Historical Posts
Bear it in Mind
When I was six years old, I wanted a very unusual present: a pulpit and a microphone. Since this was very unusual, my parents kept the matter in mind. Sure enough, when the time was right, I received a short, hand-crafted pulpit and a Fisher Price microphone. Now, years later, I am doing what I always wanted to do; and my parents still remember how it all got started.
When Joseph was seventeen, he dreamed two dreams. One where sheaves bowed down to his sheaf and another where the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed down to him. His brothers envied him for it, but his father “kept the matter in mind (Genesis 37:11).” Later, Joseph helped save his family and all Egypt from a severe famine.
In the first year of Belshazzar’s reign, Daniel had a vision of four beasts and the “Ancient of Days.” This greatly disturbed Daniel, and he sought its meaning. He was informed of the kings that would come, destroying the whole earth; the Lord’s kingdom, however, would be everlasting. Thus, Daniel “kept the matter in his heart (Daniel 7:28).”
When Jesus was born, shepherds told Mary and Joseph how they had seen the angels proclaiming His birth, and many people marveled. Mary “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19).”
Later, Jesus went to the temple at the age of twelve. Many were amazed at His understanding and answers as He was about His Father’s business. Mary “kept all these things in her heart (Luke 2:51).”
Maybe there is something you don’t understand now. Just be patient, bear it in mind, and perhaps God will make it all clear later!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Hebrews 11:6 Diligence – audio
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Text: Hebrews 11:6
I. WHAT IS DILIGENCE?
A. English definition: diligence – careful and persistent work or effort.
B. Two Greek words:
1. Spoude – “speed”, that is, (By implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness: – business, (Earnest) care (-fulness), diligence forwardness, haste.
2. Ekzeteo – to search out, that is, (Figuratively) investigate, crave, demand, (By Hebraism) worship: – en- (Re-) quire, seek after (Carefully, diligently).
C. One Hebrew word: mishmar – a guard (The man, the post, or the prison); figuratively a deposit; also (As observed) a usage (Abstractly), or an example (Concretely): – diligence, guard, office, prison, ward, watch.
D. We demand diligence from…
1. Our doctors.
a) We expect them to have been diligent in their studies.
b) We expect them to be diligent in their treatment of us and our loved ones.
c) I recently heard someone saying that they were changing doctors because their doctor had prescribed a medicine to them and had not even bothered to see what other medicines they were taking. When this person read up on the new medicine he saw that it was never to be used with one of the medicines he was already taking. His doctor had not been careful (Or diligent).
2. Our bankers.
a) Would any of us ever dream of putting up with a sloppy banker?
b) We expect them to be thorough and persistent when they are dealing with our money.
3. Our children’s teachers.
a) We expect our children’s teachers to be careful and persistent.
b) We expect them to give time and attention to making sure that our children are learning what they are supposed to learn.
4. Our mechanics.
a) We pay them to fix problems.
b) We expect them to know how to fix the problems we are having.
5. Basically, we expect (Or at least desire) diligence from everyone with whom we deal on a daily basis.
E. We demonstrate diligence…
1. With our finances.
a) Savings.
b) Taxes.
c) Retirement.
d) Credit, Loans, Mortgages.
2. With our jobs (Hopefully).
a) We train.
b) We go to work daily.
c) We work hard.
3. With our homes and automobiles. (Maintenance and upkeep)
4. With our health. (Hopefully)
5. A lack of diligence in any of these areas can cause severe problems in our lives!
II. DILIGENCE IN OUR SALVATION.
A. Are we diligent in the one area that matters more than any other?
B. Your salvation ought to be the most important thing in your life.
1. Matthew 16:26. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
2. Colossians 3:1-4. If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
C. We are told to be diligent with our salvation.
1. 2 Timothy 2:15. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
a) Part of presenting ourselves approved to God requires us to rightly divide the word.
b) To know it, interpret it correctly.
c) This takes time and effort.
2. 2 Peter 3:14. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless
a) Listen up!
b) Jesus is coming back some day! He is!!!
c) You be careful. You be persistent in His service.
d) Trust me. You want to be found without spot and blameless when He comes.
3. Romans 12:10-11. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord
a) Where there is no fervency, diligence lags.
b) Fervency – heat, boiling.
c) Are you hot or cold?
