Historical Posts
Romans 8:35-39 – Enduring Love of God – Audio
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Text: Romans 8:35-39
The Enduring Love of God
“How can God love me?” This is a question that is often asked by a person who is feeling very insecure. After all, if they do not love themselves, how can they expect God to love them? Would you be surprised that God’s love is an enduring love and He will ALWAYS love you?
I. Nothing can separate us from the enduring love of God.
A. Paul lists several things beyond our control that do not separate us from the enduring love of God (Romans 8:35-39).
B. Paul also listed things within our control that do not separate us from the enduring love of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Though they may separate us from God himself, His love is still there waiting for us to accept it.
II. Even though we are separated from God by sin, God still loves us.
A. Only our sins can separate us from God (Isaiah 59:2), if we let them. Even then, His love is still there waiting for us to accept it.
B. While we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
C. Jesus proved His enduring love for us by laying down His life for us (John 15:13-14; 3:16-17; Romans 6:23; 1 John 4:9-10).
D. As God loved Jesus, Jesus loves us (John 15:9; 5:20; 17:26).
III. Even when we are chastened, God still has enduring loves for us.
A. As many as He loves, He rebukes and chastens, desiring to bring about repentance (Revelation 3:19).
B. Eliphaz told Job, “Happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty (Job 5:17).”
C. The writer of Hebrews reminds Christians that the LORD chastens those whom He loves, as sons (Hebrews 12:3-6). One corrects a son because of love.
Conclusion
God, by His very nature, is love (1 John 4:7-8).
We are to love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
We are “more than conquerors” in all things through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57).
Won’t you love Him too by keeping His commandments (John 14:15)?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Romans 12:1-2 – Living Sacrifice – Audio
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Text: Romans 12:1-2 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
You Are a Living Sacrifice
A sacrifice may be defined as something you give up in order to receive something better in return. When playing a board game, you might give up a piece in order to get a better piece or position in return. You may have to choose between two activities at the same time; something must be given up. When making a sacrifice to God, something must be given up of ourselves, a living sacrifice, in order to receive something greater from Him.
I. We must offer ourselves as a living sacrifice.
A. We are “living stones,” offering up “spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:4-5).”
B. To be a living sacrifice, one must be dead to sin but alive to God (Romans 6:11-13; Galatians 6:14).
C. Our body and spirit belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20).
D. Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20).
E. The church at Sardis was not alive; it was dead (Revelation 3:1-3).
II. We must offer holy sacrifices.
A. The book of Leviticus describes just how holy each sacrifice to God should be, and how holy the priests are to offer them.
B. Today, Christians are a “holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5).”
C. We are to be holy…
1) …for God is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).
2) …and without blemish (Ephesians 5:26-27).
3) …and without blame before Him in love (Ephesians 1:4-8).
D. We are to serve God “in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life (Luke 1:75).”
E. John tells us, “he who is holy, let him be holy still (Revelation 22:11)” as we prepare for the Lord’s coming.
III. Our sacrifices must be acceptable to God.
A. Abel offered a sacrifice acceptable to God, but Cain did not (Genesis 4:1-7).
B. Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they did not offer an acceptable sacrifice (Leviticus 10:1-3).
C. Abraham was willing to offer his son as an acceptable sacrifice to God (Genesis 22).
D. Today we are told what is acceptable to God through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Conclusion
Jesus Christ offered Himself as the perfect living sacrifice! He lived, died, and lives again! He is holy, and always does what is acceptable to His Father. Following His example, we must transform ourselves into a living sacrifice. We must live for Him, be holy, and do what is acceptable unto Him. His will for us is good, acceptable, and perfect. We can prove it if we offer ourselves as the right kind of sacrifice.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Romans 10:01-10 – Is Your Zeal of God According to Knowledge? audio
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Scripture Reading: Numbers 25:1-13 KJV
Lesson Text: Romans 10:1-10
Introduction
A. If you are a Christian, you are happy, upbeat, enthusiastic, and excited because God has smiled on you and freed you from the bondage and penalty of sin through the blood of Jesus – John 8:31-32.
(1) It does not make a difference what predicament you find yourself in, you always need to rejoice in the Lord – Philippians 4:4.
B. For this reason Christians are enthusiastic about all the cause and initiatives of God and His statutes and commandments.
