Historical Posts
Psalm 67 – Audio
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Psalm 67 is praise to God for:
- Who He is
- What He has done
- What He will do for all nations.
Writers of the New Testament also remind us of who He is, what He has done, and what He will do. They help us get a clearer picture of what the Psalmist wrote about.
1. God is merciful to us and will bless us (Psalm 67:1, 6-7).
a. Jesus told how the tax collector prayed, “God, be merciful to me a sinner (Luke 18:13)!” This was a prayer that could be offered by all of us, who need the mercies of God.
b. He has richly blessed us through Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
2. His way is known on earth; His salvation is available to everyone everywhere (Psalm 67:2).
a. Jesus is the Way (John 14:6).
b. Apollos was instructed in the way of the Lord, but only knew of the baptism of John at the time (Acts 18:24-25).
c. We come to God by a “new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-20).”
d. Salvation is only found in Christ (Acts 4:12).
e. The gospel is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16-17).
3. Everyone will praise God (Psalm 67:3, 5).
a. We have obtained mercy, and proclaim His praises (1 Peter 2:9).
b. We sing praises to God (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
c. Everyone will submit to Christ to the glory of God (Philippians 2:9-11).
4. God will judge people righteously (Psalm 67:4).
a. The Lord is the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8).
b. The Father has committed all judgment to His Son (John 5:22).
Psalm 67 is a very comforting Psalm.
God has blessed us and saved us through Christ, and that is why we sing His praises! Have you accepted the salvation He has provided in Jesus?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Daniel Blesses God – Daniel 02:20-23 – audio
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Text: Daniel 2:20-23
Introduction
King Nebuchadnezzar had a very troubling dream, and no one could tell him what it was or its interpretation.
However, Daniel sought the mercies of God; it was then the secret was revealed unto him in a night vision.
After receiving the dream and its interpretation, Daniel blessed God!
Body
I. Daniel blesses the name of God, and declares that wisdom and might belong to Him (Daniel 2:20).
Paul wrote, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out (Romans 11:33)!
II. Daniel acknowledges God is in control of the times and seasons (Daniel 2:21).
He already promised that “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease (Genesis 8:22).”
He is also in control over who is in authority (Romans 13:1).
Again, it is declared that He is the source of all wisdom and knowledge.
III. Daniel gives credit to whom credit is due.
God knows the secret things (Deuteronomy 29:29), and reveals them.
He sees what is in the dark, and light dwells in Him (Daniel 2:22).
After all, He is light and there is no darkness in Him (1 John 1:5).
IV. Daniel is thankful to God, and praises Him (Daniel 2:23).
We should always be thankful to God (1 Thessalonians 5:18). As Daniel learned, God will make known to us what we seek of Him.
Conclusion
Just as Daniel praised God and thanked Him, so we must do.
When was the last time you thought of the goodness of God? Did you thank Him? Did you bless Him? He gives us wisdom and understanding, and answers our prayers.
We must recognize His power and submit to His will.
Content by Richard Dillon
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God Gives the Increase
God gives the increase when we do our part.
Last week was a wonderful, if tiring, week at Fort Hill camp and I was happy to be able to participate. There were 111 campers, 50 staff members, and 8 cooks. All the workers had one common purpose: share the good news of Jesus Christ with the campers.
Every day included morning devotionals, Bible classes, songs, prayers, scripture readings, evening assemblies, fire circle devotionals, and evening cabin devotionals. The opportunities to feed on the Word that God gives were abundant.
As the week unfolded and progressed, some of the campers themselves participated as well. In fact, many took part in the above activities. Then, as a result of the planting and watering of God’s Word, some began to probe and ask questions regarding the lessons, showing they were serious about learning of God and His love for us. By the end of the week, there were six baptisms (including two in my Bible class) and six restorations, once again showing how God gives the increase to the church. No doubt many may have heard the truth before coming to camp, and yet there were some who began to hear the gospel preached there for the very first time.
Paul seems to describe this week: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).” We planted many seeds this week; we watered many seeds this week. Some seeds may even yet be waiting to sprout. If we do our part, God certainly will do His. God gives the increase! Have you responded to the love God shows us in the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins? Can he count you in that increase?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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April Showers Bring May Flowers
As the month of April is now underway, the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” is common. If it continues to rain as much as it already has this month, the flowers should be very beautiful! Nature is just of one of God’s ways of showing us His goodness.
Isaiah 55:10-11: “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Hosea 10:12: “Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness upon you.”
Let us seek the LORD, for His goodness is everywhere! Yes, there are ‘showers of blessing’ all around. Let us use what God has given to us for His glory, and many things will be accomplished for the kingdom of God!
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Peter 1:12-15 Lord, Remind Me – audio
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Text: 2 Peter 1:12-15
Introduction.