4. Hebrews 11:6. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
a) God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
b) Does “diligent” describe how you seek God?
c) If you were on trial for being a seeker of God, would there be sufficient evidence to convict you?
III. DILIGENCE IN GUARDING OUR HEART.
A. Proverbs 4:23. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
1. This passage says to guard your heart with the diligence of a prison guard.
2. Prison guards we responsible for their prisoners.
3. If one escaped, they had to take their place.
4. They were very diligent in their duties.
5. The Philippian Jailer was about to kill himself when he thought his prisoners had escaped. Acts 16:27. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself.
B. But what does it mean to guard our heart?
1. The “heart” is not talking about our blood pump.
2. It is referring to our mind.
3. Guarding our heart is talking about controlling our passions and desires.
a) 1 Corinthians 9:27. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
b) Proverbs 25:28. Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.
c) If we never allow sin to reign in our minds, it will not show itself in our actions.
4. Matthew 5:27-28. “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
IV. DILIGENCE IN SPIRITUAL GROWTH.
A. 2 Peter 1:10. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
1. Do what things?
2. 2 Peter 1:5-7. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.
3. We are to add these qualities to our character.
4. This is talking about spiritual growth.
B. We must be diligent in seeking spiritual growth.
1. All of us ought to be advancing to the place where we can teach others. Hebrews 5:12. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
a) Think about the diligence it requires to be a teacher in a secular school.
b) Those who want to be teachers must go through several years of instruction.
c) They are held accountable for learning the material. TESTS.
d) Do we put forth the same effort to become spiritual teachers?
(1) What if I gave you a test today?
(2) Tell what the Bible teaches in regard to the following: Give Bible references:
(a) The deity of Christ.
(b) The oneness of the church.
(c) Scriptural organization of the church.
(d) Christian worship.
(i) Acts of worship.
(ii) Time of worship.
(e) Sinfulness of denominationalism.
(3) These are not unreasonable questions.
(4) If you don’t have all of the information off the top of your head, do you know where to find it?
2. All of us must sanctify the Lord in our hearts and be ready to give an answer. 1 Peter 3:15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear
V. DILIGENCE IN PASSING ON KNOWLEDGE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOW.
A. 2 Peter 1:15. Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.
1. Peter was writing because he knew that his life was near it’s end.
2. He wanted to make sure that those who succeeded him would be adequately prepared face whatever life threw at them.
B. I think we all understand that we have an obligation to the next generation to pass on those things that we have learned.
1. Deuteronomy 6:4-9. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
2. Ephesians 6:4. And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
3. Are we diligent in this?
a) Do we take an active part in the spiritual education of our children or do we leave that to the Bible class teachers?
b) It is not the church’s responsibility to bring your child up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It is your responsibility.
(1) One of the tools you can use is Bible Class.
(2) Are you using it?
c) You ought to be involved with the spiritual education of your children.
d) Home devotionals in the evening.
VI. WHAT PRODUCES DILIGENCE?
A. Godly sorrow. 2 Corinthians 7:10-11. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
1. Have you ever messed up and let someone down and then used that to motivate you to do better from that point on?
2. Godly sorrow produced diligence in the Corinthians.
3. Their sorrow over their sin and shortcomings led them to strive to do better.
B. All of us have sinned. Romans 3:23. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
1. Those who are truly sorry (Godly sorrow) use their past failures as a way of motivating their selves for the future.
2. That does not mean that we “beat ourselves up” over these past failures. Philippians 3:13-14. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
VII. DILIGENCE TO THE END.
A. Our diligence must endure to the end.
Hebrews 6:10-12. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
B. Those who inherit the promises are the ones who have been found diligent at the time of their death.
Ezekiel 18:21-24. “But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord GOD, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live? “But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die.
Delivered on: October 9, 2011. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Romans 15:04 Why Study the Old Testament? audio
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Text: Romans 15:4
Introduction
1. What benefit is the Old Testament (OT) to the Christian today…?
a. Is the Christian under the OT as a system of justification?
b. Is the OT authoritative regarding the work, worship, and organization of the church?
c. If not, why even bother with reading and studying the OT?
