent sinners.
Hell is not a popular subject. While a majority of Americans believe in heaven and believe they will go there, a far fewer number believe in hell. And even if they believe in hell, they don't believe in a hell like the one described in the Bible. For many, the concept of hell is like some ill-advised fraternity where you'll be mercilessly hazed for the rest of your life. While such a concept isn't pleasant, it nowhere near approaches the truth the Bible reveals about hell.
Hell is described in Revelation 21:8 as the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Mark 9:43 describes it as a place of unquenchable fire. 2 Peter 2:4 describes it as pits of darkness. Matthew 25:46 says it is a place of eternal punishment. Jude 1:7 calls it the punishment of eternal fire. 2 Thessalonians 1:8 says that it is Christ's vengeance in flaming fire upon those who know not God, and that obey not the gospel.
The pictures out of California this past week were stark. That is the exact image that we should consider when contemplating a life in rebellion to God. Let us not think that we can live rebelliously and escape God's eternal retribution. While we extend our sympathies to the people who lost loved ones and property, let us, with sober minds, consider what kind of place hell truly is.
]]>SUBJECT: Humility
TITLE: Taking the Road to Jerusalem
PROPOSITION: On the road to Jerusalem we find 1) A Prediction of Condemnation, 2) Preparation of Conduct 3) A Providing of Compassion.
Objectives: That each would understand and apply the lessons Christ teaches in humility in this chapter.
Aim: To impress the need for humility in our Christian lives.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Matthew 20:17-34
2. About the Text:
1) Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem.
2) Mark 10:32 says that the disciples were amazed and afraid but yet followed.
3) We are entering the last week of Jesus' life.
4) Matthew 21 begins with the triumphal entry.
5) What were the disciples thinking here?
6) Were they thinking Jesus was about to take control of the kingdom?
7) Were they thinking they were going to be killed?
8) The path that lay before them required great humility and we see Jesus preparing their thoughts on the road to Jerusalem.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: On the Road to Jerusalem we find . . .
I. A Prediction of Condemnation (Matthew 20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-34).
1. Jesus announces his intentions to go to Jerusalem.
1) They were on the road to Jerusalem.
2) Mark says that the disciples were amazed and afraid (Mark 10:32).
3) John 11:53 tells us that the Pharisees had taken counsel to put Jesus to death after the resurrection of Lazarus.
4) John 11:57 says that this was announced generally so that they could take him.
5) The disciples likely knew this and were concerned.
6) So Jesus takes the 12 aside to declare what his intentions are.
7) This must have been a shocking announcement.
2. Jesus announces that he was to be put to death.
1) Jesus had previously mentioned this (Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23).
2) He now mentions it in additional detail.
3) In Luke Jesus links these things with the fulfillment of the prophets (Luke 18:31).
4) His death would occur in Jerusalem.
5) He would be betrayed.
6) He would be in the hands of the chief priests and scribes.
7) They would condemn Him to death.
8) They would deliver Him to the gentiles.
9) They would mock Him.
10) Mark and Luke records Jesus as saying they would "spit" on Him.
11) They would scourge Him.
12) They would crucify Him.
3. Jesus announces the resurrection.
1) The last thing Jesus says, however, was that he would rise the third day.
2) So Jesus' death would not be the end.
3) Luke 18:34 records, however, that the disciples understood none of these things.
4. A Lesson in Humility
1) Consider the humility Jesus needed to accept this course and submit to it.
2) Philippians 2:5-8.
II. Preparation of Conduct (Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45)
1. A Request
1) Most scholars believe that Salome was the mother of James and John, the son of Zebedee (Mark 15:40).
2) She came to Jesus with her sons.
3) She worshipped Him.
4) She desired something of Him.
5) She asked that her two sons be given the right and left hands seats in Christ's kingdom.
6) Mark 10:37 records her as saying in Christ's "glory."
7) It seems the disciples still did not understand the nature of the kingdom.
8) The right and left hand seats were usually associated with the "Prime Minister" and "Minister of War."
2. A Response
1) Jesus tells them that they don't know what they are asking about.
2) He asks them if they are able to drink His cup and to be baptized with His baptism.
3) Looking back on the cross we understand this to be figurative, a cup and baptism of sufferings.
