Historical Posts
Is Homosexuality Acceptable to God? audio
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Introduction
With all the hype surrounding A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” it would be helpful to see exactly what the Bible teaches regarding the issue of homosexuality.
It is widely accepted in society, but is it accepted by God, to whom we must give an account?
Body
I. God’s original plan for mankind.
A. In the beginning, God made two sexes: male and female. He did not make male and male, nor female and female (Genesis 1:27-28). The reason? They were to go forth and multiply! Reproduction can only occur with members of the opposite sex! When God saw that man was alone, He made a helper comparable to him. Did He make another man? No! He made a woman (Genesis 2:18-24).
B. God commanded the children of Israel not to have relations with members of the opposite sex (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). It is an abomination before the LORD!
C. Jesus often taught people the words of His Heavenly Father concerning marriage. He put His seal of approval on the fact that God joins men and women in marriage (Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9).
D. The apostle Paul taught the Ephesians the relationship Christ has with His church, as a husband has with his wife. He affirmed the same words of Jesus that a “man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh (Ephesians 5:31).” He taught the Romans that we must follow God’s design. If not, He will allow us to continue to live in sin with dire consequences (Romans 1:21-32). This is “shameful!”
II. God punishes those who do not follow His plan.
A. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were known for their exceeding wickedness, including sexual immorality (Genesis 13:13; 18:20,23,25). Men tried to commit immortality with the men that stayed in Lot’s house; these same men told Lot to leave before God destroyed those cities (Genesis 19). Later, Peter and Jude remind us of these examples so we will not suffer the same destruction (2 Peter 2:6-7; Jude 7).
B. Another similar instance occurred in the land of Gibeah. Men came to the house where a certain Levite was staying, and wanted to know him carnally. He would not give in, but instead gave them his concubine. Her death came as a result (Judges 19).
C. Paul reminds us that those that practice homosexuality will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Conclusion
God clearly disapproves of homosexuality, but makes it possible to not continue practicing it! Just as the Corinthians, we can be washed by the blood of Jesus Christ after repenting (1 Corinthians 6:11).
It is good to know God’s law, but one must use it lawfully. Paul taught Timothy that God gives His law to sinners to know right from wrong, and the gospel to save them (1 Timothy 1:8-11). Notice that sodomites again are mentioned as sinners in this context.
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Corinthians 05:14-17 All Things Become New – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 05:14-17
Introduction
The apostle Paul summarizes what the Christian life is all about. He begins telling the Corinthians that as Christ died for everyone, we should all live for Him and not ourselves. To be a Christian, we must:
1) Be in Christ
2) Allow the former things to pass away
3) Let all things become new
(2 Corinthians 5:14-17)
Body
I. We must be in Christ.
A. There is only one way to get into Christ: baptism.
(Galatians 3:26-27)
B. One must be in Christ in order to receive all spiritual blessings.
(Ephesians 1:3)
C. Being in Christ means that one must wear the name of Christ.
(Acts 11:26)
II. The former things have passed away.
A. We must die to sin in order to live a new life in Christ.
(Romans 6:1-11)
B. The Corinthians were living in sin, but did not have to any longer.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
C. Paul died to the law, being crucified to Christ.
(Galatians 2:19-20)
D. Paul was crucified to the world, and the world to him.
(Galatians 6:14; Colossians 2:20-22)
III. All things have become new.
A. We no longer think like the world; rather, we are transformed by renewing our minds.
(Romans 12:2)
B. The old man is put off with his deeds, and we put on the new man.
(Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:5-15)
C. We no longer follow after fleshly things; now we walk after the Spirit.
(Romans 7:4-6; 8:1-11)
Conclusion
As the new year unfolds, so should the Christian! The old man is gone, and now we must wear the name of Christ.
Let us put on the new man every day, and lead many souls to Christ!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Making Melody in Your Heart to God – audio
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Introduction
Tonight is a night that many have looked forward to for a while. It is our “singing emphasis” night! We should all be in a joyous mood.
James tells Christians, “…Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms (James 5:13).” The nature of human beings is to sing when happy; how much more when we sing to the One who makes us eternally happy?
Body
I. We sing to God.
The apostle Paul clearly instructs us to “sing…and make melody in our hearts to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19).” Similarly, he tells the Colossians to “sing with grace in your hearts to the Lord (Colossians 3:16).”
God has done so much for us. In fact, He created us (Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 100:3), and designed us so that our hearts have the opportunity to be pure in His sight.
A. Note that we make melody in our hearts.
Just as Christ offered Himself a sweet-smelling aroma to God (Ephesians 5:2), so do we. To those that are being saved and those who are perishing, we are the fragrance of Christ to God (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). A melody is a sweet sounding savor, just as God commands us to be for Him. God is pleased when our hearts are dear to Him in praise of song.
B. Note that we sing with grace in our hearts.
We are saved by the grace of God through our faith (Titus 2:11-15; Ephesians 2:8). Our singing to God should express thankfulness for the spiritual gifts in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). The apostle Paul often is thankful for the grace of God that came upon him (1 Corinthians 3:10; 15:10), and extends that grace toward others. For example, he told the Galatians: “Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Galatians 6:18).”
II. We edify one another.
Paul directs us to “speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19).” Similarly, he told the Colossians to: “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16)…”
We must remember that God is our audience and that we are singing with fellow Christians! How encouraging it is when we all come together to sing praises to God. The psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs uplift us as we describe the goodness of God.
The words of each song speak of God’s goodness toward man, man’s responsibility to God, and man’s relationship with man. Each message in song is edifying to us all.
Conclusion
I pray this evening that God has been pleased with our worship, and that we all have been edified. Let us all be encouraged to spread the word of Christ and His blessings.
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 John 01:03-07 True Fellowship – audio
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Text: 1 John 1:3-7
Introduction
True fellowship means:
- Sharing all things
- Having communion with
- Being in partnership
- Having a close mutual relationship
- Jointly participating with
- Contributing to, or even giving to others
In John’s first epistle, he explains how we can have true fellowship with God, Christ, himself, and others (1 John 1:3-7).
Body
I. We have fellowship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit (1 John 1:3,6).
A. From the beginning, God had something in common with man. He created him in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27). Later, Christ (who was God in the flesh, John 1:1-2,14) prayed that we would be one just as He is one with God (John 17:20-26).
B. God has called us into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9). When we partake of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week (Acts 20:7), we have fellowship with Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). This is just part of being a Christian. Paul truly knew that by being baptized into Christ, we fellowship in His sufferings and death (Philippians 3:10; Romans 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:12).
