Historical Posts
The Church in Smyrna
As Christians, we often need encouragement. A kind word, pat on the back, handshake, hug, or some other token of appreciation is needed once in a while. That is one good thing about the Lord’s church meeting not only on the first day of the week, but during the middle of the week as well. We need to “recharge our batteries” to be able to keep working during the rest of the week. Consider the Lord’s words to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11). It is easy to be encouraged as A-B-C.
Admonition.
The church in Smyrna is praised for doing good things! The Lord knows their works, tribulation, and poverty (even though they are rich). Last week we talked about being poor in the world but being rich toward Christ. Sometimes we need to be encouraged to keep doing what we’re doing, even though it may seem difficult. There were those who opposed those in Smyrna, and were called a synagogue of Satan. The Lord would reprimand them (Revelation 3:9-10), yet encourage those who were faithful.
Be faithful.
Following praise for what they have already done, those in Smyrna were encouraged to keep doing what they were doing! As they were faithful in the past, they must continue to be. Jesus said earlier, “He who endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:13).” Do not worry what others may do to you; rather, be concerned about pleasing God.
Crown of life.
Finally a reward is mentioned for being faithful. Those that endure will be saved; those that are faithful until death will receive a crown of life; those that overcome shall not be hurt by the second death! It is always good to be rewarded for good behavior. That should be the last bit of encouragement! We will be rewarded for doing good!
Do you know your ABCs? Accept admonition! Be faithful! Receive the crown of life!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Galatians 03:15-25 The Purpose of the Law
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Text: Galatians 3:15-25
Introduction
1. In teaching they were justified by faith in Christ, Paul reminded the Galatians that
a. They received the Spirit by the hearing of faith – Galatians 3:1-5
b. The heirs of Abraham were those “of faith” – Galatians 3:6-9
c. Those of the works of the Law were under a curse – Galatians 3:10-12
d. Christ has redeemed them from the curse of the Law, that even Gentiles could now receive the promise of the Spirit through faith – Galatians 3:13-14
2. With such comments regarding the Law, Paul anticipated a likely objection
a. What purpose did the Law then serve?
b. What was its relation to the promise given to Abraham?
3. We might also ask ourselves
a. What value does the Law (Old Testament) have for us today?
b. Do we even need to study it, since we are not under the Law?
4. Such questions are easily answered, first from our text (Galatians 3:15-25), and then from other statements of Paul regarding the value of the OT.
Body
I. FOR THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL
A. WHAT IT’S PURPOSE WAS NOT
1. Not to change the promises made to Abraham – Galatians 3:15-17
a. Even a man’s covenant cannot be annulled or added to once confirmed
b. The Law which came 430 years later, cannot annul the covenant confirmed by God
2. Not to provide the promise made regarding the Seed – Galatians 3:16-18
a. To Abraham and his Seed (Christ) were the promises made
b. The Law did not make the promise of no effect, nor did it provide the inheritance regarding the Seed
B. WHAT IT’S PURPOSE WAS
1. It was added because of transgression – Galatians 3:19-23
a. for the purpose of revealing and manifesting to man his sinfulness
b. Till the Seed (Christ) should come to whom the promise was made
c. Not against the promise, but it could not provide life
d. Confined all under sin, that the promise might be given to those who believe
e. Kept them under guard, kept for the faith (Christ) afterward revealed
2. It was a tutor to lead them to Christ – Galatians 3:24-25
a. To bring them to Christ
b. Now that faith (Christ) has come, they are no longer under it
1) It came to an end when nailed to the cross – Colossians 2:14-17; Ephesians 2:14-16
2) Jews converted to Christ have died to the law – Romans 7:1-6
3) Thus it was replaced with a new covenant – Hebrews 7:18; 8:13; 9:9-10; 10:9
3. The Law was “holy”, “just”, and “good” (Romans 7:12), but it was designed to be temporary. With the coming of Christ and His New Covenant, it came to end as a system of justification (Galatians 5:4).