1. Recently, at one of the Friday Night Sings, we sang a song that really spoke to me.
2. The title is Remind Me, Dear Lord. By Dottie Rambo.
The things that I love and hold dear to my heart Are just borrowed,
they’re not mine at all; Jesus only let me use them to brighten my life,
So remind me, remind me, dear Lord
(Chorus)
Roll back the curtain of mem’ry now and then,
Show me where you brought me from and where I could have been;
Just Remember I’m a human and humans forget –
so remind me, remind me, dear Lord
Nothing good have I done to deserve God’s own son,
I’m not worthy of the scars in His hands; Yet he chose the road to
Calv’ry to die in my stead – Why he loved me, I can’t understand
3. We so often need reminded!
4. 2 Peter 1:12-15.
For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.
5. Thankfully, we have a God who knows us and knows that we need reminded so often!
6. What are some of the things of which we need reminded?
Body
I. LORD, WHEN I AM TEMPTED TO GIVE UP, REMIND ME THAT YOU NEVER GAVE UP ON ME.
A. At one time or another, all of us have been tempted to hang it up.
1. The parable of the sower teaches us that two out of three who obey the gospel will not remain faithful.
2. What are the causes of their falling away?
3. Matthew 13:20-22.
But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
a) Persecution – which comes in many forms.
b) The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches.
4. There are other things that make us want to throw in the towel.
a) Disappointment in ourselves.
b) Disappointment in others.
B. When you are tempted to give up, remember that Jesus didn’t give up on you!
1. He endured mocking and ridicule for you. Matthew 27:27-29.
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
2. He was beaten for you. Matthew 27:26. Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
3. He carried that cross until He couldn’t carry it anymore. Matthew 27:32. Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.
4. He was crucified for you.
5. My precious Savior suffered pain and agony, He bore it all, that I might live.
C. Lord, when I am tempted to give up, remind me that what I am going through is NOTHING compared to what you went through for me!
II. LORD, WHEN I AM TEMPTED TO FEEL SORRY FOR MYSELF, REMIND ME OF MY BLESSINGS.
A. We all get sad from time to time.
1. Jesus did. John 11:35. Jesus wept.
2. Many things cause us to be sad.
a) Seeing sin in the world.
b) Disappointment in others.
c) Death of a loved one.
d) Troubles at work or school.
e) Troubles in relationships.
f) Financial problems.
g) Health problems.
3. It has been said that all of us are either just getting out of a trial, just getting into a trial, or we are in a trial right now!
B. What happens, though, is we often go from feeling sad to feeling sorry for ourselves.
1. A person who feels sorry for himself is one who starts to think that he has it worse than anyone else.
2. He focuses inward on his pain and sorrow rather than outward.
3. He starts to get a little angry with the world and maybe even God.
C. When we start to feel sorry for ourselves, we need to remember our blessings!
1. I don’t care who you are and what problems your having, if you are in Christ, YOU ARE BLESSED!
2. Spiritually we are blessed. Ephesians 1:3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ
3. Physically we are blessed. Matthew 6:33. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
a) Are you going hungry? Many in the world are.
b) Do you have a roof over your head. Many in the world don’t.
c) Do you have warm clothes for the cold weather that is coming. Some don’t.
4. When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost…Count your many blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
D. Lord, remind me of my blessings.
III. LORD, WHEN I GET ANGRY WITH OTHERS, REMIND ME THAT I AM NOT PERFECT EITHER.
A. It is not a sin to get angry.
1. Jesus got angry. Mark 3:1-5.
And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
2. We are told to be angry. Ephesians 4:26. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
B. We are to be angry without sin. We are not to let the sun go down on our wrath.
1. It is one thing to be angry about sin and another thing to hold a personal grudge.
2. Maybe it would help us to be more forgiving if we remember, we are not perfect either.
3. Matthew 18:21-35.
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
C. Lord, remind me that I am not perfect either.
IV. LORD, WHEN I PUT THINGS OFF, REMIND ME THAT LIFE IS SHORT.
A. Procrastination is a universal problem.
1. We put off things, intending to do them later.
2. We put off…
a) Work around the house.
b) Getting into shape.
c) Working on our relationships.
d) Obedience to the gospel.
e) Talking to others about Jesus.
B. Lord, remind us that we may not have a tomorrow.
1. James 4:13-14.
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will[g] go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
2. Life is too short to procrastinate!
3. None of us is guaranteed another day.
Conclusion
1. Lord, remind me…
2. When I am tempted to give up, remind me that you never gave up on me.
3. When I am tempted to feel sorry for myself, remind me of my blessings.
4. When I get angry with others, remind me that I am not perfect either.
5. When I procrastinate, remind me that life is short.
Delivered on: September 16, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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A Little Bundle Of Joy
A little girl had been naughty all day. Her mother had finally taken all she could stand and sent her daughter into the back yard to fetch a switch from the willow tree. Ten minutes later the little girl still had not returned. Her mother yelled from the back door, “Get in here, and bring that switch with you!”