2. It is true Christians are not under the OT
a. Gentile Christians were never under the OT (or Old Covenant)
1) The Old Covenant was made with the Israelites at Mount Horeb (Sinai) – Deuteronomy 5:1-2
2) Not even Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc., were under the Old Covenant – Deuteronomy 5:3
3) Even Gentile Christians were not required to be circumcised or keep the Law – Acts 15:1-29
b. Jewish Christians have been delivered from the OT law
1) Through the body of Christ – Romans 7:1-6
2) By His death on the cross, Jesus brought the OT covenant to an end – Ephesians 2:14-16
3) It served to lead the Jews to Christ, a purpose fulfilled – Galatians 3:23-25
3. Unfortunately, some conclude from this that we need not read the OT
4. Is that the proper attitude of Christians toward the OT? NO!! This attitude:
a. Is wrong, contrary to the teaching of the NT itself!
b. Deprives the Christian of a wonderful source of peace and comfort
c. Prevents the Christian from gaining wisdom and understanding concerning the life that now is, and that which is to come!
Body
I. WHY STUDY THE OLD TESTAMENT? LET’S LOOK AT WHAT THE NT SAIDS:
A. WRITTEN FOR OUR LEARNING
1. Note carefully what Paul wrote in Romans 15:4
a. Things “written before” (i.e., the OT) were “written for our learning”
b. The OT was written and preserved especially for the Christians’ benefit!
c. The OT provides “patience and comfort”, that we “might have hope”!
2. The OT provides a record of God’s faithfulness, how He kept His promises:
a. To Abraham and the nation of Israel
b. To judge the wicked and avenge the righteous
c. To forgive the penitent, and protect the humble
3. The history of the OT is intended to give us hope that God will keep His promises to us!
B. WRITTEN FOR OUR ADMONITION
1. Paul reminded the Christians at <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.biblemap.org/#Corinth”>Corinth</a> of Israel’s fall in the wilderness – 1 Corinthians 10:1-10
2. Note carefully what he says in 1 Corinthians 10:11
a. The events described may have happened to Israel
b. But “they were written for our admonition…”
c. Again, the OT was written and preserved especially for the benefit of Christians!
3. Other NT writers often appealed to the OT in admonishing Christians
a. The writer of Hebrews, in exhorting Christians to remain steadfast – Hebrews 3:12-19
b. James, in encouraging Christians to be patient in their suffering – James 5:7-11
c. Peter, in warning of false teachers and scoffers – 2 Peter 2-3
4. The history of the OT is intended to serve as a warning to Christians!
C. MAKES ONE WISE REGARDING SALVATION IN CHRIST
1. Paul noted that Timothy had known the “Holy Scriptures” since childhood – 2 Timothy 3:14
a. When Timothy was a child, the only scriptures available was the OT
b. So Paul clearly had the OT in view
2. He said the OT is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” – 2 Timothy 3:15
3. How is this possible? The OT provides:
a. The fall of man and the rise of sin
b. The background and development of God’s scheme of redemption
c. Hundreds of Messianic prophecies which describe what to expect when He comes
4. One cannot hope to fully understand such books of the New Testament like:
a. Hebrews, without an understanding of the Levitical priesthood
b. Revelation, without an understanding of OT prophecy and apocalyptic literature
5. If one is to be wise concerning salvation in Christ, studying the OT is imperative!
D. PROFITABLE TO MAKE ONE COMPLETE
1. Paul writes of the benefit of “All Scripture”, which includes the OT – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. Therefore the OT is profitable for:
a. Doctrine – such as the nature of God, man, and sin
b. Reproof and correction – the need for repentance
c. Instruction in righteousness – how to live godly lives
3. The apostles often appealed to the OT concerning Christians’ conduct:
a. Romans 12:19-21; 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1; 2 Corinthians 9:7-10
b. James 2:20-26
c. 1 Peter 3:8-12
4. There is much we can learn from the OT about truth and righteousness!
Conclusion
1. Should we only study Scriptures pertaining to the covenant under which we live…?
a. Should Israel have discarded Genesis, and the first nineteen chapters of Exodus? No!
b. Should we discard the gospels, since Jesus lived and died under the Old Covenant? No!
2. Neither should we ignore the OT, for it provides:
a. The background and setting of the NT
b. Much in the way of learning, admonition, comfort, hope, even wisdom concerning salvation!
