Historical Posts
Worship in Song
Introduction
A. This is the fifth Sunday in May, which means shortly we will have a service emphasizing singing. Whether we can sing really well or can’t carry a tune in a bucket, we can all “make a joyful noise unto the LORD (Psalm 100:1).”
B. We must do so because God is our audience, and we need to please Him and encourage one another (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
Body
I. We speak to one another.
A. We can only speak to one another in song if we are together (Hebrews 10:24-25).
B. We must sing with the spirit and the understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15).
II. We make melody in our hearts to the Lord.
A. In order to make melody (from Greek psallo), one must “twitch” or “twang” on an instrument.
1) Frequently in the Old Testament, musical instruments were used (harp, tambourine, lute, etc.).
2) In the New Testament, the heart is specified as an instrument.
3) No authority exists in the New Testament for singing with an instrument.
B. Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn (Matthew 26:30) before going to the Mount of Olives.
C. Paul and Silas sang hymns at midnight in prison (Acts 16:25).
D. Jesus taught us at least two things about worship:
1) We must worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).
2) Our worship is vain if our heart is far from God (Matthew 15:8-9).
E. If we are cheerful, we are to sing psalms (James 5:13; Psalm 122:1).
III. We sing with grace in our hearts to the Lord.
A. We could not be saved without the grace of God (Titus 2:11; Ephesians 2:5).
B. For this, we are very thankful (Psalm 100:1-5).
C. As sacrifices of thanksgiving were offered under the Old Testament (Leviticus 7:11-12), so we offer a sacrifice to God under the New Testament.
1) Our bodies are a living sacrifice acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).
2) The fruit of our lips is a continual sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15).
a. God created the fruit of our lips (Isaiah 57:19).
b. Isaiah’s lips were touched with live coal from an altar, taking away his iniquity (Isaiah 6:5-7).
c. God’s words should be upon our lips (Isaiah 51:16; 59:21).
d. Hosea reminds us that God takes away our iniquities, so we will “offer the sacrifices [fruit] of our lips (Hosea 14:1-2).”
Conclusion
A. As Christians, we have many reasons to rejoice!
B. When we come together on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) to sing, we encourage one another through song.
C. We give praise unto God, thanking Him for what all He has given to us.
D. We do so in a way that is pleasing unto Him and is edifying to us all.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Water and Salvation
Introduction
A. By having a better appreciation for the Old Testament, we may have a better understanding of the New Testament. In fact, the things “written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4).”
B. Thus, with a better appreciation of Noah’s relationship to God, we can have a better understanding of our relationship with Him.
Body
I. God saved Noah through water.
A. The wickedness of man was great; the intents of man’s hearts were only evil continually (Genesis 6:5).
B. God planned to destroy man from the face of the earth (Genesis 6:7).
C. Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD (Genesis 6:8-9).
1) He was a just man.
2) He was “perfect” in his generations.
3) He walked with God.
D. Noah built the ark according to God’s instructions, and gathered the right number and kind of animals (Genesis 6:13-22).
E. The floods came, and those on the earth perished; Noah and his family were saved (Genesis 7:1-24).
II. God saves us through water.
A. All men have sinned (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:22).
B. God destroys those who serve sin, yet saves those willing to serve Him (2 Peter 2:4-5; Romans 6:23).
C. God’s grace has appeared to all men (Titus 2:11; 2 Timothy 1:9-11).
D. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:1-8; Hebrews 11:6-7; Romans 4:13-16; James 2).
E. As eight souls were saved through water, so baptism saves us (1 Peter 3:18-21).
1) Christ sanctifies and cleanses the church with the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:25-27).
2) We must be born of water and the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).
3) Baptism allows us to die to ourselves, to be buried with Christ, and to rise again in a newness of life (Romans 6:1-7; Acts 8:36-39).
Conclusion
A. Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
B. He had faith in Him, and did what God commanded of Him.
C. God’s grace that brings salvation has appeared to all of us.
D. Are we willing to do what He commands us?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Giving of Grace – audio
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Birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas are the most giving times of the year. Usually, there is one present intended for one person. However, there is one gift that God gave to the whole world: His Son (John 3:16). Jesus said that “…whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Note that anyone, regardless of classification, can partake of everlasting life.
Paul was instrumental in giving everyone that opportunity. Text: Ephesians 3:1-7. Everyone includes both Jew and Gentile alike. Paul identified himself as a prisoner of Christ to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1). Thus, he had something important to give them: grace.
