Historical Posts
Humble Living
Thanks to Johnny O. Trail from the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ for the content of this post.
Humble is defined as “not proud or haughty: not arrogant or assertive.”
One problem that many people in our world have today is the inability to be humble and express humility. People are so self-centered that they are unable to acknowledge that their blessings originated from a source greater than themselves. God’s holy writ warns against pride and suggests the exercise of humility in all of life’s circumstances.
Haughty pride is a disgrace in the sight of God. Proverbs 6:16-19 “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” The phrase “proud look” is translated “haughty eyes” in the ESV. One with haughty eyes is not humble. He is a person who looks upon others in a blatantly and disdainfully proud manner.
From this, we learn that one who has a proud look is guilty of looking down upon others as if he is superior to or better than other people. As a matter of fact we are to condescend to those of low estate. Romans 12:16 says, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” That is, we are to humble ourselves in such a manner as to be intellectually available to all those who pass over our pathway. We are forbidden to be respecter of persons based upon distinguishing worldly characteristics (Acts 10:34).
In some situations, human pride has even determined that God is not important or even thankworthy for the accomplishments that we achieve in our lives. James 4:6 says, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” God thwarts the purposes of those who are proud, but He gives unmerited favor to those who express humility and are humble. The proud will be lost because they are unable to admit their shortcomings and ask for God’s help.
If we would be great in the kingdom of God, we are expected to humble ourselves in the same manner as a small child. Matthew 18:1-4 says, “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” One who is truly converted will obediently follow God in complete humility.
In light of the aforementioned passage and comments, it is feared that there are some who are not truly converted to Christ. There is a distinct difference between one who has merely been baptized and who has been totally and completely converted to New Testament Christianity. This is not to imply that baptism is not essential for salvation (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16 et al). It is, however, a statement about the importance transforming and becoming the kind of person God desires.
Conversely, God will exalt the humble. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” The humble person acknowledges God as the source of all that he possesses, all that he has accomplished, and all he will ever be. The humble person knows that all things are done in vain without the help or blessings of God.
The humble person understands the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice and the horrific price of their sins. It is humbling to consider that the Creator of the universe would die for our sins. Romans 5:6-8 says, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” It is incredible to consider that the sinless, perfect Son of God would offer Himself for our transgressions!
In our age, people seem proud of behaviors that are shameful to their core. In one instance, the church at Corinth was proud of the incestuous relationship that was happening in their congregation. 1 Corinthians 5:2 says, “And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” Sin is something that the people of God should never be pleased about having in their midst.
Instead of being ashamed, worldly people in our generation proudly parade and exhibit their depravity. Gay pride parades, same-sex marriage, and immorality openly displayed underscore this point. By engaging in such activities, people seek to gain acceptance and add legitimacy to their wicked choices. Isaiah 3:9 says, “For the look on their faces bears witness against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves.” In previous decades, homosexuals were “in the closet,” but this is not the case any longer. Immoral and proud of it is the common mantra of our age.
The humble person is ashamed of his sins and asks God for His forgiveness. David displayed great shame in light of his transgressions. Psalm 51:1-3 “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.” David understood how horrendous his sins were in the sight of a holy and just God. We should be just as sensitive.
God’s children need to be humble and maintain humility in all of life’s situations. We should have enough humility to speak with any person about Christ and His atoning sacrifice. Any consideration of Christ should humble any person who wishes to come into His presence.
Johnny O. Trail preaches at the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ
2699 Old Clarksville Pike
Ashland City, TN 37015
615-746-8624
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Requirements From The Lord – Audio
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The Lord’s Requirements:
We know that there are many things in this life that have worldly requirements we have to meet: name, birth certificate, education, previous work experience, and the like. Different people and situations may require different things of us. However, there are three requirements that the LORD has for our lives (Micah 6:8) that we must be diligent to meet in order to be pleasing to Him:
1. The Lord Requires Us To Do Justly.
a. The LORD knew that Abraham would teach his children and household after him to “do righteousness and justice (Genesis 18:19).”
b. Paul behaved himself “devoutly and justly and blamelessly” before the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:10).
c. We must think on whatever things are just (Philippians 4:8).
d. The just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38).
2. The Lord Requires Us To Love Mercy.
a. God has mercy on whom He wills (Romans 9:15,18; Exodus 33:19).
b. His mercies are not consumed; they are “new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).”
c. As He is merciful, so should we be merciful (Luke 6:36).
