Historical Posts
Joshua 24:15-16 – Serve The Lord – Audio
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Text: Joshua 24:15-16
We Will Serve The Lord
Joshua met with all the elders, heads, judges, and officers of the tribes of Israel. He reminded them of all God had done for them, and how loyal they must be to Him. He then commanded them to choose whom to serve: to either serve the false gods their fathers served, or serve the Lord, the one true God, who had done so much for them.
Body
I. We must serve only the LORD!
A. Jesus told Satan that he must serve the LORD only (Matthew 4:10).
B. If one serves the Lord, he cannot serve anyone or anything else. He may not have two masters (Matthew 6:24; Galatians 1:10).
C. Zacharias prophesied that we may serve the LORD “without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life” (Luke 1:74-75).
1) If we are afraid to serve Him, we will have our part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8).
2) There is nothing to fear in serving God; by seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, all things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33).
D. To serve the Lord, we must do three things (Matthew 16:24-26):
1) Deny ourselves
2) Take up our cross
3) Follow Him.
II. Jesus taught us how to serve the Lord in two ways.
A. He taught us how to serve the Lord by His words (Matthew 20:26-28).
B. He taught us how to serve the Lord by example (John 13:1-17; Philippians 2:7).
III. Serving the LORD has its rewards.
A. Those who serve the Lord will receive the reward of the inheritance (Colossians 3:23-24).
B. By serving Him, the LORD gives us the kingdom and eternal life (Matthew 25:31-46).
Conclusion
We too must make a choice: should we serve people or things; should we serve the LORD? If we choose the latter, we will be eternally rewarded!
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 Timothy 06:06-10 – Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain – Audio
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Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (Reading by Don Treadway)Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain
Godliness is always right, but it is not always easy to do the right thing. Sometimes peer pressure can be difficult to overcome. Other times, it may seem easier to do what’s right if one has certain things, or if one does not have other things. However, by doing what is right with what one has, one may be blessed and gain contentment.
Body
I. We must profess godliness.
A. Godliness means living a life that is respectful to God, and to oneself.
B. Earlier, Paul told Timothy that godliness is profitable for all things (1 Timothy 4:7-8).
C. God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
D. Godliness is in accordance with truth (Titus 1:1).
E. Christians must live in “holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
F. We must add godliness to our faith (2 Peter 1:5-7).
G. We can expect persecution when living godly lives (2 Timothy 3:12).
H. We must withdraw from those that suppose godliness is a means of gain, yet pursue true godliness (1 Timothy 6:5,11).
II. We must be content.
A. Paul has learned to be content in every condition (Philippians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 4:11).
B. We must be content with such things as we have (Hebrews 13:5).
C. We need God’s words more than necessary food (Job 23:12; Matthew 6:11).
D. God gives us all we need (Philippians 4:19; Psalm 23:1; Proverbs 30:7-9).
III. We have much to gain.
A. Godliness is profitable for this life, and the life that is to come (1 Timothy 4:8).
B. If a man gains the world and loses his soul, he loses everything; if he loses the world and gains his soul, he has gained everything (Matthew 16:26; Luke 12:20-21).
Conclusion
As Christians, we are to live Christ Jesus with Godliness. In so doing, we must be content with who we are and what we have. Being content and living godly lives in Christ, we have much to gain!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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John 01:01-14 – Jesus Christ was in the Beginning with God – Audio
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Text: John 1:1-14
Introduction
- Jesus Christ must be understood and acknowledged as God in the flesh or God in human form. To save man from his sins, and to bring him back into fellowship with God, God sent His Son Jesus Christ, as man & God for the purpose of destroying sin in the flesh – Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23.
- Jesus Christ has always been in existence. The birth of Mary’s firstborn child, Jesus does not mark the beginning of Jesus existence. In Revelations 1:8, Jesus Christ lets you & I know that He is the beginning and the end.
In the Beginning was The Word, The Word was with God, The Word was God
- In the beginning before God created the heavens and the earth and all that’s therein the Word was present with God – John 1:1-2. In 1 John 1:1-3, the Apostle John describes Jesus as the “Word of life.” In 1 John 5:7, the Word of God reveal those that bear witness in heaven, and one of them is the Word, Jesus Christ.
- In John 8:56-59, the Jews show their disbelief in the divinity of Jesus Christ when Jesus told them Abraham rejoiced to see His day and saw it and was glad, and told them that He existed before Abraham. These Jews did not believe Jesus Christ is God
- In John 1:3, the Sword of the Spirit teaches that all things were made by Jesus Christ. Everything that was created was made by Him. This means Christ is our Creator – Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:12-18; Hebrews 1:1-2.
The Word, Jesus Christ, Was Made Flesh
- Through the power of God, the Word was made flesh when the Holy Spirit overshadowed a virgin name Mary. And that which was conceived of Mary was the Word, Jesus Christ the Son of God – Luke 1:26-35.
- John the baptizer was sent from God to bear witness of the Light of Jesus Christ, and to prepare the way of the Lord – John 1:6-9. This is that light that you must walk in to be forgiven of your sins – John 3:16-21; 1 John 1:5-7.
- Even though the world was made by Christ, the world did not know Him. And even His own people the Jews rejected Him – John 1:10-11. But if you believe in Christ the Son of God, He has the power to made us the sons of God, He has the power to save us through His sacrifice on the cross – John 1:12-14.
- Do you want life or do you want death? Do you want to seize liberty, or do you want to remain in bondage. Jesus Christ is the way and life. Why not obey Him now and accept His salvation – Revelation 21:6-8?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Matthew 09:37-38 Are You Motivated To Work As God’s Servant? – Audio
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Text: Matthew 9:37-38 (Reading by Steven Winland)
Introduction
- The word motive denotes that which influences, prompts, propels, pushes, or induces a specific action. It causes you to move in a direction, so you can receive a specific outcome. I like to describe it as the fire that gets under you to move you to action, or in God’s service. (exp) What will motivate you into service for God, because there’s plenty of work to do – Matthew 9:35-38?
- A servant or steward is a person that takes care of things that belongs to another (God owns everything – Psalms 24:1). A servant has responsibility to make sure the owner’s goods are well taken care of. This responsibility makes the servant accountable to the master, of the goods. The servant would receive a reward or punishment depending on how well he took care of the owner’s goods (Romans 14:12). This is why being motivated to serve God is important. To be motivated you must be excited about it.
- The thing that should excite us into God’s service is the Word of God – Hebrews 4:12. One of the best examples of the Word of God motivating one to a certain action is found in Acts 9:1-6; Acts 22:6-16.