4. What purpose, if any, does the Law (Old Testament) serve the people of Christ today…?
II. FOR THE PEOPLE OF CHRIST
A. FOR OUR LEARNING
1. Note carefully what Paul wrote in Romans 15:4
a. Things “written before” (i.e., the OT) were “written for our learning”
b. The OT was written and preserved especially for Christians’ benefit!
c. The OT provides “patience and comfort”, that we “might have hope”!
2. The OT provides a record of God’s faithfulness, how He kept His promises:
a. To Abraham and the nation of Israel
b. To judge the wicked and avenge the righteous
c. To forgive the penitent, and protect the humble
3. As we read this history of God’s dealings with Israel, it gives us hope that God will keep His promises to us!
B. FOR OUR ADMONITION
1. Paul had just reminded the Corinthians of Israel’s fall in the wilderness 1 Corinthians 10:1-10
2. Note carefully what he says in 1 Corinthians 10:11
a. The events described may have happened to Israel
b. “They were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come”
c. Again, the OT was written and preserved especially for the benefit of Christians!
3. We should not be surprised to see how often NT writers appealed to the OT in their efforts to admonish Christians
a. As the writer of Hebrews, in exhorting Christians to remain steadfast – Hebrews 3:12-19
b. As James, in encouraging Christians to be patient in their suffering James 5:7-11
c. As Peter, in warning of false teachers and scoffers – 2 Peter 2-3
4. We need to study the OT to be reminded of the very real danger of apostasy!
C. FOR OUR WISDOM
1. Paul noted that Timothy had known the “Holy Scriptures” since childhood 2 Timothy 3:14-15
a. When Timothy was a child, the only scriptures available was the OT
b. So Paul clearly had the OT in view
2. He said the OT is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ”
3. How is this possible? The OT provides:
a. The fall of man and the rise of sin
b. The background and development of God’s scheme of redemption
c. Hundreds of Messianic prophecies which describe what to expect when He comes
4. One cannot hope to fully understand such books of the New Testament like:
a. Hebrews, without an understanding of the Levitical priesthood
b. Revelation, without an understanding of OT prophecy and apocalyptic literature
5. If one wishes to be wise concerning their salvation in Christ, it is imperative to study the Old Testament!
D. FOR OUR PROFIT
1. “All Scripture” includes the OT scriptures, especially in this context – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. Therefore the OT is profitable for:
a. Doctrine – such as the nature of God, man, and sin
b. Reproof and correction – the need for repentance
c. Instruction in righteousness – how to live godly lives
3. Thus the apostles frequently appealed to the OT when teaching Christians their conduct:
a. E.g., Romans 12:19-21; 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1; 9:7-10
b. E.g., James 2:20-26
c. E.g., 1 Peter 3:8-12
4. While certain aspects of justification and worship have changed, many principles of righteousness remain the same under the New Covenant
Conclusion
1. For the people of Israel, the Law served a valuable purpose
a. It helped them to understand the nature of sin, and the need for redemption
b. It guided them until the promised Seed (Christ), through Whom God blessed all nations
2. For the people of Christ, the Law continues to serve a valuable purpose
a. For our learning and admonition
b. For our wisdom and spiritual profit
While we rejoice in the salvation now offered through faith in Christ, let us never underestimate the value of studying the Old Testament. Its many examples of obedience through faith (cf. Hebrews 11:1-40) should inspire us to likewise walk in “the steps of faith”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Psalm 100 Singing
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(Getting More Out of the Singing)
Text: Psalm 100:1-5
Introduction
1. An important part of our assemblies the act of singing praises
a. We spend nearly a third of our assemblies engaged in this activity
b. Rightly so, for it has the potential of reaping great spiritual benefits
2. Singing is an important element of our worship
a. It is mentioned in the text upon which our title is based – Psalm 100:2
b. There were those in Old Testament times who delighted in singing – Psalm 63:3-5
c. Christians were taught to respond to the goodness of God in a similar way – James 5:13
3. But I often wonder if some have lost the joy of singing
a. Many Christians sing with virtually no emotion, some do not sing at all!
b. I have personally known Christians, who
1) Complained because time available for classes was taken up by the singing of a few hymns
2) Will not attend a worship service if they know it will be devoted primarily to singing
c. In contrast, it was common in the past for people to travel some distance to attend a service devoted to praising God in song
4. Why do such conditions exist? I suspect it may be a failure to appreciate:
a. The true purpose of singing
b. How we can get more out of singing?