C. When one becomes a Christian, he receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). There is only one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4), and when Christians obey that one gospel, we have fellowship with the Spirit (Philippians 2:1-2; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
II. Christians have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:3,7).
A. The fact that we are Christians simply implies that we have fellowship! After all, we are all children of God and are trying to live faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10).
B. Regardless of background, we can have fellowship in Christ (Romans 1:16; Galatians 2:9; 3:27-28).
C. Those in Macedonia and Achaia are good examples of fellowshipping by helping those who are in need (Romans 15:26-27; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4; 9:13).
D. We have fellowship in spreading the gospel and sharing our faith (Philippians 1:5; Philemon 6; Ephesians 4:5; Jude 3).
E. We are to continue in fellowship (Acts 2:42,44-47; Hebrews 13:16).
III. Just as there are those we can have fellowship with, there are those we cannot fellowship with.
A. We cannot fellowship with demons, or devils (1 Corinthians 10:20-21). Paul was speaking in context of serving things rather than God (idolatry).
B. Christians do not fellowship with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 John 1:7; John 1:5; 1 Peter 2:9).
Conclusion
God wants us to be in fellowship with Him, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and all believers. It is a wonderful blessing! On the other hand, we must not fellowship with the world. Who are you in fellowship with?
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 Corinthians 15:14-20 Thankful for the Murder of Christ – audio
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Text: 1 Corinthians 15:14-20
Introduction
This morning we studied how Stephen accused his listeners of being betrayers and murderers of Jesus Christ. I am very thankful that these things did happen!
Paul taught the Corinthians that Jesus had to die to rise again; if Christ had not risen, we would not have any hope of eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:14-20).
Thus, God gave us a gift that cannot be described (2 Corinthians 9:15).
Body
I. God gave us Jesus Christ.
A. God loved us so much that He gave us His only begotten Son (John 3:16).
B. The gift of Jesus Christ results in our justification from sin (Romans 5:16-18).
C. God’s gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
II. God gave us grace.
A. Grace is God’s gift for salvation, but must be accompanied by faith (Ephesians 2:8).
B. God gives us faith through study of His Word, another precious gift (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
III. God gives us everything.
A. God gives us every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).
B. It was God’s will to bring us forth by the word of truth (James 1:18). His Son and Word are truth (John 14:6; 17:17).
Conclusion
As Joseph’s brothers intended harm for him but God for good (Genesis 50:20), so did the people harm Christ for evil but God meant it for good. I am thankful that Christ died for my sins and that through Him I can find salvation and everlasting life (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
“Gratitude…goes beyond the ‘mine’ and ‘thine’ and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.”—Henri J. M. Nouwen
“It is delightfully easy to thank God for the grace we ourselves have received, but it requires great grace to thank God always for the grace given to others.”—James Smith
Content by Richard Dillon
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Acts 07:37-53 Stephen’s Sermon Stings – audio
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Text: Acts 7:37-53
Introduction
Last Sunday night’s sermon helped us learn about those with hardened hearts and stiffened necks. Today we want to study about many that suffered from those symptoms, and the damage that was caused.
In fact, it is very relevant for all of us even today.
Body
I. Stephen preached about Moses.
A. Many years earlier, Moses told the children of Israel that God would raise up for them a Prophet like him (Acts 7:37). The Old Testament records when Moses spoke these words (Deuteronomy 18:15,18-19).
Naturally, that Prophet was Jesus Christ! Jesus would later appear with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration, and it was made clear that we should no longer hear Moses or the prophets, but rather Christ (Matthew 17:4-5).
B. Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, and later gave them God’s commandments from Mt. Sinai (Exodus 12-20).
Stephen said their fathers rejected those commandments (Acts 7:38-39). John also testified that Moses gave the law, but grace and truth came from Jesus Christ (John 1:17).
C. The people denied Moses and turned back to Egypt in their hearts (Acts 7:40-43). They also began to serve idolatry (Exodus 32, Deuteronomy 9:16).
II. Stephen preached about Christ.
A. Just as their fathers rejected Moses, the people rejected Christ who Moses spoke about (Acts 7:51-53).
1) The LORD taught Samuel that Israel had rejected Him from reigning over them (1 Samuel 8:7).
2) The LORD sent prophets, and as Stephen said, they were all killed (2 Chronicles 36:15-16).
3) Stephen’s audience was stung by hearing they were betrayers and murderers (Acts 7:52-53). Maybe some heard something similar by Peter (Acts 2:22-24,36; 3:13-15,18).
B. Moses was the lawgiver until Christ came (Galatians 3:19). When Christ arrived, He is the Mediator of the New Covenant (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 12:24).
C. The common factor between the people of Moses’ day and Christ’s day is they both resisted the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51).
1) The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession (Ephesians 1:14).
2) We should not grieve the Holy Spirit as Stephen knew they were doing (Ephesians 4:30).
3) God gives us the Holy Spirit, and by rejecting Him we reject God (1 Thessalonians 4:8; 2 Timothy 3:16).
4) God reveals the hidden things through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10; 2 Peter 1:16-21).
Conclusion
Jesus taught that people would not always listen to Him, and they will not always listen to us.
Jesus says that when people hear us, they hear Him; if they reject us, they reject Him (Luke 16:10; John 13:20).
Jesus also knew that as He was persecuted, we will also (John 15:20). Stephen was then persecuted, even to death (Acts 7:54ff.).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Exodus 17:1-7 Hardened Hearts and Stiff Necks – audio
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Text: Exodus 17:1-7
Introduction
While in college, a Bible professor called me “Dr. Dillon.” I may not be a physical doctor by any means, but can easily identify two common diseases: hardened hearts and stiffened necks. These are very common in the Old Testament.
Body
I. Hardened hearts
A. The children of Israel had hardened hearts as they wondered in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4; 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13).
B. The LORD told Ezekiel about Israel’s hardened hearts (Ezekiel 3:7-9).
C. Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar were removed from their kingdoms because of hardened hearts (Daniel 5:18-23).
D. The priests questioned the Philistines regarding their hardness of hearts, just as Pharaoh and the Egyptians (1 Samuel 6:6; Exodus 7-14).
1) Pharaoh at times hardened his heart.
2) The LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart other times. “God hardens the heart when He withdraws influences of His Spirit from men, and leaves them to pursue their own corrupt inclinations (Webster).”
