Historical Posts
Hebrews 04:12 – Cut to the Heart – Audio
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Text: Hebrews 4:12
There are some things that can really get to us if we let them. However, the word of God should get to us the deepest. Someone once said, “I apologize if I was stepping on some toes… I was aiming for the heart.” Well, the word of God does just that, it will cut to the heart.
I. The Word of God will cut to the heart.
A. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).”
B. God’s word has been delivered many times in many ways (Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:1,14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
C. Many have heard His word and responded differently. See their responses and think how you are going to respond.
II. Some responded unfavorably when cut to the heart.
A. Peter and the other apostles preached the word even in prison, and those who heard them wanted to kill them (Acts 5:29-32).
B. Stephen boldly proclaimed the word of God, yet those who heard him stoned him to death (Acts 7:51-60).
III. Others responded favorably when cut to the heart.
A. Peter proclaimed the gospel of Christ on Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36).
B. When the crowd heard this they were cut to the heart, and asked what to do to be saved (Acts 2:37-41).
When the word of God is proclaimed, it should not be given an unfavorable response. Rather, it must be heard, believed, and obeyed! This shows the true power of the word of God and it’s ability to save our souls!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Hebrews 05:12-14 – Right and Wrong – Audio
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Text: Hebrews 5:12-14
What is Right and What is Wrong?
Introduction to What is Right and Wrong
A. What is “spiritual maturity?” It is being able to have our “senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
B. We are to be able to prove or to determine the good, perfect and acceptable will of God – Romans 12:2
C. How do we decide what is right and wrong?
Body for What is Right and Wrong
I. Questions and Biblical Answers to What is Right and Wrong.
A. Is it condemned in the Bible? – Galatians 5:19-21
B. Will it harm me spiritually? – Romans 8:5-8; Galatians 5:16-26
C. Will it harm me physically? – 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; Romans 12:1
D. Will it hurt others, causing them to go astray? – Romans 14:1-15:3;
E. Will it take too much of my time and money? – Luke 12:16 -21; Ephesians 5:15-16
F. Will it hurt my influence for Christ and the church? – Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Timothy 4:12
G. Will it hurt my conscience? – Romans 14:21-23
H. If Christ was here, would He disapprove? – 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Corinthians 11:1
II. Two Thoughts About Sin!
A. Sin is not hereditary.
1. Sin is of such a nature in its very meaning that it cannot be inherited.
2. Sin is something committed – 1 John 3:4; John 8:34
3. We neither inherit the act or the guilt of our parent’s sins.
4. We suffer the consequences of their sins – Exodus 20:4-5
5. We do not suffer the guilt of their sins – Ezekiel 18:20; Matthew 18:1-4
B. Sin is no laughing matter.
1. Sin is rebellion, lawlessness, perversity, and failure.
2. It is a disease that needs curing.
3. It is a taskmaster that needs forsaking.
4. It is an insanity that needs healing.
5. It is a filth that needs cleansing.
6. It is a debt that needs paying.
7. It is a stain that needs removing.
8. It is a darkness that needs light.
Conclusion to What is Right and Wrong
A. An understanding of “what is sin” constitutes a strong argument against sinning.
B. Obey the Gospel of Christ – quit the sinning business – John 8:32
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 10:22 – It is Good for Me to Draw Near to God – audio
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Scripture Reading: Psalm 73:27-28 KJV
Lesson Text: Hebrews 10:22
Introduction
A. In this message, it is my goal to encourage you to draw closer God that you might have a right relationship with God, instead of being alienated from Him – Psalm 34:18.
B. A broken heart, and a contrite heart are minds whom have allowed the Spirit of truth (to crush or bruise their spirit), to convict them of their sins with sorrowful remorse.
C. Discussion concerning Peter and his remorseful spirit – Matthew 26:75.
D. Many people fail to draw closer to God because they have an obscured view of God.
(1) Some have a transcendent only view of God as being far, distant, and uninvolved, due to God’s power and his infinite knowledge – Psalm 147:5.
(2) Others do not draw close to God because they blame him (God) for all the thorns and briars in their lives – James 1:17; John 10:10.
(3) A great number will not draw near to God because they have become friends of the world and enemies of the cross of Christ – James 4:4; Philippians 3:18-19.
a. It is always difficult to get close to someone whom you are at odds with!
E. It is good for me to draw closer to God:
(1) because it is through the sacrifice of Jesus, that I can be reunited with God and have everlasting life – 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
(2) I can have my sins forgiven and be made whole through Jesus – Ephesians 1:3, 7.
Body
I. Let Us Draw Near with a True Heart in Full Assurance of Faith
A. One of the essentials of becoming a Christian and drawing closer to God is having a pure heart – Hebrews 10:22.
(1) This is a heart free from, or mixed with anything which defiles or contaminates the mind such as the sinful things of this world – Matthew 6:24; James 4:4.
(2) In Psalm 24:3-5, the word of the Lord describes the type of character who will dwell with the Lord – James 4:8.
a. This type of character, having a true heart, will require you to deny yourself and follow Jesus to gain the blessing of having a right relationship with God – Mark 8:34-38.
b. In (Matthew 19:16-22), the rich young ruler wanted eternal life but he fail to deny himself and follow Jesus.
B. We draw closer to God by having true heart in full assurance of faith in God – Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6.
(1) This is a complete trusting in what God says is true, and acting on it by obeying God (You know what you know is right because God said it).
(2) Noah and Abram trusted God and obey Him and where blessed – Proverbs 3:5-10.
II. You Hearts Must be Sprinkled from an Evil Conscience and Washed in Pure Water
A. The Hebrew writer says to draw closer to God your hearts need to be sprinkled from an evil conscience (repentance) – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10.
(1) In the Old Testament the blood of an animal was sprinkled by the priest on the altar to make atonement (Leviticus 1:1-9;1:10-13).
(2) In the New Testament your sins are made clean through the blood of the Lamb – Revelation 1:5-6.
B. To draw closer to God, we must recognize there is a barrier called sin keeping us separated from God.
(1) You and I can be brought near to God through the blood of Jesus Christ – Ephesians 2:13.
(2) We do this by having our bodies washed in pure water being baptized (immersed) into Jesus death, the place where His blood was shed – Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21.
Conclusion
A. If you are not a Christian, you can draw closer to Him by faith, repentance, and baptism – Acts 2:38.
B. If you are a Christians whom has drift far away from God, why not get closer to Him – James 4:7-10.
C. Now is the time to get closer to God because tomorrow is not promised.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Hebrews 06:17-18 The Unchangeableness of God – audio