The grace of God was given to Paul for the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:2). Earlier, the Lord told Paul that he would bear His name to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). As the Lord delivered Him, so He would the Gentiles. This was a mystery that has finally been revealed (Ephesians 3:3-5; Romans 11:25; 16:25)! The Gentiles, along with the Jews, can be saved (Ephesians 3:6)!
One cannot be saved without the grace of God, and it has come to all men, including Gentiles (Titus 2:11-13). Earlier, Paul explained to the Ephesians that salvation is through grace and faith (Ephesians 2:8). Thus, by being baptized into Christ Jew and Gentile can be saved (Galatians 3:26-29). Thus, Paul became a minister of the gospel through the grace of God to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:7; Romans 1:5).
Will you receive the grace of God? Obey the gospel and live faithfully (Revelation 2:10) to receive eternal life!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Jesus the Grace of God – Titus 2:11-14 – audio
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Text: Titus 2:11-14 – For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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2 Corinthians 06:01-02 – Do Not Receive the Grace of God in Vain – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Introduction
A. There are many things in life that can be beneficial if used properly;
1) On the other hand, they may not help at all
2) Or even can be harmful if misused.
B. There are many food choices available to us;
1) Some are healthy
2) Others are not.
3) Some good foods, if taken too much, can be harmful.
C. Prescriptions are the same way.
1) A doctor gives a patient a certain kind of medicine and a certain dosage.
2) If the wrong medicine is taken, or if the right medicine is taken the wrong way, it will not do as good a job as it was intended.
3) There can be dire consequences.
D. Spiritually, God gave us His grace and we must not use it in vain!
Body
I. Grace is essential for salvation.
A. God is full of grace and truth, and we receive them through Jesus Christ (John 1:14-17).
B. We are justified by the grace of God (Titus 3:4-7).
C. God saves us by His grace in Christ through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:8-10).
D. The grace of God brings salvation (Titus 2:11).
E. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:5-8).
F. God’s promise is of faith that it might be according to grace (Romans 4:16).
II. Grace is not always guaranteed.
A. We can fall from the grace of God (Galatians 5:4).
B. We can fall short of the grace of God (Hebrews 12:14-15).
III. Grace must be used properly.
A. God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34).
B. We must grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18).
C. We must be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1).
D. By the grace we receive, we must serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28).
IV. Grace must not be misused.
A. Some have turned the grace of God into lewdness and denied God and Christ (Jude 4).
B. We must not sin in order that grace may abound (Romans 6:1-2).
Conclusion
A. The grace of God can save us, but our faith must accompany it.
B. If we serve God properly, grow in His grace, and strive not to sin, it will not be in vain! He will help us in the day of salvation!
C. That is today!
Content by Richard Dillon
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More Grace – audio
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“For we all stumble in many things,” James wrote (James 3:2).
Amen to that. Most Christians I know are quite aware of the myriad ways they fall short.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but James is on a bit of a negative kick. He accuses his Christian readers of lusting, fighting, and coveting. He insinuates that they’re selfish, then – if that wasn’t enough – he calls them adulterers. He doesn’t seem very happy, does he?
I’m glad there’s this next verse, because it brings us back to the place we all need to be: But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
Isn’t that beautiful? He gives more grace!
We all stumble in many ways, but he gives more grace. Every day we fall short, but he gives more grace. We struggle and fall and get up and fall again, but he gives more grace.
It reminds me of what Paul wrote in Romans 5:20: “where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” All of us need a lot of that grace, don’t we? It’s good that it’s not a finite resource.
But notice the last part of James’ thought: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
One thing will put a barrier between us and God’s grace, and that’s pride.
Pride makes us think that we don’t need God that we’re doing pretty well on our own. Pride trusts in our own righteousness, our own ability to be good, do good, and look good. Pride emphasizes self over God, works over grace, appearance over substance.
So in James’ statement there’s a tremendous promise, but also a warning. God gives more grace to anyone willing to accept it – what an incredible blessing! But he withholds it from the proud – nothing could be worse.
Today, let’s pray something like this:
Father, remove all traces of pride from our hearts and fill us with your humility. Though we’re not worthy, please give us more grace. Never oppose us. Never reject us. Keep us humble and within your will. We ask this through Jesus. Amen.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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God Working In Us – audio
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It’s clear that God expects a human response in our relationship to him, but do we sometimes emphasize that over what he’s doing?
We need to know that God’s saving us begins, continues, and ends with his initiative, not ours.
Notice how Paul mentions both in this passage:
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure – Philippians 2:12-13.
It’s a play on words, one scholar says: We are to “work out” because God “works in” (R.R. Melick).