(1) We are most willing to defend the gospel and warn sinners about the destruction that will come to the children of disobedience.
(2) We need men and women to be zealous for God like John the baptizer, when he told King Herod it is not lawful for you to have your brother wife – Mark 6:18.
C. Zeal is defined as: Enthusiastic, diligent devotion in pursuit of a cause, ideal, or goal.
Body
I. Your Zeal for God Must Be According to Knowledge – Romans 10:1-3.
A. Before Paul became a Christian he was zealous of the traditions of the fathers – Galatians 1:14.
(1) This is why he persecuted the church – Acts 8:3.
(2) But his zeal was not according to knowledge, until he was taught correctly and baptized – Acts 22:16.
B. Your zeal for God must be motivated by the purity of the Word – Psalm 119:140.
(1) There is a great importance in valuing what God has said because without His Words we would not exist – Acts 17:28.
(2) The Word of God is more valuable than anything you can imagine.
(3) You need to be receptive and ready obey God – Psalm 19:7-11.
C. Anything in your life, in your household, and even in the church that is not in compliance with God should be removed as Jesus Christ was zealous and drove out those that were defiling the temple – John 2:13-17.
D. Your zeal for God and His Word should motivate and strengthen you to stand up for God and His ways – Jeremiah 6:16.
(1) Once you know God’s Word you must stand on it and defend it.
a. Daniel purpose in his heart not to defile himself with the kings meat – Daniel 1:8.
b. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego took a stand and would not bow down to the kings image that he had made – Daniel 3:16-18.
c. We too must stand on the Word of God – Ephesians 6:10-11.
II. They Have a Zeal for God, But Not According to Knowledge.
A. There are people in the world and in the church that appear on the surface of having a zeal of God – 1 John 4:1.
(1) But if you look closer, examine, test, and prove many – 1 Thessalonians 5:21. You will discover their zeal of God is not according to the Word of God. From these people we need to warn, rebuke, and turn away from.
B. Those who have a zeal for God, not according to knowledge, may do an excellent job of deceiving and making you think they’re holy and righteous on the outside, but on the inside they are full of evil – Matthew 15:7-9; Matthew 23:25-28.
Conclusion
A. Jesus Christ warns us to be aware of false prophets that come to us with sheep’s clothing on the outside, but wolves on the inside.
B. Jesus tells us we will know them by their fruits – Matthew 7:15-23.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Vengeance Belongs to the Lord – Romans 12:14-21 – audio
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Introduction
A. It is often human nature to do to others what they did to us.
B. However, Jesus did not say that;
C. Rather, He said: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).”
D. Regardless of how people treat us, we should treat them as we want them to treat us.
E. What should we do when they do not treat us well? Paul said not to repay evil with evil; rather, repay evil with good (Romans 12:14-21).
Body
I. Vengeance belongs to the Lord!
A. It is not our place to pay back; it is the Lord’s (Romans 12:19; Psalm 94:1).
B. The LORD will repay in His own time (Deuteronomy 32:35-36).
II. The Lord’s vengeance will be great.
A. The LORD will judge His people, and will punish those who sin willfully (Hebrews 10:26-31).
B. Vengeance will be taken on those that do not know God nor obey the gospel of Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
C. The Lord destroys unbelievers (Jude 5-9,14-15).
D. The cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will have vengeance taken on them (Revelation 21:8).
E. The day of the LORD is near and will be devastating (Hebrews 10:27; Zephaniah 1:14-18).
III. What can we do so God will not take vengeance on us?
A. Do not neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:1-3).
B. Do not fear men; rather, fear God (Luke 12:4-5).
Conclusion
A. What is your relationship with God?
B. Do you Know Him? Have you obeyed Him?
C. Will God take vengeance on you?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Romans 15:04 – Follow the Pattern – audio
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Text: Romans 15:4
Introduction
A. Patterns are very useful. By following them, one can achieve a desired result.
1) If you want to make a quilt with a certain style and color, you follow the pattern exactly to get yours to look exactly like the one you want.
2) Puzzles are fun to work, and the picture on the box shows what the end result ought to be. When all of the pieces are put together in the proper place, the ideal photo is revealed.