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Text: Hebrews 6:17-18
Introduction
A. Hebrews 6 could be called “Encouragement to Go On.”
B. Let us look at these.
1. ENCOURAGEMENT TO GO ON TO PERFECTION – Hebrews 6:1-3
A. Must leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ (Hebrews 6:1)
B. Not laying again (Hebrews 6:2)
1. Foundation of repentance.
2. Faith.
3. Doctrine of baptisms.
4. Laying on of hands.
5. Resurrection of the dead.
6. Eternal judgment.
C. This we will do (Hebrews 6:3)
2. ENCOURAGEMENT BASED ON THE PROMISES OF GOD – Hebrews 6:13-20
A. God’s promises confirmed by an oath – Hebrews 6:13-18
B. Hope is anchor of the soul – Hebrews 6:19-20
3. THE IMMUTABILITY OF GOD.
A. Unchanging – Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Ezekiel 24:14; James 1:17
B. God Is Immutable – Hebrews 6:17
1. HARMONIZE? God Intent Has Changed – Genesis 6:6; 18:16-33; Exodus 32:7-14
2. Unchangeableness – is not – “frozen immobility.”
3. God’s feelings/intent changes as man changes.
4. Nature, plan or purpose – never changed!
Body
I. HOW GOD IS IMMUTABLE
A. His Essence. I AM – Exodus 3:14. When became flesh – no change – John 8:24
B. His Attributes.
1. Good – Psalm 34:8
2. Holy – Psalm 99:9
3. Love – 1 John 4:8
4. Just – Job 4:17
5. Merciful – Psalm 3:5
6. Severe – Romans 11:22
7. God Is: Eternal – Psalm 90:2
8. Omniscient – Hebrews 4:13
9. Omnipresent – Psalm 139:7-10
10. Omnipotent – Matthew 19:26
C. His Plans – Eternal Purpose – Ephesians 1:4; 3:9-11
D. His Promises – Hebrews 6:13
E. His Warnings – Acts 13:40
F. Objects of His Love – John 3:16
II. EVIDENCE OF IMMUTABILITY.
A. His Existence – Any argument for existence is for immutability – Romans 1:20
B. His Perfection.
C. His Infinity
III. WHAT IMMUTABILITY MEANS TO US.
A. Keeps His Promises – 2 Peter 3:13
B. Assurance / Hope – Hebrews 6:13-18
C. No Disappointment – Romans 9:33
Conclusion
A. The Immutability of God
I. How God Is immutable.
II. Evidence Of Immutability.
III. What Immutability Means To us.
B. Obey today!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 06:17-20 Hope: The Anchor of the Soul – audio
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Text: Hebrews 6:17-20
Introduction
A. Hope is a much misunderstood topic today
B. Heavenly hope is lost in today’s mindset of materialism and sensualism – 1 Timothy 6:9-11
C. Even religious people have given it up for a hope of living on this earth with only 144,000 living in heaven – Revelation 7:4
D. The one hope is lost in unjustifiable confusion – Ephesians 4:4
E. Both the Old and the New Testaments give us the message of a heavenly hope for all who will obey
1. David had hope Psalm 119:81, 114, 116; 146:5
2. We are to rejoice in hope – Romans 5:2
Body
I. LET US NOTICE HOW HOPE IS USED IN THE BIBLE
A. People use it improperly:
1. People talk about hope as if it is something that is past: “I hope I got all the answers right on the test”
2. Or as if it is current: “I hope I am making the right decision”
B. How does the Bible use the word?
1. The Bible uses the word hope looking forward to the future, expectation – Romans 8:24
2. The Bible uses the word hope in the sense of trust – Philippians 2:23
C. We need to use Hope as it is used in the Bible
II. LET US NOTICE WHERE HOPE IS NOT FOUND
A Our hope is not found in Islam
1. The Quran does not have Jesus as God’s Son “The Jews say, ‘Ezar is the son of Allah, and the Christians say.” The Messiah is the Son of Allah. That is their saying from their mouth; they but imitate the saying of those who disbelieve (Before them): May Allah destroy them: how they are deluded?” Sura ix,30)
2. The Ethiopian Eunuch could not be baptized until he believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God – Acts 8:37
B. Our hope is not found in Premillenialism
1. In Premillenialism the only hope that any of us have (Other than the 144,000) is to live on a rejuvenated earth – 2 Peter 3:10-11
2. Both Peter and Paul wrote of an incorruptible crown of righteousness in the life after this one – 2 Timothy 4:8
C. Any doctrine that goes in opposition to the Bible does not give hope and we cannot trust it – 2 John 1:9-11
III. LET US NOTICE WHERE HOPE IS CENTERED
A. Christ is both Priest and King – Zechariah 6:12-13
1. God speaks to us by his Son, so he is also a prophet – Hebrews 1:1-2
2. He is a Priest after the order of Melchisedec – Hebrews 5:10
3. He is a King – Revelation 19:16
B. Hope is emphasized in Hebrews for the following reasons:
1. For the same reason that Christ was emphasized, to stop their rapid exit from Christianity back into Judaism – Galatians 5:4
2. To let the Jews know that Christ was the center of hope, not Mosaic law – Hebrews 10:1-4
Conclusion
A. How the Bible Uses Hope
B. Where Hope Is Not Found
C. Where Hope Is Centered
D. May we always have true hope in Christ Jesus our Lord!!!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 05:12-14 Essentials to Spiritual Maturity – audio
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Text: Hebrews 5:12-14
Introduction
- In II Peter 3:18, we are admonished by the Spirit of God to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord. In 2 Thessalonians 1:3, we have an example of a congregation of the Lord whose faith grew exceedingly
- Regardless of your age, gender, or education, you can become an imitator, follower, and disciple of Jesus Christ – 1 Corinthians 11:1. But you must be willing & determined to let self (I) and the world come to death that Christ might live in you – Galatians 2:20
- Many people claim to be Christians, but how many of them have been truly converted to Jesus Christ? How many of them are imitating Jesus Christ in their lives, how many are following the footstep of Jesus – Luke 14:27, 33; John 8:31-32
It is essential you make a clean break with the world to grow in Christ.
- You cannot expect to live a “half-hearted” worldly lifestyle and grow into spiritual maturity. Have you ever known a new babe in Christ try to serve God while holding on to their former sinful lifestyle? It just cannot work, you need to decide to give up your old sinful lifestyle and live for Christ, it’s either the world or Christ, why not decide on Christ – Matthew 6:24; Revelation 3:14-16; Luke 9:62
- It’s essential to know the world’s value systems that many cling and cleave onto today are only temporal, they can only satisfy the flesh for a short time, but that longing in each & every soul to be satisfied & having fellowship with their Creator can only be found in Jesus Christ – Hebrews 11:24-25; Matthew 16:26; James 4:4
- It is essential to know that there are lines & boundaries from the Word of God that Christians are not to cross. Christians are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. Christians are not to go places and be in communication with those that can compromise their influence in the world as salt – Matthew 5:13; I Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Corinthians 15:33
It is essential to be committed to the conversion process for salvation
- A commitment involving a conscious decision to put aside everything else in life and put God first at the top in everything that you do is required – Matthew 6:33
- It is important to realize in the conversion process that you will make mistakes along the way, but you will need the courage and commitment to ask God to forgive you of your sins and be determined to grow from your mistakes – James 5:16
- In the conversion process it is important that God talks to you, and this will require you to daily read and mediate on the Word of God because God speaks to us through Jesus, the Word of God – 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 1:1-2
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Hebrews 11:6 Diligence – audio
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Text: Hebrews 11:6
I. WHAT IS DILIGENCE?
A. English definition: diligence – careful and persistent work or effort.
B. Two Greek words:
1. Spoude – “speed”, that is, (By implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness: – business, (Earnest) care (-fulness), diligence forwardness, haste.
2. Ekzeteo – to search out, that is, (Figuratively) investigate, crave, demand, (By Hebraism) worship: – en- (Re-) quire, seek after (Carefully, diligently).
C. One Hebrew word: mishmar – a guard (The man, the post, or the prison); figuratively a deposit; also (As observed) a usage (Abstractly), or an example (Concretely): – diligence, guard, office, prison, ward, watch.
D. We demand diligence from…
1. Our doctors.
a) We expect them to have been diligent in their studies.
b) We expect them to be diligent in their treatment of us and our loved ones.
c) I recently heard someone saying that they were changing doctors because their doctor had prescribed a medicine to them and had not even bothered to see what other medicines they were taking. When this person read up on the new medicine he saw that it was never to be used with one of the medicines he was already taking. His doctor had not been careful (Or diligent).
2. Our bankers.
a) Would any of us ever dream of putting up with a sloppy banker?
b) We expect them to be thorough and persistent when they are dealing with our money.
3. Our children’s teachers.
a) We expect our children’s teachers to be careful and persistent.
b) We expect them to give time and attention to making sure that our children are learning what they are supposed to learn.
4. Our mechanics.
a) We pay them to fix problems.
b) We expect them to know how to fix the problems we are having.
5. Basically, we expect (Or at least desire) diligence from everyone with whom we deal on a daily basis.
E. We demonstrate diligence…
1. With our finances.
a) Savings.
b) Taxes.
c) Retirement.
d) Credit, Loans, Mortgages.
2. With our jobs (Hopefully).
a) We train.
b) We go to work daily.
c) We work hard.
3. With our homes and automobiles. (Maintenance and upkeep)
4. With our health. (Hopefully)
5. A lack of diligence in any of these areas can cause severe problems in our lives!
II. DILIGENCE IN OUR SALVATION.
A. Are we diligent in the one area that matters more than any other?
B. Your salvation ought to be the most important thing in your life.
1. Matthew 16:26. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
2. Colossians 3:1-4. If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
C. We are told to be diligent with our salvation.
1. 2 Timothy 2:15. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
a) Part of presenting ourselves approved to God requires us to rightly divide the word.
b) To know it, interpret it correctly.
c) This takes time and effort.
2. 2 Peter 3:14. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless
a) Listen up!
b) Jesus is coming back some day! He is!!!
c) You be careful. You be persistent in His service.
d) Trust me. You want to be found without spot and blameless when He comes.
3. Romans 12:10-11. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord
a) Where there is no fervency, diligence lags.
b) Fervency – heat, boiling.
c) Are you hot or cold?
4. Hebrews 11:6. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
a) God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
b) Does “diligent” describe how you seek God?
c) If you were on trial for being a seeker of God, would there be sufficient evidence to convict you?
III. DILIGENCE IN GUARDING OUR HEART.
A. Proverbs 4:23. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
1. This passage says to guard your heart with the diligence of a prison guard.
2. Prison guards we responsible for their prisoners.
3. If one escaped, they had to take their place.
4. They were very diligent in their duties.
5. The Philippian Jailer was about to kill himself when he thought his prisoners had escaped. Acts 16:27. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.
B. But what does it mean to guard our heart?
1. The “heart” is not talking about our blood pump.
2. It is referring to our mind.
3. Guarding our heart is talking about controlling our passions and desires.
a) 1 Corinthians 9:27. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
b) Proverbs 25:28. Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.
c) If we never allow sin to reign in our minds, it will not show itself in our actions.
4. Matthew 5:27-28. “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
IV. DILIGENCE IN SPIRITUAL GROWTH.
A. 2 Peter 1:10. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
1. Do what things?
2. 2 Peter 1:5-7. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
3. We are to add these qualities to our character.
4. This is talking about spiritual growth.
B. We must be diligent in seeking spiritual growth.
1. All of us ought to be advancing to the place where we can teach others. Hebrews 5:12. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
a) Think about the diligence it requires to be a teacher in a secular school.
b) Those who want to be teachers must go through several years of instruction.
c) They are held accountable for learning the material. TESTS.
d) Do we put forth the same effort to become spiritual teachers?
(1) What if I gave you a test today?