Some Will Need Encouragement to Motivate Them to Serve God
- The word encourage, means to inspire with confidence, to urge forward one to start or continue in an action. What will motivate you, to work as a servant of God? People need different types of sources of motivation to get them going in the right direction. It was a little maid of the land of Israel that motivated Naaman to go to Elisha to be healed of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:2-9). Again it was one of Naaman’s servants that encouraged him to dip seven times in the Jordan river to be healed, instead of going away in a rage an being not healed (2 Kings 5:10-14). Sometimes it takes many encouragements to get us moving because we may be stubborn or lazy.
- When the Word of God is preached, it is for the express purpose of encouraging you and moving you to righteous actions – 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Consider the things we could do for the kingdom if we were motivated to do so!
- How many times have you been ready to quit, but someone encouraged you to continue on? Was not Elijah the prophet encouraged by God to continue on when he thought he was by himself alone serving God – (1 Kings 19:9-10, 15-18).
(Read the Story of Two Frogs)
A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead. The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.
The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, “Did you not hear us?” The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.
Servants of God Must Be Motivated to Remain Faithful
- A key component, in being motivated to remain faithful, is to make sure your zeal for God, doesn’t grow cold – Galatians 5:7. Whenever the excitement for serving God diminishes you need to be careful because Satan will be near to turn you away from God – (1 Peter 5:8-9). That’s why it is important to focus on doing the Lord’s work. Remember what happened to Peter when he was walking on water and lost his focus off Jesus – Matthew 14:27-31.
- In 1 Corinthians 4:2, the Word of God, gives a requirement to those whom would be His servants/steward. It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
♦ What type of servant will the lord make ruler over his household? Matthew 24:45-47.
♦ There is also a warning to those servants whom fail to do his master will – Matthew 24:48-51.
- Therefore, let us not be lazy or slothful in doing the work of the Lord. Let us not make excuses. You and I have talents, so let us be motivated, to do the Lord’s work, because the fields are already white ready to be harvested – John 4:35-36.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Matthew 05:13-16 Contagious Christian Living – Audio
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Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Introduction to Contagious Christian Living
1. Usually, the term “contagious” has a negative connotation.
2. Contagious simply means that something is transmissible and is not negative by definition.
3. What normally gives the word a negative connotation is that we usually speak of it with reference to disease. (EBOLA as an example)
4. However, are there not many good things that we could wish were contagious?
5. In this lesson, let’s examine some things that we can do with our lives that will help make Christianity contagious and bring others to Christ.
Body
I. Becoming Contagious Christians
A. People may sometimes think that being “contagious” involves attributes such as size, money, entertainment, theatrics, etc., but not so for true contagious Christian living.
B. We may never become a “mega-church,” but we can become a contagious church by following three principles of contagious Christian living.
C. Three principles of Contagious Christian Living:
1. Be Amazed at the Glory of God – Revelation 15:1-4
2. Be Transformed by the Love of Jesus – 1 Timothy 1:12-17
3. Be Yielded to the Word of God – John 12:47-50
II. How Jesus Drew People to Him?
A. Jesus turned ordinary conversations to spiritual Conversations – John 4:10, 13-14
C. Jesus gave people reason to follow Him – John 4:13-14
D. Jesus didn’t force Himself on other people – John 4:26-30
E. Jesus created intentional encounters with people – John 4:4
Conclusion
1. May we strive for true Christian living, with lives are a reflection of the Son of God.
2. Living with a greater awareness of how blessed we are as Christians, we can be contagious to those with whom we come in contact.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 06:14 – Boast in the Cross – Audio
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Text: Galatians 6:14 (reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction:
1. “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Galatians 6:14
2. Why would anyone want to “boast” in the cross, an instrument of death?
3. The answer is because the cross is a great paradox.
a. It is Instrument of death – but it gives life.
b. It is darkest day in history – but on it hung the light of the world.
c. It is premeditated murder – but also predestined sacrifice.
d. It is great act of sin – but it was also a great cure for sin.
e. On the cross, Jesus won by losing and He conquered by surrendering.
f. The cross demonstrates how much God hates sin and how much He loves the sinner.
4. The cross is central to the Christian faith, and rightly so, for it gives meaning, hope, and stability for our lives.
5. Let’s examine three messages from the cross which can give meaning, hope, and stability to my life.
Body:
I. The Cross Declares That My Life Is Not Futile
A. You are not an obscurity, but an object of God’s love.
B. John 3:16
C. 2 Timothy 1:9
II. The Cross Declares That My Failures Are Not Fatal
A. Luke 23:43
B. Ephesians 1:7
C. 1 John 2:1
D. 1 John 1:9
III. The Cross Declares That My Death Is Not Final
A. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
B. Hebrews 12:1-4
Conclusion:
1. All of us have suffered from what life can throw at us and how life can shake our faith and how life can knock us off balance.
2. It’s at these moments that we really need to look back to the cross, and lean on it for meaning, hope, and stability.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Jesus Loves the Little Children
Introduction
A. At one time in our life we were children. Paul wrote, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11).”
B. Growing up is part of life physically, and should be a part of life spiritually.
Body
I. Children are precious in the sight of God.
A. “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward (Psalm 127:3).”
B. Jesus said of such is the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:13-14).
II. One must be like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven.
A. One must be converted and become as a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1-5).
B. We must be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-7).
C. We become sons of God by faith in Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).
D. It is truly a blessing to be called children of God (1 John 3:1-3).
III. Children of God must grow.
A. We must desire the sincere milk of the word as newborn babes (1 Peter 2:2).
B. After Judas Iscariot went out to betray Jesus, He commanded His “little children” to love another as He was only going to be with them a little while longer (John 13:31-35).
C. Paul wrote to the Galatians, his “little children, for whom he labored in birth again until Christ was formed in them (Galatians 4:19).”
D. John wrote to his “little children,” encouraging them not to sin and reminding them that their sins are forgiven (1 John 2:1,12-13).
Conclusion
A. Have we become children of God?
B. Are we growing as Christians, serving God and loving one another?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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I Must be About My Father’s Business
Introduction
A. Today is Father’s Day, and perhaps many individuals are treating Dad out to dinner or simply spending some quality time with him.
B. Perhaps one thing that makes a lot of dads happy is knowing that their son will one day follow in their footsteps.
C. What about Jesus? Did He follow in His Father’s footsteps?
Body
I. Jesus had an earthly father.
A. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14).