II. Stiffened necks
A. Israel and Judah had stiffened necks, and the LORD led them captive to Assyria (2 Kings 17:13-17).
B. King Hezekiah encouraged some not to be stiff-necked as their fathers were (2 Chronicles 30:8).
C. King Zedekiah stiffened his neck before the LORD (2 Chronicles 36:11-13).
III. Applications
A. Calamity befalls those who harden their hearts and stiffen their necks before the LORD (Proverbs 28:14; 29:1).
B. Great wrath from the LORD will come upon them (Zechariah 7:11-14; Romans 2:5-6).
C. They will not enter into the LORD’s eternal rest (Psalm 95:7-11; Hebrews 3:7-15).
Conclusion
God shows us the Remedy, but we have to apply it.
Do you have a hardened heart?
Soften, or humble, it before God. Humble yourself, and God will lift you up (James 4:7-10).
Do you have a stiff neck?
Loosen it so as to encourage your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (Luke 15:20; Acts 20:37-38; Romans 16:3-4).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Luke 23:20-25 Who Crucified Jesus? audio
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Text: Luke 23:20-25
Introduction
Who crucified Jesus? – Galatians 3:1
Body
I. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? THE JEWS!
A. Jesus said the Jews – Matthew 16:21
B. John says the Jews sought to – John 7:1
C. Peter accused the Jews – Acts 2: 36
D. But the Jews didn’t actually do it – Acts 13:26-29; Mark 14:64
E. The Jews accept the responsibility for it – Matthew 27:24-25
II. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? THE GENTILES!
A. Jesus said the Gentiles would – Matthew 20:18-19
B. Early Christians said the Gentiles did – Acts 4:23-28
C. Paul said the Gentiles – 1 Corinthians 2:8-9
III. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? GOD!
A. God foreordained it – Acts 4:27-28; 2:22-23
B. God showed His love for us – John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 2:9
C. It was part of God’s eternal plan – 1 Peter 1:18-20; 1 Corinthians 2:7
D. Jesus GAVE His life for us – Matthew 20:28; John 10:17-18; Matthew 26:39
IV. WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS? YOU AND I!
A. Jesus died for OUR sins – 1 Peter 2:24-25
B. Jesus died to put away sin – Hebrews 9:26, 28.
C. Jesus offered one sacrifice – Hebrews 10:12; 2:9
Conclusion
A. The Jews – Admitted
B. The Gentiles – Committed
C. God – Permitted
D. Jesus – Submitted
E. You and I – Benefited
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Jude 1:20-21 Encouragement from Jude – audio
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Text: Jude 1:20-21
Introduction
As Christians, we all need encouragement.
Paul taught the Thessalonians, “therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as also you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11).”
As the early Christians did, so today we gather upon the first day of the week to worship God and edify one another.
Let us look at Jude’s encouraging words to Christians (Text: Jude 20-21).
Body
I. Build yourselves up on your most holy faith.
We have a most holy faith. Earlier in his epistle, Jude explained it was necessary to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered for the saints (Jude 3).” We can build ourselves up by contending earnestly for it! After all, it has been delivered.
How? “Faith has come from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).”
Since there is only one God, He gives us only one faith (Ephesians 4:4-6). We must remain in that faith, rooted and built up in Christ (Colossians 2:7).
Christians have a solid foundation in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), and must build upon that foundation.
Peter tells us exactly how to build our faith (2 Peter 1:5-8).
II. Pray in the Holy Spirit.
One responsibility and privilege Christians have is prayer. We are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), continue steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12), as taught by Christ (Luke 18:1).
Just as holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21), so we need the Holy Spirit to speak to God. We all have our weaknesses, and sometimes do not know how to pray, or what to pray for. The Holy Spirit can intercede for us with groanings that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).
III. Keep yourselves in the love of God.
Paul made it very clear that there is nothing in this world that can separate us from God’s love for us (Romans 8:35-39). On the other hand, is there anything that may separate us from loving God?
Jesus said if we love Him we must keep His commandments (John 14:15). To keep loving Him is to keep doing what He commands us. He commands us to love each other as He has loved us (John 13:34; 15:12-17).
IV. We have the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life to look forward to.
Paul said to Titus that we look forward to “the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).”
Even Mary proclaimed: “His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation (Luke 1:50).”
We do not need to say, “Lord have mercy on me” as many did to Jesus; rather, He is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4), and we can obtain it to help us any time we need it (Hebrews 4:16).
It is through that mercy that He saves us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
Conclusion
If we build ourselves and each other on our most holy faith, continually pray in the Holy Spirit, and remain in the love of God, we can look forward to eternal life through the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let us therefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Corinthians 03:07-18 Removing the Veil – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Introduction
A veil is typically a piece of cloth cut out to conceal something.
Brides wear veils to conceal themselves before they are married; furniture is sometimes hidden under a veil so it will not attract dust.
Usually something important happens in order for a veil to be removed.
Body
I. Moses wore a veil (Exodus 34:29-35).
God had called Moses to speak with Him on Mount Sinai. After receiving the Ten Commandments, he descended to the people to report all the words of the LORD.
However, being in the presence of the LORD caused his face to shine brightly.
As the people were afraid to speak with Moses face to face, he put on a veil; when he spoke with the LORD, he would remove it.
II. A veil was placed in the temple and tabernacle.
God gave Moses instructions for building the tabernacle. A veil was constructed to hide the ark of the Testimony, separating the holy place from the Most Holy (Exodus 26:31-33). God specifically said when Aaron could come into the Holy Place behind the veil (Leviticus 16:2).
Similarly, the veil of the temple was construed to serve a similar purpose (2 Chronicles 3:14). The high priest went through the veil once a year to be in the presence of God until Jesus, God’s Son, died on the cross.
Christians are a “royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5,9)” and Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 2:17; 4:14-16; 5:5-10; 9:6-15). At the time Jesus offered Himself on the cross as a sacrifice, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50-51; Mark 15:37-39; Luke 23:45-47; Hebrews 10:19-22).
III. The gospel is a veil to sinners (2 Corinthians 3:7-18).
The apostle Paul reminds the Corinthians of the veil that Moses had while speaking God’s Word to Israel. Now, he explains that God’s Word has come though Christ, which was better than that of Moses.
In former times, people could neither see nor understand what Christ would later do for them (Isaiah 6:9-10; Acts 28:26). Now that Christ died, was buried, and rose again, the veil is taken away (2 Corinthians 3:14).
The veil separating us from everlasting life is removed when one obeys the gospel (2 Corinthians 3:16; Romans 11:23; Isaiah 25:7-9). As Moses was in the glory of the LORD, so we can see the LORD face to face by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Corinthians 13:12). The mirror we look into is the perfect law of liberty, the Word of God (James 1:23-25).