3. Be careful not to neglect that which was written and preserved for OUR benefit
a. “For whatever things were written before were written for OUR learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” – Romans 15:4
b. “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” – 1 Corinthians 10:11
c. “ALL Scripture is inspired of God, and is profitable…” – 2 Timothy 3:16
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 11:08-22 Faith that Embraces the Promises
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Text: Hebrews 11:8-22
Introduction
1. In the first seven verses of the eleventh chapter, we saw:
a. Faith explained
1) As confidence of things hoped for
2) As conviction of things not seen
b. Faith exemplified
1) In Abel (faith worshipping)
2) In Enoch (faith walking)
3) In Noah (faith working)
c. Faith emphasized
1) Without which it is impossible to please God
2) We must believe He exists, and rewards those who diligently seek Him
2. Another aspect of our faith pertains to the promises in which we hope:
a. We are warned not to fall short of what’s been promised – Hebrews 4:1
b. Faith (along with patience) is necessary to inherit the promises – Hebrews 6:11-12
3. The faith which pleases God, then, is one that embraces God’s promises – Hebrews 11:13
a. In Hebrews 11:8-22, we learn of the faith of those who embraced the promises
b. Because of their faith, God is not ashamed to be called their God
4. Do we have the sort of faith that makes God unashamed to be called our God?
Body
I. THE FAITH OF THE PATRIARCHS (Hebrews 11:8-12, Hebrews 11:17-22)
A. THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM
1. By faith he obeyed – Hebrews 11:8
a. When God called him to leave his country, he obeyed the voice of the Lord
1) Even though at first he did not know where he was going
2) This is an example of conviction in things not seen!
b. Here we see that faith and obedience are not contradictory terms
1) Indeed, Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him – Hebrews 5:9
2) Is our faith an obedient faith like Abraham’s? – Luke 6:46
2. By faith he sojourned – Hebrews 11:9-10 KJV
a. His faith required him to live as in a foreign country
1) Even though it was the land of promise, he and his descendants could not have it for four hundred years – Genesis 13:14-17; 15:13-21
2) He therefore patiently waited for the city whose builder and maker is God
a) This suggests that the promises he embraced were more than just those pertaining to the land of Canaan
b) Later, we will see he had a heavenly hope as well!
b. Our faith requires us to live as in a foreign country
1) For we too are sojourners and pilgrims – 1 Peter 2:11
2) Is our faith a sojourning faith like Abraham’s? – Hebrews 13:14
3. By faith he offered up Isaac – Hebrews 11:17-19
a. His faith required him to be willing to offer that which was closest to him
1) His son, Isaac – Genesis 22:1-19
a) Through whom the promises he embraced were to be fulfilled
b) He was sure that God would raise Isaac from the dead, if need be, in order to keep His promises
2) Thus he illustrated that confidence in things hoped for!
b. Our faith often requires forsaking things closest to us
1) Our loved ones, even our own life! – Luke 14:26-33
2) Is our faith an offering faith like Abraham’s? – Romans 12:1-2
B. THE FAITH OF SARAH
1. By faith she received strength – Hebrews 11:11-12
a. Though beyond the normal age of child-bearing – Genesis 18:1-3; Genesis 21:1-7
b. Though she laughed when she first heard of God’s promise, she later judged Him faithful who had promised
c. Through her faith, the promises of a great nation were fulfilled!
2. Our faith requires looking to God for strength, and trusting He will provide
a. We must look to God to find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
b. Is our faith a receiving faith like Sarah’s? – Philippians 4:13
C. THE FAITH OF ISAAC
1. He blessed Jacob and Esau regarding things to come – Hebrews 11:20; Genesis 27:1-40
2. This illustrates how Isaac by faith embraced the promises
D. THE FAITH OF JACOB
1. Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph when he was dying – Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 48:14-20
2. His blessing involved the promises of God, showing how he embraced them also
E. THE FAITH OF JOSEPH
1. When he was dying, Joseph:
a. Made mention of the departure of Israel out of Egypt
b. Gave instructions concerning his bones – Hebrews 11:22; Genesis 50:24-26
2. In so doing, he demonstrated that he had embraced the promises!
F. Such was the faith of the patriarchs. I purposely skipped Hebrews 11:13-16, for what is said there not only applies to Abraham and Sarah, but to Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph also.