B. Mary, a virgin, was betrothed to Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:27-35; 4:22).
C. Joseph was a carpenter (Mark 6:3).
II. Jesus had a Heavenly Father.
A. The only begotten Son has declared the Father (John 1:18).
B. The Son, who is from God, has seen the Father (John 6:46).
C. The Son and the Father are one (John 10:30).
D. The Son would go to His Father (John 14:28-31; 16:28).
III. Jesus did His Heavenly Father’s will.
A. Jesus did the works of His Heavenly Father (John 9:4).
B. Jesus was baptized by John (Luke 3).
C. Jesus was tempted by Satan, and overcame temptation (Luke 4).
D. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
E. Jesus commanded the apostles to preach the gospel to every creature (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).
F. Jesus ascended into Heaven, vowing to return (Acts 1:9-11).
Conclusion
A. As Jesus was born of a virgin, Joseph brought Him up.
B. At the age of 12, Jesus knew He was here to be about His Father’s business (Luke 2:41-50).
C. He did the will of His Heavenly Father (John 3:16)!
D. Now, the rest is up to us to do His Father’s will (John 6:37-40).
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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That Should Have Been Me
Introduction
A. Sometimes we find ourselves on the outside looking in, thinking, “That should have been me!”
1) If only we had done something differently, we could have won
2) if we were the next in line, we could have been the lucky numbered customer
3) if it was a little farther over, it could have been worse.
B. It should have been me.
Body
I. The woman caught in adultery should have been stoned (John 8:3-12).
A. According to the old law, she should have been stoned (John 8:5; Leviticus 20:10-11).
B. Jesus did not stone her; rather, He forgave her (John 8:11).
II. The demon should have been cast out (Matthew 17:14-21).
A. The disciples should have been able to cast out the demon (Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17; Matthew 17:16,19-20).
B. Jesus cast out the demon (Matthew 17:18).
III. Barabbas should have been crucified (Mark 15:6-15).
A. Barabbas was a robber (John 18:40; Acts 3:14).
B. Jesus was crucified instead (Mark 15:15).
IV. We should have been crucified!
A. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:22).
1) Our sins will find us out (Numbers 32:20-23).
2) The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
B. Jesus did not sin (1 Peter 2:22-24).
1) He was offered once to bear the sins of many (Hebrews 9:28).
2) “He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12).”
3) He who knew no sin became the sin sacrifice for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Conclusion
A. It should have been us who died on the cross because of our sins.
B. However, our blood would not cover our own sins. Only the precious blood of Christ could take away our sins!
C. It should have been each of us, but aren’t you glad it wasn’t?
Content by Richard Dillon
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I Will Be a Friend to Jesus
Introduction
A. There are all kinds of friends: old, new, close, distant, and even best friends.
B. Perhaps some friends seem better than others. What makes a good friend?
C. To whom shall we be a friend?
Body
I. We must be a true friend.
A. A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17).
B. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).”
C. “Every man is a friend to one who gives gifts (Proverbs 19:6).”
D. The king will be a friend to one who “loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips (Proverbs 22:11).”
E. A friend gives hearty counsel, does not forsake another, and sharpens his countenance (Proverbs 27:9-10,17).
F. A friend is trustworthy (Micah 7:5-7; Jeremiah 9:4-6).
II. We must follow the example of true friends.
A. Abraham was called the friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23; Genesis 15:6).
B. Pilate was accused of not being a friend to Caesar by wanting to let Jesus go (John 19:12).
C. Was Judas truly a friend of Jesus (Matthew 26:47-50; Psalm 41:9; 55:12-13)?
D. Was Peter truly a friend of Jesus (Matthew 26:31-35,69-75)?
E. Paul became a friend to all that he might save some (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).
F. Perhaps the best example of a true Friend is Jesus (Matthew 11:19; 9:9-13).
III. We must choose our friends wisely.
A. We are a friend to Jesus if we keep His commandments (John 15:9-17).
B. To be a friend to Jesus, we cannot be a friend of the world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17; Galatians 1:4; 6:14; Luke 16:13).
Conclusion
A. To be a true friend to Jesus, we must understand what it truly means to be a friend.
B. He showed us how to be a friend, and we must follow His example.
C. We must choose to be His friend, and not to be a friend of the world, by following His commandments.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Worship in Song
Introduction
A. This is the fifth Sunday in May, which means shortly we will have a service emphasizing singing. Whether we can sing really well or can’t carry a tune in a bucket, we can all “make a joyful noise unto the LORD (Psalm 100:1).”
B. We must do so because God is our audience, and we need to please Him and encourage one another (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
Body
I. We speak to one another.
A. We can only speak to one another in song if we are together (Hebrews 10:24-25).
B. We must sing with the spirit and the understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15).
II. We make melody in our hearts to the Lord.
A. In order to make melody (from Greek psallo), one must “twitch” or “twang” on an instrument.
1) Frequently in the Old Testament, musical instruments were used (harp, tambourine, lute, etc.).
2) In the New Testament, the heart is specified as an instrument.
3) No authority exists in the New Testament for singing with an instrument.
B. Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn (Matthew 26:30) before going to the Mount of Olives.
C. Paul and Silas sang hymns at midnight in prison (Acts 16:25).
D. Jesus taught us at least two things about worship:
1) We must worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).
2) Our worship is vain if our heart is far from God (Matthew 15:8-9).
E. If we are cheerful, we are to sing psalms (James 5:13; Psalm 122:1).
III. We sing with grace in our hearts to the Lord.
A. We could not be saved without the grace of God (Titus 2:11; Ephesians 2:5).
B. For this, we are very thankful (Psalm 100:1-5).
C. As sacrifices of thanksgiving were offered under the Old Testament (Leviticus 7:11-12), so we offer a sacrifice to God under the New Testament.
1) Our bodies are a living sacrifice acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).
2) The fruit of our lips is a continual sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15).
a. God created the fruit of our lips (Isaiah 57:19).
b. Isaiah’s lips were touched with live coal from an altar, taking away his iniquity (Isaiah 6:5-7).
c. God’s words should be upon our lips (Isaiah 51:16; 59:21).
d. Hosea reminds us that God takes away our iniquities, so we will “offer the sacrifices [fruit] of our lips (Hosea 14:1-2).”
Conclusion
A. As Christians, we have many reasons to rejoice!
B. When we come together on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) to sing, we encourage one another through song.