If the gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those that perish (do not obey the gospel). The god of this age (ruler of this world) blinds them (John 12:31, 40) so the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ may not shine on them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 1 Corinthians 1:18).
Conclusion
As the veils of the temple and tabernacle have been removed, Moses removed his veil in the presence of God.
Won’t you remove your veil today and be in the eternal presence of the LORD?
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Kings 05:08-15 Naaman and his Leprosy – audio
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Text: 2 Kings 5:8-15
Introduction
It is important to review the events found in the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul told the Romans, “for whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).”
Let us now review the story of Naaman, and how he received hope from his leprosy (2 Kings 5:8-15).
Body
I. Background.
Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Syria, a mighty man of valor—a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master because the LORD had given the Syrians victory through him (2 Kings 5:1).
While on raids, the Syrians took captive a young Israelite girl who would wait on Naaman’s wife (2 Kings 5:2). Through her, Naaman told his master that he could be healed of his leprosy.
The king of Syria then sent a letter to the king of Israel asking him to heal him. Naturally, the king was upset because he knew he could not do that which God alone could do (2 Kings 5:3-7).
II. Elisha wanted everyone to know there is a prophet in Israel.
Naaman needed assurance that he could be healed of his leprosy, and the kings of Israel and Syria needed to know that they did not have the power to heal him, but rather a man of God did (2 Kings 5:8).
A. Having a prophet in Israel assures them that God is in Israel. The LORD told Aaron and Miriam that He reveals Himself to His prophet, who would then speak His word to the people (Numbers 12:6). Moses was excepted because He spoke to him face to face (Numbers 12:7-8).
B. The people would be blessed by heeding the words of the prophet, and thus the words of the LORD. Jehoshaphat said, “…Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper (2 Chronicles 20:20).”
C. As God spoke to the people through His prophets, He speaks to us through His Son and His Word (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16). We too will be blessed when we heed God’s Word!
III. Naaman had a perception of Elisha.
A. He eagerly went to Elisha’s house and waited at the door expecting Elisha to come to him. Instead, he sent a messenger (2 Kings 5:9-11). Similarly, God sent us His messenger, and we must to go Him through faith (Hebrews 11:6).
B. He expected him to call on the name of the LORD his God (2 Kings 5:11), as Elijah called upon God at Mount Carmel in front of the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:24).
C. He expected to be healed with just a wave of the hand (2 Kings 5:11). Today many Jews, scribes, and Pharisees also want to see a sign from Jesus (Matthew 12:38; 1 Corinthians 1:22).
D. He was disappointed to be commanded to dip in the Jordan River when the Abanah and Pharpar were better (2 Kings 5:12).
1) The Abanah River is often called the “stony river, “and is purported to have healing qualities. In the Anti-Lebanon range, it originates 23 miles northwest of Damascus and flows south into Damascus, splitting into 3 rivers. The chief river of Damascus flows right through the middle of the city.
2) The Pharpar River is often called “that which produces fruit,” and is a small, lively river on the east side of Damascus.
E. After his leprosy was removed, his perception changed (verse 15). It was then he realized “…there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel (2 Kings 5:15)…” Nebuchadnezzar confessed, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings (Daniel 2:47)…” after Daniel interpreted his dream with His help.
Later, he made a decree that “any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this (Daniel 3:29)” after they were saved from the fiery furnace.
King Darius also wrote: “I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions (Daniel 6:26-27).”
Conclusion
Three applications from the story of Naaman.
A. It matters not who we are, we must all be subject to the will of God.
Naaman may have been a commander of an army, a mighty man of valor, and considered great and honorable by some, but he still had to do what Elisha commanded him. Thus, God is no respecter of persons. Peter learned this as he was sent to Cornelius (Acts 10:34). Moses said that God does not show partiality (Deuteronomy 10:17). Jehoshaphat taught the judges of Judah there is no iniquity, partiality, or taking of bribes with the LORD (2 Chronicles 19:7). Paul taught this very lesson (Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6; Ephesians 6:9), and thus showed the gospel is for all (Romans 1:16).
B. Naaman could not be healed by the king of Syria, nor the king of Israel. He could only be healed by God.
The LORD taught Moses, “…There is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand (Deuteronomy 32:39).” As the king of Israel recognized he is a man and not God, so are we. When Cornelius tried to worship Peter, he replied “Stand up; I myself also am a man (Acts 10:26).”
C. Naaman was cleansed only after completing the task commanded by God of him through Elisha.
He had to dip, or wash in the Jordan River! Interestingly, Jesus also dipped (was baptized) in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13-17). He commands us to be baptized and wash away our sins in order to be saved (Luke 4:27; Acts 22:16; Hebrews 10:22; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Philippians 01:14 – Speaking the Word of God Boldly – audio
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Text: Philippians 1:14
Introduction
It seems as if today’s culture is changing, and not for the better.
For example, Phil Robertson, star of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” rightly stood up for the Biblical view on homosexuality (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). As a result, he has been removed from appearing on the program. I pray that no matter what happens to him, he will stand for the truth.
Similarly, the apostle Paul said, “most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear (Philippians 1:14).”
Body
I. We have been commissioned to preach the Word!
A. Paul told Timothy to “preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).”
B. In no way should the word be corrupted (2 Corinthians 2:17); rather it should be sincerely, since it is God’s word!
C. We have no authority from God to add to or take away from His word (Revelation 22:18-19). If we do, we will be repaid.
D. All Scripture is complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God has said everything we need to know!
E. We must preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).
II. We must fear God and not men when we preach.
A. If we truly love God, then we will boldly proclaim His word (1 John 4:17-18).
B. Jesus said not to fear him who can only destroy the body; rather fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:27-31; Luke 12:4-7).
C. The Psalmist said, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me (Psalm 118:6)?” Also, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1)?” Later, the Hebrew writer quotes these words (Hebrews 13:6).
D. Paul asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?”
III. Consider examples of those that preached boldly, fearing God and not men.
A. Peter and John boldly preached Jesus before the Sanhedrin after healing the lame man (Acts 4:13).
B. Paul and Silas boldly proclaimed Christ to the Philippian jailer, leading to his salvation (1 Thessalonians 2:2; Acts 16).
C. Barnabas proclaimed Paul’s bold preaching at Damascus (Acts 9:27-29), yet he also boldly proclaimed the word in…
1) …Iconium (Acts 14:3)
2) …Ephesus (Acts 19:8)
3) …Rome by letter (Romans 15:15)
Conclusion
Do we have that boldness to proclaim the Word of God as Paul and others did?