II. HOW THEIR FAITH PLEASED GOD (Hebrews 11:13-16)
A. THEY EMBRACED THE PROMISES – Hebrews 11:13-16a
1. They did not receive the promises during their lifetime
a. Yet with faith they could see them afar off
b. They freely confessed to be strangers and pilgrims on the earth
1) This implies that they sought a homeland, they could have returned to the old one
2) But what they desired was a better one, indeed a heavenly country
2. They died in faith (i.e., holding fast to the promises)
B. THEREFORE GOD IS NOT ASHAMED OF THEM – Hebrews 11:16b
1. He is not ashamed to be called their God
a. He is well pleased with them
b. It was their faith embracing the promises that pleased Him
2. He has prepared a city for them
a. What they waited for, He has prepared – Hebrews 11:10
b. That which He has prepared for them is what we look for, too – Hebrews 13:14
1) The new heavens and new earth – 2 Peter 3:13
2) In which will be the New Jerusalem, that great city descending out of heaven – Revelation 21:1-3, Re 21:10ff
3) Indeed, even now in a sense we have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem – Hebrews 12:22-24
Conclusion
1. What kind of faith pleases God?
a. Worshiping faith like that of Abel
b. Walking faith like that of Enoch
c. Working faith like that of Noah
d. But also a waiting faith seen in the patriarchs (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph)!
2. The faith that pleases God is one that embraces the promises made by God
a. Patiently waiting for their ultimate fulfillment, even if it doesn’t happen in one’s lifetime
b. But with conviction and confidence of things hoped for and things of unseen
1) We will obey His calling
2) We will sojourn here on earth
3) We will offer up whatever He asks of us
4) We will receive strength to do whatever He bids us
5) And we will make mention of His promises from generation to generation!
3. This is the kind of faith
a. In those who believe to the saving of the soul – Hebrews 10:39
b. In those of whom God is not ashamed to be called their God – Hebrews 11:16
c. May the Lord grant us grace and mercy to develop this kind of saving faith!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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James 01:02-08 Turning Trials into Triumphs – audio
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Text: James 1:2-8
Introduction
1. Perhaps you have seen the bumper sticker: “When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade!”
2. It is easier to smile at that statement than to practice it, but the basic philosophy is sound
a. In fact, it is Biblical
b. Throughout the Bible are people who turned defeat into victory and trials into triumph
c. Instead of being VICTIMS, they became VICTORS
3. The Epistle of James tells us that we can have this same experience today!
a. Whether we are dealing with trials on the outside
b. Or temptations on the inside
c. Through faith in God and Jesus Christ we CAN experience victory!
4. The KEY to turning trials into triumph is to obey four imperatives:
a. COUNT – James 1:2
b. KNOW – James 1:3
c. LET – James 1:4
d. ASK – James 1:5-8
Body
I. “COUNT IT ALL JOY WHEN YOU FALL INTO VARIOUS TRIALS” (James 1:2)
A. NOTICE THAT JAMES ASSUMES THAT WE WILL EXPERIENCE TRIALS
1. He doesn’t say “if” but “when”
2. This is because Christians must expect trials
a. So said Jesus – John 16:33
b. Paul also – Acts 14:22
3. The nature of these trials are “various”
a. Some trials come simply because we are human
1) Sickness, accidents
2) Disappointments, death
b. Other trials come because we are Christians – 1 Peter 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:12
4. But because Satan fights us, and the world opposes us, we can expect trials!
B. WHAT IS TO BE THE CHRISTIAN’S RESPONSE? – “COUNT IT ALL JOY!”
1. This was the attitude of:
a. The apostles – Acts 5:41
b. Paul – Romans 5:3; Philippians 2:17-18
c. The Christians – 1 Peter 1:6-8; 4:12-14
2. So the first step to turning trials into triumph is to: immediately thank God and adopt a joyful attitude!
C. HOW???
II. “KNOWING THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES PATIENCE” (James 1:3)
A. THE RIGHT KNOWLEDGE CONCERNING THE VALUE OF TRIALS MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A JOYFUL ATTITUDE
1. We are to understand that:
a. Trials test our faith
b. Faith tested can bring out the best in us!
