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Spiritual Growth is a Choice
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Introduction
1. The blessings enjoyed in Christ include not only redemption, but renewal
a. We undergo a “washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit” in baptism – Titus 3:5
b. From baptism, we rise to “walk in newness of life” – Romans 6:4
2. The renewal we find in Christ involves the concept of spiritual growth
a. Just as a healthy physical life is one of growth
b. So a healthy spiritual life is a process of growth
3. Sadly, not all Christians grow spiritually
a. Many have been Christians for years, with little change or improvement
b. They are no more, often less; useful to the Lord than when they first became Christians
c. Failing to grow, they become stagnant, like a pool of water
4. That is because Spiritual Growth Is A Choice
a. It doesn’t happen by default (unlike physical growth)
b. Spiritual growth (like emotional maturity) occurs only when we choose to grow
5. If we do not make that choice, and stick to it, there will be no spiritual growth!
Body
I. COMMANDED BY GOD
A. IMPLICITLY STATED IN THE GREAT COMMISSION
1. The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20
2. Jesus commanded His apostles to make disciples
a. Baptizing them
b. Teaching them to observe all things He commanded
c. Implicit in the command to teach, is that disciples would be obedient learners
B. EXPLICITLY STATED IN THE APOSTOLIC EPISTLES
1. Peter ends his second epistle with a command to grow – 2 Peter 3:18
a. We are to grow in grace
b. We are to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ
2. Peter begins his second epistle describing how we are to grow – 2 Peter 1:5-8
a. Adding to your faith such graces as virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc.
b. Abounding in these graces, being fruitful, this implies growth
3. Christians who did not grow, were sternly rebuked – Hebrews 5:12-6:1
4. Spiritual growth is a not an option, reserved for a few select Christians. The Word of God commands us to grow
II. REQUIRES DILIGENT EFFORT
A. UNLIKE PHYSICAL GROWTH
1. People grow physically by default (unless there is some disorder)
2. No effort is required on our part; we mature physically whether we want to or not
3. Don’t think that just because you grow older, you are growing spiritually!
B. SPIRITUAL GROWTH REQUIRES CONCENTRATED EFFORT
1. Jesus said it requires labor – cf. John 6:27
2. Paul wrote that it requires work, pressing on – Philippians 2:12; 3:13-14
3. Peter wrote that it requires diligence – cf. 2 Peter 1:5, 10
4. Like physical health, spiritual growth requires regular exercise – 1 Timothy 4:7-8
5. Spiritual growth is not easy. We must work at it. Today. Tomorrow. Always.
III. ASSISTED BY GOD
A. WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR EFFORTS
1. While we work out our salvation, God is at work in us – Philippians 2:12-13
2. Just as He was with us in producing our new birth – Titus 3:5
3. God desires to complete the work He started when He saved us – Philippians 1:6
B. WE ARE STRENGTHENED BY GOD IN OUR EFFORTS
1. He strengthens us by His Spirit in our inner man – Ephesians 3:16
2. He empowers us with unimaginable power that is in us – Ephesians 3:20
3. He provides the armor to stand strong in the power of His might – Ephesians 6:10-11
4. There is no excuse not to grow, for Christ strengthens us! – Philippians 4:13
5. With God as our aid, spiritual growth is possible. And not mediocre growth, but spiritual growth beyond what limits we might think hinder us!
IV. BLESSED BY GOD
A. THE BLESSINGS BEGIN IN THIS LIFE
1. As we grow in grace – cf. 2 Peter 3:18
a. We experience the blessings of the grace in which we stand
b. Such as peace with God, rejoicing in hope – cf. Romans 5:1-2
2. As we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ – cf. 2 Peter 3:18
a. We experience the blessings of adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc. to our faith
b. Such as a victorious life, in which we do not stumble so as to fall – 2 Peter 1:10
3. Indeed, it is spiritual growth that ensures the “abundant life” now that Jesus promised! – cf. John 10:10
B. THE BLESSINGS CONTINUE INTO THE LIFE TO COME
1. We will experience an “abundant entrance” into the everlasting kingdom – 2 Peter 1:11
2. In some way, our works do follow us – cf. Revelation 14:13
3. At the very least, we know that our labors will not be in vain! – 1 Corinthians 15:58
Conclusion
1. We have been talking about growth; but not just any growth, for not all growth is good
a. The hearts of some grow dull – cf. Matthew 13:15
b. The love of many grow cold – cf. Matthew 24:12
c. There is the danger of growing weary in doing good – cf. Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13
d. There is possibility of growing corrupt according to deceitful lusts – Ephesians 4:22
e. There is danger of growing wanton against Christ – cf. 1 Timothy 5:11
f. There are those who grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived – 2 Timothy 3:13
g. Like the growth of cancerous cells, the wrong growth can be deadly!