If not, we can receive boldness and confidence through our faith in Christ (Ephesians 3:11-12), and praying to God for it (Acts 4:29-31; Ephesians 6:19-20).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Acts 02:26-35 – The Ethiopian Eunuch – audio
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Text: Acts 2:26-35
Introduction
An Ethiopian eunuch was returning from Jerusalem, where he had gone to worship. On his way he had begun to read from Isaiah.
Whether he was reviewing what he heard in Jerusalem, picked up a scroll there, or for some other reason, we do not know. What we do know is that he had an opportunity to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)” and he did.
Body
I. The eunuch was increasing his faith (Acts 8:27-28).
As he was traveling, he was reading from Isaiah. Interestingly, the prophet Isaiah says to “search from the book of the LORD, and read (Isaiah 34:16)…” He was indeed searching something, and by the providence of God would later find it.
One thing he would find by searching the Scriptures is faith. After all, faith comes from hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Without it, one cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Our faith must grow, and one thing we add to our faith is knowledge (2 Peter 1:5-7). The eunuch obviously wanted to know more about what he was reading (as we’ll see shortly). As those were in Berea, so was the eunuch. He “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11).”
II. The eunuch sought to understand the Scriptures (Acts 8:30-34).
It is not enough o only hear the Word of God; one must do it (James 1:22). In order to do what God commands, we must understand what He says!
Jesus commands us to understand (Matthew 15:10), as Matthew encourages his readers to understand his gospel (Matthew 24:15). On one occasion, Jesus opened the understanding of some to help them comprehend the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). This would be done to the eunuch through Philip.
It is God’s plan that everyone will understand His will (Romans 15:20-21)! Our understanding is only beneficial when we receive it with love (1 Corinthians 13:1-2), as the eunuch did.
A. Not understanding God’s Word will have its consequences. When Jesus taught the parable of the sower, He explained that those that do not understand the word had it snatched away by the wicked one (Matthew 13:19).
B. Understanding God’s Word will have its benefits.
1) Understanding God’s Word will bear much fruit (Matthew 13:23).
2) We may know the hope of His calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18).
3) This gives us wisdom (Ephesians 5:17).
4) We can walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him (Colossians 1:9-10).
5) Our hearts are encouraged and we have full assurance of God’s promises (Colossians 2:2).
6) It is a blessing to understand all things, and others are praying for us as Paul did for Timothy(2 Timothy 2:7).
7) We can come to know God and Jesus, and be in Him. This gives us eternal life (1 John 5:20; Ephesians 1:3).
III. Philip preached Christ to Him (Acts 8:35).
Jesus commanded us to preach the gospel to everyone (Matthew 28:18-19; Mark 16:15-16), as Philip was doing.
Even Paul said he determined not to know anything but “Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1-2).”
IV. The eunuch understood what Isaiah meant (Acts 8:36-39).
Isaiah prophesied about Jesus and His crucifixion (Isaiah 53:7-8). He was silent as He appeared before His accusers (Matthew 26:61-63; 27:12-14; John 19:9). He endured the suffering because of our transgressions. The eunuch realized Christ died for him, and readily obeyed the gospel.
Conclusion
Just as the eunuch understood he needed to become a Christian, so do we! Like the eunuch, we need to:
A. Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6) to get faith.
B. Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 16:30-34; Mark 16:16; Romans 10:9-10; John 8:24).
C. Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3-5; Acts 2:38).
D. Confess your faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10).
E. Be baptized for remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Isaiah 61:1-2; 42:6-7 – Christ: The Fulfillment of Prophecy – audio
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Text: Isaiah 61:1-2; 42:6-7
Introduction
Many years before the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, many prophets foretold the people about him. Perhaps Isaiah, the “Messianic Prophet,” is most well-known.
Isaiah records prophecies of His birth (Isaiah 7:14-15) and death (Isaiah 53). Many other important aspects of His life are also included throughout the book.
When Jesus finally came to this earth, His mission was not to destroy the things said of Him, but rather to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17-18). Yes, every single prophecy of Him came true (Luke 16:17; 24:44).
Peter preached the fulfillment of His suffering (Acts 3:18), and Paul the fulfillment of His death (Acts 13:29). Jesus knew these would be fulfilled, and prepared His disciples (Luke 18:31-33).
Body
Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy in the hearing of many in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16-21). Isaiah prophesied these words (Isaiah 61:1-2; 42:6-7), and now the time has come for them to be fulfilled.
A. The Spirit of the LORD was upon Him (Luke 4:18). This was true at one point physically at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16-17), but always spiritually (John 3:34).
B. Jesus was anointed to preach the gospel to the poor (Luke 4:18). The disciples of John saw and heard this (Luke 7:22; Matthew 11:5). Jesus said those that were poor in this world were blessed because the kingdom of God had come to them (Matthew 5:3; Luke 6:20). The apostles Paul and James explained that even though we may poor in this world, we can be rich through Christ (2 Corinthians 6:10; 8:9; James 2:5).
C. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18). Many times people suffered physically because of heartache, and Jesus healed them (as in the death of Lazarus, John 11). However, Jesus also healed the hearts that were broken spiritually (Luke 24:25-27; Acts 2:37ff.).
D. Jesus proclaimed liberty to the captives (Luke 4:18). There was a time when slaves and property were set free: in the year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:8ff.). Some commentators see Jesus liberating men in this regard, but also all sinners are set free from their sin in Christ (John 8:31-32; 14:6; 17:17; 2 Peter 2:19).
E. Jesus recovered sight to the blind (Luke 4:18). There are many instances in which Jesus healed a blind person, as John’s disciples were witnesses (Matthew 11:5). A blind man was healed in Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-25), Bartimaeus outside of Jericho (Luke 8:46-52), the man in the pool of Siloam (John 9:1-7), and countless others. However, there are many spiritually blind that Jesus can help to see! He taught the Pharisees that is one reason He came into the world (John 9:39-41). He also taught His disciples they needed to see spiritually (Mark 8:18). Sadly, no matter what Jesus did, some still did not believe and thus were blinded (John 12:37-41; Isaiah 53:1; 6:9-10). Later Paul explained Christ’s role in our spiritual lives (Romans 11:7-10).
F. Jesus set at liberty those that were oppressed (Luke 4:18). This is very similar to those that were captive and set free (see II. D. above). Isaiah prophesied of this as well (Isaiah 58:6), knowing that he could proclaim liberty; only Christ could grant liberty!
G. Jesus proclaimed the acceptable year of the LORD (Luke 4:19). Just as Isaiah prophesied about the acceptable time and day of salvation (Isaiah 49:8), Christ realized it! Paul said that time is here, and the day is now (2 Corinthians 6:2)!