Lips puckered and quivering, she meekly appeared with her hands behind her back.
“Well?” the mother said, “Where is the switch?”
“I couldn’t reach the willow tree,” the youngster said, and then, holding out one hand, added, “But here’s a rock you can throw at me.”
At that, her mother’s heart melted!
Children can be mischievous. As a matter of fact, I am a little concerned when they are not. That’s what parents are for. Kids (I know they are not goats) need skilled hands to guide them. They need loving arms to embrace them. They need a gentle heart to forgive them. They need loving discipline to teach them!
Have you thanked God lately for your little ones? What a blessing they are!
How quickly they grow up and are gone! When they are young and the demands are great, we may wonder how we will survive. But, all too soon, our little one is no longer little. Our son’s a man. Our daughter’s a woman! It happened all too quickly
If you are a young parent today, I hope you will value the precious time you have with your youngster. Don’t see that baby as a burden, but a blessing. Commit yourself to being the best father or mother that child could have. The most important work you will ever do, you are doing now as you mold and shape that young life. You will never regret the sacrifices of time and resources it takes to be a good parent. But, you may regret forever your failure to make those sacrifices.
The Psalmist wrote: “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they shall not be ashamed, when they speak with their enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5 NASB).
- Spend a lot of time with your children.
- Teach them by word and example.
- Give them a spiritual foundation upon which to build.
- Don’t send them to church, but bring them!
—Roger
SEPTEMBER 9, 2012
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Numbers 06:22-27 The Priestly Blessing
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Text: Numbers 6:22-27
Introduction
1. In a book filled with “numbers”, we find a beautiful blessing, which has been called “the Lord’s Prayer of the Old Testament”:
“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
2. As noted in Numbers 6:22-27, it is the blessing of the Lord with which Aaron and his sons were to bless the children of Israel…
a. Aaron and his sons made up the priesthood for Israel
b. Therefore this passage as often been called “The Priestly Blessing”
3. In this passage, I believe we learn things about the Lord which are just as true today…
a. Even though we do not live under the Old Covenant, with its Aaronic priesthood
b. We do have a “High Priest”, who desires to bless us just as richly!
Body
I. THE PRIESTLY BLESSING DEFINED
A. “THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU”
1. The word “bless” means to confer well-being or prosperity
a. The promise of such blessings was conditional – Deuteronomy 28:1-6
b. Failure to meet God’s conditions brought curses, not blessings – Deuteronomy 28:15-19
2. The word “keep” means to provide and care, to guard and protect
a. A beautiful psalm which speaks of God’s care is Psalm 121:1-8
I will lift up my eyes to the hills From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; Hebrews who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; Hebrews shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.
b. Like a shepherd guarding and providing his sheep, the benediction calls upon God to keep watch over Israel
B. “THE LORD MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON YOU, AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU”
1. To “make His face shine” may be an idiom…
a. Indicating God’s smile of favor on His people, evidenced by His being “gracious
b. Note how it is used elsewhere –
Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me for Your mercies’ sake. (Psalm 31:16)
Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved! (Psalm 80:3)
Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord’s sake cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate. (Daniel 9:17)
2. To “be gracious” means to bestow favor, especially that which is unmerited
a. The parallelism of this benediction suggests this favor refers to the blessing and keeping by the Lord mentioned previously
b. Perhaps emphasizing that such blessings are unmerited, even though conditional
C. “THE LORD LIFT UP HIS COUNTENANCE UPON YOU, AND GIVE YOU PEACE”
1. To “lift up His countenance” may be similar to smile
a. As such it suggests pleasure and affection
b. Also approval and recognition
2. The word “peace” is not just the absence of war, but a positive state of rightness and fullness of well-being
a. For the nation of Israel, God had promised peace if they were faithful – Leviticus 26:6
I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land. (Leviticus 26:6)
b. There was also peace for the individual who trusted in God – Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3)
II. THE PRIESTLY BLESSING TODAY
A. “THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU”
1. Indeed the Lord does desire to bless us!
a. Today, those blessings come through Jesus Christ – Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)