B. From the very beginning, God has a pattern for man to follow.
1) By following His directions, one can achieve the intended result.
2) By not following it, an undesirable consequence ensues.
I. Old Testament examples.
A. Paul taught the Romans “for whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).”
B. Noah followed God’s pattern to build an ark, and saved himself, 7 other humans, and animals (Genesis 6:14-22).
C. The children of Israel assisted Moses in building the tabernacle, according to the pattern that God gave him (Exodus 25:9,40). As a result, God had a place to dwell.
D. Aaron made the lampstand according to the pattern God gave him (Numbers 8:4).
E. David gave Solomon the instructions on how to build the temple (1 Chronicles 28:9ff.), since he could not build it himself.
F. Nadab and Abihu did not follow God’s pattern, offering strange fire before Him. As a result, they died before Him (Leviticus 10:1-3; Numbers 3:4; 26:61).
G. Through Ezekiel, the LORD gave Israel a chance to go back to the pattern of the temple (Ezekiel 43:10-12).
II. New Testament examples.
A. Jesus Christ lived the perfect life, and we must follow His example (1 Peter 2:21-24).
B. Paul said Jesus wanted him to be a pattern for others (1 Timothy 1:16).
C. The church at Philippi were encouraged by Paul to follow his example as they have a pattern (Philippians 3:17).
D. Timothy was told to “be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).”
E. Young men are exhorted to be a pattern of good works in all things (Titus 2:6-7).
Conclusion
A. We need to follow God’s pattern to be a good example to the world and lead lost souls to Christ.
B. God gave us His Word as a blueprint.
1) Christ to follow after
2) The gospel to save us
3) He built His church that we can be a part of.
C. The directions are easy to follow.
D. Let us follow that pattern, and be the examples for others!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Romans 05:06-11 Sin Separates From God, Jesus Reconciles
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(Sin Separates Man from God, but Through Jesus Man can be Reconciled to God)
Text: Romans 5:6-11
Introduction
- According to 1 John 3:4, God defines sin as the transgression of the law. Anytime you miss God’s mark, or decide to rebel against His commandments, you have sinned, and as a result the relationship between you and God has been cut off or severed – Isaiah 59:1-2. The text even points out God will hide His face from you and not hear you because of sin – John 9:31; 1 Peter 3:12.
- Being separated from God because of your sins leaves you in a lost, unsaved, unfruitful, and dead state because being alienated from God means you have been severed from God, the Creator, the source of physical and eternal life – John 15:4-6. In Romans 6:23, God teaches us the end result of sin is death, but through Jesus there is eternal life.
God has Shown His Love Toward Us After We Sinned
- After man had sinned, and was separated from God, God extended His love to us, in that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, so that we could escape His wrath reserved for the children of disobedience – Romans 5:8-9. Therefore, we should be encouraged to love God because He first loved us – 1 John 4:9-10.
- In Ephesians 2:4-6 the Holy Scriptures show us the great love God had for us. While we were dead in sins, He made us alive through Jesus Christ. God has a special love for us that we sometimes overlook. This love for us is so great. He was willing to give His only begotten Son to save us – John 3:16-17.
- It is God’s desire that all men would be saved – 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9.
- In 1 Timothy 1:15, the apostle Paul declares that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. But the question remains: will you believe on Jesus Christ, the Son of God? John 3:36.
Why not Change Your Relationship with God and be Reconciled?
- In regard to the relationship man has with God, the word reconcile denotes an action to change from enmity to friendship. Therefore, something had to happen on both sides to change the separation of God and man because of sin, because man could not do it himself. In Romans 5:6-10, the Bible teaches us the action by God to reconcile is the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, a sacrifice for man’s sins to give man life – Ephesians 2:13-16.
- Reconciliation or making peace between God and man comes only through Jesus Christ. It’s what Jesus did on the cross, the giving of His life and the shedding of His blood. In Colossians 1:20-23, the Spirit of truth teaches all things are reconciled by Jesus – Hebrews 2:17.
- In 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, the Sword of the Spirit teaches that God has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18). As long as you are in Christ and abiding in His Word, God is not imputing your trespasses to you (2 Corinthians 5:19). And God has given us the ministry of reconciliation to call sinner’s to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). This means the sinner, man, must do something to be reconciled to God. God did His part, have you done your part? Acts 2:38, 41.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
“Ice Breaker”
Consider these thoughts about the man (or woman) that hath not God:
- The man that hath not God has no fellowship with the Lord.