(2) Tell what the Bible teaches in regard to the following: Give Bible references:
(a) The deity of Christ.
(b) The oneness of the church.
(c) Scriptural organization of the church.
(d) Christian worship.
(i) Acts of worship.
(ii) Time of worship.
(e) Sinfulness of denominationalism.
(3) These are not unreasonable questions.
(4) If you don’t have all of the information off the top of your head, do you know where to find it?
2. All of us must sanctify the Lord in our hearts and be ready to give an answer. 1 Peter 3:15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear
V. DILIGENCE IN PASSING ON KNOWLEDGE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOW.
A. 2 Peter 1:15. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.
1. Peter was writing because he knew that his life was near it’s end.
2. He wanted to make sure that those who succeeded him would be adequately prepared face whatever life threw at them.
B. I think we all understand that we have an obligation to the next generation to pass on those things that we have learned.
1. Deuteronomy 6:4-9. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
2. Ephesians 6:4. And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
3. Are we diligent in this?
a) Do we take an active part in the spiritual education of our children or do we leave that to the Bible class teachers?
b) It is not the church’s responsibility to bring your child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It is your responsibility.
(1) One of the tools you can use is Bible Class.
(2) Are you using it?
c) You ought to be involved with the spiritual education of your children.
d) Home devotionals in the evening.
VI. WHAT PRODUCES DILIGENCE?
A. Godly sorrow. 2 Corinthians 7:10-11. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
1. Have you ever messed up and let someone down and then used that to motivate you to do better from that point on?
2. Godly sorrow produced diligence in the Corinthians.
3. Their sorrow over their sin and shortcomings led them to strive to do better.
B. All of us have sinned. Romans 3:23. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
1. Those who are truly sorry (Godly sorrow) use their past failures as a way of motivating their selves for the future.
2. That does not mean that we “beat ourselves up” over these past failures. Philippians 3:13-14. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
VII. DILIGENCE TO THE END.
A. Our diligence must endure to the end.
Hebrews 6:10-12. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
B. Those who inherit the promises are the ones who have been found diligent at the time of their death.
Ezekiel 18:21-24. “But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord GOD, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live? “But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die.
Delivered on: October 9, 2011. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Hebrews 11:6 Does It Make a Difference? audio
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Text: Hebrews 11:6
Introduction
A. Religious world is divided
1. Different beliefs
2. Different doctrines
3. Different practices
4. Different churches
B. Does it make any difference about any of that?
C. Does it make any difference what one believes?
Body
I. IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHAT ONE BELIEVES
A. That popular concept will not work in other areas:
1. Business – If you invest in a business, believe it to be a good investment, you may easily lose all your money!
2. Health – If you drink a glass liquid, believe it to be water, you may die if it is really poison!
B. If one must believe anything, then it makes a difference
1. God – Hebrews 11:6
2. Christ – John 8:24
3. Truth – John 8:32; Galatians 1:6-9
C. An objective standard, a fixed standard makes a difference what we believe
1. What is written – 2 Corinthians 4:13
2. Oracles of God – 1 Peter 4:11
3. Commandments – 1 Corinthians 14:37
4. Word of God – 1 Thessalonians 2:13
5. Inspired Scriptures – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
D. The difference it makes – John 8:24
1. Believes in Christ = Sins forgiven = Heaven
2. Does not believe in Christ = Die in sin = Cannot go to Heaven
E. Not loving the truth – 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
1. Lie = Deceived – 2 Thessalonians 2:10
2. Not love truth – 2 Thessalonians 2:10
3. Deluded – 2 Thessalonians 2:11
4. Believe lie – 2 Thessalonians 2: 11
5. Not believe truth – 2 Thessalonians 2:12
6. Pleasure in unrighteousness (v 12) = Condemned (v 12)
F. Believing a lie – 1 Kings 13:7-10; 19-26
1. Do not drink water; Do not return the same way
2. Lie: Bring him back to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water
II. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE WHAT ONE PRACTICES
A. If not – Can do anything!
1. Handle snakes as worship
2. Immoral acts as worship
B. Our practice must be authorized in the Word of God
1. According to the pattern – Hebrews 8:5
2. In the name of the Lord – Colossians 3:17
3. Within the doctrine of Christ – 2 John 9
C. The difference it makes our practice affects our:
1. Fellowship with God – 2 John 9
2. Eternal salvation – Matthew 7:22-23
Conclusion
A. If it does not make any difference
1. Does not matter whether one believes or not
2. Does not make any difference whether one believes the Bible
3. What Bible says – unimportant
4. What God says – unimportant
B. If it does make a difference
1. I need to know the truth – John 8:32
2. I need to study and examine what I am taught – Acts 17:11
3. I need to obey the truth – 1 Peter 1:22
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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What is Right and What is Wrong – Hebrews 5:12-14 – audio
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Text: Hebrews 5:12-14
Introduction
A. What is “spiritual maturity?” Able to have our “senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
B. We are to be able to prove or to determine the good, perfect and acceptable will of God – Romans 12:2
C. How?
Body
I. QUESTIONS AND BIBLICAL ANSWERS.
A. Is it condemned in the Bible? – Galatians 5:19-21; 2 John 9
B. Will it harm me spiritually? – Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:16-26
C. Will it harm me physically? – 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 7:1
D. Will it hurt others, causing them to go astray? – Romans 14:1-15:3; 1 Corinthians 8
E. Will it take too much of my time and money? – Luke 12:16-21; Ephesians 5:15-16
F. Will it hurt my influence for Christ and the church? – Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Timothy 4:12
G. Will it hurt my conscience? – Romans 14:21-23
H. If Christ was here, would He disapprove? – 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Corinthians 11:1
II. TWO THOUGHTS!
A. Sin is not hereditary.
1. Sin is of such a nature in its very meaning that it cannot be inherited.
2. Sin is something committed – 1 John 3:4; John 8:34
3. We neither inherit the act or the guilt of our parent’s sins.
4. We suffer the consequences of their sins – Exodus 20:4-5
5. We do not suffer the guilt of their sins – Ezekiel 18:20; Matthew 18:1-4
B. Sin is no laughing matter.
1. Sin is rebellion, lawlessness, perversity, and failure.
2. It is a disease that needs curing.
3. It is a taskmaster that needs forsaking.
4. It is an insanity that needs healing.
5. It is a filth that needs cleansing.
6. It is a debt that needs paying.
7. It is a stain that needs removing.
8. It is a darkness that needs light.
Conclusion
A. An understanding of “what is sin” constitutes a strong argument against sinning.
B. Obey the Gospel of Christ – quit the sinning business – John 8:32
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 04:12-13 Worship: Hearing from God
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Text: Hebrews 4:12-13
Introduction
1. Worship is such an important event! I have spent the past month preaching about worship. I hope it has been of benefit to everyone. As I come to the end of this series I want to take a moment to review.
2. I’ve talked about its importance; how that worship helps us put God first, reminds us who we are and what we must do with ourselves.
3. Worship must be done in spirit and in truth from our hearts with all our mind, soul and strength.
4. Worship is not something to watch but in which we participate, is something we do to please God not others, and not out of tradition.
5. Worship must be done decently and orderly according to the pattern of the apostles.
6. When we come together, it is to sing praises to God and admonish each other. Worship includes praying and giving and participating in the Lord’s body and blood.
7. So, we come to the last part of worship, which is about the sermon or preaching.
Body
I. All of the previous teaching on worship applies to this as well! The sermon must put God first and remind us who we are or should be.
A. The sermon must be preached and heard in spirit and in truth.
1. It must not be a performance, but something to please God. It must not be based on the traditions of men.
2. It must be clear and decisively the word of God!
3. There is much misunderstanding about the presence of sermons each time Christians get together.
a. Some people think it is all about money! Like the little girl who became more and more restless as the preacher’s sermon continued. Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, “Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?”
b. Some think it is a nice place to take a nap!
A woman embarrassed about her husband told the preacher,
“I hope you didn’t take it personally, preacher, when my husband walked out during your sermon.”
“I did find it rather disconcerting,” the preacher replied.
“It’s not a reflection on you,” she insisted.
“My husband has been walking in his sleep ever since he was a child.”
B. This lesson is not a defense for my job. If having a full-time located preacher were the subject, I would spoken about that specifically.
1. This lesson is not about the work of a preacher.
a. That is an important topic as well.
2. This lesson is about the part of worship where we hear from God and how important it is for all (including the preacher) to listen.