Conclusion
Yes, every prophecy of Christ has come true. He is the Son of God, and gives us eternal salvation. Won’t you accept Him, and be saved today?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Colossians 1:3-6 – Hope Laid Up In Heaven – audio
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Text: Colossians 1:3-6
Introduction
A Christian has something to look forward to that anyone living as the world does not. If we remain faithful till death, we will receive a crown of life (Revelation 2:10). Paul commended the Colossians for their faith in Christ Jesus and their love for all saints (Colossians 1:4).
If there was no life after death, nothing would be lost. However, if there is life after death, then there is everything to gain. That is what we hope for!
Body
I. Christ has begotten us to a living hope.
Peter tells Christians exactly where that hope comes from: the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3-4).
Because of what God’s only begotten Son did for us, we can inherit an eternal reservation in heaven by being His faithful children too.
II. Christ is getting our reservations ready in heaven.
Jesus had to go to heaven first (after his death, burial, and resurrection) so we can go after our death (unless the Lord returns first). Simon Peter did not understand this as Jesus explained that He was going somewhere we could not follow immediately (John 13:33,36; John 14:1-6).
Once there, Christ is getting ready for us.
III. We have the hope through the word of truth of the gospel.
Paul preached the gospel of Christ to give everyone the hope of salvation, for the power is in the gospel (Romans 1:13-16).
The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that gives us hope to live again (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
That gospel will be preached throughout the entire world to give hope to every individual (Matthew 24:14; 28:19; Mark 16:15; Romans 10:18).
Thus, the gospel is bringing forth fruit (Colossians 1:6; John 15:16) as Christ intended.
IV. There is only one hope, and it comes from obeying one gospel.
Paul taught the Galatians about that one gospel (Galatians 1:6-9), and the Ephesians about the one hope (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Timothy learned about that one hope that comes through that one gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:8-10).
Conclusion
We should strive to realize that hope! We should live every day as faithful to the Lord as we can so that we can enter into heaven (2 Peter 1:10-11).
When people see how we live, they will ask us about it. We must always be ready to give them a reason of the hope that is within us with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).
Hopefully we can do that now.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Matthew 5:43-48 Love Your Enemies – audio
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Text: Matthew 5:43-48
Introduction
It seems as if this time of year you learn who your friends are, and who your enemies are.
- Families gather together for the holidays, only to see in-laws go at it or siblings renew former spats and squabbles.
- Neighbors compete to see who can display the best holiday decorations.
- Rivalry weekend pairs teams to play each other that do not like one another.
This may seem like a big deal to us now, but consider what it was like many years ago—Jews and Gentiles were at odds, as were Pharisees and Sadducees.
Jesus taught a lesson that we need to learn even today: love our neighbors! Text: Matthew 5:43-48.
Body
I. Jesus recognized the law.
Jesus knew the multitudes have been taught the things according to the Old Law. He reminds them of the things Moses taught: loving their neighbors and hating their enemies (see Leviticus 19:15-18 and Deuteronomy 23:3-6).
A. Who is your neighbor?
A certain lawyer knew the law said to love his neighbor as himself, yet wanted to justify himself by asking who his neighbor was. Jesus taught the parable of the Good Samaritan to show him, and gave him a similar command (Luke 10:25-37).
B. Who is your enemy?
An enemy is hated by one who opposes his beliefs. In the original language, this term hate means to: hate, despise, disregard, or be indifferent to.”
II. Jesus taught different than the law.
Even though He identified the law, He shows a change. He said, “But I say to you (Matthew 5:43)…” Jesus spoke as one having authority and not as the scribes (Matthew 7:29), for He received all authority from His Heavenly Father (Matthew 28:18).
III. Contrary to the law, Jesus said to…
A. …love your enemies.
John teaches that we must love by our actions, not by just mere words (1 John 3:18). Love is more than a feeling; it’s an action! We may not like our enemies, but we must love them! Paul gave us a reminder of what we can do for our enemies (Romans 12:20), as Solomon said in his wisdom from God (Proverbs 25:21-22).
B. …bless them.
James teaches Christians that we are not to bless and curse; rather, we should speak what is good for necessary edification (James 3:6-10; Ephesians 4:29).
C. …pray for them.
Even Stephen asked, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin (Acts 7:60)” as he was being stoned to death for preaching the gospel of Christ. Yes, even Christ prayed a similar prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they know what they do (Luke 23:34)” as He was about to die. He prayed for the very ones who killed Him (as Stephen)!
IV. As Jesus is God’s Son, we must prove we are His children.
A. We must suffer from our enemies just as Christ did (Romans 8:14-17).
B. We let our lights shine in a dark world while being blameless and harmless (Philippians 2:15; Matthew 5:16).
C. As God our Father is perfect, so we are to be perfect (Matthew 5:48).
Paul wants all Christians to be perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28). After all, we are to be imitators of God as dear children (Ephesians 5:1). Jews and Gentiles alike make Christ complete.
There is only one body, the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4; Colossians 1:18-20). The body of Christ is made up of many different members, but there should be no schism in it (1 Corinthians 12:24b-27).
Conclusion
We may have enemies, but we must treat them kindly. Jesus taught us to love them no matter what; after all, He died for them!
What would you want to do to your enemies? Would you want your enemies to return the favor? Remember the words of Christ: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).”
We are Christians first, and then our individual selves.
Content by Richard Dillon
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John 02:13-17 – Zeal for God – audio
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Text: John 2:13-17 (Reading by Don Treadway) and Mark 11:15-17
Introduction
As the Passover Feast drew near, Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem. What He found caused Him to be angry! Instead of people reading the Law and praying, they were selling oxen, sheep, and doves! Thus, they made His Father’s house a “den of thieves.”
He quickly turned the tables on them, and drove them out. His disciples then remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” Jesus was obviously passionate about His Father’s house. They were not using it for its intended purpose!
All of His life, Jesus helped ensure God’s business was done properly in His own house. As He was growing up, He reminded His earthly parents that He must be about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49). Where was He? He was in the same place, same time of year, but just a little earlier in life. He was then listening and asking questions regarding the Law. He knew what its purpose was! It was also His custom to read in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16).
Body
I. David’s zeal.
A. The disciples remember what David wrote in Psalm 69:9:
“Because zeal for Your house has eaten Me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.”
1) Just as Jesus was passionate about working in His Father’s house, David was passionate about sin and its effect on his relationship with God.
2) Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), and David longed to be back in His presence.