2. We have been talking about spiritual growth, the kind of growth that is:
a. Commanded by God
b. Requires diligent effort
c. Assisted by God
d. Blessed by God
e. It is this kind of growth that Peter enjoined as he closed his epistle – 2 Peter 3:18
3. What kind of growth is taking place in our spiritual lives?
a. Is it a deadly kind of growth, creating dull hearts, love that is cold, weariness in doing good, even moral corruption?
b. Or is it a vibrant kind of growth in which we are abounding in love, joy, and peace, being faithful and fruitful in our service to Jesus Christ?
4. The one kind of growth is often the result of neglect, the other kind of growth comes only when we make the right choice! If we desire to experience the blessings of the right kind of growth, then never forget that “Spiritual Growth Is A Choice”! Are we making the right choice today and every day…?
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Joseph’s Character – Genesis 37:1 – 50:26
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Text: Genesis 37:1-50:26
Introduction
1. When we think of “the patriarchs”, the following likely come to mind
a. Abraham, man of faith
b. Isaac, son of promise
c. Jacob, father of the twelve tribes of Israel
2. Yet consider this about the patriarch Joseph
a. More space in Genesis is devoted to him than the others
b. There is not a single word of reproof against Joseph
3. Indeed, the character of Joseph is worthy of careful study
a. His nobility of character, his purity of heart and life
b. His magnanimity as ruler and brother
4. Make him, more than any other of the Old Testament characters, an illustration of that type of man which Christ was to give to the world in perfection (ISBE)
Body
I. JOSEPH AS A SON IN CANAAN
A. HATED BY HIS BROTHERS
1. Telling on his brothers didn’t help – Genesis 37:2
2. Favoritism by his father certainly hurt – Genesis 37:3-4
3. His dreams made it worse – Genesis 37:5-11
4. They eventually sold him as a slave – Genesis 37:12-36
a. Spared initially by Reuben who intended to free him – Genesis 37:21-22
b. Spared death by Judah, who suggested slavery instead – Genesis 37:26-27
B. FAITHFUL TO HIS FATHER
1. Some children rebel against their parents to win approval from their siblings
2. Joseph remained faithful to his father, willing to obey his wishes – Genesis 37:13
One might think such ill treatment, followed by separation from country and kin, would produce bitterness and hopeless in such a young man. Yet the character of Joseph really shines.
II. JOSEPH AS A SLAVE IN EGYPT
A. OVERSEER IN POTIPHAR’S HOUSE.
1. Blessed by God, Joseph found favor in Potiphar’s eyes – Genesis 39:1-6
a. Though a young man, he proved industrious and trustworthy
b. He made the best of the situation, and God blessed him and Potiphar
2. Handsome in appearance, Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife – Genesis 39:6-20
a. She tried time and again to seduce him
b. He resisted, out of faithfulness to Potiphar and God – Genesis 9:8-9
c. Her advances spurned, she spitefully accuses him wrongfully
1) Angering her husband
2) Resulting in his imprisonment
B. OVERSEER IN PHARAOH’S PRISON
1. Blessed by God, Joseph is favored by the keeper of the prison – Genesis 39:21-23
a. Placed in charge of the other prisoners, with complete trust
b. Prospered in his new role by God, who was with him
2. Interpreter of dreams, Joseph is forgotten then remembered – Genesis 40:1-41:36
a. He interprets the dreams of the butler and the baker
1) Acknowledging God as the interpreter – Genesis 40:8
2) The dreams are fulfilled, yet Joseph was forgotten – Genesis 40:20-23
b. He interprets the dreams of Pharaoh
1) Again acknowledging God as providing the answer Genesis 41:16,25,32
2) Offering advice in regards to the dreams’ fulfillment – Genesis 41:33-36
Falsely accused, then forgotten by man, many might wonder “Why bother to be righteous?” But Joseph maintained his integrity and was not forgotten by God. Just as he found favor in the eyes of Potiphar and the keeper of the prison, so he enjoyed favor in the eyes of Pharaoh
III. JOSEPH AS A PRINCE IN EGYPT
A. WISE IN HIS SERVICE TO PHARAOH
1. At the age of thirty, Joseph is exalted to rule over Egypt – Genesis 41:38-46
2. His wisdom manifested in his administration
a. Showing foresight during the years of plenty – Genesis 41:47-49
b. Showing shrewdness during the years of famine – Genesis 41:53-57; 47:13-26
3. Mindful of God’s blessings – cf. Genesis 41:50-52
B. MERCIFUL IN HIS TREATMENT OF HIS BRETHREN
1. Finally reunited with his brothers and father – Genesis 42:1-45:15
2. Arranged for them to live in Goshen – Genesis 46:16-20, 28-34; 47:1-12
3. Reassured his brothers that he has forgiven them
a. When he first revealed himself to them – Genesis 45:4-8
b. When their father Jacob died – Genesis 50:15-21
C. BELIEVING IN THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD
1. That God could make good things come out of evil intentions – Genesis 50:20
2. That God would keep His promises made to His people – Genesis 50:24-25
Conclusion
1. In the life and story of Joseph, we see the value of a character
a. Centered in faith and trust in God
b. Devoted to serving God and man with honor and dependability
c. Unwilling to be deterred by the hatred, betrayal, and forgetfulness of others
d. Willing to forgive the wrongs committed by others
e. Able to see the big picture, God’s wonderful workings in the affairs of men
2. This noble character can be useful in all the seasons of life
a. As a youth, tempted and tried with no help from family or friend
b. As a mature individual, charged with important responsibilities
c. As an aged person, knowing that death is imminent
May the character of Joseph serve to inspire us to develop our character as well, that in some small way we too can be: “..an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
Certainly this is the case with the patriarch Joseph!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Wisdom Regarding Marriage – Ecclesiastes 09:09
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Text: Ecclesiastes 9:9
Introduction
1. In this study, we will consider what it says about being a good spouse
2. The importance of this subject should be evident
a. Happiness in life is greatly affected by how successful we are in marriage
b. Even our usefulness to the Lord is affected by the relationship between husbands and wives