4) The disciples may have understood it literally.
5) They replied that they were able.
6) Jesus told them that they would indeed experience this.
a. James died under the hand of Herod in Acts 12:2.
b. John suffered persecution until the end of his life (Revelation 1:9).
3. An Answer
1) Jesus finally answered the question.
2) It wasn't His place to give these positions of authority.
3) Such authority belonged to His Father alone.
4) Who was it that would sit in these positions?
a. The first recorded Christian martyr was Stephen (Acts 7).
b. The second was James (Acts 12).
c. There were others.
4. A Lesson in Humility
1) The other 10 disciples were angry that these two would ask for this.
2) Jesus addresses the fundamental misunderstanding of the disciples.
3) It is the gentiles who exercise such authority and power as James and John requested.
4) This was not to be the nature of the coming kingdom.
5) Rather, Jesus measured greatness in terms of service.
6) Jesus Himself is the example of this.
7) He did not come to be served, but to serve by giving His life a ransom (1 Timothy 2:6).
a. A ransom is a price paid to purchase one out of bondage.
b. Jesus paid this price through His death on the cross.
8) Compare Isaiah 53:12, Hebrews 5:8-9.
III. A Providing of Compassion (Matthew 20:29-34, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 18:35-43)
1. An Encounter
1) Jesus and the disciples were departing Jericho.
2) A great multitude was with them.
3) They encountered two blind men on the outskirts of the city.
4) One of them was called the Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46).
2. A Cry
1) As Jesus passed the blind men shouted.
2) They said, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David."
3) The multitude rebuked them.
4) This made them cry out all the more.
3. A Response
1) Jesus called for them and asked them what they wanted.
2) Bartimaeus left his garment behind and came to Jesus (Mark 10:50).
3) They replied for their sight to be restored.
4) Jesus touched their eyes and they could see.
5) He said in Luke 18:42 "Thy faith has saved thee."
6) They followed him glorifying God.
4. A Lesson in Humility.
1) Those who humble themselves will be blessed.
2) James 4:6 "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
CONCLUSION:
1. On the road to Jerusalem we find . . .
1) Prediction of Condemnation
2) Preparation of Conduct
3) Providing of Compassion
2. Invitation
]]>SUBJECT: Morality, Ten Commandments
TITLE: The Sixth Commandment Thou Shalt Not Murder
PROPOSITION: In this lesson we will study the sixth commandment, namely, 1) The verb in the commandment, 2) The vindication consequent to that verb, 3) the vitality of the command today, and 4) The value of the commandment.
Objectives: The hearer should be able to explain what the commandment means, what relevance it has for our lives today and why it is so important to respect this command.
Aim: To impress upon the hearer the value of life and why God takes murder so seriously.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Exodus 20:1-17
2. About the text:
1) In our study of the Ten Commandments we've looked at . . .
a. Idolatry and the priority that God demands in our lives.
b. The need to honor God's name and keep it holy.
c. God's requirement to Israel to remember the Sabbath.
d. Honoring Father and Mother
2) This commandment is the first of the prohibited things.
3) It also, like number five, is respecting man's relationship with man.
4) Let's talk about the problem of murder.
3. About the Topic:
1) According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in the year 2005, there were 16,692 homicides in the United States. This is down from a high of 23,760 in 1992. (http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/homicide/tables/totalstab.htm)
2) The same report stated, "Males represent 77% of homicide victims and nearly 90% of offenders. The victimization rates for males were 3 times higher than the rates for females. The offending rates for males were 8 times higher than the rates for females."
3) The report further states, "Approximately one-third of murder victims and almost half the offenders are under the age of 25. For both victims and offenders, the rate per 100,000 peaks in the 18-24 year-old age group."
4) While some progress has been made in this area in the past 15 years, we have work yet to do.
5) Much of this work could be accomplished by teaching the sixth commandment.
4. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION:
I. The Verb in the Sixth Commandment
1. What is the meaning?
1) Many translations say, "Thou shalt not kill."
2) Is "kill" the right word?
3) The Hebrew word indicates not mere killing, but murdering.
4) Murder is the unjustified killing of other people.
5) In Matthew 19:18, it is so translated by Jesus. "Thou shalt do no murder."