3. The Lord Requires Us To Walk Humbly With Him.
a. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).”
b. “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).”
c. “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).”
d. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34).
Are We Meeting The LORD’s Requirements?
If we are diligent to meet His requirements, we will receive the eternal reward that we so desire. We will be with The Lord!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Preeminence
Are We to Seek Preeminence? Whoever Exalts Himself Will Be Humbled!
“Diotrephes… loves to have the preeminence among them (3 John 9).” John criticizes him for loving himself first above others, and commands fellow Christians not to follow his bad example. Paul wrote to the Romans with a similar message about preeminence, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith (Romans 12:3).”
Jesus, on the other hand, “is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence (Colossians 1:18).” He has the preeminence and is first in all things, especially the church! God has exalted Him.
Diotrephes sought to have preeminence; Jesus already has it! Too many times individuals try to take the place that is already reserved for another. This may happen in the home, the workforce, and even in the church. Nothing good can come from this concept of placing ourselves above others; in fact, many divisions occur as a result. This self-seeking is against what Jesus prayed for and what Paul pleaded for (John 17:21-23; 1 Corinthians 1:10). Jesus said, “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).”
Regardless of our role in the home, workforce, or church, we need to recognize that Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18)! Let us not seek preeminence and to elevate ourselves, but abide by His authority. Have you come to Him in humility and accepted His authority in salvation?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Herod and His Demise – Audio
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The Demise of Herod
Pride – The Downfall of Herod
“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).” These words by Jesus soon rang true of King Herod (Acts 12) and we can see this in Herod’s demise.
Herod had been harassing some members of the Lord’s church (Acts 12:1-4). He persecuted an apostle [James, the brother of John], and even put another apostle in prison [Peter].
As Peter was in prison, the church prayed for him. Then, Peter was soon freed from prison by the Lord’s angel (Acts 12:5-17). This is an example of that shows “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).” Now, compare the Church with Herod; obviously one is more righteous than the other.
Herod became angry after he could not find Peter. He was even angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. He later wore his royal apparel, and gave an oration to them. The people lifted him up and deemed him a god (Acts 12:18-22).
Give Glory to God
As a result of Herod being so elevated, the angel of the Lord struck him, and he died (Acts 12:23). The Psalmist wrote, “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth (Psalm 115:1).”
There are still some today who love the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43). This will cause them plenty of grief. Notice that Jesus did not receive honor from men, and condemned seeking honor from one another instead of from God (John 5:41, 44).
As Herod and his opposition faded away, God’s word grew and multiplied (Acts 12:24). Likewise, we must be careful not oppose the word of God. In fact, doing so would be in vain. Instead, we must accept God’s Word and work to spread the good news of the Gospel.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Wrong On So Many Levels
Former New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, made a 50 million dollar donation to a program to promote gun control. He then said in a speech following the announcement:
“I am telling you, if there is a God, when I get to heaven I’m not stopping to be interviewed. I am heading straight in… I have earned my place in heaven. It’s not even close.”
The former mayor’s statement is one of the most arrogant things I’ve heard or read. Imagine, being so bold as to declare ones place in heaven on personal merit. Does he not know that we are all sinners? All sin and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Contrast his attitude with the words of Jesus when He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).
Bloomberg seems to express some doubt about the existence of God, but he has no doubt about his own importance, or his place in heaven. Perhaps a little less faith in himself and a little more in the Almighty would be in order. Peter tells us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God that He might exalt us at the proper time.
Like most politicians, he seems to think that money can buy anything, and this is just wrong. Jesus once asked: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?” (Matthew 16:26). I guess Mayor Bloomberg believes $50 million is sufficient. Somebody should tell him it doesn’t work that way. There isn’t enough money in the world to purchase a single soul’s salvation. Only the blood of Jesus can atone for sin (Ephesians 1:7).