II. Examples of Preaching in Worship
A. The First Church – Acts 2:41-42 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
B. The Church in Ephesus –
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 1:1
how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) – Ephesians 3:3-4
C. The Church at Troas
Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. – Acts 20:7
III. The Key To Preaching In Worship
A. Our Obligation To Each Other
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:23-25
B. Heavenly Goal
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. – 1 Corinthians 1:21
C. Participating in Preaching in Worship – Everyone Worships Through Listening
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:17
D. Only By Hearing God’s Word Can We Know His Will.
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. – John 17:17
E. Only By Hearing God’s Word Can We Know Christian Maturity
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. – Hebrews 5:12
F. Only By Hearing God’s Word Can We Prepare For The Judgement
He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him— the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. – John 12:48
Conclusion:
1. So, how do we worship effectively during a sermon?
a. Pray about it.
b. Take notes.
c. Look up verses.
d. Question everything presented
e. Rely on and trust the Word!
f. Seek God first.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Angels, Who Are They? – Hebrews 01:13-14
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Text: Hebrews 1:13-14
Introduction
1. The subject of angels has certainly become a popular one
a. Bookstores are filled with books dealing with angels
b. Popular TV shows and movies depict angels working in our lives
2. Angels were an important part of the Jewish religion
a. Angels assisted with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai – Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 68:17; Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19
b. They appear throughout the history of Israel, coming to Abraham, Daniel, and others
3. Angels also serve an important role in the Christian faith
a. They are described as “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation” – Hebrews 1:13-14
b. They have certainly ministered in the past – cf. Luke 1:11-38
c. They will certainly minister at the time of Christ’s return – cf. Matthew 13:36-43
4. But to what extent do they minister in the present?
a. This is a subject that is prone to much speculation
b. It is easy to get caught up in idle myths and fables
c. About which we are warned to avoid – cf. 1 Timothy 1:3-4; 4:7; 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:16; 4:3-4
5. Yet angels are a Biblical subject, therefore worthy of careful consideration
[With a desire to be content with what the Bible reveals on the subject of angels, we begin this study with a look at some terms and descriptions regarding angels…]
Body
I. TERMS USED IN CONNECTION WITH ANGELS
A. THE WORD ‘ANGEL’
1. The Hebrew word malak (found 103 times in the OT) simply means “messenger”
a. It can refer to a human messenger – 1 Kings 19:2
1) It is applied to the prophet Haggai – Hag 1:13
2) It is applied to a priest – Mal 2:7
3) It is applied to both John the Baptist and Jesus in prophecy – Malachi 3:1
4) The name of the prophet Malachi comes from the same word
b. It can refer to a divine messenger – Genesis 28:12
1) Supernatural or heavenly beings sent as messengers to men
2) Agents who carry out the will of God – ISBE
2. The Greek word angelos likewise means “messenger”
a. The word occurs 175 times in the NT
b. Of men, it is used only 6 times in the NT
B. OTHER TERMS APPLIED TO ‘ANGELS’…
1. Sons of God – God’s sons by virtue of His creation – cf. Job 1:6; 38:7
2. Holy ones – suggesting they belong to God, ‘set apart’ for His purposes – Psalm 89:5,7
3. Watcher, watchers – likely referring to angels – cf. Daniel 4:13,17,23
4. Host – denoting the armies of heaven, which likely included angels -1 Sam 17:45
5. Archangel – used twice, once in connection with Michael – 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9
6. Prince, chief princes, great prince – used in the book of Daniel – Daniel 10:13,21; 12:1
7. Paul used terms that may refer to angels – cf. Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 1:21; 3:10
a. Principalities (archai)
b. Powers (exousiai)
c. Thrones (thronoi)
d. Dominions (kyriotetes)
e. Powers (dynamesis)
8. Yet these are sometimes distinguished from angels (Romans 8:38; 1 Peter 3:22), and at times described as negative forces (Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 6:12)
[It quickly becomes apparent that the Bible has a lot to say about angels. More about angels can be gleaned from the Bible as we consider…]
II. DESCRIPTIONS OF ANGELS
A. THEIR NATURE AND ATTRIBUTES
1. They are spirit beings
a. Called “spirits”, suggesting they do not have corporeal bodies – Hebrews 1:14
b. Though they did reveal themselves at times in the form of human bodies – Genesis 18:3
c. They do not function as human beings in such things as marriage – Mark 12:25
d. They are not subject to death – Luke 20:36
2. They are created beings
a. They are part of the creation that is to praise Jehovah – Psalm 148:1-5
b. They were created by Christ, among all other things – Colossians 1:16
3. They are innumerable
a. An innumerable company – Hebrews 12:22
b. John’s descriptions suggests their number is countless – Revelation 5:11
4. They are a higher order than man
a. Man was created lower than the angels – Hebrews 2:6-7
b. Angels are not capable of death – Luke 20:36
c. They have greater wisdom, though limited – 2 Samuel 14:20; Matthew 24:36
d. They have greater power, though it too is limited – Matthew 28:2; Daniel 10:13
5. They always appeared as men
a. Never as women or children, always clothed
b. Other than Cherubim and Seraphim (whose classification as angels is suspect), they never have wings – though cf. Revelation 8:13; 14:6
c. Many times they were so disguised as men they were not first identified as angels – Gen18:1-2; 19:1; Hebrews 13:2
B. THEIR CLASSIFICATIONS
1. The archangel, the “great prince”
a. Michael is called the archangel – Jude 1:9; cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16
b. Michael is called the “great prince”, who watched over Israel – Daniel 12:1; cf. 10:21
c. Michael is mentioned in Revelation 12:7
d. Some (JWs and others) believe Michael was the pre-incarnate Christ
2. The chief princes
a. Of whom Michael was one – Daniel 10:13
b. Some would include Gabriel in this classification
1) The angel sent to explain visions to Daniel – Daniel 8:16; 9:21
2) Who also made announcements to Zacharias and Mary – Luke 1:19, 26
3. The princes
a. The term applied to angels in the book of Daniel – e.g., Daniel 10:13, 21
b. Also to what appear to be evil angelic forces – cf. Daniel 10:13, 20-21
4. The Angel of the Lord
a. An angel who seems to speak as the Lord Himself – e.g., Judges 2:1; Genesis 16:10-13
b. Leading some to wonder if this was the pre-incarnate Christ
5. Cherubim?
a. Thought by some to be an order or class of angels, though others hold them to be a higher class of heavenly beings than angels
b. Whose purpose was to be “proclaimers and protectors of God’s glorious presence, His sovereignty, and His Holiness” -C. Fred Dickason
c. In the Bible
1) They stood guard at the Garden of Eden – Genesis 3:24
2) Their golden figures covered the mercy seat above the ark in the tabernacle – Exodus 25:17-22
3) Their designs graced the walls and veils of the tabernacle, and later in the temple – Exodus 26:1,31; 1 Kings 6:23-35; 7:29, 36
4) They attended the glory of God in Ezekiel’s vision – Ezekiel 1:1- 28; cf. 10:1-20
d. Their description fits those of the four living creatures in Revelation rather than angels – cf. Revelation 4:4-6
6. Seraphim?
a. Six winged creatures attending the Lord in Isaiah’s vision – Isaiah 6:1-13
b. Whose name literally means “burning one”, also considered by many as a higher class than angels
c. Their work was to “praise and proclaim the perfect holiness of God”
d. Their description is also akin to those of the four living creatures in Revelation rather than angels – cf. Revelation 4:8-9
7. Satan and his angels
a. Many believe that Satan is a fallen angel
1) That he is “Lucifer”, a name applied to the king of Babylon – Isaiah 14:1-12
2) That he was among the highest of God’s creation, a cherub whose fall and judgment is applied figuratively to the king of Tyre – cf. Ezekiel 28:11-19
b. Satan does has his angels, for whom condemnation awaits – cf. Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10
c. The doctrine of Satan and his angels (along with demons) will hopefully be examined in another study
Conclusion
1. With this brief introduction it should be apparent that
a. The Bible has much to say about angels
b. It is easy to speculate about angels
2. My hope and prayer is that our future studies will
a. Focus on what the Bible actually reveals
b. Avoid the vain speculation that is condemned
3. In the course of our study, we should never forget the One who deserves our greatest attention:
“For to which of the angels did He ever say: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You’? And again: ‘I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son’? But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: ‘Let all the angels of God worship Him.'” (Hebrews 1:5-6)
4. Have we joined the angels in worshipping the Son, through our own faith and obedience…?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Believe in God – Hebrews 11:01-06
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(Why I Believe in God)
Text: Hebrews 11:1-6
Introduction
1. I am happy to profess that I believe in God
a. Such faith is a source of great comfort – cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
b. And according to the Bible, necessary to pleasing God – Hebrews 11:6
2. Why do I believe in God?
a. I cannot see Him
b. I have never heard His voice
c. Yet I believe it is more reasonable to believe in God than to not believe
3. What reasons are there for believing in God? While not exhaustive, there are several reasons, the first commonly referred to as the teleological argument for God
Body
I. THE EVIDENCE OF DESIGN IN THE UNIVERSE
A. EXPLANATION
1. Orderly movement of heavenly bodies, making space travel possible
2. Animal instinct, such as the migration patterns of birds, eels, and salmon
3. The human body itself, e.g., the eye
B. IMPLICATION
1. Design suggests a “designer”
2. Design suggests a Being with intelligence possessing purposea.
a. A watch shows design, and implies a watchmaker
b. To credit such intricate and precise workmanship to blind chance is unreasonable
3. Contemplating on the universe and the human body rightfully produces awe, and points man to his Creator – cf. Psalm 19:1-2;139:14; Romans 1:19-20
C. Another reason to believe in God is called the moral or anthropological argument for God, or
II. THE UNIVERSAL SENSE OF OUGHT
A. EXPLANATION
1. Everywhere people have a sense of ought
2. That in certain circumstances, certain things should be done
3. People are concerned
a. That people should act a certain way
b. That people do not often act the way they should
4. Even atheists and agnostics have a sense of justice, and are angered when it is violated (as in the case of rape and murder)
B. IMPLICATION
1. This moral nature in man suggests a Moral Being as the Original Cause
2. If there is no God, there is no right or wrong, good or evil
3. If there is no God, no atheist can object on moral grounds if I want to kill them
C. A similar reason to believe in God is called the general argument
III. THE UNIVERSAL RELIGIOUS INSTINCT AND BELIEF IN GOD
A. EXPLANATION
1. Men in all the world, and throughout all time, not only believe in deity, but also engage in acts of worship and devotion.
