Historical Posts
Peacemaker – audio
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You have probably been around a guy who brings strife when he walks into a room.
He’s either in an argument with someone or trying to get one started. He’s also pretty good at getting people mad at one another. If you hear about a feud going on at work, you have a pretty good idea who’s in the middle of it. Know the guy?
Then there’s the girl whom everyone goes to when they’re having problems with someone.
They know she’ll be fair, level-headed, and sensible. If called on to arbitrate she won’t be ruled by anger or other emotions. She brings people together, settles disputes, helps people get along. She’s a peacemaker – have you met her?
It’s not hard to figure out which one the Lord favors.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Think about that last statement – “they shall be called sons of God.” In other words, they are like God.
In fact, it might be said that we’re never more like God than when we’re bringing people together. After all, that’s pretty much what the whole Bible story is about – God, through Christ, brings us out of rebellion back into a relationship with him. As our Mediator, the God-Man, Jesus joins our hands with God’s hands, restoring the relationship that we broke.
Jesus is the greatest peacemaker ever. Want to be like Jesus?
Help a couple of disgruntled friends get beyond whatever got between them. Build bridges. Mend fences.
Be a calming influence with the people around you. Break down prejudices of all kinds—whether racial, social, class, or whatever. Peacemakers break down obstacles and help people get along.
Better yet, and perhaps this is what Jesus ultimately had in mind, be a peacemaker between God and sinful humanity. The peace has been established through Jesus, but God might use you to help someone find his way back to him.
You might be the Andrew who brings Peter to Jesus (John 1:40-41).
You might be the Paul who helps two sisters to stop quarrelling (Philippians 4:2).
You might be the one God uses to bring peace between your spouse and God, or between your children and God, or between a co-worker, friend, uncle, or neighbor and God.
The most miserable person in the room is the one who’s at odds with the people around him, and with God.
The one who looks most like Jesus is the one who brings peace wherever he goes.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Peace – audio
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All of us want peace, but many of us do not have as much of it as we’d like.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
Paul makes three important points about peace:
Peace comes from God.
It’s the peace “of God,” not the peace “of us.” I think sometimes we miss that point. I find myself believing that if I could just get everything on the outside fixed (less stress, fewer problems, etc.), then I’d feel better on the inside. If I could do it.
But it actually works the other way around. When I accept God’s peace on the inside, his gift, it helps fix the stuff on the outside.
Peace is inexplicable.
It “surpasses all understanding,” which implies that sometimes we won’t understand why things happen the way they do. Because it’s from God, though, it can overcome inadequate explanations.
Peace protects our hearts.
“Guard” is a military term, suggesting that peace “stands on duty to keep out anything that brings care and anxiety” (R.R. Melick, p. 150).
And most of us need that. We live in an anxiety-ridden world that’s overwhelmed by the search for something to get rid of the uneasiness we’ve got in our hearts.
The answer is right in front of us.
Paul urges us to turn everything over to God, accept the peace of Christ, and let him stand guard at the door of our hearts to ward off all anxiety and worry.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Are You Out Of Your Mind?
It seems like less and less people are getting along these days.
Players have different ideas on how to approach a game than their coaches; politicians can rarely agree on issues; family members can’t reunite due to lifestyle differences. Sadly, this even happens within the Lord’s church!
Paul implored Euodia and Syntyche to “be of the same mind in the Lord (Philippians 4:2).” One can only wonder what they were divided over, but one does know that Paul begged them to reconcile.
As Christians, we may have our differences; however, we are all members of the same body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). What if we all looked out for ourselves? We would be divided, not united. This is not what Jesus prayed for (John 17:21), nor what Paul pleaded for (1 Corinthians 1:10).
We can be of the same mind toward one another when we put away our own minds. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5).” If we think more like Christ and less like ourselves, we can get along!
If you are Euodia, who is your Syntyche? Get out of your own mind, and put on the mind of Christ!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Peace of God – audio
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I don’t know what your prayer life is like, but there’s a connection between how you talk to God and how much peace you have.
Have you been praying lately?
Is there restlessness, anxiety, in your heart?
If your answer to the first question is “no,” your answer to the second is probably “yes.”
Notice Paul’s connection between prayer and peace
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
All of us want peace, but many of us don’t have as much of it as we’d like.
Paul makes three important points about it here:
I. Peace comes from God.
It’s the peace “of God,” not the peace “of us.” I think sometimes we miss that point. I find myself believing that if I could just get everything on the outside fixed (less stress, fewer problems, etc.), then I’d feel better on the inside. If I could do it. But it actually works the other way around . . . when I accept God’s peace on the inside—his gift—it helps fix the stuff on the outside.
II. Peace is inexplicable.
It “surpasses all understanding,” which implies that sometimes we won’t understand why things happen the way they do. Because it’s from God, though, it can overcome inadequate explanations.
III. Peace protects our hearts.
“Guard” is a military term, suggesting that peace “stands on duty to keep out anything that brings care and anxiety” (R.R. Melick, p. 150).
And most of us need that. We live in an anxiety-ridden world that’s overwhelmed by the search for something to get rid of the uneasiness we’ve got in our hearts.
The answer is right in front of us.