I have done, and you have heard, a lot of preaching on the “working out” part, but maybe not as much on God’s “working in.”
Maybe that’s part of the reason we often struggle to feel truly secure in our salvation. We know, more than anyone else (except God), how far we fall short of being who we ought to be.
If it depends on our efforts, we know we’ll miss out on salvation, even if we don’t like to admit it.
On the other hand, when we recognize that God is working in us “to will and to work for his good pleasure,” it directs our focus Godward, instead of inward.
That’s where we find comfort. I’ll always fall short, but he won’t.
In another place Paul wrote this: “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy” – Romans 9:16
There’s a reluctance to embrace this, because we fear that emphasizing God’s initiative will cause us to relax . . . to fall into spiritual apathy.
But I think we will find that it will do the opposite.
When we put more trust in God’s power to accomplish in us whatever he chooses, we may find ourselves obeying more faithfully out of gratitude, instead of some kind of misguided attempt to try and earn what we can never earn.
It ought to comfort us, in a way that our attempts to measure up never can, that God, who loves us infinitely and wants to save us, is working within us to accomplish His will.
Do we obey?
Absolutely.
But we do it in response to what he’s already done, and what he continues to do.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Ephesians 02:04-10 Salvation by Grace Through Faith
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Text: Ephesians 2:4-10
Introduction
1. In the previous lesson we saw our true condition outside of Christ:
a. Dead in trespasses and sins – Ephesians 2:1
b. Walking with world and the devil – Ephesians 2:2
c. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh and mind – Ephesians 2:3
d. Truly we were “sons of disobedience” and “children of wrath”!
2. At the close of the previous lesson, I asked, “How can such ‘sons of disobedience’ and ‘children of wrath’ ever become…”
a. “Holy and without blame”?
b. “Receive the adoption as sons”?
c. “Accepted” by God?
3. In the text for this study (Ephesians 2:4-10) we find our answer, where we learn that salvation by grace through faith involves many elements besides just grace and faith to begin with, salvation by grace through faith:
Body
I. INVOLVES THE “GREAT LOVE” OF GOD (Ephesians 2:4)
A. THIS IS THE BEGINNING POINT OF SALVATION…
1. From this, all else flows
2. What mercy, grace, etc., that God shows mankind is founded upon the fact that God has a great love for us – cf. John 3:16
B. THIS LOVE IS NOT BECAUSE OF WHO WE ARE, BUT WHO GOD IS…
1. God did not love us because we were lovable, but because God is loving!
2. As John wrote in an effort to inspire his brethren to love one another, God is love, and that moved Him to offer His Son – 1 John 4:7-10
II. INVOLVES THE “RICH MERCY” OF GOD (Ephesians 2:4)
A. DEFINING MERCY…
1. The word “eleos” is defined by Vine’s Expository Dictionary as the outward manifestation of pity”
2. Mercy, then, is compassion that one has for those in trouble
B. GOD’S “GREAT LOVE” MAKES HIM “RICH IN MERCY”…
1. His great love for sinners enables God to be filled with compassion toward them
2. The riches of His mercy seek to reach out to all who will accept it – 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9
III. INVOLVES BEING “MADE ALIVE TOGETHER” WITH CHRIST (Ephesians 2:5)
A. HERE IS WHERE “GRACE” REALLY ENTERS IN…
1. For notice that Paul says “WHEN we were dead…(God) made us alive”
2. While STILL “dead in trespasses” God has somehow made us alive together with Christ!
3. Though not fully explained in this passage how (and when) this happened, it occurred because of God’s “unmerited favor” (the definition of “grace”)
B. HOW (AND WHEN) WE WERE “MADE ALIVE TOGETHER WITH CHRIST” IS EXPLAINED ELSEWHERE…
1. Especially in Colossians 2:11-13
2. Where we learn that it is in baptism…
a. We are buried with Christ and then raised with Him – Colossians 2:12; cf. Romans 6:3-6
b. We, who were “dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh”, were thus “made alive together with Him (Christ)” – Colossians 2:13
c. Our trespasses were all forgiven – Colossians 2:13; cf. Acts 2:38; 22:16
IV. INVOLVES BEING “RAISED UP TOGETHER” WITH CHRIST (Ephesians 2:6-7)
A. WE SAW IN Ephesians 1:20
1. Where Christ was raised from the dead
2. And then was seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly places
B. NOW WE LEARN FROM Ephesians 2:6-7
1. That we too are raised up and made to sit together with Christ in the heavenly places!
a. This speaks of our present condition in the “spiritual realm” (heavenly places)
b. Because of our union with Christ, we enjoy an exalted position together with Him
c. Which union serves as the basis for our wonderful spiritual blessings – cf. Ephesians 1:3
2. But our present condition, and the blessings it entails, are only the beginning!
a. There is more “in the ages to come”
b. There are “exceeding riches of His grace in kindness” yet to be shown in Christ Jesus!