2. The religious principle is extremely potent in all nations, dominating their thought and history.
3. Everywhere the human heart has a craving for God. There will be exceptions as individuals, but the exceptions do not invalidate the rule. The atheist is an exception in every society!
B. IMPLICATION
1. For every deepest longing of man, there is something that satisfies it
a. E.g., food satisfies man’s hunger
b. E.g., water satisfies man’s thirst
2. There must be a reality (i.e., God) that complements and meets the universal craving for a Supreme Being
3. Paul says this longing for God was placed in man by God Himself – Acts 17:26-27
C. Then there is the cosmological argument for believing in God
IV. THAT EVERY EFFECT MUST HAVE A CAUSE
A. EXPLANATION
1. This is also called the argument from first cause
2. It is based upon the premise that every effect must have a cause
B. IMPLICATION
1. The cosmos (universe) is an effect that has adequate cause
2. The Bible reveals that adequate cause: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1
3. A common objection is often raised: “Who created God?”
a. The law which states every effect has a cause applies to things that are “physical”
b. God by definition is not physical, and therefore not bound by laws which we may discern to apply to physical things
1) God is a spiritual being – cf. John 4:24
2) His omnipresence is an example of how He defies laws of nature – cf. Jeremiah 23:23-24
c. So the argument does not apply to Him; Hebrews is the Uncaused Cause of all things!
C. There is also the esthetical argument for believing in God
V. THE PRESENCE OF BEAUTY AND SUBLIMITY
A. EXPLANATION
1. This argument is based upon the presence of beauty and sublimity in the universe
2. It observes that you have both
a. The presence of beauty in nature itself, and in art produced by man
b. The response of man to such beauty (appreciation and awe)
B. IMPLICATION
1. How did this “beauty”, and the “ability to appreciate” it, develop?
2. Were both the result of blind chance?
3. Or did it come from a Supreme Being, who is:
a. Intelligent (an argument from design)
b. Moral (an argument from our sense of ought)
c. Artistic (an argument from beauty and our sense of it) – cf. Psalm 96:4-6
Conclusion
1. These arguments are philosophical arguments, but they are based upon what the Bible itself says can be learned about God from nature – Psalm 19:1-2; Romans 1:20
2. Other arguments can be offered to support the existence of God
a. Fulfilled prophecies in the Scriptures
b. Scientific foreknowledge of the Scriptures
c. Uniformity of the Scriptures
d. Evidences for the resurrection of Jesus from the dead
— We shall examine these when we talk about believing in the Bible, Jesus, etc.
3. Do you believe in God?
a. Faith in God is a choice that we make between two alternatives.
1) The river of evidence for God’s reality runs strong and deep, but its current is not irresistible.
2) Many people do swim against it, at least for awhile.
b. Choosing to believe that God exists is a voluntary act of trust.
1) We believe not because we think the reality of God is absolutely unequivocal, but because we judge the evidence to be greatly in its favor.
2) After careful thought, faith puts its trust and confidence in a premise that is seen to be supported by the weight of the evidence.
3) Faced with the ultimate fork in the road, faith understands that a decision must be made, and it responsibly chooses one alternative.
c. But the decision to believe isn’t merely the adoption of an intellectual position.
1) It’s the courageous taking of a stand. Like all ideas, the idea of God has consequences, and faith dares to accept those consequences.
2) It says: “I have considered the matter and am prepared to make my choice.
3) What I have seen has taught me to trust this thing which I can’t see, the reality of God.
4) I not only believe, I am prepared to follow my faith wherever it leads. – Diligently Seeking God
4. Are you willing to make the decision to believe in God?
a. The time is coming, however, when the reality of God will no longer be a matter of faith.
b. It will be an overwhelming fact, impossible to deny and terrifying in its implications for those who have tried to deny it.
c. “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” – Romans 14:11
5. Only a fool would suppress the evidence for the existence of God that is out there
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” – Romans 1:20
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” – Psalm 14:1
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 07:01-07 Melchizedek, Christ and Us – powerpoint – audio
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Hebrews-07-01-07-Melchizedek-Christ-Us PDF
Hebrews-07-01-07-Melchizedek-Christ-Us Powerpoint
Text: Hebrews 7:1-7
Melchizedek |
Christ |
Us |
|
King |
Hebrews 7:1 | Revelation 17:14 | Revelation 1:6 |
Priest |
Hebrews 7:1 | Hebrews 4:14-15 | 1 Peter 2:5 |
Righteous |
Hebrews 7:2 | 1 John 2:1 | Romans 6:17-18 |
Peaceable |
Hebrews 7:2 | Isaiah 9:6 | Romans 14:19 |
Unique |
Hebrews 7:3 | John 3:16 | 1 John 2:15-17 |
Blessing |
Hebrews 7:4-7 | Ephesians 1:3 | Galatians 6:10 |
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 05:12-14 Exercising Our Senses to Discern Good and Evil
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Text: Hebrews 5:12-14
Introduction
Throughout the beginning, there has been a war between good and evil.
Can you tell the difference?
Body
I. In the Garden of Eden
A. Adam and Eve were commanded not to eat nor touch the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; yet the serpent tempted them saying, “your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be gods, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:3-5).”
B. Solomon requested an understanding heart to discern good and evil (1 Kings 3:9).
C. Christians must exercise senses to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14).
II. The disciples. Many that were with Christ exercised their senses to discern the truth, and share it with others.
A. John exercised his senses to learn Christ (1 John 1:1-3).
B. The disciples exercised their senses to discern Christ’s resurrection (Luke 24:38-43), especially Thomas (John 20:25-28).
C. Peter and John preached what they have seen and heard (Acts 4:20).
III. The Lord. The Lord has made us, and not we ourselves (Psalm 100:3). Therefore He knows our senses, and wants to help us use them.
A. Old Testament example: Isaiah 42:16-21.
B. New Testament example: Matthew 13:13.
IV. Exercising Our Senses.
A. Hearing.
1) Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17).
2) Seven churches in Asia must hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 2,3).
3) We must hear and do God’s word (James 1:22-25).
B. Seeing.
1) Isaiah tells us to stop our ears from hearing of blood, and eyes from seeing evil (Isaiah 33:15-16).
2) People saw and heard the miracles Philip did (Acts 8:6).
3) Search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15).
C. Touching.
1) Do not touch unclean things (2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Isaiah 52:11-12).
2) The woman with an issue of blood touched Jesus (Matthew 9:21).
3) Uzzah touched the ark to steady it, but died (2 Samuel 6).
D. Smelling.
1) Epaphroditus brought Paul a good report of the Philippians, a sweet smell to God (Philippians 4:18; Romans 12:1).
2) Jesus Christ was a sacrifice, a sweet smell to God (Ephesians 5:1-2).
3) Christians are the fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-17).
E. Tasting.
1) The master of a feast knew Jesus turned water into wine by tasting it (John 2:9).
2) Some have tasted the heavenly gift and the good word of God (Hebrews 6:4-5).
3) Newborn babes in Christ taste the graciousness of the Lord (1 Peter 2:2-3).
Conclusion
We can follow the example of David to exercise our senses to discern good and evil (Psalm 101:1-8).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Hebrews 05:08-09 Obeying The Truth Brings Salvation – audio
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Text: Hebrews 5:8-9
Introduction
- The source of man’s eternal salvation is Jesus Christ (Hebrews 5:8-9). Since God showered His love upon us, by giving us a perfect substitute sacrifice, for ours sins (John 3:16).
- God has provided the means by which man can be saved – grace (Ephesians 2:4-5).
- But man must be willing to obey Jesus for their eternal salvation (Matthew 7:21).
- Man must continue to abide with Christ, or obey Him, to retain eternal salvation (John 8:31-32).
- Don’t be deceived by Satan, you can lose your salvation by departing from the faith (Hebrews 3:12-14; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 1 Timothy 4:1-2).
- There is a false doctrine rooted in Calvinism, called “Perseverance Of The Saints”, that erroneously asserts the impossibility of apostasy (falling away); the unconditional security of the believer in Jesus Christ. Also called once saved always saved. Therefore, let us make sure we are abiding in the doctrine of Christ that we might have fellowship with the Father and the Son (2 John 9-11).
Eternal Salvation is Made Available to All by God’s Grace
- It is through God’s love and mercy that He has prepared a way through Jesus that all sinners might avoid the wages of sin (death) and be saved (John 1:17). This favor bestowed upon us without merit on our part is God’s wonderful grace (1 John 3:1).
- In Titus 2:11-14, the Bible emphatically teaches the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to everybody. However, this does not mean that every soul will be saved, but that humanity has the opportunity to access the benefits of God’s grace through His divine plan of redemption [by faith] (Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Before one can access the blessings of God’s grace, one must be first taught of God through His Word (John 6:45). God’s grace is not dispensed apart from instruction (teaching) and obedience of His Word (taught religion). Once this is done, it produces faith (Romans 10:17).