1) Just as fire purifies gold – 1 Peter 1:7
2) Just as training makes the athlete stronger
2. With this understanding, we can have joy in trials because we know that:
a. Testing works FOR us, not AGAINST us – cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17
b. Trials rightly used help us to mature
B. SPECIFICALLY, FAITH TESTED PRODUCES “PATIENCE”…
1. Notice Romans 5:3-4
2. In the BIBLE…
a. “Patience” is NOT a passive acceptance of circumstances
b. The GREEK word is HUPOMONE
1) From the preposition HUPO (under), and MENO (to remain, to abide)
2) It denotes the ability to exhibit stedfastness and constancy in the face of the most formidable difficulty!
c. It is a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering!
d. It is the continuing on even when it is rough, despite the circumstances
3. Such a quality of stedfastness can come only through experiencing trials
4. The value of developing PATIENCE will be seen shortly
5. Having this understanding about what trials can accomplish enables us to have a joyful attitude
III. “LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK” (James 1:4)
A. TO TRULY TURN TRIALS INTO TRIUMPH, WE MUST LET “PATIENCE” DO IT’S WORK
1. Too often, we want to get our trials or difficulties over with quickly
2. But there are times when the best course is to bear up under the trial patiently
a. Instead of grumbling and complaining
b. …patiently endure the trial, doing good despite the trial
B. FOR WHEN PATIENCE HAS HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK, IT PRODUCES MATURITY
1. The word PERFECT does not mean sinlessness, but completeness, wholeness, maturity
2. In the New Testament, it is used of those who:
a. Have attained to spiritual manhood in Christ
b. Have reached full maturity and understanding in spiritual matters
c. Are no longer “babes” and immature persons in Christ
3. Such maturity comes only when patience has had time to work!
a. Consider, for example, an endurance runner in his training
1) To be a mature runner requires letting patience do its work
2) That is, patiently running mile after mile in training
b. If we wish to run the race well spiritually speaking, we need to develop patience
1) Which comes only through a form of spiritual “resistance training”
2) That is, trials in which our faith is put to the test!
c. Letting patience have its perfect work is not easy. It certainly requires wisdom which enables us to see the value of our trials.
IV. “LET HIM ASK OF GOD” (1:5-8)
A. IF WE LACK WISDOM, ASK FOR IT FROM GOD!
1. He has promised to give it liberally
2. And He will not reproach us for making such a request
3. Even as Solomon’s request for wisdom was well-pleasing to God – 1 Kings 3:7-12
B. WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS “WISDOM”?
1. We should be careful to distinguish “wisdom” from “knowledge”
a. Knowledge involves information, facts, etc.
b. Wisdom is the ability or insight to properly use those facts in the most expeditious way
2. Failure to understand this distinction has led many into error!
a. Many believe that this passage (Jm 1:5-8) teaches that God will give knowledge concerning His Will in answer to prayer
b. But knowledge comes only through His Word; we must carefully study it if we would know the Will of God!
c. However, the WISDOM to properly use His Word can be received through prayer
C. THE WISDOM TO PROPERLY USE TRIALS AND TURN THEM INTO TRIUMPH CAN LIKEWISE COME THROUGH “PROPER” PRAYER
1. Proper prayer is that asked in faith and with no doubt
2. Otherwise, the prayer will not be answered by God
Conclusion
1. So here is the key to turning trials into triumph:
a. Having the knowledge and perspective that adversity can accomplish much good
b. Letting the patient enduring of adversity accomplish its work
c. All the while using the wisdom God gives in answer to prayer to help put it all together
2. When this is done, even trials can be a source of joy for the Christian!
3. Have we learned to make lemonade out of our lemons in life?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 06:09-20 Are We Spiritually Secure? – audio
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Text: Hebrews 6:9-20
Introduction
1. We have seen the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews express his concern
a. He makes mention of their spiritual immaturity – Hebrews 5:11-14
b. He warns them of the peril of not progressing – Hebrews 6:1-8
2. While he writes in this way, he has great confidence for their ultimate salvation
a. Though others had indeed fallen to the point where it was impossible to renew them again to repentance – Hebrews 6:4-6
b. Yet he could say of them, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things which accompany salvation… – Hebrews 6:9
3. What was it that gave the author confidence regarding his readers’ salvation?
a. What was the basis for their spiritual security, when the danger of apostasy had just been described in vivid detail?
b. What can we learn from this passage that may help us understand the basis for our own spiritual security?
Body
I. GOD DOES NOT FORGET OUR WORK AND LABOR OF LOVE (Hebrews 6:9-10)
A. GOD IS A JUST GOD, ONE WHO DOES NOT FORGET
1. He is very much aware of our service in the PAST (in that you have ministered)
a. Service that has been shown toward Him (toward His name) – Matthew 24:40
b. Service that has been shown toward His servants (to the saints)
2. He is very much aware of our service in the PRESENT (and do minister)
B. KNOWING THIS CAN BE A SOURCE OF GREAT COMFORT
1. In contrast to every sin which is blotted out and remembered no more (Hebrews 8:12), service rendered in love to God is not forgotten!