V. INVOLVES “FAITH”, AND NOT MERITORIOUS WORKS (Ephesians 2:8-9)
A. SALVATION IS FIRST AND FOREMOST, BY “GRACE”…
1. Up to this point, Paul has said nothing about man’s part in the process of salvation
a. It was GOD’S mercy, love, and grace which made salvation possible
b. It was GOD’s working that made us alive, raised us up, made us sit together with Christ
2. Truly, salvation is…
a. “not of yourselves; it is the gift of God”
1) Some understand this phrase to refer to “faith”
2) But I understand Paul to be referring to salvation
b. “not of works, lest anyone should boast”
1) We are not saved by works of merit, whereby we earn salvation
2) But as Paul told Titus “according to His mercy He saved us…” – Titus 3:5
B. NEVERTHELESS, SALVATION IS BY GRACE “THROUGH FAITH”…
1. “Faith”, together with the “working of God”, is how we were “raised with Christ” in baptism – cf. Colossians 2:12
2. In other words, it is an obedient faith that receives the salvation in Christ – cf. Hebrews 5:9
3. So when a person in faith is being baptized…
a. They are not “earning” their salvation
b. Rather, they are “receiving” their salvation which is by God’s grace and God’s working, for in baptism they are receiving Jesus Christ and all He accomplished by His death and resurrection! – cf. Galatians 3:27
VI. INVOLVES BEING “CREATED…FOR GOOD WORKS” (Ephesians 2:10)
A. IN CHRIST, WE ARE “HIS WORKMANSHIP”…
1. As Paul intimated in his discussion of baptism in Co 2:12 (“the working of God”)
2. Through God’s “working” in which He…
a. “made us alive”
b. “raised us up”
c. “made us sit together in the heavenly places”
d. we have truly become “a new creation”! – cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17
B. THE GOAL OF THIS “WORKMANSHIP”: CREATED FOR GOOD WORKS…
1. Though not saved by good works, we are to do good works!
2. God “prepared beforehand that we should walk in them”
a. It is part of His predetermined plan
b. Not just to save, but to create a people diligent in good works! – cf. Titus 2:11-14
3. Therefore, the people of God should…
a. “be ready for every good work” – Titus 3:1
b. “be careful to maintain good works” – Titus 3:8
c. “learn to maintain good works” – Titus 3:14
Conclusion
1. So it is “by grace through faith” that…
a. “Children of wrath” can become “children of God”!
b. “Sons of disobedience” can “receive the adoption as sons” of God!
c. We can be “accepted” by God!
2. Because “Salvation By Grace Through Faith” involves:
a. God’s great love
b. God’s rich mercy
c. God making us alive together with Christ
d. God raising us up together with Christ to sit with Him in the heavenly places
e. An obedient faith that trusts in God’s workmanship, not one’s own works
f. A new creature that is diligent in doing good works to the glory of God
3. How can one receive this wonderful salvation? Let Jesus and His apostles show you the way, for it is when we in faith submit to the Lord’s command to be baptized that we enjoy the blessings of God’s love, mercy, and workmanship… – Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12-13
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 02:20-21 The Life Which I Now Live
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Text: Galatians 2:20-21
Introduction
1. Much that we know of the Christian life is dependent upon the apostle Paul
a. Who wrote half the books of the New Testament?
b. His conduct and attitudes are set before us as an example – 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17
c. But what principles governed Paul’s life as a Christian?
2. In our text we find Paul expressing some of the principles – Galatians 2:20-21
a. That guided his life as a disciple of Christ
b. As he speaks of “the life which I now live in the flesh”