2. Obviously, "kill" wouldn't be consistent with the rest of the Mosaic Law.
1) This command was not intended to prohibit death as a punishment for certain crimes.
2) For example, adultery was a crime punishable by death (Leviticus 20:10).
3. Moreover, this commandment was intended for those who were murderers not those who accidentally caused the death of another.
1) Numbers 35:9-34 sets forth the definition of what was considered murder and what wasn't.
2) Murder was something that one did out of hatred, enmity, or craftiness (Numbers 35:20-21).
3) Those who killed accidentally were provided cities of refuge in which to live.
4. So this commandment is speaking of murder, not mere killing.
II. Vindication Implied in the Sixth Commandment
1. Punishment associated with murder.
1) The penalty for murdering another person was death.
2) Genesis 9:6 " Whoso sheddeth mans blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man."
3) Exodus 21:12 "He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death."
2. Judicial process.
1) There was, however, a judicial process associated with this punishment (Numbers 35:9-34).
2) If someone was killed, then God provided six cities of refuge to which the killer could flee.
3) These cities were designed to protect those who killed someone "unaware" (Numbers 35:15).
4) There had to be witnesses to the murder as well. Numbers 35:30 states, "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die."
5) And the congregation was to judge. Numbers 35:24 "Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:"
6) If the man was found not guilty of murder, then he was to remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest (Numbers 35:25).
7) After the high priest died, he could return to his own land.
8) If he was found guilty of murder, he was to be put to death (Deuteronomy 19:11-13).
3. Who carried out the punishment?
1) Once a man was found guilty, then he was to be taken and delivered to the hands of the avenger.
2) The avenger was the near kinsman of the man slain.
3) It was his job to pursue and kill the one who had slain his relative.
4) If he found this man outside of a city of refuge, he could put him to death.
5) If the killer was found guilty, this was the one responsible for putting him to death.
6) Israel was not to take any satisfaction in putting the guilty to death. Numbers 35:31 states, "Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death."
III. The Vitality of the Sixth Commandment
1. The Sixth Command survives today under the New Covenant.
1) It is sinful to murder.
2) Jesus says that the desire to murder comes from the heart first. Matthew 7:21 " For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders."
3) Paul says that those who have a reprobate mind do such things. Romans 1:29 " Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers."
4) He also includes murder among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:21).
5) John tells us that the one keeping hate in his heart for his brother is a murderer and such a one doesn't have eternal life (1 John 3:15).
6) And John writes that murderers will have their part in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8).
2. What about punishment for murder?
1) Under the New Covenant, the government is charged with judging such cases and executing such punishments.
2) Romans 13:4 "For [government] is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."
3) Paul professed to Festus, "For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die" (Acts 25:11).
4) Paul himself acknowledged the government's authority to so punish him by death if he had committed such offenses worthy of death.
3. Can the sin of murder be forgiven?
1) Yes
2) Paul said that he gave his vote for death against Christians (Acts 26:10).
3) In 1 Timothy 1:13 Paul said that he was "before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief."
4) Peter said in Acts 2 to those listening, "ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay [Jesus]" (Acts 2:23).
5) Nevertheless in Acts 2:38 he said, "Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins."
6) The one guilty of murder can be forgiven if he/she repents.
IV. The Values Associated with the Sixth Commandment
1. What is the primary import of this command?
1) We must understand that God places great value upon innocent human life.
2) Proverbs 6:16-17 teaches that "hands that shed innocent blood" are one of the seven things that God hates.
3) God valued innocent life so greatly that those guilty were to pay with their own life.
4) He valued innocent life so greatly that those innocent were given a place to take refuge.
5) The commandments God gave along this line were to prevent them from shedding innocent blood.
6) We read in Deuteronomy 19:9-10 "If thou shalt keep all these commandments to do them, which I command thee this day, to love the LORD thy God, and to walk ever in his ways; then shalt thou add three cities more for thee, beside these three: That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee."
2. Today we must understand and respect the value of innocent life as well.
1) God is a God of life, not death.
2) He desires for man to have life (Deuteronomy 30:19).
3) Under Christ He gives eternal life (Romans 6:23).
4) He wants us to have an abundant life (John 10:10).
3. The sixth commandment teaches us the value of human life.
CONCLUSION:
1. In this lesson we've looked at . . .
1) The VERB of the sixth commandment.