Eternal Salvation is Conditional, Based on Faithfulness
- • To obtain and retain eternal salvation, to be saved, you must have faith in God, and faith in God will require you to obey the works of obedience which God has commanded (James 2:17-24). If you do not do these things you will not be saved which is condition of your salvation (Mark 16:16).
- We are admonished repeatedly to overcome all things that we might obtain the crown of life that the Lord will give us (1 Timothy 6:12; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 3:21-22).
- In 2 Peter 1:5-11 it is clear Christians must add these virtues to their faith to be fruitful (we access God’s grace through faith) and to diligently make your calling and election sure.
- If an individual disciple of Christ stops being faithful to God, they have departed from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). They need to repent of the sins that caused them to depart from the faith to be reconciled back to God (1 John 1:7-9; 1 John 2:1. Simon was baptized and then erred from the truth and was admonished to repent and pray to God for forgiveness (Acts 8:12-13; Acts 8:18-24).
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM LIVE FAITHFULLY
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Hebrews 13:18-25 Closing Words – audio
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Text: Hebrews 13:18-25
Introduction
1. We now come to the closing words of Hebrews
2. With the last eight verses, we find:
a. A request for prayer in behalf of the author – Hebrews 13:18-19
b. A prayer offered in behalf of the readers – Hebrews 13:20-21
c. A final exhortation, comment and farewell – Hebrews 13:22-25
Body
I. REQUEST FOR PRAYER (Hebrews 13:18-19)
A. ONE REASON FOR HIS REQUEST
1. He is confident of “a good conscience”, desiring to live honorably
a. The mention of a good conscience brings to mind several verses – Hebrews 9:9; Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:22
b. Through the blood of Christ, his conscience has made clean to serve God
2. Certainly their prayers in his behalf would be for a good purpose
a. To bless a man whose has been cleansed by the blood of Christ!
b. To bless a man who desires to live honorably!
B. ANOTHER REASON FOR HIS REQUEST
1. To be restored to them sooner
2. Thus he expresses his intention to come them
II. PRAYER OFFERED IN THEIR BEHALF (Hebrews 13:20-21)
A. MAY GOD
1. Described as “the God of peace”
a. A description found often in Paul’s letters – Romans 15:33; 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Philippians 4:9
b. He is the source of peace (note the salutations in most epistles)
2. “who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead”
a. This is the only explicit reference to Jesus’ resurrection in the epistle
b. Though it is assumed in passages which speak of Christ at the right hand of God – Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 9:24; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2
3. Jesus is described as “that great Shepherd of the sheep” – John 10:11; John 10:14; 1 Peter 5:4
B. MAKE YOU COMPLETE
1. “in every good work to do His will”
a. The author wants them to be complete in doing God’s will
b. Yet he recognizes that they cannot do it on their own, they will need God’s help!
2. How will God make them complete in every good work to do His will?
a. “through the blood of the everlasting covenant”
1) This refers, of course, to the blood of Jesus
a) Which is able to purge our conscience from dead works – Hebrews 9:14
b) By which Jesus has become the Mediator of the New Covenant – Hebrews 9:15
2) By this blood Jesus has perfected forever those who are being sanctified – Hebrews 10:10; Hebrews 10:14
3) Through the blood of Jesus, then, God is able to make us complete in every good work to do His will
b. “working in you what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ”
1) Not only are we cleansed by the blood of Jesus, but God works in us to do what pleases Him!
a) This is reminiscent of Paul’s comments – Philippians 2:12-13
b) That as we “work out” our salvation, God “works in” us!
2) Instrumental in God working in us is the role of His Spirit
a) We are strengthened by God’s Spirit in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16
b) It is by the Spirit we can put to death the deeds of the body – Romans 8:13
3) It is by both the blood of Jesus and the work of the Spirit that we are truly “washed”, “justified” and “sanctified” – 1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5-7
III. A FINAL EXHORTATION, COMMENT, AND FAREWELL (Hebrews 13:22-25)
A. HIS FINAL EXHORTATION (Hebrews 13:22)
1. To “bear with the word of exhortation”
a. This epistle has truly been one of exhorting them; we have exhortations against:
1) Drifting from what they have heard – Hebrews 2:1-4
2) Departing from the living God – Hebrews 3:12-15
3) Disobedience to His Word – Hebrews 4:11-13
4) Dullness of hearing – Hebrews 5:11-6:6
5) Despising God’s grace – Hebrews 10:26-39
6) Defying Him who now speaks from heaven – Hebrews 12:14-29
b. While at times he has written rather strongly, he encourages them to bear with it
2. While one of the longer epistles in the New Testament, it was still “written to you in few words” (compare it with some of the writings of the “church fathers”!)
B. A COMMENT REGARDING TIMOTHY (Hebrews 13:23)
1. “Our brother Timothy” – most likely he who was Paul’s constant companion
2. Evidently just released from prison, and likely to join the author in coming to them
C. GREETINGS AND FAREWELL (Hebrews 13:24-25)
1. Greetings from the author
a. To “all those who rule over you”, i.e., their elders (Hebrews 13:7; Hebrews 13:17)
b. To “all the saints”, i.e., the rest of the Christian
2. Greetings from “those from Italy”; this suggests two possibilities
a. The author was writing from Italy, passing along greetings from those present
b. The author was writing to Italy, sending greetings from those with him who were from there
3. A simple farewell: “Grace be with you all. Amen”
Conclusion
1. So ends “the word of exhortation”, the epistle known simply as, “The Epistle To The Hebrews”
2. Though written to Jewish Christians, with their particular need in mind
a. It is of great value to all Christians
b. It tells us more about the intercessory work of our Lord as High Priest than any other book of the New Testament
c. Its warnings and exhortations are needed just as much today by Christians who are being tempted to leave Christ and go back into the world
3. Especially these words:
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:19-25
4. I pray that our study has served the same purpose, to encourage us all to “draw near” to God, to “hold fast” the hope we confess, and to stir us up “love and good works”.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 13:07-17 Stability in Our Service to God – audio
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Text: Hebrews 13:7-17
Introduction
1. Throughout his epistle, the author has exhorted his readers to faithfulness
a. With a warning not to drift away – Hebrews 2:1
b. With a promise of becoming partakers of Christ – Hebrews 3:14
c. With exhortations to be diligent – Hebrews 4:11; 6:11-12
d. With a reminder of God’s faithfulness – Hebrews 10:23
e. With a promise of great reward – Hebrews 10:35-36
2. As the epistle’s end, we find some final exhortations that encourage such faithfulness
a. They are throughout – Hebrews 13:7-17
b. They are given in view of the danger of “various and strange doctrines” – Hebrews 13:9
3. The need for such exhortations is no less today as it was then
a. There are many various and strange doctrines today
b. It is easy for us to forget the simplicity that is in Christ
Body
I. THINGS TO REMEMBER (Hebrews 13:7-14)
A. THOSE WHO FAITH IS WORTHY OF EMULATION (Hebrews 13:7)
1. In the original context of the epistle
a. The author here references those leaders who originally spoke the word of God to them
b. That included the apostles themselves – Hebrews 2:3
c. “…considering the outcome of their conduct” implies that they were dead, and that their faith served them well
2. Not only remember them, but “whose faith follow”
a. We should seek to emulate all those whose faith has set a good example – Philippians 3:17
b. Especially those whose faith sustained them to the end!
B. “JESUS CHRIST, THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER” (Hebrews 13:8)
1. In what way is “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever”?
a. Certainly not in every respect, for He was once “in the flesh”, but not today
b. The context must determine, and the context pertains to:
1) The word of God which has been spoken – Hebrews 13:7
2) Various and strange doctrines – Hebrews 13:9
c. It is therefore the doctrine of Jesus, which is unchangeable
2. One may therefore rightly ask whenever they hear of some strange or new doctrine: “Did Jesus or His apostles teach this?” – Galatians 1:8-9
C. WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST (Hebrews 13:9-14)
1. It is apparent the author has in mind the temptation to return to the Law
a. To the dietary restrictions found in the Law
b. To the altar and tabernacle of the Old Covenant
2. But what we have in Christ includes:
a. Hearts that are strengthened by grace, not food – Hebrews 13:9
1) An allusion to the dietary restrictions of Judaism
2) While they served their purpose, they did not provide what one really needs – Colossians 3:20-23
b. An altar from which those who serve in the physical tabernacle have no right to eat – Hebrews 13:10-13
1) The “altar” is a metonymy for the sacrifice offered on it
2) Our “altar” is the sacrifice of Christ, which is of no benefit to those who hold to the Old Law – Galatians 5:4
3) As our sacrifice, had to suffer “outside the gate” to provide our sanctification, so we should be willing to serve Him “outside the camp”
c. A “city” which is yet to come – Hebrews 13:14
1) Like our father Abraham, we wait for the city “whose builder and maker is God” – Hebrews 11:9-10
2) We are but strangers and pilgrims on the earth, desiring that city which God has prepared – Hebrews 11:13-16
3) Therefore, it is not physical Jerusalem we long for, but “the holy city, New Jerusalem” – Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:1-2, Revelation 2:10-11
II. THINGS TO DO (Hebrews 13:15-17)
A. OFFER TRUE SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES TO GOD (Hebrews 13:15-16)
1. We may not “serve the tabernacle” of the Old Covenant (Hebrews 13:10), but we do have “sacrifices” to offer – 1 Peter 2:5
2. One is the sacrifice of praise – Hebrews 13:15
a. That includes singing and prayer, which are the fruit of our lips
b. In which we praise God as we give thanks to His name – This we are to do “continually” (i.e., with stability in our service to God)
2. Another is the sacrifice of doing good and sharing – Hebrews 13:16
a. With such sacrifices God is pleased
b. They are like the “sweet-smelling aroma” of incense – Philippians 4:18
B. OBEY THOSE WHO RULE OVER US (Hebrews 13:17)
1. Earlier he wrote of their previous leadership (Hebrews 13:7); now he writes of their present leadership
2. These are most likely their “elders” (also known as “bishops”, “pastors”)
a. They were given the oversight of the local congregation – Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-2
b. The souls of the congregation were “entrusted” to them – 1 Peter 5:3
3. They watch over us, as those who must one day give an account – Hebrews 13:17
4. Therefore we should “obey” and “submit”
a. That their work will be one of joy, not grief
b. If we grieve them in their work, it will not be profitable for us!