3. What kind of life was that? Are we governed by the same principles?
4. Notice first of all that Paul says his life which he lived in the flesh was
Body
I. A LIFE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST (Galatians 2:20a)
A. HOW IS “CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST” POSSIBLE…?
1. We can’t go back in time and join Christ on the cross!
2. But we can be united with Christ in His death when we are baptized! – Romans 6:3-8
3. Note that baptism into Christ is
a. A baptism into His death – Romans 6:3-4
b. Being united together in the likeness of His death – Romans 6:5
c. Crucifying our old man with Christ – Romans 6:6
d. Dying together with Christ – Romans 6:8
4. If we have been baptized into Christ, we can say together with Paul: “I have been crucified with Christ”
B. WHAT DOES “CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST” MEAN…?
1. For some it means a death “to the Law” – Galatians 2:19
a. Paul wrote of himself as a Jew who was at one time under the Law of Moses
b. Those who have been crucified with Christ have died to the Law – Romans 7:1-6
2. For all it means a death “to self” – Galatians 2:20
a. “It is no longer I who live”
b. As Jesus taught, we must be willing to deny self to follow Him – Luke 9:23-24
3. For all it means we have crucified “the flesh” – Galatians 5:24
a. Which occurred in principle at our baptism – Romans 6:6, 11-14
b. Which occurs in practice as we continue to “put to death” the deeds of the body – Romans 8:12-13; Colossians 3:5- 9
4. For all it means we have been crucified “to the world” – Galatians 6:14
a. Before our obedience to Christ, we were in bondage to the rudiments of the world – Galatians 4:3, 9
b. But now, Christ is our rule and authority in life – Colossians 2:8-10, 20-22; 3:17
5. Any external (Law, world) or internal (self, flesh) controls have now surrendered to the authority of Christ
6. One who has been baptized into Christ and is letting Jesus be his or her authority in all things is living a “life crucified with Christ”. But note that Paul also wrote “the life which I now live” is:
II. A LIFE IN WHICH CHRIST LIVES IN ME (Galatians 2:20b)
A. HOW DOES CHRIST LIVE IN ME…?
1. It is like electricity
a. I may not comprehend how it works
b. But I know how to get it working!
2. We are taught how to make sure that He will abide in us
a. By Jesus Himself – John 14:21-23; 15:9-10
b. By His beloved disciple John – 1 John 3:24
3. As we keep the commandments of Christ, we are assured that He lives in us!
B. WHAT BENEFITS COME FROM CHRIST LIVING IN US…?
1. The wonderful love of the Father and the Son – John 14:21
2. There is fullness of joy – John 15:11
3. There is peace, even in the midst of tribulation – John 16:33
4. There is the hope of being with Jesus and beholding His glory – John 17:24
5. These are just a few of the many blessings of a life in which Christ lives in us!
III. A LIFE LIVING BY FAITH IN CHRIST (Galatians 2:20c)
A. WHAT IS LIVING BY FAITH IN CHRIST…?
1. The word ‘faith’ implies trust
2. Living by faith in Christ means constantly trusting in Jesus
a. E.g., for the forgiveness of our sins
1) Trusting in His blood to cleanse us from our sins – 1 John 1:7, 9
2) Trusting in Him as our Advocate – 1 John 2:1
3) Trusting in Him as our Propitiation – 1 John 2:4
b. E.g., that His words will provide a solid foundation for our lives – Mathew 7:24-25
c. E.g., that He will never forsake us – Mathew 28:20
3. Trusting in Jesus, not in self, not in the Law, not in the world!
B. WHY SHOULD WE SO TRUST JESUS…?
1. Because He loves us! – cf. Galatians 2:20
2. Because He gave Himself for us! – Galatians 2:20
3. Shall He not do more if we continue to trust Him? – Romans 8:34-39
4. Such love naturally compels one to live a life of faith in Him – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
5. Does such love should compel us to trust in Jesus, living by faith in Him?
IV. A LIFE WHICH DOES NOT SET ASIDE GOD’S GRACE (Galatians 2:21)
A. WE MUST DILIGENTLY KEEP JESUS’ COMMANDMENTS
1. As a true indication of our love for Him – John 14:15
2. As a true indication that we really know Him – 1 John 2:3
3. One cannot ignore the commandments of the Lord
B. YET WITHOUT GOD’S GRACE, ALL IS VAIN
1. We cannot nor dare not try to earn or merit our salvation – Titus 3:4-5; Ephesians 2:8-9
2. After all is said and done, we are still unworthy servants – Luke 17:10
3. If not for the grace of God:
a. Our faith would be useless
b. Our repentance would meaningless
c. Our baptism would be fruitless
d. Our salvation would be impossible!
4. And so, from beginning to end
a. We must look to God and the Word of His grace
b. We must trust in His mercy offered through Jesus
c. We are totally dependent upon Jesus and His death on the cross for any degree of true righteousness
5. If we think we have earned or merited salvation on our own, Christ died in vain!
Conclusion
1. Such was the life Paul lived in the flesh
a. A life crucified with Christ
b. A life in which Christ lived in Him
c. A life living by faith in Christ
d. A life that did not set aside the grace of God
2. Can the same be said of us…?
a. Have we been crucified with Christ (in baptism)?
b. Is Christ living in us (manifested by keeping His commandments)?
c. Are you living by faith in Christ (trusting His blood, His Word)?
d. Are you always trusting in the grace of God (not your own goodness or obedience)?