The mayor totally misunderstands how God measures the size of ones gifts. God looks at the sacrifice rather than the sum. That is what Jesus taught when he contrasted the poor widow’s two mites with the sum of all the rich men’s gifts. In the eyes of God, her two mites were greater than the combined contributions of all the wealthy men (Mark 12:42-43). According to Forbes, as of April 18, 2014, Michael Bloomberg’s net worth was 32.1 billion dollars. After subtracting his $50 million contribution he was still left more than 32 billion dollars. I’m not a mathematician, but the way I figured it, his contribution wasn’t even 1 percent of his net worth, but a measly .0015576324 percent. Really, he sacrificed nothing, but he did get a lot of attention. Sadly, that may make him happy now, but it won’t help him in eternity.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Galatians 02:06-19 Paul and Peter
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Text: Galatians 2:6-19
Introduction
1. Paul’s defends his apostleship in Galatians by recounting
a. His limited contact with the other apostles, in particular Peter – Galatians 1:11-24
b. Two episodes when he met with the apostles, especially Peter – Galatians 2:1-21
2. The relationship between Paul and Peter has often been misrepresented
a. That Peter had primacy over Paul (Catholicism)
b. That they had doctrinal differences (Criticism)
3. The Biblical evidence shows otherwise. Both in Galatians and elsewhere in the Scriptures, we note their equality and respect for one another.
Body
I. PAUL’S VISIT TO JERUSALEM
A. THE OCCASION
1. Paul, Barnabas and Titus had gone to Jerusalem by revelation – Galatians 2:1-2
a. Likely the visit to Jerusalem described in Acts 15:2-4
b. Though some think it may have occurred earlier – Acts 11:29-30; 12:25
2. Paul withstood pressure by false teachers – Galatians 2:2-5
a. In a private meeting, he spoke with those “of reputation” (Peter? James? John?)
b. False brethren sought to compel Titus to be circumcised
c. Paul refused to yield to their demands
3. Paul met with Peter, James, and John, who “seemed to be pillars” – Galatians 2:6, 9
B. THE OUTCOME
1. With those “who seemed to be something” (James, Cephas, John) – Galatians 2:6-10
a. They added nothing to Paul (made no demands, gave no instructions or authority)
b. They saw that Paul had been given the gospel to the uncirmcumcision
c. Paul recognized God’s effective work in Peter’s ministry and Peter’s apostleship to the circumcision
d. James, Cephas (Peter) and John perceived the grace given to Paul
e. They extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul
f. They asked only that Paul remember the poor, which he was eager to do
2. Of the meeting together with all the apostles and elders at Jerusalem – Acts 15:6-29
a. Peter related his preaching to the Gentiles, and their salvation without circumcision
b. Paul and Barnabas related their ministry and God’s working among the Gentiles
c. James offered scriptural support, and then a letter to which all agreed
d. The letter confirmed the ministry of “beloved Barnabas and Paul”
3. Paul’s visit to Jerusalem certainly illustrated that he and Peter were in doctrinal agreement regarding the gospel they preached.
II. PETER’S VISIT TO ANTIOCH
A. THE OCCASION
1. Peter played the hypocrite – Galatians 2:11-13
a. He had come to Antioch (some think this was during Acts 15:1; others think it was later)
b. At first he ate with the Gentiles
c. After certain men came from James, Peter withdrew and separated himself
d. He feared those of the circumcision
e. His actions encouraged other Jews to be hypocrites, even Barnabas
2. Paul confronted Peter – Galatians 2:11, 14-19
a. He withstood Peter to his face, because he was to be blamed
b. He rebuked Peter before them all, showing him to be inconsistent
c. Paul’s gospel (justification by faith in Christ, not by the works of the Law) vindicated by Peter, who normally lived like a Gentile himself – cf. Peter also, in Acts 15:7-11
B. THE OUTCOME
1. Paul’s equality with Peter demonstrated – Galatians 2:11,14
a. Paul had the authority to withstand him to his face
b. Paul had the authority to charge him with hypocrisy before all
2. Peter’s respect for Paul undiminished – 2 Peter 3:15-16
a. Peter later described Paul as “our beloved brother Paul”
b. Peter acknowledged the wisdom given to Paul
c. Peter recognized Paul’s epistles as “Scriptures”
3. Peter’s visit to Antioch was not a happy occasion, but it did provide an opportunity to illustrate the equality of Peter and Paul, and that despite Peter’s momentary lapse, his overall life demonstrated that his gospel was the same as Paul’s.