C. We give praise unto God, thanking Him for what all He has given to us.
D. We do so in a way that is pleasing unto Him and is edifying to us all.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Water and Salvation
Introduction
A. By having a better appreciation for the Old Testament, we may have a better understanding of the New Testament. In fact, the things “written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).”
B. Thus, with a better appreciation of Noah’s relationship to God, we can have a better understanding of our relationship with Him.
Body
I. God saved Noah through water.
A. The wickedness of man was great; the intents of man’s hearts were only evil continually (Genesis 6:5).
B. God planned to destroy man from the face of the earth (Genesis 6:7).
C. Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD (Genesis 6:8-9).
1) He was a just man.
2) He was “perfect” in his generations.
3) He walked with God.
D. Noah built the ark according to God’s instructions, and gathered the right number and kind of animals (Genesis 6:13-22).
E. The floods came, and those on the earth perished; Noah and his family were saved (Genesis 7:1-24).
II. God saves us through water.
A. All men have sinned (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:22).
B. God destroys those who serve sin, yet saves those willing to serve Him (2 Peter 2:4-5; Romans 6:23).
C. God’s grace has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11; 2 Timothy 1:9-11).
D. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:1-8; Hebrews 11:6-7; Romans 4:13-16; James 2).
E. As eight souls were saved through water, so baptism saves us (1 Peter 3:18-21).
1) Christ sanctifies and cleanses the church with the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:25-27).
2) We must be born of water and the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).
3) Baptism allows us to die to ourselves, to be buried with Christ, and to rise again in a newness of life (Romans 6:1-7; Acts 8:36-39).
Conclusion
A. Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
B. He had faith in Him, and did what God commanded of Him.
C. God’s grace that brings salvation has appeared to all of us.
D. Are we willing to do what He commands us?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Luke 10:30-35 – Samaritan Sense
Text: Luke 10:30-35
Introduction
In our text, Jesus tells a certain lawyer of a certain Samaritan that did a good deed for a man that went from Jerusalem to Jericho. This lawyer asked who his neighbor was (Luke 10:29), and Jesus showed how to be a neighbor (Luke 10:36-37). Perhaps there was something else Jesus was teaching the lawyer. One can only wonder if the lawyer needed to realize that Samaritans can be good neighbors, and he needed to be a good neighbor to Samaritans…
Body
I. Some Samaritans did not receive Jesus.
A. There was not a good relationship between Jews and Samaritans.
1) The king of Assyria placed many foreigners in Samaria who did not fear the LORD, and often served idols (2 Kings 17:24ff.).
2) As time went on, Jews had no dealings with Samaritans (John 4:9,27; 8:48).
B. As Jesus sent out the twelve apostles, He commanded them not to enter a city of the Samaritans (Matthew 10:5).
C. One village of the Samaritans did not receive Jesus, as He was ready to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-56).
II. Some Samaritans believed Jesus.
A. A woman of Samaria was wary of Jesus when she came to draw water at Jacob’s well, but later leads many Samaritans to Him (John 4:9ff.).
B. Peter and John preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans (Acts 8:25).
III. One Samaritan was thankful to Jesus.
A. Jesus healed ten lepers (Luke 17:11-14).
B. Only one leper, a Samaritan, returned to say thank you (Luke 17:15-19).
Conclusion
A. We can learn a lot from the Samaritans.
1) They are people, just like all of us.
2) They have the same opportunity to hear, believe, and obey the gospel.
a) Some believed themselves and led many others to Christ.
b) Some went to Christ and were thankful, as we all should (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
c) Some were good examples of how to love their neighbor.
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Study of the Rapture
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Thanks to Roger Genung from the Delight Church of Christ for this outline.
Introduction
A. Last week I viewed an ad for a new ‘Left Behind’ movie.
1. 15 books for adults, 40 titles for children, multiple movies, 1,397,900 (as of Thursday) followers on Twitter, a trilogy of video games and audio dramatizations (these are being aired on Christian radio) have made this a multi-million dollar business to spread error concerning the return of our Lord.
2. The basic idea of the books make it good fantasy, but that is all it is fantasy! We need to be spreading the truth to those who have believed this story. Some of you have expressed your concern over this false teaching. Thanks be to God that you are concerned!
B. Another term for “rapture” is “dispensational premillennialism”.
1. It started about 1830 from the mind of John N. Darby. Dispensationalists believe that all human history falls into seven dispensations. According to them, we live in the sixth which is called the dispensation of “Grace”. The seventh and final age is called “The Millennium”.
2. Dispensationalists teach that our age will end with the “Rapture”.
C. The “Rapture” is contrary to the Word of God. We will look at this.
Body
I. “Rapture” teaches that the saved will be taken while the lost remain on earth and there are three different resurrections.
The Bible says:
A. Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43
B. John 5:28-30
C. We need to help others to understand that when the end comes all will be judged together. The idea of “rapture” teaches that the lost which remain on earth will have a “second chance” to obey during the seven years of tribulation. This is not true!
1. All will come out of the graves at the same time.
2. All will meet at the judgment seat of Christ (II Corinthians 5:10).
II. “Rapture” teaches a secret “coming” of the Lord along with two future “comings”.
The Bible says:
A. I Thessalonians 4:16 and Matthew 25:31ff (…all the holy angels with Him…)
B. Hebrews 9:27-28
C. The Bible speaks of the Lord’s return as anything but secret.
1. The timing of His return is kept from us, but the event itself, is not! All will see and know of His coming.
2. Jesus never stated, nor was it even recorded, that He would come back more than once. II Peter 3:10 states that when Jesus does return to judge the world, the earth and the works will be burned up.
3. After His return, there will be no earth left to return to another time.
III. “Rapture” teaches the Antichrist will lead forces against Christ and that the battle of Armageddon will bring in the kingdom.
The Bible says:
A. II John 1:7 (Four verses speak of antichrist – I John 2:18, 22, 4:3)
B. II Thessalonians 2:1-4
C. We should be teaching others that antichrist is anyone who denies Christ has come in the flesh.
1. The term is never used in the Bible to mean just one man who is a leader of forces of evil.
2. The battle of Armageddon is not some futurist war…the warfare that God and His followers are involved in is not carnal.
3. God does not need men to fight His battles (II Kings 19:35).
4. We are fighting this spiritual battle right now! – II Corinthians 10:3-4
Conclusion
A. The second coming will be on the last day, all the dead shall be raised, all mankind will be judged and be sent to their eternal destinations, and the earth will be destroyed.