- The man that hath not God is walking in darkness because he has turned from the light (Jesus).
- The man that hath not God is transgressing and abiding not in the doctrine of Christ.
- The man that hath not God has nothing of true value. He is separated from God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – 2 John 9.
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Obedience – Romans 15:4 – powerpoint
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Obedience-Romans-15-04-04.pptx
Text: Romans 15:4
- Introduction
The transliterated Greek word for obedience is “hupakouō” meaning:
1) a state of compliance, obedience (Such as a slave is to a master or a Christian is to God); to follow instructions, obey, follow, be subject to;
2) to grant one’s request, hear;
3) to answer a knock at the door. - Old Testament Examples
- The Israelites were warned of idolatry; if they trusted God, He would not forsake, destroy, nor forget His covenant with them (Deuteronomy 4:24-31; 5:24-33). They died due to disobedience (Deuteronomy 8:20). Isaiah prophesied the good and bad (Isaiah 1:18-20; 42:24-25).
- The Israelites made a covenant with Joshua at Shechem (Joshua 24:15-25).
- The Israelites made a covenant under Moses to be obedient (Exodus 24:1-7).
- Moses made a sacrifice.
- To obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6).
- Isaiah prophesied hearts would turn away (Isaiah 29:13) and it was fulfilled, even in the NT (Matthew 15:7-9; Mark 7:6-7).
- Moses did good and bad (Exodus 3; Numbers 20).
- We can learn from others (Adam and Eve, Jonah, Noah, Abraham, etc.).
- New Testament Examples
- The early church was obedient (Acts 6:7).
- Paul boasted to Titus on the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 7:14-15) for they passed the test (2 Corinthians 2:9).
- Paul had confidence in Philemon’s obedience (Philemon 21).
- Jesus Christ was obedient!
- man’s disobedience →sinners, but Man’s obedience→righteous (Romans 5:19)
- Obedience was suffered, yet it led to conditional salvation- obedience (Hebrews 5:8-9).
- He was obedient till death (Philippians 2:8), and so should Christians (Revelation 2:10).
- Instructions for Obedience
- We should obey rulers and authorities (Titus 3:1).
- Children obey parents (Ephesians 6:1; Colossians 3:20) and the church is to be obedient likewise (1 Peter 1:2, 13-14).
- God commands an obedience to the faith (Romans 16:26) that is received through Christ (Romans 1:5).
- Obedience of Christ is a spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).
- Preachers should be sent to give all an opportunity for obedience to the gospel (Romans 10:14-17).
- Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
- Vengeance is taken on those not knowing God, nor obeying the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). What if one obeys the gospel, but does not live accordingly? (2 Thessalonians 3:11-15)
- Not everyone that talks the talk enters the kingdom of God, but who walks the walk (Matthew 7:21).
- Peter said, “We ought to obey God rather than man.” (Acts 5:29)
- Just as slaves obey their masters (Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22-24; Titus 2:9), we are slaves to Christ (Romans 6:16-23).
- We show our love to God by keeping his commandments (John 14:15; James 2:15-16).
- We need obedience along with a wise rebuker (Proverbs 25:12).
- Benefits of Obedience
- Our souls are purified by obeying the truth (1 Peter 1:22).
- All Spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
- We receive whatever we ask of Him (1 John 3:22).