c. For example, a husband’s prayers can be hindered by his treatment of his wife
– Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. – 1 Peter 3:7
3. Appreciating the importance of a good marriage, let’s begin with that beautiful passage in Proverbs 31:10-31.
Body
I. THE VIRTUOUS WIFE
A. THE IDEAL WIFE
1. Trustworthy – Proverbs 31:11
a. The husband can safely entrust her with his income
b. She will not squander what he gives her, but use it in a manner that benefits them both
2. Filled with an enduring love – Proverbs 31:12
a. Devoted to doing her husband good all her life
b. Just as she vowed in the wedding ceremony
3. Has practical skills – Proverbs 31:13-15, 21-22
a. Such as sewing
b. And cooking
4. Industrious – Proverbs 31:16, 24
a. Makes investments (buys land and plants a vineyard)
b. Provides extra income (makes clothing and sells to merchants)
5. Compassionate – Proverbs 31:20
a. Helping the poor
b. Reaching out to the needy
6. Strong character – Proverbs 31:25
a. Character matters, and she has developed a strong one
b. Just as Peter stressed in 1 Peter 3:3-4
7. Speaks words of wisdom and kindness – Proverbs 31:26
a. She is thus concerned about what proceeds from her mouth
b. Just as Paul stressed in Ephesians 4:29
8. Diligently sees to her family’s need – Proverbs 31:27
a. Makes whatever preparation necessary – cf. Proverbs 31:15
b. So that her family does not go in want – cf. Proverbs 31:21
9. Fears the Lord – Proverbs 31:29-30
a. She understands that this quality is more important and praiseworthy than physical beauty
b. With the fear of the Lord, she has the potential for great wisdom – Proverbs 1:7
10. Such are the qualities of being a good spouse
B. WHAT A WIFE DOES NOT WANT TO BE
1. Contentious:
– Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. – Proverbs 21:9
– Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman. – Proverbs 21:19
2. Hateful:
– For three things the earth is perturbed, Yes, for four it cannot bear up: for a servant when he reigns, A fool when he is filled with food, a hateful woman when she is married, And a maidservant who succeeds her mistress. – Proverbs 30:21-23
3. Both make it where the husband does not want to be around her
[Enough about being a good wife; where can we go in Proverbs to learn about being a good husband…?]
II. THE VIRTUOUS HUSBAND
A. WHERE’S THE PASSAGE DESCRIBING THE VIRTUOUS MAN…?
1. A question often raised by women, sometimes suggesting there is none
2. But, bear in mind that the Proverbs are primarily addressed to the man!
a. There is half a chapter describing the virtuous woman
b. There are thirty plus chapters describing the virtuous man!
3. The entire book, if followed, produces a husband any woman would love
B. THE IDEAL HUSBAND
1. Values his wife highly:
– He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD. – Proverbs 18:22
– Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD. – Proverbs 19:14
a. He realizes that she is a gift from God
b. Especially when she proves to be prudent
2. Gives his wife her due:
– Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. – Proverbs 31:31
a. Allows his wife the opportunity to develop her own abilities
b. Lets her reap the benefits of her own labors
c. i.e., does not treat her simply as an appendage of himself
3. Praises his wife profusely:
– Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” – Proverbs 31:28-29
a. Praises her frequently
b. Does not take her for granted
4. Trusts his wife implicitly:
– The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. – Proverbs 31:11
a. Demonstrates a willingness to trust her
b. In such areas as her intelligence, her faithfulness, her abilities
c. Is not jealous or suspicious
5. Content with his wife’s love – Proverbs 5:15-21 READ
a. Does not look elsewhere
b. Will save him and his family much harm
6. A few examples of how Proverbs can help a man be a good spouse
Conclusion
1. So much of the joy and meaning of life that God would have us enjoy is lost if there is not a good marriage
2. As Solomon wrote in another book of wisdom
– Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun. – Ecclesiastes 9:9
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Church Discipline – Part 5 – Deuteronomy 17:2-6 – audio
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Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – Part 5
Introduction
1. In the second sermon of this series of lessons we discussed “Why We Don’t Discipline”.
a. In that lesson we concluded that ignorance was one of the main reasons we don’t obey God in this regard.
b. My goal has been that hopefully no one who listened to this series has that excuse any more.
2. Tonight we will finish the series with the topics:
a. “How are we to discipline?
b. “How are we to treat those who have been disciplined?”