3) Later God would send Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, which Jesus would point out to the Jews that questioned Him regarding His actions in the temple (John 2:18-22).
4) Jesus had a zeal for the physical and spiritual well-being of God’s people; do we?
B. In Psalm 122:1, David said:
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the LORD.’”
1) Later in Psalm 122:9 he added, “Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek Your good.”
2) He had a zeal to be where God is; therefore, he wanted to do all he could for Him.
3) Are we the same way? Do we long to assemble with the saints on the first day of the week to worship God? Do we look forward to our midweek Bible study? Do we share that zeal with others and invite them? Do we proclaim the gospel of Christ?
II. The Psalmist’s zeal. Psalm 119:139-141:
“My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words. Your word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it. I am small and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts.”
A. Do we have the same zeal for the Word of God?
1) Do we read and study it as we should?
2) Do we teach it to others?
3) Do we live it every day?
III. Zeal for God’s temple.
A. King David wanted to build a house for God, but could not for he was a man of war and had shed blood (I Chronicles 22:8; 28:3).
B. Therefore, he assembled the people together and gave them instructions.
1) Solomon helped build it.
2) Everyone worked diligently. T
3) They all gave what they had zealously for God (1 Chronicles 29:1-6).
C. Do we do that today?
1) Are the elders zealously overseeing the Lord’s church (1 Peter 5:2)?
2) Are we as Christians giving zealously to God (2 Corinthians 9:7-13; 8:2-7)?
IV. Zeal for God’s tabernacle.
A. God’s message through Moses stirred the hearts of the Israelites. Many were willing to bring what they had (materials, skills, etc.) to aid in the construction of the tabernacle.
B. Do we have a zealous heart for God?
1) We should give our entire selves to the Lord (Romans 12:1) every day!
2) If we have a great zeal, it must also have knowledge (Romans 10:2).
3) If we do not have knowledge yet, God can supply it as He did to Paul (Acts 23:1).
Conclusion
A. Do we have a zeal for God?
B. Are we willing to carry on His will in our lives?
C. Others did, and so can we!
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 John 01:05-02:02 – Fellowship with God – audio
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Text: 1 John 1:5-2:2 (Reading by Clark Perkins)
Introduction
1. We saw in 1 John 1:1-4 that John’s aim in this epistle is:
a. To declare the “Word of life”, the “eternal life” that was with the Father and has been manifested in Jesus Christ – 1 John 1:1-2
b. That we might have fellowship with the Father and Son, just as the apostles do – 1 John 1:3
c. That we might have fullness of joy – 1 John 1:4
2. So to have fullness of joy… We must experience the kind of life that comes from having fellowship with God!
3. What is the basis for fellowship with God, so that we may have the life that produces fullness of joy?
a. In our text (1 John 1:5-2:2), John discusses the basis for fellowship with God
b. He also describes the place of sin, and how it can affect that fellowship
Body
I. THE PREMISE FOR HAVING FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD (1 John 1:5)
A. “GOD IS LIGHT”
1. The figure of light is often used in the Scriptures to describe that which to good, righteous, and true – Ephesians 5:8-10
2. Therefore, God must always be thought of in this way: He is good, He is righteous, He is true!
B. “IN HIM IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL”
1. The figure of darkness would represent the opposite of light: evil, unrighteousness, falsehood
2. Therefore we can never think of God as countenancing sin, excusing it in any way
II. FALSE CLAIMS CONCERNING FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD (1 John 1:6-10)
A. “WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM”, YET WALK IN DARKNESS (1 John 1:6-7)
1. Why is this claim false?
a. Because fellowship means to have something in common
b. And we have seen that God is “light” (goodness, righteousness, truth)
c. “Walking in darkness”, therefore, would be going against everything God stands for – Ephesians 4:17-24
2. What is the result of such a claim?
a. We are false in our WORDS (“we lie”)
b. We are false in our DEEDS (“do not practice the truth”)
3. Instead, we should “walk in the light as He is in the light”
a. I.e., instead of living a life characterized by “evil, unrighteousness, and error” (all the while claiming to have fellowship with God)
b. …we should live a life in harmony with God’s “goodness, righteousness, and truth”!
4. Only then will we experience:
a. “Fellowship with one another”
1) That is, we will have fellowship with God
2) Whereby we can share in that life which is eternal, and provides fullness of joy!
b. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son [which] cleanses us from all sin”
1) This suggests that “walking in the light” does not imply sinlessness!
2) Any more than “walking in darkness” implies total absence of good
3) Rather, “walking in the light” suggests
a) A life making progress under the positive influence of God’s “light”
b) A life enjoying the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood as one meets the conditions of forgiveness
B. “WE HAVE NO SIN” (1 John 1:8-9)
1. John is reference to statements made by professing Christians who thought they had become sinless
2. The consequences of such a claim
a. Self-deceit (“we deceive ourselves”)
b. Living in error (“the truth is not in us”)
c. In other words, walking in darkness, not walking in light!
3. Instead, we should freely confess our sins – 1 John 1:9a; Proverbs 28:13
4. Then God, who is “faithful” (trustworthy) and “just” (one who does what is right) will:
a. “forgive us our sins”
b. “cleanse us from all unrighteousness”
c. through His mercy He makes it possible for to continue in fellowship with Him!
C. “WE HAVE NOT SINNED” (1 John 1:10)
1. This claim is made by some denying they had ever sinned
2. The consequences of this claim are grievous
a. We make God a liar! – Romans 3:23
b. His Word is not in us!
3. How can anyone who makes such claims as these hope to have true fellowship with God, and thereby enjoy the life such fellowship gives?