- Conclusion
By learning from the rights and wrongs of the OT, along with the instructions of the NT, we can become better servants of Christ and one another. It is imperative that we become a Christian and obey the commandments of God till death. By succeeding in this, we can secure our place in Heaven.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Romans 12:05 Blest be the Tie
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Text: Romans 12:5
Introduction
1. A wonderful blessing we enjoy in Christ is fellowship with other Christians…
a. We are members of one another – Romans 12:5
b. Thus we have a special bond or tie that binds us together
2. A simple yet beautiful song that describes this bond is “Blest Be The Tie”…
a. Words written by John Fawcett in 1782
b. Melody by Johann Georg Nageli, arranged by Lowell Mason in 1845
Body
I. FIRST VERSE
A. “BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS OUR HEARTS IN CHRISTIAN LOVE”…
1. Consider first what the tie that binds or members one of another is not
a. It is not an earthly tie, such as:
1) Friendship
2) Marriage
3) Family
— All of which are either social or physical ties
b. It is not broken like earthly ties, such as through:
1) Separation
2) Incompatibility (e.g., the apostles were a diverse group)
3) Death
2. Consider then what the tie that binds is
a. Love, not easily broken – Colossians 3:14
b. Love, that comes from the God of love – 1 John 4:7-11
c. Love, learned from the example of Christ – 1 John 3:16
d. Love, serving as a mark of true discipleship – John 13:34-35
— The tie involves love that is uniquely Christian; patterned after Christ’s love
B. “THE FELLOWSHIP OF KINDRED MINDS IS LIKE TO THAT ABOVE”…
1. This tie involves a unity for which Jesus prayed – John 17:20-23
2. It involves a unity of mind for which Paul prayed – Philippians 2:2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3. Therefore any threat to this unity is strongly condemned – 1 Corinthians 1:10
— The tie seeks to emulate the unity between the Father and the Son
[The tie that binds is based upon the love and unity which Christ makes possible; how it is manifested is illustrated in the remaining verses of the song…]
II. SECOND VERSE
A. “BEFORE OUR FATHER’S THRONE WE POUR OUR ARDENT PRAYERS”…
1. We are blessed to be able to approach God in prayer
a. A privilege enjoyed in Christ – Hebrews 4:14-16a
b. A privilege with great blessings – Hebrews 4:16b
2. This song depicts frequent and fervent prayer
a. Praying for one another – James 5:16
b. Praying with another – Acts 1:14; 2:42; 12:12; 21:5
— Such prayer is a benefit of the tie that binds, and also strengthens that tie
B. “OUR FEARS, OUR HOPES, OUR AIMS ARE ONE, OUR COMFORTS AND OUR CARES”…
1. We have similar concerns and desires
a. Some because we are simply fellow humans in this world
1) We desire to be healthy, we fear sickness and dying
2) We enjoy comforts of life, we fear joblessness and poverty
b. Others because we are fellow citizens of the kingdom
1) We share the hope of the resurrection and eternal life – 1 Peter 1:3
2) We share in the struggles against temptation and persecution – 1 Peter 5:8-9
2. As Christians, therefore, we can have more in common
a. Not just because of our human nature
b. But also because we are partakers of divine nature
1) Grace and peace are multiplied – 2 Peter 1:2-3
2) We have exceedingly great and precious promises – 2 Peter 1:4
— Our shared experiences, enhanced by our spiritual blessings, strengthen our tie
[The next verse focuses on mutual problems we sometimes face…]
III. THIRD VERSE
A. “WE SHARE OUR MUTUAL WOES, OUR MUTUAL BURDENS BEAR”…
1. As Christians, we are to bear one another’s burdens – Galatians 6:1-2
2. In times of spiritual weakness, we are to pray for one another – James 5:16
3. In times of physical need, we are to provide for one another – James 1:27
— Manifested in such ways, the tie we have in Christ is truly a blessing
B. “AND OFTEN FOR EACH OTHER FLOWS THE SYMPATHIZING TEAR”…
1. Because that is how God composed the body of Christ! – 1 Corinthians 12:24b-26
2. That we might weep with those who weep – Romans 12:15
— An emotional but effective demonstration of the bond we share
[The final verse describes the impact of the tie that binds, when it becomes time to separate, even temporarily…]
IV. FOURTH VERSE
A. “WHEN WE ASUNDER PART, IT GIVES US INWARD PAIN”…
1. The tie is such that departure can be painful
2. Note the example of Paul and the Ephesian elders – Acts 20:36-38
— Never experience such pain? Perhaps one might need to examine their tie
B. “BUT WE SHALL BE JOINED IN HEART AND HOPE TO MEET AGAIN”…
1. We might be separated in the flesh, but can remain together in spirit – Colossians 2:5
2. We are comforted by a wonderful hope
a. The hope of the resurrection – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
b. Made possible by the resurrection of Christ, and our faith in Him – 1 Peter 1:3-5
— It is this hope which keeps our hearts joined together, when all other bonds fail
Conclusion
1. “Blest Be The Tie” is a beautiful song…
a. That describes the blessings of our oneness in Christ
b. That expresses how many Christians truly feel for one another
2. But it describes blessings known only by those…
a. Who have been added by Christ to His church – Acts 2:41, 47
b. Who are diligent in preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace
“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:1-3
3. Have you been added to the Lord’s church through obedience to the gospel (cf. Acts 2:38)?
4. Are you doing your part to strengthen the tie that binds those in Christ?
“so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” – Romans 12:5
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Romans – What Would Paul Preach?