Body
I. THE PURPOSE OF SINGING
A. TO PRAISE THE LORD
1. This is the most common concept of the purpose of singing
a. Indeed, this is certainly the idea inherent in the word ‘hymn’
b. Which comes from the Greek word humnos, “a song in praise of”
2. Praising God should be a natural for Christians !
a. David reacted this way to the blessings God gave him – Psalm 28:6-7
b. Paul and Silas even reacted to persecution with singing praises – Acts 16:25
3. Singing is one of the spiritual sacrifices that we are to offer to God – Hebrews 13:15
a. As spiritual priests we offer up “spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God” – 1 Peter 2:5
b. If we are not careful, we might be guilty of offering defiled service to God as was the case in Malachi’s day! – cf. Malachi 1:7-8, 12-13
4. Is not God worthy of our best praise?
B. TO TEACH AND ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER
1. Our singing is not just directed toward God
a. Certainly, many songs are
b. But many songs are rightly directed to each other – cf. Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19
2. That’s because many songs are designed to teach one another
a. Teaching and admonishing us to live properly, to enjoy the blessings of the Christian life
b. It might even be said that ‘congregational singing’ is actually ‘congregational teaching’!
3. Do not our brethren deserve the best encouragement we can offer?
C. TO BE FILLED AND ENRICHED
1. Singing can be a means to being filled with the Spirit
a. Paul charged the Ephesians to be filled with the Spirit – Ephesians 5:18
b. He explained how: by singing and making melody in one’s heart to the Lord – Ephesians 5:19
2. Singing can be a means to being enriched by the Word of Christ
a. Paul charged the Colossians to let the Word of Christ dwell in them richly – Colossians 3:16a
b. Again he explains: by singing with grace in one’s heart to the Lord – Colossians 3:16b
3. For a truly Spirit-filled life enriched by the Word of Christ, singing is essential!
II. GETTING MORE OUT OF OUR SINGING
A. ENGAGE THE ‘MIND’ AS YOU SING
1. Remember, singing is teaching and admonishing one another
2. This assumes that we understand what we sing – cf. 1 Corinthians 14:15
3. We must be careful that our enjoyment of singing is not like how many people enjoy their popular music (i.e., liking the music without necessarily understanding the words)
4. Give careful attention to the words of the songs
B. ENGAGE THE ‘HEART’ AS YOU SING
1. When we sing, we must do so
a. “with grace in your hearts” – Colossians 3:16
b. “making melody in your heart” – Ephesians 5:19
2. This assumes that we involve our ‘heart strings’ (emotions) as we sing!
3. To sing without emotion (without grace in our hearts)
a. Is hypocritical, and condemned by Jesus! – Matthew 15:7-8
b. Will be evident in our countenances! – cf. Proverbs 15:13
4. Put your heart into your singing
C. EXPAND THE SPHERE OF YOUR SINGING
1. Is your singing limited just to the public assemblies, on the first day of the week?
2. Singing, like prayer, ought to be spontaneous, arising whenever the circumstances call for it – cf. Acts 16:25; Psalm 34:1-3
3. Sing while you work, travel, or while alone in your private meditations
4. Make use of hymns on tapes or CDs when traveling or meditating
5. Take advantage of special opportunities to sing, such as monthly and annual singings
6. Increase your opportunities to sing at other times with others, and when alone
D. UTILIZE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN TO SING
1. Singing is more enjoyable when we are able to read musical notes, sing different parts
2. Churches often provide singing classes; every opportunity to sing is an opportunity to learn
3. Take advantage of any opportunity to learn how to sing
Conclusion
1. Singing is like any other activity…the more you put into it, the more you get out of it
2. Increase your joy of singing, and you will get much more out of your worship times.
3. Have we lost the joy of singing…?
a. If we could see ourselves as song leaders do, we might be constrained to say yes
b. If so, rekindle this act of worship which can do so much toward “Serving The Lord With Gladness”
4. May David’s attitude, truly describe our own when it comes to singing:
“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” – Psalm 104:33
“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful.” – Psalm 147:1
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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