2) The VINDICATION inherent in the sixth commandment.
3) The VITALITY of the commandment today.
4) The VALUES associated with this commandment.
2. Invitation
]]>The recent 60 billion dollar health care legislation that was passed and which President Bush vetoed is a good example of what I'm talking about. I suppose many would say that such legislation was "Christian" in that it helps poor working families. My family would be a beneficiary of that legislation were it to pass and so would several families with children in many churches. In fact, a family of four with a combined annual income of $80,000 a year could qualify for the benefits of this legislation under 2007 poverty guidelines and benefits for children would be extended to age 21. Is that a "Christian" thing?
There's no doubt that the Bible talks about helping the poor. Paul said of the apostles in Galatians 2:10 "Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do." The apostle John in 1 John 3:17 states, "But whoso hath this worlds good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" We read of the generosity of the early church in Acts 2:45 who "sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." We are especially to be concerned about those on the fringe of society. James wrote, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).
On the other hand, Christian support of the poor and those in need doesn't come without condition. Paul told members of the church at Thessalonica, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." Paul's instruction about the support of widows required family members to provide first: "But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to recompense their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God," "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" and "If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed" (1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16). The order of support is from family first and then from the church.
There aren't any scriptures, however, where New Testament church leaders expected the government to relieve them. Such thinking is conspicuously absent from the New Testament. The role of government from a Christian perspective is simply to punish evildoers and praise those who do well (1 Peter 2:14). The vast majority of passages that mention the Christians' interaction with the government speak of the Christian monetarily supporting the government, not vice versa. See Matthew 22:21, Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25, Romans 13:6-7, and 1 Peter 2:17. It is extraordinarily out of context to suggest that some government entitlement program is "Christian."
Moreover, such government programs may be contrary to Christianity. Being a Christian is about bettering one's self. Christians are individuals who have been converted from a life of sin and pledged to a life of righteousness (Romans 6:12-18). Such requires personal sacrifices and efforts. Christianity is about living for Christ on a daily basis (Galatians 2:20). For the government to step in and supply what the Christian is supposed to provide for himself undermines the genius of the call of the Christian religion for personal sacrifice (Philippians 2:17, 4:18).
Such governmental programs also supplant the benevolent arm of the church in her mission to edify the saints and evangelize the lost. If the religion-neutral government takes upon itself the task of caring for the poor, who among the poor will turn to the church for aid? That was one of the great reasons why the church grew in the first century. The poor saw the church as a place where they could receive legitimate help. Such help could also be appropriately regulated by the church. The balance is evident when properly considered. The church isn't merely a benevolent society because there are some conditions for aid. The poor aren't simply receiving unconditional handouts because they are exhorted to change their lives for the better so that they too can help others (Ephesians 4:28).
Such does not mean that the Christian may not accept any help whatsoever in times of difficulty or due to economic circumstances beyond his control. However, it isn't a God-less uncaring bureaucracy that is providing the aid. It is a loving and caring family that has the best interests of the recipient at heart.
What is the answer? It is counter productive to morality for the government to become a charitable aid society. We've seen this to be true in the failed welfare system of the two previous decades. At the same time, it isn't unreasonable for government to help families who are contributing to society when their families and the church don't have the resources to help. In that regard, Christianity doesn't favor broadly and indiscriminately placing well-paid working families on the roles of government health care. Such families can provide for their own needs (1 Timothy 5:8). Failure to do so would be an act of infidelity to Christ. Christianity, would not, however, reject conditional and limited governmental help to families who are in challenging economic circumstances. Such is still not ideal because such families receive no remedial education for what got them into such circumstances to begin with (i.e. crime, immorality, neglectfulness, laziness, etc.). Only the church can provide solutions in this area.
]]>We're so glad that you've come our way. This web site was built for you because we want you to know more about the churches of Christ. Thank you for visiting and reading the materials we have available here.
We are the Berryville church of Christ. We are a non-denominational congregation of Christ's people seeking to follow the Bible in our worship and Christian living. We invite you to come worship with us and see if we are doing what the Lord wants to be done both in our actions as a church and as individuals. We pray God's blessings upon you as you seek Him in your life. God bless you and thank you for visiting our web site.
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