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Introduction
I. Most people today have been to a concert.
A. They sing the same song.
II. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hear the Apostle Paul?
A. Christians at Rome had not been privileged to hear Paul preach.
1. The Book of Romans is different for the other epistles.
B. But in the Book of Romans, Paul is preaching what he would have preached.
III. Paul is going to preach the gospel (Romans 1:16).
A. The gospel deals with God’s scheme of redemption.
1. Sin [expresses the need of redemption] (Romans 5:12; Romans 3:10, 23).
2. Seed [the promise seed is the solution] (Romans 1:3; Romans 4:13-14).
3. Statutes [the law was the vehicle] (Romans 5:20-21; Romans 10:1-4).
4. Savior [the Christ of redemption] (Romans 3:23-24; Romans 10:9-10).
B. The gospel is for all–“4-all.”
1. All are guilty of sin [universal sin] (Romans 3:23).
2. All need a Savior [universal need] (Romans 5:10).
3. All are saved by Jesus’ death [universal death] (Romans 5:8).
4. All are one body in Christ [universal unity] (Romans 12:4-5).
IV. What would Paul preach at Gahanna-Jefferson?
(1 Corinthians 2:2 KJV) For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
(1 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV) For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
Body
I. PAUL WOULD PREACH SALVATION (ROMANS 10:1-2).
A. Hear (Romans 10:16-17; cf. John 6:45).
B. Believe (Romans 10:13-15; Romans 3:21-23).
1. Obedient faith (Romans 1:5; Romans 5:1; cf. John 8:24).
C. Repent (Romans 1:28-32; Romans 2:4; cf. Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30-31).
D. Confess (Romans 10:9-10; cf. Matthew 10:32).
(Mark 14:61-62 NKJV) But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” {62} Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”
(1 Tim 6:12 NKJV) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
E. Be Baptized (Romans 6:17, 3-4; cf. Mark 16:16).
II. PAUL WOULD PREACH ADORATION.
A. God is to be worshiped (Romans 1:18-25).
1. He is the invisible God.
2. He has the eternal power.
3. He has a divine nature.
4. He is the incorruptible God.
5. He is the Creator.
B. God is to be served in His church (Romans 12:3-5).
III. PAUL WOULD PREACH TRANSFORMATION.
A. Our relationship to GOD must change (Romans 12:1-3).
1. I give God my body.
2. I give God my mind.
3. I give God my will.
B. Our relationship to OTHERS must change (Romans 12:9-16).
C. Our relationship to OUR ENEMIES must change (Romans 12:17-21).
D. Our relationship to THE STATE must change (Romans 13:1).
E. Our relationship to OTHER CHRISTIANS must change.
1. We are to receive one another (Romans 14:1).
2. We must edify one another (Romans 14:19).
3. We must please one another (Romans 15:1-2).
Conclusion:
I. If the Apostle Paul were here, he would preach what I have been preaching for years.
A. Become a Christian
B. Worship God faithfully
C. Live the Christian life.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Romans 15:04 Why Study the Old Testament? audio
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Text: Romans 15:4
Introduction
1. What benefit is the Old Testament (OT) to the Christian today…?
a. Is the Christian under the OT as a system of justification?
b. Is the OT authoritative regarding the work, worship, and organization of the church?
c. If not, why even bother with reading and studying the OT?