B. May God bless your study of His Word – II Thessalonians 2:13-17
Morning Sermon at the Delight Church of Christ on September 14, 2014 by Roger Genung
1224 Henderson
St Delight, AR 71940
870-379-2808
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Galatians 06:01-05 – Bear One Another’s Burdens – audio
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Text: Galatians 6:1-5 (Reading by Don Treadway)
Introduction
A. Individually, we all have burdens to bear.
B. Collectively, we should strive to help with one another’s burdens.
C. By doing so, the law of Christ is fulfilled.
Body
I. We are all tempted, and may be overtaken by a trespass at any time.
A. The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. All brethren experience the same suffering, and we must resist him (1 Peter 5:8-9).
B. No temptation has overtaken you, except that which is common to man (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).
1) Temptation leads to sin, and sin to death (James 1:12-15).
2) All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; we have all been tempted (Romans 3:23).
3) Jesus was tempted in all points just as we were, but without sin (Hebrews 4:15-16; Matthew 4:1-10).
4) We continue with Jesus in His trials (Luke 22:28).
5) We are not sufficient of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God (2 Corinthians 3:5).
6) As we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we must examine ourselves as sinners; we examine the sinless Christ as the perfect sacrifice for our sins (1 Corinthians 11:28).
II. We must restore others in a spirit of gentleness.
A. God will render to each of us our deeds, and we should want our deeds to include helping others (Romans 2:5-9).
B. Christians are commanded to edify one another (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Ephesians 4:11-13,15-16,29; Hebrews 10:24-25).
C. Jesus said not to boast in relation to others as the Pharisee, but humble ourselves as the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14).
D. Paul also said not to think of ourselves too highly (Romans 12:3,5-6,8).
E. The strong ones should bear with the scruples of the weak (Romans 15:1-7,14).
F. We should bear with one another in love, with longsuffering (Ephesians 4:2).
III. Bearing one another’s burdens fulfills the law of Christ.
A. Jesus said that the scribes and Pharisees bind burdens on others, but will not move them (Matthew 23:1-4). He also proclaimed woe on lawyers who did the same thing (Luke 11:46).
B. Loving your neighbor as yourself is the royal law according to Scripture (James 2:8; Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:28-33).
C. Jesus 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).”
Conclusion
A. Are we bearing one another’s burdens?
B. Are we fulfilling the law of Christ?
C. Let us not think of ourselves as above others.
D. Rather let us humble ourselves and help each other get to Heaven.
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 John 05:18-21 – Certainties of the Christian Faith – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:18-21
Introduction
1. In this last section of John’s epistle, we find him summarizing three facts or “certainties” that his readers should have learned – 1 John 5:18-21
2. These certainties of the Christian Faith relate to sin, the evil one, and the truth concerning fellowship with God and Jesus Christ
3. Each of these certainties is introduced by the words we know, and as we consider these three facts we shall begin each section in the same way
Body
I. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THOSE BORN OF GOD AND SIN (1 John 5:18)
A. “WHOEVER IS BORN OF GOD DOES NOT SIN“
1. This statement, like the one in 1 John 3:9, can be somewhat troubling to the English reader
2. But as we noticed in the lesson on that portion of scripture
a. John has already affirmed that Christians sin – 1 John 1:8, 10
b. To say we have no sin is to lie, and to make God a liar
c. So John is talking about one who does not continuously practice sin
B. “BUT HE WHO HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD KEEPS HIMSELF“
1. John explains why the one born of God does not continuously practice sin, but it is difficult to know exactly what he means
a. Some translations have keeps him instead of keeps himself
b. This is because most translators believe he who has been born of God is a reference to Jesus
c. And yet in his epistle, the phrase born of God always has reference to the child of Christ, i.e., the Christian
2. Assuming that himself is the correct wording
a. It becomes clear that the individual bears some responsibility in keeping oneself from sinning
b. While it is true that we have help from God – 1 John 3:9
c. Our faith must cooperate with God’s power – 1Pe 1:5
d. Thus the charge to keep yourselves – 1 John 5:21; Jude 21
C. “THE WICKED ONE DOES NOT TOUCH HIM“
1. When we cooperate with God, Satan has no chance
a. When we submit to God, and resist the devil, the devil flees! – James 4:7
b. For God who is in us is certainly greater than the devil! – 1 John 4:4
2. Instrumental in our cooperation with God is allowing His word to abide in us – 1 John 2:14
3. Even as the Word was instrumental in helping Jesus overcome the temptations of Satan – “it is written…” Matthew 4:4, 7, 10
D. So the first certainty of the Christian faith is that one born of God does not treat sin lightly, and with God’s help is able to win the conflict with the wicked one.
II. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US AND THE WORLD (1 John 5:19)
A. “WE ARE OF GOD”
1. The Christian has been “born of God” – 1 John 5:1
2. The Christian is privileged to be called the “child of God” – 1 John 3:1-2a
3. Thus we are blessed to be “of God”!
B. “THE WHOLE WORLD LIES UNDER THE SWAY OF THE WICKED ONE“
1. Sadly, those in the world are not of God
2. For when one rejects Jesus Christ, they demonstrate who their father truly is – John 8:42-47
3. While they remain in their sins, they remain under the sway of Satan – 1 John 3:8, 10
C. Whose child are you?
1. Those who are in Christ have the assurance that God is their father.
2. Those not in Christ are still under the influences of Satan who has blinded them! – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
III. THE BASIS OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE (1 John 5:20)
A. “THE SON OF GOD HAS COME AND HAS GIVEN US UNDERSTANDING”
1. Jesus has come to give us true insight concerning God
2. As John declared in his gospel: “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” – John 1:18
B. “THAT WE MAY KNOW”
1. “…Him who is true“
a. Or as expressed in other translations: He is the true God
b. By true God [John] does not mean one who tells the truth, but him who is really God.