2. We need not fear that God will not see or remember our efforts to be pleasing to Him
a. God seeks to show Himself strong to those who are loyal to Him 2 Chronicles 16:9
b. If He took note of Cornelius’ desire to please Him in his unsaved state, how much more will He take note of His children’s effort to serve Him! – Acts 10:1-6
3. Thus when we stumble, but repent of our sins, our labor of love is remembered and our sins forgotten!
II. DILIGENCE, FAITH, AND PATIENCE ON OUR PART (Hebrews 6:11-12)
A. NOTE THE AUTHOR’S DESIRE
1. That his readers’ show the same diligence (earnestness) they had shown in the past
a. Diligent regarding their assurance of hope
b. Diligent until the end – Hebrews 3:6-14
2. That they do not become sluggish
a. The word sluggish is from a Greek word meaning dull
b. The same word as used in dull of hearing – Hebrews 5:11
c. They were already dull of hearing; his desire is they not become dull in conduct!
3. That they have faith and patience
a. Imitating those who through faith and patience inherit the promises
b. Such as Abraham, who is given as an example later – Hebrews 6:15
B. THESE QUALITIES ARE NECESSARY FOR SPIRITUAL SECURITY
1. Peter describes the need for diligence to make your calling and election sure – 2 Peter 1:5, 2 Peter 1:10-11
2. Jesus called upon His disciples to remain faithful if they wished to receive the crown of life – Revelation 2:10
3. Paul wrote that eternal life is for those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality – Romans 2:7
III. GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES (Hebrews 6:13-20)
A. THE EXAMPLE OF GOD’S PROMISE TO ABRAHAM
1. God made a promise to Abraham – Hebrews 6:13-15
a. In which He swore by Himself (because He could not swear by anyone higher)
b. A promise which Abraham obtained after patient endurance – v.15 with v.12
2. God confirmed His promise with an oath – Hebrews 6:16-18a
a. For men, an oath confirms what they say, ending all dispute
b. To assure us of the unchangeableness of His promise, God also swore an oath
c. This provided a double assurance that He would keep His promise:
1) One, because it impossible for God to lie anyway – Titus 1:2
2) Two, because of the oath by which He confirmed it — How does this relate to our spiritual security?
B. GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IS OUR ASSURANCE!
1. It gives us strong consolation – Hebrews 6:18b-19b
a. We who are seeking refuge
b. We who need an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast
2. This is especially true regarding our hope, which is Jesus! – Hebrews 6:19b-20
a. I understand Jesus to be the hope in this passage
1) For He is our hope, to whom we can flee as a refuge – 1 Timothy 1:1
2) As such, He is our anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast
b. As a forerunner, He has entered the Presence behind the veil (i.e., heaven)
c. He has become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek
1) Even as God swore He would do – Psalm 110:4
2) God not only promised, but He swore an oath, just like He did for Abraham
d. So He has kept His promise, providing us a superior High Priest!
3. Upon such an example of God’s faithfulness, we can have an assurance of our salvation as long as we continue to lay hold of the hope (Jesus) set before us
Conclusion
1. With a finely crafted argument, the author has returned his readers back to his original subject, which is Jesus as a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek
a. Our spiritual security is first based upon the character of God
1) Who is not unjust to forget our work and labor of love
2) Who keeps His promises
b. God has promised and swore with an oath concerning the priesthood of the Messiah
c. This priesthood Jesus now has in heaven, and as such is the basis of our hope
d. For which reason we should seek to learn what we can about the priesthood of Jesus
2. Yet as wonderful are the character and promises of God, we are not to take them for granted
a. We must be careful not to become sluggish
b. We must be careful to be diligent, imitating the faith and patience of those like Abraham who obtained God’s promise for them
c. Together with God’s character and promises, this is the basis for spiritual security
3. Have you fled to Jesus for refuge? Is He your hope, your anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast? Is He your High Priest? If so, then let these words sink deep into your heart:
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:11-12)
4. If you have not yet fled to Jesus for refuge, then please consider His tender invitation:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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