3. A. Campbell – “… to cut off an offender is good, to cure him is better, but to prevent him from falling is best of all. The Christian spirit and system alike include all vigilance in preventing; all expedience in healing; and firmness in removing incorrigible offenders.“
Body
I. The certainty of the guilt must be ascertained
A. Deuteronomy 17:2-6
B. Matthew 18:15-17
II. The disorderly must be warned
A. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14
B. Titus 3:10-11
III. There must be sincere diligent effort to restore the disorderly
A. Galatians 6:1, 2
B. James 5:19, 20
IV. Withdrawal is the last step not the first
A. Matthew 18:17
B. 1 Corinthians 5:4-5, 13
C. 2 Thessalonians 3:14
D. Romans 16:17
V. Review of the steps shown in Matthew 18:15-17
A. Go yourself
B. Take witnesses with you
C. Tell it to the church
D. Withdrawal
VI. Review of the steps in Titus 3:10 – 11
A. Multiple admonitions
B. rejection
VII. How are we to treat one who has been withdrawn from?
A. No social contact
1. 1 Corinthians 5:11
2. 2 Thessalonians 3:14
B. Admonish as a brother – 2 Thessalonians 3:15
C. If a false teacher or divisive
1. Romans 16:17-18
2. Titus 3:10-11
D. Receive him back if he repents – 2 Corinthians 2:6-8
Conclusion
1. Discipline is:
a. Long process
b. Difficult
c. Can cause tears and pain
d. God’s process
2. We can’t pick and choose.
3. We discipline those we love:
a. Children
b. The Church
4. The goals:
a. Restore the person
b. Protect the purity of the Church
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Church Discipline – Part 4 – 2 Thessalonians 3:3-6
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Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – Part 5
Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:3-6
Introduction
1. The first three covered the following:
1) What is discipline?
2) The need for discipline
3) God’s rule in the past
4) Does God require discipline today?
5) Who has the responsibility for discipline?
6) Why have we not practiced discipline?
7) What is God’s purpose for discipline?
8) Objections to discipline
2. Tonight we will examine what the Bible has to say about who is to be disciplined and when is it to happen.
3. Next week we will look at how we are to discipline and how we are to treat those who are disciplined.
Body
I. The general command of who is to be disciplined is 2 Thessalonians 3:5-6
A. The natural place to start the process of discipline is in the love of God and the patience of Christ
B. We will now define terms:
1. Withdraw – to place yourself away from
2. Walks – not a onetime thing
3. Disorderly – breaks rank
II. Specific commands of who is to be disciplined
A. A brother who sins against you – Matthew 18:15-17
B. An iunrighteous person – 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
C. Divisive man – Romans 16:17, 1 Timothy 6:3-5
D. Those that forsake the assembly – Hebrews 10:24-31
III. When are we to discipline?
A. There is a Biblical process found first in Matthew 18:15-18
1. Go yourself and try to resolve the problem
2. Take two or three witnesses
3. Tell it to the church
4. Let him be as a heathen
B. Also in Titus 3:9-12
1. Avoid disputes, contentions and strivings
2. If one continues to be a heretic or divisive:
a. Admonish him – Acts 20:31
b. At least two times
C. In other words we are never to withdraw from someone who sins; but we are to withdraw from someone who refuses to repent after repeated attempts to reclaim such a one for Christ
Conclusion:
1. In church discipline we are not throwing any one out of the church, we are acknowledging their condition with God.
2. When we make a vow to serve Christ and Him only we are to keep it or face the Consequences
3. Have you made such a vow?
4. Are you keeping it?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Church Discipline – Part 3 – Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43 – audio
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Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – Part 5
Introduction
1. We have already discussed:
1) What is discipline?
2) The need for discipline
3) God’s rule in the past
4) Does God require discipline today?
5) Who has the responsibility for discipline?
6) Why have we not practiced discipline?
7) What is God’s purpose for discipline?
2. Tonight we will look at objections to discipline
Body
I. Objections Considered:
A. It will cause more harm than good
1. Acts 5:1-11, 14
2. 1 Corinthians 5:1-5
3. 2 Corinthians 2:6-8
B. Don’t withdraw just don’t use
1. Don’t understand the purpose of discipline
C. When one ceases to assemble with us them have withdrawn themselves
1. They are still lost – 1 Corinthians 5:5
2. Matthew 18:12-14
3. Many things are not accomplish by this method
1) The offender does not know he has been withdrawn form
2) The offender does not know he has been delivered to Satan
3) Members do not know
4) God’s purpose has not been accomplished
5) The church still has a corrupting influence
6) The world does not know
D. Where would we start? I will cover this later
E. We are not judge! – Matthew 7:1-5
1. Read Matthew 7:2
2. John 7:24
3. 1 Corinthians 5:5
F. We are all sinners – John 8:7
1. Romans 2:1-11
2. Look at the church at Corinth
1) 1 Corinthians 1:12 – following the preacher
2) 1 Corinthians 3:3 – carnal
3) 1 Corinthians 1:11 – contentious
4) 1 Corinthians 11:17ff – change the worship
5) 1 Corinthians 5:5 – deliver such a one to Satan
G. The Lord adds and The Lord only subtracts not us
1. We are only let the sinner know where the Lord stands!!!
2. We are not subtracting, we are trying to save the lost and please God
H. The parable of the wheat and the tares – Matthew 13:24ff
1. Read Matthew 13:38
2. This parable has nothing to do with church discipline
Conclusion
1. Let the Lord add you to the church
2. Positive – H B R C B live an obedient life
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Church Discipline – Part 2 – Acts 5:1-14 – audio
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Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – Part 5
Text: Acts 5:1-14
Introduction
1. Last week
1) What is discipline?