b. They come especially to those described in Matthew 5:3-12
2. And the Lord desires to provide and care for us!
a. As described by Jesus in Matthew 6:25-32
b. But this care is conditional, the condition described in Matthew 6:33
B. “THE LORD MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON YOU, AND BE GRACIOUS TO YOU”
1. Just as all spiritual blessings come through Jesus, so God’s grace is now manifested through His Son – cf. John 1:17
For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
2. Yes, God desires to show His smile of favor upon us, but it is imperative that we not receive it in vain! – cf. 2 Corinthians 6:1-3
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says: “IN AN ACCEPTABLE TIME I HAVE HEARD YOU, AND IN THE DAY OF SALVATION I HAVE HELPED YOU.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. (2 Corinthians 6:1-3)
C. “THE LORD LIFT UP HIS COUNTENANCE UPON YOU, AND GIVE YOU PEACE”
1. Through Christ, peace with God is now possible – Romans 5:1
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)
2. And as we continue to pray, God bestows peace through His Son – Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Conclusion
1. We have been talking about “The Priestly Blessing”…
a. How God wanted to bless Israel under the Old Covenant
b. Through His priests in the Aaronic priesthood
2. We have noted that the same sort of blessings are available today…
a. But the blessings of God are bestowed through His Son, Jesus Christ
b. Who today is our “High Priest” – cf. Hebrews 4:14-16
3. The point of this lesson is simple, yet profound: If you desire “The Priestly Blessing” today, you must be in Christ and He must be your High Priest; for that is how God is blessing His people today! (cf. Ephesians 1:3)
4. Are you in Jesus Christ? How does one get “into” Christ, where they can receive the blessings He offers as our High Priest? Consider what is said in Galatians 3:26-27…
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 04:16-20 True Friends and False Friends
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Text: Galatians 4:16-20
Introduction
1. Friends can be a wonderful blessing
a. A source of comfort in times good and bad – Proverbs 17:17
b. A source of good counsel – Proverbs 27:9
2. It is not always easy to know who your true friends are
a. Sometimes a true friend tells you what you don’t want to hear
b. Sometimes a false friend tells you what you do want to hear
3. In writing to the Galatians, Paul found it necessary to remind them of that truth
a. As he defended the gospel of justification by faith in Christ
b. As he battled against the influence of those who sought to bind the Law of Moses
Body
I. TRUE FRIENDS SAY WHAT YOU NEED TO HEAR
A. THEY WILL TELL YOU THE TRUTH
1. Even if it makes them your enemy – Galatians 4:16
2. Even when the tone hurts – Galatians 4:20
3. Paul had been a true friend to his brethren
B. YOU NEED TRUE FRIENDS
1. When hearing the gospel of Christ
a. Who will tell you the full gospel as preached by Christ and His apostles – Mark 16:15-16
b. Not just what is popularly believed, or what may appeal to our sensitivities – Galatians 1:8-9
2. When growing in grace
a. Who will tell us of the need to grow, and the danger of apostasy – 2 Peter 3:17-18
b. Not just tickling our ears with things we enjoy hearing – 2 Timothy 4:3-4
3. When drifting from God
a. As Paul reached out to the Galatians in our text – Galatians 4:19-20
b. As Paul encouraged them to do the same to others – Galatians 6:1
4. Do we appreciate the value of such friends in our lives?
C. HEED THE WISDOM OF DAVID AND SOLOMON
1. “Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it.” – Psalm 141:5a
2. “Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored.” – Proverbs 13:18
3. “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.” – Proverbs 15:31-32
4. “Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.” – Proverbs 25:12
5. May we always appreciate the value of true friends.
II. FALSE FRIENDS SAY WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO HEAR
A. THEY WILL TELL YOU WHAT THEY WANT
1. When it makes you on their side – Galatians 4:17
2. When you have something they want – cf. Galatians 6:12-13
3. The Judaizing teachers were not true friends of the Galatians
B. YOU NEED TO BEWARE OF FALSE FRIENDS
1. When you are being courted with zeal
a. Their motives may not be right – Galatians 4:17; cf. Romans 16:17-18
b. Their knowledge may be wrong – cf. Romans 10:1-2
2. When you are being manipulated
a. As the false teachers were trying to manipulate the Galatians – Galatians 4:17
b. A tactic first used by Satan, and since by many others – 2 Corinthians 11:3,13-15; 2 Peter 2:1-3
3. When you are pursued only in their presence
a. Paul sought their devotion even in his absence – Galatians 4:18; Philippians 1:27; 2:12
b. False friends often forget about you when they are no longer with you
4. Do we appreciate the danger of the wrong kind of friends?
C. HEED THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
1. “Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.” – Proverbs 26:23-26
2. “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” – Proverbs 27:5-6
Conclusion
1. Many people have been led astray by the wrong kind of friends
a. Good habits have been corrupted by bad company – 1 Corinthians 15:33
b. Immature Christians have been tossed around by cunning and deceitful teachers – Ephesians 4:14
2. May we learn from the interaction between Paul and the Galatians
a. True friends say what you need to hear
b. False friends say what they want you to hear
3. Speaking of true friends, the greatest friend we can have is Jesus – John 15:13-14
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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