c. By coming in the flesh, Jesus has manifested the true God to us – John 14:7-9
2. “…and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ“
a. Jesus has also given us understanding about how we can be in God
b. It is through His Son, as we keep His words and His commandments, that we can abide in God – John 14:21,23
C. “THIS IS THE TRUE GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE“
1. Again, the expression “true God” is saying He who is “the real God“
2. With this declaration, John is also defining what eternal life truly is
a. It is to “know” Him who is true
b. It is to be “in Him” who is true, and “in His Son Jesus Christ“
3. In other words, eternal life (as defined by John) is that abundant life
a. Which comes from knowing the Father and the Son intimately
b. Which comes by having fellowship with the Father and the Son
4. So John intimated at the beginning of his epistle – 1 John 1:2-3
5. And so Jesus declared in His prayer – John 17:1-3
Conclusion
1. Here then are the certainties of the Christian Faith as summarized by John
a. “We know” the relationship between those born of God and sin
b. “We know” the difference between us and those of the world
c. “We know” the basis of fellowship with God and eternal life
2. May the First Epistle of John always serve to remind of these certainties, and may the last verse always remind us of the need for diligence: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” – 1 John 5:21
3. With his favorite term of endearment, John admonishes us to stay away from anything that would replace our devotion to the One True God
a. We may think that we are too sophisticated to succumb to idolatry
b. But as Paul pointed out time and again, anything that replaces God in our hearts is an idol – Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5
NOTE WELL: If there was no danger of being led astray, there would be no need for a warning!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 05:14-17 – Praying with Confidence and Compassion – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:14-17
Introduction
1. Rapidly approaching the end of his epistle, John has a few words on the subject of prayer – 1 John 5:14-17
2. This is not the first time he has broached this subject, for he has already mentioned…
a. The value of confessing our sins, which is done in prayer – 1 John 1:9
b. Our Advocate in prayer, Jesus Christ the righteous – 1 John 2:1
c. One reason why we receive what we ask in prayer – 1 John 3:22
3. In his final words on this subject, John does two things:
a. Expands upon a theme in prayer already introduced praying with confidence
b. Brings in another theme in prayer that is harmony with his teachings on brotherly love, praying with compassion
Body
I. PRAYING WITH CONFIDENCE (1 John 5:14-15)
A. REQUIRES ASKING ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL
1. This is the point emphasized in 1 John 5:14-15
2. Confidence in prayer is not based upon some assumption that we have carte blanche in regards to prayer
a. Some may improperly conclude that we do from Jesus’ statements in John 14:13-14
b. But even Jesus’ own example illustrates that answer to prayer depends upon whether or not it is in harmony with God’s will – Matthew 26:39, 42
c. Paul learned this same lesson when he prayed about his thorn in the flesh – 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
3. However, the more we learn God’s revealed will
a. The more likely we will pray according to His will
b. The greater confidence we can have that our prayers will be answered accordingly
B. REQUIRES KEEPING GOD’S COMMANDMENTS
1. This was stressed in 1 John 3:22
2. Even if we are asking something that would normally be within God’s will for us
a. If we are not keeping His commandments
b. …can we really expect God to favorably answer our prayers?
3. As Peter quoted from the Proverbs: “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And his ears are open to their prayers…” – 1 Peter 3:12
4. The righteous, of course, are those who “do those things that are pleasing in His sight” – 1 John 3:22b
5. Especially in regard to believing in Jesus and loving the brethren, two commandments given to us – 1 John 3:23
C. REQUIRES ABIDING IN JESUS, AND HIS WORDS ABIDING IN US
1. This was taught by Jesus Himself, and recorded by John – John 15:7
2. This should also help to clarify any misunderstanding from taking John 14:13-14 in isolation from its context
3. These words of Jesus actually summarize what we have already seen John to say
a. Confidence in prayer depends upon keeping the commandments, but keeping the commandments is the key to abiding in Jesus! – 1 John 3:24a
b. Confidence in prayer depends upon asking according to God’s Will, but if Jesus’ words abide in us, won’t that help us know what God’s will is, and what is proper to ask of Him?
D. Therefore, if we learn the words of Jesus, keep His commandments and thereby abide in Him, we will know what is in harmony with God’s will and pray accordingly. In this way we can have the confidence in prayer of which John writes!
II. PRAYING WITH COMPASSION (1 John 5:16-17)
A. FOR A BROTHER
1. This epistle of John has been one in which John has stressed “brotherly love“
2. He has told us that we “ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” – 1 John 3:16
3. He has said that if “one sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?“- 1 John 3:17
4. Certainly, then, we should be willing and ready to pray for our brethren
B. SINNING A SIN NOT UNTO DEATH
1. This is a difficult passage, one that raises several questions
a. What is the “sin not unto death” versus the “sin unto death“?
b. What is meant that “He will give him life“?
c. Whatever conclusions we draw should be in harmony with the rest of the scriptures, and with other principles revealed therein, just as we do not draw conclusions about praying with confidence based upon John 4:13-14 alone
2. To understanding of this passage we must see:
a. The difference between “a sin which does not lead to death” and “a sin leading to death” is:
1) John says in 1 John 5:17a, “all unrighteousness is sin“, therefore all sin is not to be taken lightly
2) But there is sin “not leading to death“
a) That is, sin which does not progress to the point in which one experiences spiritual death, or separation from God
b) As indicated by James, sin does not produce “death” until it is “full grown” – James 1:15
c) Sin which does not produce (lead to) death would therefore be sin “repented of“
3) Sin “leading to death”, producing spiritual death and separation from God would be sin “unrepented of“
a) We cannot expect God to forgive one who refuses to repent
b) As John writes with some understatement: “I do not say that he should pray about that” – 1 John 5:16d
C. GOD WILL GIVE HIM LIFE
1. If the “death” in this passage is “spiritual death“, it is natural to assume the life is “spiritual life“
a. The “life” which God will grant our penitent brother in answer to our prayers could also be described as “forgiveness“
b. Which is a crucial element of the “eternal life” to which John has referred throughout this epistle
2. Thus the promise offered in 1 John 1:9 to the child of God who penitently confesses his own sin in prayer is offered in 1 John 5:16 to the penitent brother when prayer is made on his behalf by another member of the family of God
a. One might ask, “Why bother to pray for a penitent brother if his sins will be forgiven anyway,” as taught in 1 John 1:9?
b. One answer might be found in James 5:16, where we are taught to pray for one another: “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.“
Conclusion
1. The privilege of prayer is a wonderful blessing, especially when we do so with:
a. Confidence
b. Compassion
2. Are we fulfilling the requirements to be able to pray with confidence?
a. Abiding in Jesus, and letting His words abide in us?
b. Keeping His commandments and doing the things pleasing in His sight?
c. Asking according to God’s Will?
3. Are we praying with compassion?
a. Praying not only for ourselves, but for our brethren in need?
b. Praying for brethren overtaken by sin, but who have demonstrated that their sin is not one leading to death?