2) The need for discipline
3) God’s rule in the past
4) Does God require discipline today?
2. This week we will continue our study of this important biblical topic
Body
I. Responsibility for the action corrective discipline
A. Individual responsibly towards oneself
1. 1 Timothy 4:16
2. Acts 20:28
3. Luke 11:29-35
4. 2 Corinthians 13:5
B. Individual responsibly towards a brother
1. Matthew 5:23-24
2. Matthew 18:15
3. Galatians 6:1 – James 5:19-20
C. The churches responsibility
1. 1 Corinthians 5:4-5
2. Matthew 18:17
3. 1 Corinthians 5:11
4. 2 Thessalonians 3:14
II. Why we have not practiced corrective discipline?
A. Ignorance of how to go about it and fear of doing it wrong
1. 2 Timothy 2:15
2. John 8:32
B. A greater fear of offending relatives and friends of the sinner than of offending God
1. Galatians 1:10
2. John 12:42
C. A lack of love for those who are subject to discipline
1. 1 Peter 4:8
2. James 5:20
3. 1 Timothy 4:16
4. Galatians 6:11
D. A lack of love for God
1. 1 John 5:3
2. John 14:15
3. John 14:23
4. John 2:5
III. The purpose of corrective discipline
A. To save the souls of the brother or sister disciplined
1. 1 Corinthians 5:4-5
2. 2 Corinthians 2:6ff
3. 2 Thessalonians 3:14
4. 1 Timothy 5:20
B. To save the church
1. Romans 6:23
2. James 1:15
3. 1 Timothy 5:20
C. To save the world
1. Matthew 28:18-20
2. Mark 16:15-16
3. Philippians 2:14-16
4. Acts 5:1-14
Conclusion
1. Love God by accepting responsibility
2. Positive – H B R C B live an obedient life
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Church Discipline – Part 1 – 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
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Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – Part 5
Text: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12
Introduction
1. God declared the city of Jericho was to be devoted to him – Joshua 6:17-19
2. Tell the story of Achan’s sin
1) Sin was not known to leaders but innocent men died – Joshua 7:1-9
2) Quite praying and began disciplining – Joshua 7:10-12
3) Proof of guilt was established before all before discipline began – Joshua 7:13-23
4) After discipline, God was with them Joshua 7:24-8:1
3. It is true that sinners will always be in the church, but God says that we should be able discern them – 2 Thessalonians 3:6
Body
I. What is church discipline?
A. Define terms
1. Church: The body of called out believers over whom Christ is the head and that accept the Bible as His Word.
2. Discipline:
(a) training which molds, corrects, strengthens;
(b) Punishment, chastisement;