3. May the words of Paul move us to live the kind of lives becoming of those who call themselves Christians!
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” – Galatians 2:20-21
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Genesis 06:05-08 Noah Found Grace
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Text: Genesis 6:5-8
Introduction
1. We read of God’s displeasure with the world and its wickedness – Genesis 6:5-7
2. But as God pronounces judgment upon the world, and prepares to destroy it with a flood, we find encouraging words concerning one man: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” – Genesis 6:8
3. This simply means that Noah found favor in God’s sight, and we know the result of that favor: escape for him and his family from the flood!
a. But why Noah?
b. Why did Noah find grace in the eyes of the Lord?
c. And how might we apply this to our situation today?
Body
I. WHY NOAH FOUND GRACE IN THE EYES OF THE LORD
A. HE WAS “A JUST MAN” – Genesis 6:9
1. Some translations say “righteous”
2. This likely refers to his moral relation to God (Keil & Delitzsch)
B. HE WAS “PERFECT IN HIS GENERATIONS” – Genesis 6:9
1. Other translations (Genesis 6:9 nasb95, Genesis 6:9 NIV) use the word “blameless”
2. Not that he was sinless, but that there were no blatant faults
3. He was a man of moral integrity among the people
C. HE “WALKED WITH GOD” – Genesis 6:9
1. This is how he manifested his righteousness and integrity
2. In walking with God, he imitated the example of Enoch, his great- grandfather – Genesis 5:24
3. Walking with God in Noah’s case likely involved
a. Calling upon the name of the Lord (which began in the days of Seth – Genesis 4:26)
b. Offering sacrifices to God (which began in the days of Cain & Abel – Genesis 4:3-4)
D. HE “DID ACCORDING TO ALL THAT THE LORD COMMANDED HIM”
1. Twice this is emphasized in the Scriptures – Genesis 6:22; 7:5
2. We learn from the writer of Hebrews that this obedience of Noah came from faith – Hebrews 11:7
E. HE WAS “A PREACHER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS” – 2 Peter 2:5
1. He not only “lived” a righteous life
2. But he also “proclaimed” the need for righteousness, even though he lived in a very ungodly world
F. What about ourselves? Is there a need for us to “find grace in the eyes of the Lord” today? Yes!
II. WHY WE NEED TO FIND GRACE IN THE EYES OF THE LORD
A. NOT BECAUSE WE FACE THE THREAT OF A WORLDWIDE FLOOD
1. After Noah and his family were saved from the flood, God promised He would never again destroy the world in such a manner – Genesis 9:8-11
2. The rainbow is a constant reminder of God’s promise – Genesis 9:12-17
B. BUT BECAUSE WE FACE THE PROMISE OF THE END OF THE WORLD!
1. Peter reminds us that just as the world was once destroyed by water, so it shall be destroyed by fire when Jesus returns! – 2 Peter 3:3-13
2. In view of this promise, Peter calls upon us to “be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” – 2 Peter 3:14
a. Just as Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord”…
b. So we need to “found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless”
3. Is this not simply another way of saying that we, like Noah, need to find grace in the eyes of the Lord?
4. Indeed, it is! When the end of the world comes, we had better be in a condition where we too find grace in the eyes of the Lord! Otherwise, we will be like those left outside of the ark when the floods came!
III. HOW WE CAN FIND GRACE IN THE EYES OF THE LORD
A. WE MUST BE “JUST” IN HIS SIGHT
1. Fortunately, the good news of the gospel is that God sent Christ in order to make us “just” (righteous, forgiven) in His sight! – Romans 5:8-9