3. As we all need the fullness of God’s blessings in our lives, let’s encourage one another to do whatever we can to be able to pray with both confidence and compassion!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 05:11-13 – Life in the Son – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:11-13
Introduction
1. We saw in this morning’s sermon that the word “witness” was used eight times in one form or another – 1 John 5:6-10
2. A form of the word is used again in 1 John 5:11-13, translated as “testimony” in the NKJV (“record” in 1 John 5:11-13 KJV)
3. In these verses, John reviews the “testimony” that God has given about His Son
a. In this case, it does not appear to be the “evidence” God has offered (that was covered in 1 John 5:6-10)
b. Rather, it is the “result” of the testimony which the evidence supports
4. What is the “result” of God’s testimony concerning His Son? What has God declared? And what does John say about these things?
Body
I. GOD HAS GIVEN US ETERNAL LIFE (1 John 5:11a)
A. ETERNAL LIFE: A PRESENT POSSESSION, OR A FUTURE HOPE?
1. John writes of “eternal life” as a present possession
a. “God has given us (not will give us) eternal life” – 1 John 5:11
b. “He who has the Son has (not will have) life” – 1 John 5:12
c. “that you may know that you have (not will have) eternal life” – 1 John 5:13
2. Yet Paul wrote of “eternal life” as a future hope
a. “who will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those…” – Romans 2:6-7
b. “you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” – Romans 6:22
c. Which then is it? A present possession, or a future hope?
B. ETERNAL LIFE: BOTH A PRESENT POSSESSION AND A FUTURE HOPE!
1. I believe it is “both”, not one or the other
2. This is a case where the same term (eternal life) is used by different authors to describe different concepts
a. Paul normally uses the term to describe that which begins after the judgment
1) The same way Jesus uses it in Matthew 25:46
2) And again in John 12:25
b. Whereas John uses the term to describe the life we now have in Christ because of the fellowship we enjoy with the Father and the Son
1) Jesus defined “eternal life” as knowing the Father and His Son – John 17:1-3
2) John defines it similarly in 1 John 5:20
3. We must be careful, therefore, and allow the immediate context to determine the proper meaning by a particular author
C. THE MEANING OF ETERNAL LIFE IN OUR TEXT
1. John began his epistle by referring to Jesus as “that eternal life” – 1 John 1:2
2. He ends his epistle by describing eternal life as knowing Him who is true and being in Him who is true (i.e., in Jesus) – 1 John 5:20
3. This leads me to conclude that John uses “eternal life” in the same way Jesus did in John 17:3
4. In other words, a quality of life that comes from having true fellowship with Deity
a. Which begins upon our conversion from “death” to “life” – 1 John 3:14-15
b. Which comes from knowing God and Jesus (the term “knowing” suggesting a close and personal relationship, not a casual awareness)
c. Because God and Jesus are “eternal life” (cf. 1 John 1:2), those in fellowship with them have life that is best described as “eternal” (in quality)
D. So the testimony of God is first this: He has given us “eternal life”, a quality of life based upon fellowship with Deity!
II. ETERNAL LIFE IS IN HIS SON (1 John 5:11b-12)
A. HE WHO HAS THE SON HAS LIFE
1. We saw where Jesus defined “eternal life” as knowing God and Himself – John 17:3
2. As confessed by Peter, only Jesus truly has “the words of eternal life” – John 6:68
3. Paul wrote that all spiritual blessings (of which eternal life is one) are found in Jesus Christ – Ephesians 1:3
4. The conclusion should be fairly obvious: it is only in Jesus that eternal life can be found, and if we wish to have eternal life, we must be in Jesus!
B. HE WHO DOES NOT HAVE THE SON OF GOD DOES NOT HAVE LIFE
1. This sounds rather exclusive, but no more so than Jesus’ own words – John 14:6
2. Peter also made it clear that salvation (life) is found only in Jesus – Acts 4:12
3. Therefore, one who remains outside of Christ has no hope for eternal life (in either sense of term)
C. Of course, it is not the will of God than any perish – 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4
D. Therefore, through His Spirit He inspired John to write so we might know whether or not we have the Son.
III. WE MAY KNOW THAT WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE (1 John 5:13)
A. JOHN HAS WRITTEN THAT WE MIGHT KNOW…
1. That has been the purpose of this particular epistle
2. His desire is that we “know” we are saved, not just hope that we are
a. “Now by this we know that we know Him…” – 1 John 2:3
b. “By this we know that we are in Him.” – 1 John 2:5b
c. “We know we have passed from death to life…” – 1 John 3:14a
d. “And by this we know that we are of the truth…” – 1 John 3:19a
e. “And by this we know that He abides in us…” – 1 John 3:24b
f. “By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us…” – 1 John 4:13a
3. Thus, throughout his epistle he has been giving us “benchmarks” by which we can know whether we have eternal life in us
B. WHEN DOES ONE “KNOW” THEY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?
1. When they keep the commandments of Jesus – 1 John 2:3-4
2. When they keep His words – 1 John 2:5
3. When they love the brethren – 1 John 3:14
4. When they believe what the Spirit has revealed about such things – 1 John 3:24; 4:13
5. When they confess Jesus to be the Son of God – 1 John 4:15
6. When they believe that Jesus is the Christ – 1 John 5:1
7. Taken together, these “benchmarks” reveal that one truly “knows” the Lord, and thereby has “eternal life” – 1 John 5:20
Conclusion
1. John’s desire was that his Christian readers would continue to believe in the name of the Son of God – 1 John 5:13c
a. That is my desire also, and I pray that in some small way that I have encouraged you to remain strong in your faith in Jesus Christ
b. If you do not yet believe, or your faith is weak, I recommend to you the Gospel of John – John 20:30-31
2. Dear friend, do you truly have “eternal life”?
a. Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who came in the flesh and died for our sins? – John 8:24
b. Are you keeping the commands of Jesus?