(c) to train in self control
B. There are two kinds of discipline
1. Preventive discipline
1) Ephesians 6:4
2) Romans 13:1-2
3) Galatians 5:19-21
4) 1 Timothy 4:1-6
2. Corrective discipline
1) Children
2) Government
3) Hebrews 12:9-11
4) 2 Thessalonians 3:6
II. The need for corrective discipline
A. The home
1) Proverbs 13:24
2) Proverbs 19:18
3) Proverbs 23:13-14
4) Hebrews 12:7
B. The government
1) Romans 13:1-4
C. The church
1) 2 Thessalonians 3:6
III. God’s rule in the past
A. Patriarchal Age
1. Adam and Eve
1) instructed – Genesis 2:15-17
2) punished – Genesis 3:23-24
1) instructed – Genesis 19:17
2) punished – Genesis 19:26
B. Mosaic Age
1. Achan
1) instructed – Joshua 7:17-18
2) punished – Joshua 7:20ff
2.Moses
1) instructed – Numbers 20:8
2) punished – Numbers 20:9-12
3. Young Prophet
1) instructed – I Kings 13:7-10
2) punished – I Kings 13:21-24
IV. Does God require corrective discipline today?
A. All sufficiency of the Word of God
1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. 2 Peter 1:3-4
B. Is discipline a command?
1. 1 Corinthians 5:12 – Romans 16:17-18
2. John 12:48 – Titus 3:10-11
3. Matthew 18:15-17 – 2 Thessalonians 3:6
Conclusion
1. Positive – H B R C B live an obedient life
2. Corrective – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
`
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Moral Issue: Tobacco Use – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – audio
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Moral Issues: Gambling - Sex - Tobacco Use
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Text: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Introduction
1. Another moral issue confronting Christians is the consumption of tobacco
a. In the form of smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes)
b. Also smokeless tobacco (chew, snuff)
2. In the past, the dangers of tobacco use may have not been known
a. Prompting many (including Christians) to consider it a harmless habit
b. Even today some take it lightly
3. But the evidence for the harmful effects of tobacco is now overwhelming
Body
I. STATISTICS ON TOBACCO
A. OVERALL MORTALITY
1. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States
2. Cigarette smoking causes an estimated 438,000 deaths, about 1 of every 5 deaths, each year
3. More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from human HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined
4. On average, adults who smoke cigarettes die 14 years earlier than nonsmokers
5. Centers For Disease Control Prevention
B. MORTALITY FROM SPECIFIC DISEASES
1. Lung cancer: 123,800 deaths; other cancers: 34,700 deaths per year
2. Chronic lung disease: 90,600 deaths; coronary heart disease: 86,800 deaths per year
3. Stroke: 17,400 deaths; other diagnoses: 84,600 deaths per year
C. EFFECTS OF SECOND HAND SMOKE
1. Secondhand smoke exposure causes heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults
2. It causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 22,700- 69,600 heart disease deaths annually among adult nonsmokers in the United States
3. It causes respiratory symptoms in children and slows their lung growth
4. It causes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and more frequent and severe asthma attacks in children
5. Almost 60% of U.S. children aged 3-11 years-or almost 22 million children-are exposed to secondhand smoke
6. There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure – even brief exposure can be dangerous — Ibid.
D. OTHER FORMS OF TOBACCO USE
1. Pipe smoking and cigar smoking increase the risk of dying from cancers of the lung, esophagus, larynx, and oral cavity
2. Smokeless tobacco contains 28 cancer-causing agents (carcinogens)
3. Smokeless tobacco use increases the risk for developing oral cancer
4. Adolescents who use smokeless tobacco are more likely to become cigarette smokers — Ibid.
E. IN VIEW OF THE EVIDENCE OF HARMFUL EFFECTS, THERE ARE GOOD REASONS TO ABSTAIN FROM TOBACCO
II. WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD ABSTAIN
A. THE EFFECT ON OUR BODIES
1. Remember what the Bible teaches
a. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:19
b. Our bodies have been bought, and are not our own – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
c. Our bodies are to glorify God – 1 Corinthians 6:20
d. Our bodies are instruments by which we serve God – Romans 12:1-2; 6:13,19
2. Thus our bodies are a reflection of our stewardship
a. We are all stewards of God’s manifold grace – 1 Peter 4:10
b. Our duty is to be faithful in what has been given us – 1 Corinthians 4:2
c. We shall be judged by how we used what has been given us – Luke 16:10-12
d. What if someone borrowed what is yours and misused it (e.g., your car)?
3. Years cut short by tobacco are lost opportunities to serve and glorify God
B. THE EFFECT ON OTHERS
1. Hurting, even killing them through second-hand smoke
2. Burdening family financially with hospital bills left behind
3. Depriving family of your presence as spouse, parent, grand-parent
4. Impoverishing the church and society of our talents and service
5. Is slowly killing yourself and harming others showing love, or selfishness?
C. THE EFFECT ON OUR INFLUENCE
1. We are role models, for our faith is spoken of by others – Romans 1:8; 16:19
2. We influence others for good or ill
3. Can we say what Paul did about following one’s example? – Philippians 3:17
4. Do we consider the effect it has on saving others? – 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
5. Does tobacco help or hinder our efforts to share Christ with others?
Conclusion
1. The harmful effects of tobacco have been clearly established
a. The scientific evidence is overwhelming
b. Even our bodies tell us by the way they react to smoke
2. Christians have ample reason to abstain
a. For health reasons
b. For spiritual reasons
For those addicted to nicotine, stopping may not be easy. But I trust we have seen that one should make every effort to rid themselves of this habit that can destroy both body and soul
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Moral Issue: Gambling – Ephesians 04:17-20 – audio
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Moral Issues: Gambling - Sex - Tobacco Use
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Introduction
1. We turn now to gambling, a moral issue confronting Christians due to:
a. The proliferation of government sanctioned gambling (e.g., state lotteries)
b. The easy access to gambling (race track, lottery tickets in convenience stores, bingo, charitable gambling and casinos are going to be back on the ballot) [editor’s note: Casino’s are now opening in Columbus Oct 8th, 2012. Voted down by Franklin county voters, but voted in by the statewide Ohio electorate]
2. What is gambling (or gaming)…?
a. The wagering of money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods
b. Typically, the outcome of the wager is evident within a short period
c. The term gaming in this context typically refers to instances in which the activity has been specifically permitted by law
3. Sadly, some religions encourage gambling
a. Both the Catholic and Jewish traditions traditionally set aside days for gambling – Dwayne Carpenter, quoted in Gambling Had Role in Religious History
b. The above article mentions Christmas and Hanukkah as holidays in which gambling was permitted, if not encouraged