Conclusion
1. Do you wish to remain steadfast in your faith, with stability in your service to God?
2. Then remember such things as:
a. Those worthy of following, and consider the outcome of their conduct
b. Jesus Christ, whose doctrine is the same yesterday, today, and forever – Hebrews 13:8
c. The blessings we have in Christ:
1) Hearts established by grace
2) An altar (the sacrifice of Jesus) to which some have no right
3) A heavenly city whose builder and maker is God
3. And be careful to do such things as:
a. Offer the spiritual sacrifices of praise and doing good to others
b. Obey those who have been entrusted to watch for our souls
4. With such “Stability In Our Service To God”, then by God’s grace we too will be “the same yesterday, today, and forever”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 11:06 Can God Be Pleased?
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Text: Hebrews 11:6
Two Truths That Can Give You Hope
Introduction
A. Even more disturbing than the signs of unbelief around us are the signs of shallow faith in many of us who do believe.
1. Too many are Christians in name only.
2. Too many of us are too far behind in our spiritual growth and development.
B. It is urgent that we take God more seriously.
1. We need to seek God more diligently – Hebrews 11:6
2. During this series of studies, we’re going to take an in-depth look at every key word in this text.
C. In this lesson, we want to focus on the idea of PLEASING God.
1. Frankly, this is an issue that we struggle with.
2. Discouragement is all too prevalent, especialy among those who seem to take God the most seriously.
3. Genuine hope sometimes seems to be the exception rather than the rule.
D. Can God be pleased? I want to present two truths that can give you real hope based on Hebrews 11:6
Body
I. TRUTH ONE: YES, GOD CAN BE PLEASED
A. In regard to this truth, two dangerous extremes need to be avoided.
1. At one extreme is the self-righteous approach.
a. The “Pharisee” is out of touch with the reality of his own sinfulness.
b. Two texts which address the self-righteous attitude: Isaiah 64:6; Luke 17:10
2. But at the other extreme is the doubting approach.
a. This person is out of touch with the reality of God’s grace.
b. He may doubt that God can be pleased by anybody — or he may just doubt that he can do it.
3. When we fall into these errors, we swing back and forth between pride and discouragement.
B. But the Scriptures teach that God can be pleased.
1. The example of Enoch — Hebrews 11:5
2. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace” – Numbers 6:24-26
3. “The Lord takes pleasure in His people; Hebrews will beautify the humble with salvation” – Psalm 149:4
4. “Well done, good and faithful servant” – Matthew 25:21
5. The possibility that we — yes, we! — can please God ought to warm our hearts with confidence.
II. TRUTH TWO: IT IS OUR FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD
A. What it means to please God by faith.
1. There are only two ways one can be “righteous” before God. In the Scriptures, these are called:
a. The righteousness of law.
b. The righteousness of faith.
2. Consider the contrast drawn in the Scriptures between these two ways of pleasing God.
a. The righteousness of law belongs to those who have never broken God’s law. To “live” by God’s law in this way, we would have to “keep” it completely – Leviticus 18:5; Galatians 3:10-12
1) But not having kept God’s law, this path is now closed to us.
2) If, as Christians, we try to use the law of God that we’re now under as a means of accomplishing our own salvation, we make the same mistake that Israel made long ago: we reject God’s way of making people righteous (the righteousness of faith) in order to pursue our own way of being righteous (the righteousness of law) – Romans 10:1-8 (especially vs. 3 and 5)
3) Even the sincerest effort to keep God’s law perfectly is a losing battle – Romans 7:19-24
4) There can be no hope for those who base their confidence on their keeping of God’s law!
b. The good news, however, is that God is willing to accept us on the basis of our faith rather than the perfection of our law-keeping – Romans 5:1-2; Romans 1:16-17; Romans 4:3-5
c. God could not do this, of course, if Christ had not died to atone for our sins – Romans 3:25-26
d. But Christ having died for the sins of mankind, a new kind of righteousness is made possible.
e. This righteousness of faith is the hope of the gospel of Christ – Philippians 3:8-11
3. Hebrews 11:5-6 is simply asking us to believe what the entire rest of the New Testament teaches: by faith we can please God!
B. Abraham is the great example of the righteousness of faith.
1. It was not the perfection of his obedience that God counted as Abraham’s righteousness.
2. Rather, Abraham “believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” – Genesis 15:6
3. This text is quoted no less than 4 times in the NT – Romans 4:3-5, Romans 4:20-22; Galatians 3:6-9; James 2:23
4. Abraham, then, stands as the spiritual forefather of all, from creation until now, who have sought to please God as he did: through faith – Galatians 3:6-9
C. The critical issue is trust — if we trust God as Abraham did, then we can please God – Hebrews 11:8-19
1. Trust is what was lost in the Garden of Eden, and trust is what we must return to!
2. Hence, obeying the gospel can be described as “trusting in Christ” – Ephesians 1:12-13
D. Thus, to our confidence is added the healthy balance of humility – Hebrews 4:16
Conclusion
A. It is extremely important to know that we can please God.
1. If not, we’re defeated before we start.
2. If not, we won’t seek God — we will run from Him.
B. Pleasing God ought to be our aim, our goal — our highest aspiration.
1. No higher goal. “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him” – 2 Corinthians 5:9
2. No more powerful goal. “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
C. The most powerful reason to repent and obey God is eagerness to please a Father who can be pleased!
D. The gospel of Christ is a gospel of HOPE — it is the message that we can come home to a God who wants to receive us and be pleased with us!
E. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” – Matthew 11:28-30
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 13:05-06 A Call to be Content – audio
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Text: Hebrews 13:5-6
Introduction
1. In this final chapter of “The Epistle To The Hebrews”, we have noticed exhortations
a. To let brotherly love continue – Hebrews 13:1
b. To show love toward strangers – Hebrews 13:2
c. To remember those in prison and others who are mistreated – Hebrews 13:3
d. To hold marriage in honor, abstaining from fornication and adultery – Hebrews 13:4
2. We now find a warning against covetousness – Hebrews 13:5-6
a. The previous verse was a warning against “the lust of the flesh” (immorality)
b. Here we have a warning against “the lust of the eyes” (materialism)
c. Both of which are contrary to the love of the Father – 1 John 2:15-17
3. How serious is covetousness?
a. Jesus said it defiles a man, and that we should beware of it – Mark 7:21-23; Luke 12:15
b. Paul taught that covetousness:
1) Will keep one out of the kingdom of God – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
2) Like fornication, should not even be named among us – Ephesians 5:3
3) Is nothing less than idolatry – Ephesians 5:5
4. The antidote to covetousness is contentment – Hebrews 13:5b-6
a. If we are content, then we won’t be covetous
b. Contentment is therefore an important virtue for Christians to develop
1) But what is “contentment”?
2) What are the keys to being content?
Body
I. THE VIRTUE OF “CONTENTMENT”
A. CONTENTMENT DEFINED
1. The English word “content” means “desiring no more than what one has”
2. The Greek word is arkeo {ar-keh’-o}, which means “to be satisfied”
3. When one is content, they are satisfied with what they have; with no desire for more, covetousness no longer becomes a problem!
B. THE VALUE OF “CONTENTMENT”
1. From the pen of uninspired men
a. “He is richest who is content with the least.” (Socrates)
b. “He is well paid that is well satisfied.” (William Shakespeare)
c. “He who is content can never be ruined.” (Chinese Proverb)
d. “He who wants little always have enough.” (Johann Georg Zimmerman)
e. “If you are not satisfied with a little, you will not be satisfied with much.” (Unknown)
f. “The contented man is never poor, the discontented never rich.” (George Eliot)
2. Paul wrote that “…godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6
a. Godliness, which is godly living, expressed in devotion to God, is of great value only when accompanied with contentment
b. For as we have seen, covetousness (a lack of contentment) would render any service to God of no value
C. CONTENTMENT EXEMPLIFIED
1. In Fanny Crosby (1820-1925), a blind songwriter who wrote:
O What a happy soul am! Although I cannot see, I am resolved that in this world Contented I will be; How many blessings I enjoy That other people don’t! To weep and sigh because I’m blind, I cannot and I won’t.