1) Such as His command to be baptized? – Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16
2) Which we learn from His apostles is the means by which we receive Christ? – Galatians 3:26-27
c. Do you love the brethren? – John 13:34-35
3. May this First Epistle of John encourage you to examine whether you really “know” Jesus Christ, and thereby have “eternal life” in Him!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 05:06-10 – Witnesses for Jesus Christ – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:6-10 KJV (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
1. Earlier in his epistle, John stressed two important things
a. That Jesus Christ has come in the flesh – 1 John 4:2
b. That those who believe Jesus Christ has come in the flesh are “of God”; indeed, they have been “born of God” – 1 John 4:2; 5:1a
2. In the text for our study (1 John 5:6-10), John offers five “witnesses” in support of these claims made about Jesus
a. The key word is “witness”, and in various forms is found eight times in our text (nine, if you count 1 John 5:8)
b. The word in Greek is “martureo” {mar-too-reh’-o}, and it means:
1) “to be a witness, i.e. testify”
2) “to give evidence for, to bear record:
Body
I. THE WITNESS OF THE WATER AND THE BLOOD (1 John 5:6a, 1 John 5:8b)
A. THE LIKELY CONTEXT OF JOHN’S WORDS
1. Evidently there was a doctrine that denied Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh – 1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 7
2. A heretical movement later known as Gnosticism was developing at this time
3. One representative of Gnosticism, a man named Cerinthus, taught:
a. That the divine Christ descended upon Jesus at the time of his baptism
b. And then left him before he died on the cross
4. Thus the Gnostics claimed that the “Christ” did not experience death
B. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WATER AND THE BLOOD
1. The “water” likely refers to Jesus’ birth, and the “blood” to His death on the cross
2. John’s emphasis is that Jesus Christ came by both water and blood, and not by water only – 1 John 5:6a
3. Thus emphasizing that not only was the Christ present at the baptism, but that He also suffered in the flesh on the cross
II. THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT (1 John 5:6b)
A. THE SPIRIT ALSO BEARS WITNESS
1. Because of His involvement in the earthly life of Jesus, the Spirit can testify to:
a. The conception of Jesus – Matthew 1:20
b. The baptism of Jesus – Matthew 3:16
c. The temptation of Jesus – Luke 4:1
d. The ministry of Jesus – Luke 4:18
2. According to Jesus, the Holy Spirit was to testify about Jesus – John 15:26
3. The Holy Spirit did this by inspiring the apostles and confirming their word with spiritual gifts – John 16:13-14; Hebrews 2:3-4
B. THE SPIRIT AGREES WITH THE WATER AND THE BLOOD (1 John 5:8b)
1. The Spirit, the water, and the blood, all three bear witness, and agree as one
2. That is, they all testify that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh!
3. The significance of having three witnesses agreeing may be taken from the requirement found in Deuteronomy 19:15, “by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.“
(At this point we might simply note that most translations omit the words from “in heaven” (1 John 5:7) through “on earth” (1 John 5:8). Apparently there is good reason for doing so, since these words are found only in four or five manuscripts, and none dating earlier than the 14th century A.D. They are not found in literally thousands of manuscripts dating much earlier. They are likely a gloss.)
III. THE WITNESS OF GOD (1 John 5:9)
A. WHICH OUGHT TO HAVE GREAT WEIGHT WITH US
1. “If we receive the witness of men…”
a. This is a simple conditional sentence that is true to fact
b. It means “Since we receive the witness of men…” (which we do in courts of law, don’t we?)
2. Any witness of God would naturally be greater than that of man
B. GOD HAS TESTIFIED OF HIS SON
1. Certainly God has born witness to Jesus on several occasions
a. At His baptism – Matthew 3:17
b. At the mount of transfiguration – Matthew 17:5
2. So we have three witnesses who in agreement speak for the fourth witness (God).
IV. THE WITNESS IN THE BELIEVER (1 John 5:10a)
A. HE WHO BELIEVES IN THE SON OF GOD HAS THE WITNESS IN HIMSELF
1. This statement is reminiscent of Jesus’ words in John 7:16-17
a. Those who do the will of God (as taught by Jesus):
b. …shall know that the doctrine of Christ is truly from God
2. Likewise the one who believes in the Son, receives confirmation “in himself”…
a. About who Jesus truly is
b. How one who believes in Him is “born of God”
B. ADMITTEDLY, THIS IS A VERY SUBJECTIVE WITNESS
1. As such, one must be very careful with it
2. Many people can easily deceive themselves into thinking that some feeling is an indication that they are saved, or that God has confirmed something to them – Proverbs 14:12; 16:25
3. But if we believe (and act upon) the witness of God concerning His Son:
a. Revealed in His Spirit-inspired Word
b. Which agrees with the witness of the water and the blood… then we will have confirmation in ourselves that Jesus is truly the Son of God!
4. One way we have confirmation is the change that takes place in our lives as we grow in Christ
a. Just as our love for one another is an indication of passing from death to life – 1 John 3:14
b. Just as our unity with one another is evidence that Jesus was truly sent from God – John 17:20-23
Conclusion
1. These are the “witnesses”, then, that John offers in support of Jesus Christ
a. That He came in the flesh
b. That those who believe Jesus is the Christ are “born of God”
2. The first four (water, blood, Spirit, God) provide their evidence whether you believe them or not; but if you will believe them, then you will receive the fifth (the witness in yourself)!
3. But suppose you do not believe the four witnesses? John says you then make God a liar! – 1 John 5:10b
a. Do you wish to stand before God on the Day of Judgment and answer why you believed Him to be a liar?
b. How much better to believe on the Son, and through obedient faith become His child! – Galatians 3:26-27
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Mark 10:35-45 – A Selfish Request – audio
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Text: Mark 10:35-45
Introduction
A. Sometimes people ask for something and do not realize the nature of the request.
B. Sometimes a simple request can be of great importance.
C. It may turn out for greater good than realized
D. Or it can turn out to cause more problems than anticipated.
E. A case in point involves James and John, two of Jesus’ apostles.
Body
I. They wanted Jesus to do something for them.
A) Sometimes we want something for selfish reasons, and God does not give us what we want.
B) Instead, He gives us what we need (James 4:1-3; Matthew 6:33).
II. They wanted what they considered the best places of authority.
A. This was a common request of the scribes (Mark 12:38-40)
B. And of the Pharisees (Luke 11:43)
C. Both of which Jesus warned against.
III. They claimed they were able to drink the cup that Jesus drank (John 18:11; Matthew 26:39) and be baptized with the same baptism that Jesus was baptized with (John 12:50).
A. Jesus said it was not for Him to grant this request
B. Instead, they would receive what was prepared and deserved (Hebrews 11:13-16; Revelation 21:1-2; Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46).
IV. This request caused many others to be displeased with them.
V. Jesus stressed that even though some appear to be great on the outside, they are not great on the inside.
A. Greatness is not all about exercising authority or power.
B. Greatness is about being a servant.
1) Jesus Christ came to be a servant (Luke 22:27; John 13:14-17; Philippians 2:7-8).
2) Jesus Christ gave His life as a ransom for many (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 2:14).
Conclusion
A. What would you request of Jesus?
1) Would it be beneficial?
2) Would it cause conflict?
B. How would it affect your eternal salvation?
Content by Richard Dillon
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