4. If both states and some religions approve of gambling, what could be wrong with it?
Body
I. FALSE ARGUMENTS USED TO JUSTIFY GAMBLING
A. LIFE IS A GAMBLE?
1. Does not Solomon say time and chance happen to them all? – Ecclesiastes 9:11
2. So it may appear when life is viewed under the sun (a purely worldly perspective)
3. But God’s will in our lives precludes a life of pure chance – 1 Corinthians 4:19; James 4:15
4. Life is not gambling, it involves the will of God!
B. FARMING IS A GAMBLE?
1. Does not the farmer take a risk in sowing when he may not reap?
2. But God has promised seedtime and harvest would not cease – Genesis 8:22
3. Farming is an honorable way of receiving God’s blessings – Psalm 104:14
4. Farming is not gambling, it involves the activity of God!
C. BUYING INSURANCE IS A GAMBLE?
1. Is not buying insurance a gamble?
2. Insurance is simply a method of shifting risk (accident, illness) from one party to another
3. It is also a way of providing for one’s family, an important duty – 1 Timothy 5:8
4. Insurance is not gambling, when used to shift risk and provide for others
D. INVESTING IS A GAMBLE?
1. Is not investing in business or the stock market a gamble?
2. It can be, when involving speculative or significant risks
3. But good and safe investments are not evil within themselves – Matthew 25:14-30
4. Investing is not gambling, when done prudently
II. ARGUMENTS AGAINST GAMBLING
A. THE PRINCIPLE IS SINFUL
1. Gambling violates the work ethic – Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
a. To gain from honorable labor
b. Not get rich quick schemes
2. Gambling violates the stewardship ethic – 1 Chronicles 29:13-14; 1 Peter 4:10
a. All things come from God
b. We will have to give an account for our stewardship
3. People gamble for a quick buck, willing to risk what is not theirs
B. THE MOTIVATION IS SINFUL
1. People gamble because of greed – 1 Timothy 6:9-10
a. Their desire to be rich, which leads to foolish and harmful lusts, destruction and perdition
b. Their love of money, which leads to loss of faith and many sorrows
2. People gamble because of covetousness – Ephesians 5:3-7; Colossians 3:5-6
a. They want something more than God, making it idolatry
b. They will bring the wrath of God upon themselves
3. People gamble because they want to be rich, a desire we should flee (1 Timothy 6:11)
C. THE FRUIT IS SINFUL
1. It takes advantage of others’ weaknesses – Romans 15:1-2
a. Exploiting others or extorting money for one’s own advantage
b. Do gamblers care what happens to those who lose?
2. It leads to unsavory companions – 1 Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:11
a. Others who are motivated by greed and covetousness
b. Those quick to take advantage: bookies, loan sharks, etc.
3. It leads to addiction – 2 Peter 2:19
a. Gambling can become psychologically and physically addictive
b. Monetary reward in a gambling-like experiment produces brain activation very similar to that observed in a cocaine addict receiving an infusion of cocaine. – Hans Breiter, MD, co-director of the Motivation and Emotion Neuroscience Centre at Massachusetts General Hospital
4. It leads to other sins – Mark 7:21-23
a. As debts build up, people turn to other quick sources of money (theft, drugs)
b. Suicide is common, along with abuse, divorce, other mental disorders
5. People who gamble do not consider how they hurt themselves and others
Conclusion
1. Which is gambling more like…?
a. The works of the flesh, or the fruit of the Spirit? Galatians 5:19-23
b. The deeds of the old man, or the apparel of the new man? Colossians 3:5-14
2. One does need to look long to see that gambling is sinful:
a. The motive is greed
b. The desire is to get rich quick (covetousness)
c. The harm to self and others is extensive
3. Consider these tidbits of wisdom:
a. Gambling: The sure way of getting nothing from something – Wilson Mizner
b. The safest way to “double your money” is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket
c. By gaming we lose both our time and treasure – two things most precious to the life of man – Owen Felltham
d. Lottery: A tax on people who are bad at math – Author Unknown
Only those blinded by the deceitfulness of sin have problems seeing the problems with gambling…
“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ…” – Ephesians 4:17-20
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Moral Issue: Sex – 1 Corinthians 6:18 – audio
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Moral Issues: Gambling - Sex - Tobacco Use
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Text: 1 Corinthians 6:18
Introduction
1. As we begin addressing specific moral issues confronting the Christian, perhaps a proper starting place is with the issue of sexual immorality:
a. A moral issue faced by every Christian
b. One about which the Bible has much to say – 1 Corinthians 6:18
2. The admonition to flee sexual immorality is needed just as much today:
a. Sexual immorality is rampant in our culture
b. Morality is being loosely defined (and redefined), encouraging many to engage in sinful behavior
Body
I. THE DEFINITION OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY
A. THE BASIC CONCEPT
1. The Greek word translated sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV), fornication (1 Corinthians 6:18 KJV), is porneia
2. “Used generally to refer to any sexual sin” – The Complete Word Study Dictionary
3. Thus it includes any form of “illicit sexual intercourse – adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals, etc.” – Thayer
B. THE PROBLEM THEN AND NOW:
1. Porneia became synonymous with life in the 1st century, reflected by:
a. Their attitude toward adultery: “We keep mistresses for pleasure, concubines for day-to-day needs of the body, but we have wives in order to produce children legitimately and to have a trustworthy guardian of our homes” – Demosthenes
b. Their attitude toward divorce: “Roman women were married to be divorced and were divorced to be married. Some of them distinguished the years, not by the names of the consuls, but by the names of their husbands.” – Seneca
c. Their attitude toward family: “Caligula lived in incest with his sister Drusilla, and the lust of Nero did not even spare his mother Agrippina.” – Suetonius
d. Their attitude toward homosexuality:
1) “It were better not to need marriage, but to follow Plato and Socrates and to be content with the love of boys.” – Lucian
2) “Of the first fifteen emperors, Claudius was the only one whose taste in love was entirely correct.” – Gibbons
2. God’s disdain for sexual immorality is seen in the fact:
a. There are seven lists of evil in the writings of Paul
b. Porneia is listed in five of them, and is the first in each of them – 1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-22; Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5