III. LESSONS FROM PAUL AND PETER
A. THE COURAGE OF PAUL
1. We note the courage manifested by Paul in Jerusalem and Antioch
a. Refusing to concede to pressure by false brethren
b. Standing alone with even your closest brethren are led astray
c. Having to rebuke a respected brother in Christ
2. Paul’s courage was motivated by faithfulness
a. Faithfulness to the Lord whom he served
b. Faithfulness to the gospel of which he was not ashamed – Romans 1:16
B. THE HUMILITY OF PETER
1. We note the humility manifested by Peter in his last epistle
a. Not holding a grudge against Paul for his public rebuke
b. Willing to publicly acknowledge Paul’s wisdom given by inspiration
2. Peter’s humility was motivated by love
a. Love for a brother in Christ
b. Love consistent with what he himself taught others – 1 Peter 3:8-9
Conclusion
1. The relationship between Paul and Peter illustrates the power of Christ
a. To turn persecutor and persecuted into coworkers for the gospel
b. To help brethren at odds work through their problems to become brethren beloved
2. While Paul and Peter had a different focus in their respective ministries
a. They served the same Lord, preached the same gospel
b. One was not superior to the other, they were fellow-apostles in the kingdom of God
3. Rather than trying to find some perceived ‘rift’ between two faithful apostles, may we use their examples to motivate us in our service to the Lord and to one another
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Prayer Principles
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(The Principles of Prayer)
Introduction
1. In last weeks sermon we saw that few truly benefited from prayer
a. Children of God, who became such through obedience to Jesus Christ
b. Sinners, seeking after truth and righteousness, who will be heard in that God will provide them opportunity to hear and obey the truth
2. The full benefit of prayer comes only as the principles of prayer are observed
a. Principles laid down by Jesus and His inspired apostles
b. Principles that determine the final outcome of our prayers
Body
I. WE MUST PRAY IN FAITH
A. PRAYER REQUIRES FAITH…
1. And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. – Matthew 21:22
2. Otherwise, prayer will not be answered – cf. James 1:5-8
B. FAITH IN GOD
1. That He is, and is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him – Hebrews 11:6
2. Such faith comes from the Word of God – Romans 10:17
II. WE MUST PRAY WITH HUMILITY
A. HUMILITY BEFORE GOD
1. A virtue highly valued by God – Isaiah 57:15; 66:1-2
2. The Lord is near, and saves those with contrite spirits – Psalm 34:18
3. He gives grace to the humble – Proverbs 3:34
B. HUMILITY IN PRAYER
1. Exemplified in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector – Luke 18:9-14
2. Humility leads to exaltation by God – Luke 18:14; James 4:10
III.WE MUST PRAY IN HARMONY WITH GOD’S WILL
A. GOD’S WILL AND OUR PRAYERS…
1. Prayers are answered favorably if we ask according to His will – 1 John 5:14
2. Prayers more concerned with our will than God’s are turned down – James 4:3
B. HIS WILL BE DONE
1. So Jesus taught us to pray – Matthew 6:9-10
2. So He prayed in the garden at Gethsemane – Luke 22:42
3. Such praying made easier when our will is to do God’s will – John 4:34
IV. WE MUST PRAY WITH THANKSGIVING
A. PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING…
1. Giving thanks always for all things to God – Ephesians 5:20
2. in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving – Philippians 4:6
3. prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving – Colossians 4:2
4. “pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
B. THE ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
1. God’s people were always to be thankful – Psalm 100:4; Colossians 3:15
2. Ingratitude an indication of apostasy – Romans 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:2
3. Do we seriously think God will help us with our present burdens if don’t take the time to thank Him for past blessings?
V. WE MUST PRAY IN THE NAME OF JESUS
A. PRAYING IN THE NAME OF JESUS
1. Taught by Jesus Himself to His disciples – John 14:13-14; 16:23
2. Commanded by Paul to the Christians at <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.biblemap.org/#Ephesus”>Ephesus</a> – Ephesians 5:20
B. THE NAME OF JESUS AND PRAYER
1. Means more than simply adding “in Jesus’ name” at the end of our prayers
2. We acknowledge Jesus as the only way by which we can approach God – John 14:6
3. We recognize Him as our high priest who intercedes for us – Hebrews 7:24-25; John 14:13
Conclusion
1. In summary, the principles of prayer we have examined are these
a. We must pray in faith
b. We must pray with humility
c. We must pray in harmony with the will of God
d. We must pray with thanksgiving
e. We must pray in the name of Jesus
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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