2. It is true Christians are not under the OT
a. Gentile Christians were never under the OT (or Old Covenant)
1) The Old Covenant was made with the Israelites at Mount Horeb (Sinai) – Deuteronomy 5:1-2
2) Not even Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc., were under the Old Covenant – Deuteronomy 5:3
3) Even Gentile Christians were not required to be circumcised or keep the Law – Acts 15:1-29
b. Jewish Christians have been delivered from the OT law
1) Through the body of Christ – Romans 7:1-6
2) By His death on the cross, Jesus brought the OT covenant to an end – Ephesians 2:14-16
3) It served to lead the Jews to Christ, a purpose fulfilled – Galatians 3:23-25
3. Unfortunately, some conclude from this that we need not read the OT
4. Is that the proper attitude of Christians toward the OT? NO!! This attitude:
a. Is wrong, contrary to the teaching of the NT itself!
b. Deprives the Christian of a wonderful source of peace and comfort
c. Prevents the Christian from gaining wisdom and understanding concerning the life that now is, and that which is to come!
Body
I. WHY STUDY THE OLD TESTAMENT? LET’S LOOK AT WHAT THE NT SAIDS:
A. WRITTEN FOR OUR LEARNING
1. Note carefully what Paul wrote in Romans 15:4
a. Things “written before” (i.e., the OT) were “written for our learning”
b. The OT was written and preserved especially for the Christians’ benefit!
c. The OT provides “patience and comfort”, that we “might have hope”!
2. The OT provides a record of God’s faithfulness, how He kept His promises:
a. To Abraham and the nation of Israel
b. To judge the wicked and avenge the righteous
c. To forgive the penitent, and protect the humble
3. The history of the OT is intended to give us hope that God will keep His promises to us!
B. WRITTEN FOR OUR ADMONITION
1. Paul reminded the Christians at <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.biblemap.org/#Corinth”>Corinth</a> of Israel’s fall in the wilderness – 1 Corinthians 10:1-10
2. Note carefully what he says in 1 Corinthians 10:11
a. The events described may have happened to Israel
b. But “they were written for our admonition…”
c. Again, the OT was written and preserved especially for the benefit of Christians!
3. Other NT writers often appealed to the OT in admonishing Christians
a. The writer of Hebrews, in exhorting Christians to remain steadfast – Hebrews 3:12-19
b. James, in encouraging Christians to be patient in their suffering – James 5:7-11
c. Peter, in warning of false teachers and scoffers – 2 Peter 2-3
4. The history of the OT is intended to serve as a warning to Christians!
C. MAKES ONE WISE REGARDING SALVATION IN CHRIST
1. Paul noted that Timothy had known the “Holy Scriptures” since childhood – 2 Timothy 3:14
a. When Timothy was a child, the only scriptures available was the OT
b. So Paul clearly had the OT in view
2. He said the OT is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” – 2 Timothy 3:15
3. How is this possible? The OT provides:
a. The fall of man and the rise of sin
b. The background and development of God’s scheme of redemption
c. Hundreds of Messianic prophecies which describe what to expect when He comes
4. One cannot hope to fully understand such books of the New Testament like:
a. Hebrews, without an understanding of the Levitical priesthood
b. Revelation, without an understanding of OT prophecy and apocalyptic literature
5. If one is to be wise concerning salvation in Christ, studying the OT is imperative!
D. PROFITABLE TO MAKE ONE COMPLETE
1. Paul writes of the benefit of “All Scripture”, which includes the OT – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. Therefore the OT is profitable for:
a. Doctrine – such as the nature of God, man, and sin
b. Reproof and correction – the need for repentance
c. Instruction in righteousness – how to live godly lives
3. The apostles often appealed to the OT concerning Christians’ conduct:
a. Romans 12:19-21; 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1; 2 Corinthians 9:7-10
b. James 2:20-26
c. 1 Peter 3:8-12
4. There is much we can learn from the OT about truth and righteousness!
Conclusion
1. Should we only study Scriptures pertaining to the covenant under which we live…?
a. Should Israel have discarded Genesis, and the first nineteen chapters of Exodus? No!
b. Should we discard the gospels, since Jesus lived and died under the Old Covenant? No!
2. Neither should we ignore the OT, for it provides:
a. The background and setting of the NT
b. Much in the way of learning, admonition, comfort, hope, even wisdom concerning salvation!
3. Be careful not to neglect that which was written and preserved for OUR benefit
a. “For whatever things were written before were written for OUR learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” – Romans 15:4
b. “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” – 1 Corinthians 10:11
c. “ALL Scripture is inspired of God, and is profitable…” – 2 Timothy 3:16
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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