2. In Helen Keller (1880-1968); blind, deaf, and mute, yet she wrote:
They took away what should have been my eyes,
(But I remembered Milton’s Paradise)
They took away what should have been my ears,
(Beethoven came and wiped away my tears)
They took away what should have been my tongue,
(But I talked with God when I was young)
He would not let them take away my soul,
Possessing that, I still possess the whole.
3. In the aged prisoner, Paul the apostle:
a. Who saw how his imprisonment accomplished much good – Philippians 1:12-14
b. Who had learned contentment – Philippians 4:10-12
4. The virtue of contentment richly blessed the lives of these and countless others. But as Paul indicated, contentment is something learned
II. THE 5 KEYS TO CONTENTMENT
A. TRUSTING IN GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL CARE
1. This is the reason given in our text for us to be content – Hebrews 13:5-6
a. God has promised never to leave nor forsake us
b. With the Lord as our helper, what can man do? – 1 John 4:4
2. This is the reason Jesus gave for us not to worry – Matthew 6:25-32
a. We are of greater value to God than the birds or flowers
b. He providentially cares for them, will He not do the same for us?
c. The key to receiving this care is to put God’s will first in our lives – Matthew 6:33
3. Contentment comes, then, when we trust God will provide what we need!
B. KNOWING WHAT YOU CAN’T TAKE WITH YOU
1. As Paul discussed contentment, he pointed out certain truths – 1 Timothy 6:7
a. We brought nothing into this world
b. It is certain we can carry nothing out! (have you ever seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul)
2. Why then become anxious or worked up over things
a. That at best are only temporary
b. That will wear out, be stolen, or left behind or burned up at the coming of the Lord – 2 Peter 3:10
3. Contentment comes, then, from knowing that material things are only temporary
C. REALIZING WHAT IS TRULY “ESSENTIAL” FOR LIFE
1. Paul also revealed what are the only true “essentials” to sustain life – 1 Timothy 6:8
a. They are “food and clothing”
b. Anything beyond this is a “luxury”, for which we ought to be thankful
1) That includes “shelter”, which many believe is a necessity
2) But millions live without shelter, and such is possible with the proper clothing
2. Since God has promised to provide food and clothing (Matthew 6:25-33), we can rest knowing that our “essentials” will be provided
3. Contentment comes, then, by realizing what is truly “essential” for life, for then we will realize how richly blessed we really are!
D. UNDERSTANDING THAT MATERIAL THINGS DO NOT SATISFY
1. Solomon observed this inadequacy of material things – Ecclesiastes 5:10
a. Those who love silver (money) will never be satisfied
b. The same is true with those who love abundance (what money can buy)
2. Material things do not meet the true needs of the soul – Ecclesiastes 6:7
a. C. S. Lewis suggested that God placed a longing in man, that man might seek for God – Acts 17:26-27
b. Sadly, many people try to fulfill that longing with material things
c. They never succeed, for only one thing can fulfill it: God Himself!
3. Contentment comes, then, from understanding that material things will never provide lasting satisfaction
E. FINALLY, TRUE CONTENTMENT IS A GIFT FROM GOD
1. Here is another observation Solomon made in his search for life’s meaning:
a. The ability to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor is a gift from God – Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
b. On the other hand, many are allowed to “gather” and “collect”, but will not enjoy the fruits of their labor – Ecclesiastes 2:26b; Ecclesiastes 6:1-2
2. God has the ability to provide lasting satisfaction – Psalm 107:8-9
a. He promises to give that which truly satisfies (makes one content) – Isaiah 55:1-3
b. And in Christ, He enables one to be content – Philippians 4:11-13
Conclusion
1. The virtue of contentment is a wonderful blessing, one that comes from God Himself
a. Whose Word reveals to us:
1) The temporary nature of material things
2) The inadequacy of material things to satisfy man
3) The things that are truly essential in life
b. Who has promised to us:
1) To never leave us nor forsake us
2) To provide the true essentials in life
3) To fill our soul with that which truly satisfies
4) To enable us to enjoy the material blessings we do acquire in llfe
2. But what God has promised is contingent upon what Jesus said: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” – Matthew 6:33
3. If you desire to be truly content, you must set as your priority the Will of God.
4. Have you made His Will the primary focus of your life?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 13:04 Sanctity of Marriage
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Text: Hebrews 13:4
Introduction
1. Marriage as an institution today is struggling
a. Many seek to redefine what constitutes a marriage
b. We hear of same-sex marriages, open marriages, polygamy, polyandry, polyamory
c. Others decry marriage altogether, preferring simple cohabitation
d. Many joke about it: Marriage is a wonderful institution – But who would want to live in an institution?
2. The family as an institution today is struggling
a. Husbands and wives often suffer strained relationships
b. Parents and children are frequently at odds with one another
c. Much misery in life is due to dysfunctional family relations
d. Some prefer that government assume the role of raising children
3. I believe much of the problem is due to self-centeredness in our society
a. People are told to look out for #1 in all their relations (business, family, etc.)
b. Thus many enter marriage and start families with selfish attitudes
c. Yet no relationship can exist peacefully and lovingly with selfish participants
4. The Bible has much to say about marriage and family
a. Especially in the teachings of Jesus and His apostles
b. That has helped many to have long-lasting, fulfilling relationships
c. Which can affect both our temporal and eternal happiness
Body
I. THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE DEFINED
A. THE MEANING OF SANCTITY…
1. Sanctity is defined as the quality of being holy, sacred
2. Thus it is common to speak of holy matrimony (i.e., sacred marriage)
B. THE SACREDNESS OF MARRIAGE
1. Marriage is one of the holiest of relations two people can have
2. Marriage is a bond created by God Himself, thus we must treat it as sacred
3. Marriage is not something to be entered into lightly
C. Is the idea of marriage as a sacred union a Biblical concept? What did Jesus and His apostles say about it?
II. THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE EXPLAINED
A. MARRIAGE WAS INSTITUTED BY GOD
1. From the very beginning, following the Creation – Matthew 19:3-4; Genesis 2:18-24
2. Designed for those created as male and female – Matthew 19:4
3. Whose union becomes one flesh – Matthew 19:5
4. Marriage is not a creation of the state, but of God Himself!
B. MARRIAGE IS REGULATED BY JESUS
1. Jesus has been given all authority, will be our Judge in all things – Matthew 28:18; 2 Corinthians 5:10
2. He taught that man may try to put asunder, but only God puts asunder – Matthew 19:7-9
a. One may legally divorce and remarry, but adultery can still occur – Matthew 5:31-32
b. God allows divorce only for fornication, and remarriage by the innocent – Matthew 19:9
3. He taught some might have to remain celibate (make themselves eunuchs) for the sake of the kingdom of heaven – Matthew 19:11-12
a. Because they had been divorced for adultery or unlawfully married
b. Or because they were single by choice, or never asked to be married
4. His apostle Paul had more to say concerning marriage:
a. Marriage is for life; marrying another while one’s spouse is alive is adultery – Romans 7:1-4
b. Each person is to have his or her own spouse, not shared – 1 Corinthians 7:2
c. Husbands and wives have certain duties toward one another – 1 Corinthians 7:3-5
d. One is not to divorce; if divorced, must remain single or return to spouse – 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
e. If an unbelieving spouse departs, a believer is not obligated to fulfill marital duties (but that does not necessarily imply they are free to remarry) – 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, 12-16
5. Jesus as Lord over all is the final Arbiter regarding marriage!
C. MARRIAGE IS RESERVED FOR INTIMACY
1. The only proper relationship for sexual intimacy (intercourse) is marriage – Hebrews 13:4
a. Not before the wedding, during courtship, but only after the wedding
b. Greatly simplifying the perennial question When is the right time?
2. Sex outside marriage is fornication
a. Fornication includes pre-marital, extra-marital, or same-sex relations
b. Such conduct can keep one out of the kingdom of God – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
3. Pre-marital sex endangers having a successful marriage
a. The national divorce rate in the United States is over 40 percent
b. Couples who wait to have sex until marriage – and remain faithful – have a divorce rate of only 20 percent
c. Couples who have more sexual partners prior to or outside of marriage have a much higher rate of divorce
d. Those who have as many as five partners have only a 30 percent chance that their marriage will not end in divorce
4. A successful marriage requires mutual respect and trust
a. Courtship is the time to build respect and trust which will strengthen your marriage
b. If your potential spouse will sin with you before you marry…
c. …what assurance do you have they will not sin against you after you marry?
5. The sanctity of marriage is preserved when it alone is the realm of sexual intimacy
Conclusion
1. Marriage is not an institution
a. Created and designed by man or the state
b. Subject to alteration by societal whims
2. Marriage is a sacred institution
a. Instituted by God in the beginning
b. Regulated by Jesus and His apostles in the Word of God
c. Reserved for sexual intimacy between a man and a women
3. Marriage is a successful institution
a. When we follow the Biblical injunctions concerning it
b. When members of the family fulfill their proper roles
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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