3. Does it require much insight to see that porneia is rampant in our time as well?
a. Pre-marital sex has become rampant among many, including teenagers
b. Adultery is considered inevitable, even acceptable by many
c. Divorce has been made easy through “no-fault” laws
d. Families have been torn asunder by incest, adultery, and divorce
e. Homosexuality has become an “acceptable alternative lifestyle”
4. Porneia is thus a general term for sexual immorality; i.e., sexual behavior that rightly belongs only to husbands and wives – Hebrews 13:4
II. THE DEVASTATION OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY
A. DESTROYS THE BODY
1. Through bacterial STDs (e.g., Chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea)
2. Through viral STDs (e.g., genital herpes, Hepatitis B, AIDS), which are incurable
3. Many people have learned the hard way, what Solomon warned his son – Proverbs 5:11-12
B. DEMOLISHES THE HOME
1. Marriages intended for life are broken, often beyond repair – Matthew 19:4-6
2. Children are devastated, with emotional effects lasting into adulthood
C. DESOLATES THE SOUL
1. It will be hard to forgive oneself, there will be self-recrimination – Proverbs 5:12-13
2. Your soul will be deprived of good friends, whose trust you violated – Proverbs 6:30-35
3. If unrepented and unforgiven, there is no hope – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 13:4
III. THE DETERRENCE OF SEXUALITY IMMORALITY
A. FORM PROPER DISCERNMENT
1. Remember God’s will for you
a. Joseph understood that sexual immorality was a sin against God – Genesis 39:9
b. Paul taught that abstinence was God’s will – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3
2. Remember God’s will for your body
a. To control your body in holiness and honor (ESV) – 1 Thessalonians 4:4-8
b. To glorify God in your body, as a temple of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:13-20
c. To present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy to God – Romans 12:1-2
3. Remember the consequences
a. Self-recrimination – Proverbs 5:12-13
b. Lost friendships – Proverbs 6:30-35
c. Judgment against the impenitent – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:4
d. David’s sin with Bathsheba serves as an object lesson – 2 Samuel 11-12
B. FLEE EVERY OPPORTUNITY
1. Remember Joseph’s example! – Genesis 39:10-12
2. Remember the wisdom of Solomon! – Proverbs 5:1-23; 6:23-35; 7:1-27
3. Remember Paul’s admonitions!
a. Flee youthful lusts, pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace – 2 Timothy 2:22
b. Make no provision for the lusts of the flesh – Romans 13:13-14
C. FIND A SUITABLE SPOUSE
1. Paul counsels marriage between man and woman to counter sexual immorality – 1 Corinthians 7:1-2
2. Sexual conduct within the framework of marriage is appropriate – 1 Corinthians 7:3-5; Hebrews 13:4
3. Singleness is good, if one has self-control; otherwise, marriage the only option – 1 Corinthians 7:6-9
D. FORGE AHEAD WITH STRENGTH FROM GOD
1. United with Christ in baptism, consider yourself dead to sin – Romans 6:2-15
2. By the Spirit, put to death the sinful deeds of the body – Romans 8:12-13
a. The Spirit is God’s instrumental agent by He strengthens the Christian – Ephesians 3:16,20
b. The fruit of the Spirit in our lives includes self-control – Galatians 5:16-25
3. In Christ, we can do all that God desires of us – Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 6:10-13
4. Utilize the tools of prayer and the Word of God – Ephesians 3:16; 6:17
Conclusion
1. To prevent the devastating effects of sexual immorality, we need to remember:
a. God’s will for us: “abstain from sexual immorality” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3
b. Paul’s admonition: “flee sexual immorality” – 1 Corinthians 6:18
2. Sexual immorality is too serious to take lightly
a. It can destroy your body, home, and soul
b. Forgiveness is possible, but physical consequences of sin (STDs) often remain
3. To flee sexual immorality, we need to have:
a. The strength of Joseph
b. The wisdom of Solomon
c. The penitence of David (when necessary)
4. Let these words of Paul encourage us to abstain from sexual immorality, and to repent if need be – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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