2. This blessing is available to all who demonstrate true faith in Jesus – Romans 3:24-26
3. Being justified, we can have peace with God – Romans 5:1; cf. 2 Peter 3:14
B. WE MUST BE “PERFECT” IN OUR GENERATION
1. That is, to be complete, mature, to be everything God desires of us
2. Again, the good news of the gospel of Christ is that God has provided the necessary elements for us to be “perfect”!
a. The blood of Christ, to cleanse us of our sins – 1 John 1:7-9
b. The Word of God, to guide us to completion – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
c. The strength of the Spirit, to help us in our struggles – Ephesians 3:16
d. The providence of God, who will work with us and lead us to victory! – 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 5:10
C. WE MUST “WALK WITH GOD”
1. Of course, this would mean that we can “no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk…” – cf. Ephesians 4:17-20
2. Rather, it requires that we be “followers of God as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1), and that we…
a. “Walk in love” – Ephesians 5:2
b. “Walk as children of light”, exposing the sins of darkness – Ephesians 5:8-11
c. “Walk as wise”, with an understanding of what the Lord’s will is – Ephesians 5:15-17
D. WE MUST “DO ALL THAT THE LORD HAS COMMANDED”
1. Observing not just “some” things, but “all” things – cf. Matthew 28:20
2. For in so doing, we demonstrate our faith to be “a living faith” – James 2:17,24,26
E. WE MUST BE “PREACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS”
1. It is God’s will that we “proclaim the praises of Him”, which would include His righteousness – cf. 1 Peter 2:9
2. This can be done most vividly by example, in living transformed lives – Romans 12:1-2
Conclusion
1. God does not want anyone to perish in the great conflagration that is yet to come, but He does require all to come to repentance – 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30-31
2. And when we turn from sin and turn to God, what do we find? The same thing Noah and his family found: “grace in the eyes of the Lord”!
3. Speaking of the salvation of Noah should remind us of the comparison Peter makes between Noah’s salvation and our own
a. I.e., the part baptism serves in our salvation – 1 Peter 3:20-21
b. Just as God used the element of water to save Noah from a wicked world
c. …so in His grace God utilizes water in our salvation through the blood of Jesus!
4. If you have not done so, why not find favor in God’s sight by being baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16)?
5. Then, as we look forward to the coming of the Lord in which He will usher in “the new heavens and new earth”, give special heed to the words of Peter: “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” – 2 Peter 3:14
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Ephesians 04:02-09 What Are You Doing with God’s Grace? – audio
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(Presented at Willowbrook Christian Home on 8/19/2012)
Text: Ephesians 2:4-9
Introduction
Mercy
From God’s Word, we recognize that mercy is the forbearance, compassion, kindness shown by God from inflicting punishment for those who break the law.
In John 8:1-11 the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus taken in the act of adultery, and ask Jesus what would he do in light of the law of Moses. He asked a question that convicted them of their own sins and the woman was left uncondemned. Jesus said go and sin no more.
Through God’s mercy we are saved – 1 Peter 1:3-5
Grace
A companion of mercy is grace.
Grace means that which causes joy, pleasure, delight, charm, sweetness, and loveliness. This has come to signify the kindness of God toward man.
God’s unmerited favor saves mankind by providing a sufficient and perfect sacrifice to remit the sins of man, so that he can be reconciled to his God.
The Oracles of God declare we are saved by God’s grace through faith – Ephesians 2:4-8
It (grace) has appeared unto all men – Titus 2:11
The Benefits of God’s Grace are Accessed Through Faith
Through Faith
If you want to enjoy the benefits of the grace of God, such as eternal life with God, love, joy, and peace, you must access them through faith in God – Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:1-2
Dead or Living?
The question you must ask yourself is your faith dead or alive?
A dead faith merely believes, but does not produce obedience to God. James 2:14-17 describes faith without works as dead. But a living faith is characterized by loving obedient actions towards God – James 1:22-25.
Living Faith
You can only benefit from the grace of God when you decide to be faithful and obedient to Him and live for Him – Hebrews 4:1-2
Plan of Salvation
- Hear the Word of God – Romans 10:17; Hebrews 3:15
- Believe in Jesus Christ – Hebrews 11:6
- Repent of past Sins – Luke 13:3
- Confess Jesus is the Son of God – Romans 10:9-10
- Baptized for the forgiveness of your Sins – Acts 2:38
- Daily Live Faithful for Jesus – Revelation 2:10
What Are You Doing with God’s Grace?
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Hebrews 13:07-17 Stability in Our Service to God – audio
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Text: Hebrews 13:7-17
Introduction
1. Throughout his epistle, the author has exhorted his readers to faithfulness
a. With a warning not to drift away – Hebrews 2:1
b. With a promise of becoming partakers of Christ – Hebrews 3:14
c. With exhortations to be diligent – Hebrews 4:11; 6:11-12
d. With a reminder of God’s faithfulness – Hebrews 10:23
e. With a promise of great reward – Hebrews 10:35-36
2. As the epistle’s end, we find some final exhortations that encourage such faithfulness
a. They are throughout – Hebrews 13:7-17
b. They are given in view of the danger of “various and strange doctrines” – Hebrews 13:9
3. The need for such exhortations is no less today as it was then
a. There are many various and strange doctrines today
b. It is easy for us to forget the simplicity that is in Christ
Body
I. THINGS TO REMEMBER (Hebrews 13:7-14)
A. THOSE WHO FAITH IS WORTHY OF EMULATION (Hebrews 13:7)
1. In the original context of the epistle
a. The author here references those leaders who originally spoke the word of God to them
b. That included the apostles themselves – Hebrews 2:3
c. “…considering the outcome of their conduct” implies that they were dead, and that their faith served them well
2. Not only remember them, but “whose faith follow”
a. We should seek to emulate all those whose faith has set a good example – Philippians 3:17
b. Especially those whose faith sustained them to the end!