4. Fellowship with God does not occur by making claims that turn God into a liar!
5. Though affirming that we do sin, John is not seeking to encourage sin. Indeed, he is writing to discourage sin – 1 John 2:1
III. FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD REQUIRES AN ADVOCATE (1 John 2:1-2)
A. “WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER, JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS”
1. The word “advocate”
a. Literally means “to call to one’s side, to one’s aid”
b. It suggests the capability for giving aid
c. Used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, a counsel for the defense
d. Generally, it is one who pleads another’s case, an intercessor
2. Jesus is the perfect “advocate”, for He is RIGHTEOUS
a. As sinners, we are alienated from God – Isaiah 59:1-2
b. But since Jesus is without sin, He is a fit representative to come before God on our behalf!
c. The author of Hebrews also makes the point that though righteous, He understands our situation perfectly – Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:14-16
B. “HE HIMSELF IS THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS” (1 John 2:2)
1. The word “propitiation” means “an appeasing”
a. E.g., the pagans would offer sacrifices to appease their gods
b. In the New Testament, it is God, not man, who offers the appeasing sacrifice – 1 John 4:10
c. Through His death on the cross, Jesus is the means by which God can show mercy to the sinner
d. This explains how God can be “just” (cf. 1 John 1:9) and still forgive sin
e. This wonderful “propitiation” was given to the whole world, but is accessed only by those who believe in Jesus – 1 John 2:2; Romans 3:21-26
Conclusion
1. In this first chapter, and even into the second, John makes it clear upon what basis we can have fellowship with God, and enjoy the life that provides fullness of joy
2. To have fellowship with God, we who are Christians must
a. Not walk in darkness, but walk in the light of God’s goodness, righteous, and truth
b. Admit that we have sinned, and do sin
c. Utilize our “advocate” (Jesus Christ), whom God provides as the “propitiation” for our sins
3. In 1 John 1:9, John explained how those who are already children of God can appropriate the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus (through confession and prayer).
4. But how about the alien sinner? – Acts 2:38; 22:16 (faith, repentance, and baptism)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 01:01-04 – Introduction to First John – audio
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Text: 1 John 1:1-4
Introduction
1. When Jesus to earth, He came not only to LIVE a life, but to GIVE life: I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. – John 10:10
2. The GOSPEL of John was designed to produce faith so that we might have life – John 20:30-31
3. However, it is the FIRST EPISTLE of John which discusses the nature of that life in greater detail – 1 John 3:14
4. That we might be sure to live the sort of life God offers through His Son Jesus Christ, a careful study of First John is in order
Body
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A. THE AUTHOR
1. John is the author, the beloved disciple of Jesus
2. Similarities between this epistle and the Gospel of John certainly give us INTERNAL evidence for this conclusion
3. There is also EXTERNAL evidence that this John is the author:
a. Polycarp, a close associate of John, makes reference to this epistle at the beginning of the second century, in a letter to the Philippians
b. Irenaeus, a student of Polycarp, quoted from it and attributed it to John
B. THE RECIPIENTS
1. No one is specifically mentioned
2. John was in Ephesus at the time, and this was a general epistle to the Christians throughout Asia Minor
3. However, John’s comments in 1 John 2:20 and 1 John 2:27 suggest that John may have been addressing a particular group of Christians possessing certain spiritual gifts
C. DATE
1. Estimations range from 60 A.D. to 100 A.D.
2. Most modern scholarship places it around 95 A.D
D. PURPOSE
1. As declared by John throughout his epistle, he wrote it:
a. that your joy may be full – 1 John 1:4
b. that you may not sin – 1 John 2:1
c. that you may know that you have eternal life – 1 John 5:13a
2. While these reasons may state the positive side of John’s purpose, it appears he was also responding to errors that were prevalent at the time – 1 John 2:26
a. If not fully developed in John’s day, there was at least a precursor to Gnosticism
b. Those who came to be called Gnostics
1) Claimed to have a superior knowledge (Greek word for knowledge is gnosis)
2) Believed all matter was evil
a) Therefore God did not create or have anything to do with the material universe
b) Therefore Christ could not have come in the flesh – 1 John 4:1-3
c. Their application to everyday living took two different directions; since all matter was thought to be evil:
1) Some thought one should abstain altogether from anything that would satisfy the flesh
2) Others claimed it did not matter what one did in the flesh (it was evil anyway), and to have full knowledge it was proper to explore everything
II. JOHN’S PROLOG (1 John 1:1-4)
A. CONCERNS THE WORD OF LIFE
1. Which was from the beginning has reference to the creation of the world – John 1:1
2. This Word of life was:
a. heard
b. seen with our eyes
c. looked upon
d. handled
e. all emphasizing that this Word was in the flesh; an reference to Jesus – John 1:1, 14
B. TO DECLARE THE ETERNAL LIFE
1. Which was:
a. With the Father
b. And then manifested to the apostles, who had seen and were bearing witness
2. Again, this is an obvious reference to Jesus Christ
3. But notice the use of the NEUTER gender throughout this passage
a. The emphasis appears to be on the life which Jesus had, especially that which is eternal
b. It is this same life which we can possess if we truly believe in the name of the Son of God – 1 John 5:11-13
4. Thus John is focusing on the eternal life which Jesus offers and made possible by His coming in the flesh
C. THAT YOU MAY HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH US
1. Here is the reason for declaring the Word of life, the eternal life
2. By declaring this life (revealed by Jesus and through Jesus), fellowship is possible
a. Fellowship involves the idea of sharing, communion
b. The sharing, communion that the apostles have is with the Father and His Son
3. John wanted his readers to participate in this same sharing
a. that you also may have fellowship with us
b. In other words, that you can experience what we are experiencing!
4. Why does John desire this? Read on
D. THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL
1. It is fellowship with the Father and Son that makes the life of a Christian so full of joy!
2. And just as Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10), so John now writes
a. That we may be sure to have fellowship with the Father and His Son
b. So that our joy may be full!
Conclusion
1. From 1 John 1:1-4, then, we learn that fullness of joy comes only when we are in fellowship with the Father and the Son
2. Only then do we have that eternal life, which was first manifested in the flesh by Jesus Himself, and now given only through Jesus – 1 John 5:11-13
3. In our next lesson, we shall see what John says is essential if we are to truly have fellowship with God – 1John 1:5-2:2
4. But if you are not a Christian, let me explain how such fellowship with God can begin Galatians 3:26-27
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Acts 01:01-11 Jesus Ascension – audio
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Text: Acts 1:1-11
Introduction
1. Jesus lived
2. Jesus died
3. Jesus rose
4. Jesus left for Heaven
5. Many sermons will be preached today on the first three, but not on the last one
6. Jesus knew it was time for Him to go to the Father – John 13:1
Body
I. We can go home
A. Jesus went to prepare a place for us – John 14:1-4
B. For us to die is gain – Philippians 1:21-23
II. Jesus mediates for us to God
A. What a blessing it is to have a mediator who knows us – I Tim 2:3-6
B. A mediator of a better covenant established on better promises – Hebrews 8:6
III. My King is where He belongs
A. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father – Hebrews 1:1-4
B. Because He was obedient God exalted Him to the glory of the Father – Phil 2:8-11
Conclusion
1. Jesus lived, died, arose and now reigns forever!
a. If we want to go home to be with Him
b. If we want Him to mediate for us to God
c. If we recognize Him as king
2. If we love Him we must obey Him – John 14:15
3. His commandments are not burdensome – I John 5:3
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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