B. “JESUS CHRIST, THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER” (Hebrews 13:8)
1. In what way is “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever”?
a. Certainly not in every respect, for He was once “in the flesh”, but not today
b. The context must determine, and the context pertains to:
1) The word of God which has been spoken – Hebrews 13:7
2) Various and strange doctrines – Hebrews 13:9
c. It is therefore the doctrine of Jesus, which is unchangeable
2. One may therefore rightly ask whenever they hear of some strange or new doctrine: “Did Jesus or His apostles teach this?” – Galatians 1:8-9
C. WHAT WE HAVE IN CHRIST (Hebrews 13:9-14)
1. It is apparent the author has in mind the temptation to return to the Law
a. To the dietary restrictions found in the Law
b. To the altar and tabernacle of the Old Covenant
2. But what we have in Christ includes:
a. Hearts that are strengthened by grace, not food – Hebrews 13:9
1) An allusion to the dietary restrictions of Judaism
2) While they served their purpose, they did not provide what one really needs – Colossians 3:20-23
b. An altar from which those who serve in the physical tabernacle have no right to eat – Hebrews 13:10-13
1) The “altar” is a metonymy for the sacrifice offered on it
2) Our “altar” is the sacrifice of Christ, which is of no benefit to those who hold to the Old Law – Galatians 5:4
3) As our sacrifice, had to suffer “outside the gate” to provide our sanctification, so we should be willing to serve Him “outside the camp”
c. A “city” which is yet to come – Hebrews 13:14
1) Like our father Abraham, we wait for the city “whose builder and maker is God” – Hebrews 11:9-10
2) We are but strangers and pilgrims on the earth, desiring that city which God has prepared – Hebrews 11:13-16
3) Therefore, it is not physical Jerusalem we long for, but “the holy city, New Jerusalem” – Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 21:1-2, Revelation 2:10-11
II. THINGS TO DO (Hebrews 13:15-17)
A. OFFER TRUE SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES TO GOD (Hebrews 13:15-16)
1. We may not “serve the tabernacle” of the Old Covenant (Hebrews 13:10), but we do have “sacrifices” to offer – 1 Peter 2:5
2. One is the sacrifice of praise – Hebrews 13:15
a. That includes singing and prayer, which are the fruit of our lips
b. In which we praise God as we give thanks to His name – This we are to do “continually” (i.e., with stability in our service to God)
2. Another is the sacrifice of doing good and sharing – Hebrews 13:16
a. With such sacrifices God is pleased
b. They are like the “sweet-smelling aroma” of incense – Philippians 4:18
B. OBEY THOSE WHO RULE OVER US (Hebrews 13:17)
1. Earlier he wrote of their previous leadership (Hebrews 13:7); now he writes of their present leadership
2. These are most likely their “elders” (also known as “bishops”, “pastors”)
a. They were given the oversight of the local congregation – Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-2
b. The souls of the congregation were “entrusted” to them – 1 Peter 5:3
3. They watch over us, as those who must one day give an account – Hebrews 13:17
4. Therefore we should “obey” and “submit”
a. That their work will be one of joy, not grief
b. If we grieve them in their work, it will not be profitable for us!
Conclusion
1. Do you wish to remain steadfast in your faith, with stability in your service to God?
2. Then remember such things as:
a. Those worthy of following, and consider the outcome of their conduct
b. Jesus Christ, whose doctrine is the same yesterday, today, and forever – Hebrews 13:8
c. The blessings we have in Christ:
1) Hearts established by grace
2) An altar (the sacrifice of Jesus) to which some have no right
3) A heavenly city whose builder and maker is God
3. And be careful to do such things as:
a. Offer the spiritual sacrifices of praise and doing good to others
b. Obey those who have been entrusted to watch for our souls
4. With such “Stability In Our Service To God”, then by God’s grace we too will be “the same yesterday, today, and forever”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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