Paul urges us to turn everything over to God, accept the peace of Christ, and let him stand guard at the door of our hearts to ward off all anxiety and worry.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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No Cancellations
“And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
Approximately every twenty-two seconds someone in this country dies. In the time it will take you to read this brief article more than two hundred deaths will have occurred worldwide.
Death is one appointment we will all keep. There will be no cancellations.
We are going to die, and it could happen at any time. It could be soon, or it could be years from now, but one thing is sure, there will be no escape. Yet, most of us live as though death only happens to others.
Death is not just a possibility, it is a certainty.
Our preparation for it should be of the highest priority. As a matter of fact, there isn’t anything more important than our preparation for death. There is a sense in which we cannot really live and enjoy life until we are ready to die.
What the skeptics believe
However, the skeptics would have us believe that this life is all there is. Their philosophy of “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die” is followed by millions. They bow at the altar of evolution and worship the gods of humanism and modernism. They would have us believe that this is it. “You only live once, so you better grab all the gusto you can get!” Those who subscribe to this philosophy live for themselves and die without hope.
Jesus Christ came to offer something better.
He came that “we might have life” and that we “might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). He came to show us the way to God (John 14:6). He came to tell us that there is life after life, that God’s gift is eternal life through Him (Romans 6:23). He offers salvation to all them that obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). He gives us a reason to live, and hope in death. With Paul, we can say, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
Are you ready to die?
Death is certain, but so is eternal life for all who are prepared. Study God’s word! Believe it! Obey it! Live it! Death has no hold on those who are ready to die.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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James 04:01-12 How to End Wars – audio
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Text: James 4:1-12
Introduction
1. Have you ever heard of:
b. The War of the Oaken Bucket?
d. These were actual wars fought between nations, and you can read about them in many history books
2. War is too often a fact of life in spite of treaties, world peace organizations, and even the threat of nuclear weapons
a. Not only wars between nations
b. But there are wars of one kind or another on almost every level of life – even gas wars between gas stations!
3. In our text, we find James discussing this important theme of War
a. He describes three types of wars going on in the world
b. He also tells how these wars can be stopped
Body
I. WAR WITH EACH OTHER – James 4:1, 11-12
A. EVEN AMONG CHRISTIANS! – James 4:1
1. Surely brethren ought to live together in love and harmony – Psalms 133:1
2. Yet often they do not
a. Lot quarreled with Abraham
b. Absalom created a war with his father David
c. The disciples of Jesus argued over who would be greatest
d. Paul and Barnabas had great contention over John Mark
3. Even churches in the New Testament often had problems
a. At Corinth
1) Brethren were suing each other
2) They were competing in the public assemblies
b. In Galatia – brethren were biting and devouring one another
c. Even at Philippi – two women were having trouble getting along with each other
B. IN HIS EPISTLE, JAMES IMPLIES SEVERAL DIFFERENT KINDS OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS AMONG BRETHREN:
1. Class wars – James 2:1-9
2. Economic wars – James 5:1-6
3. Church fights – James 1:19-20; 3:13-18
4. Personal wars
a. Notice James 4:11-12
b. Where we are admonished not to speak evil of one another, nor to judge one another
II. WAR WITHIN OURSELVES – James 4:1-3
A. THIS IS THE REASON WE WAR WITH ONE ANOTHER! – James 4:1
1. It is the war in the heart that causes the wars in the church and elsewhere!
2. Our desire for things to satisfy our pleasures (Like power, possessions, etc.) is what makes us fight with others
3. Putting it simply, the key problem is SELFISHNESS
B. SUCH SELFISH DESIRES LEAD TO:
1. Wrong Actions – James 4:2
a. you murder and covet…you fight and war
b. Perhaps not literally, but certainly so in God’s sight – 1John 3:15
2. Wrong Praying -James 4:3
a. The kind of praying that goes unanswered
b. Because the prayers are for selfish motives
III. WAR WITH GOD – James 4:4-10
A. HERE IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF EVERY WAR, INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL
1. Rebellion against God!
2. In some way:
a. …those at war with others…
b. …are also at war within themselves…
c. …because they are first at war with God!
B. HOW DOES A BELIEVER DECLARE WAR AGAINST GOD?
1. By being friendly with God’s enemies!
2. James mentions three enemies we must not be friends with if we want to be at peace with God:
a. The World – James 4:4
1) That is, human society that is contrary to God
a) Any conduct, belief, thought…
b) …which is anti-God, anti-Christ
2) To be a friend of such…
a) Makes one an enemy of God!
b) Makes one a spiritual adulterer or adulteress!
b. The Flesh – James 4:1,5
1) The unlawful desires that would lead us away from God
2) These desires wage war within us, but we must not give in to them – 1Peter 2:11
3) Such desires are in direct conflict to what the Spirit of God would have us to be and do – James 4:5; Galatians 5:16-26
4) To submit to these unlawful desires (Works) of the flesh sets one contrary to God and His Spirit!
c. The Devil – James 4:6-7
1) Pride is Satan’s greatest temptation
2) When we give into pride, we become friends of the devil and enemies of God – James 4:6
C. HOW TO ENJOY PEACE WITH GOD
1. Submit To God – James 4:7
a. Literally, get into your proper rank
b. When a buck private acts like the general, there is going to be trouble!
c. Unconditional surrender to God is the only way to victory!
d. Submission is saying: Not my will, but Thine be done
2. Resist The Devil – James 4:7
a. He is behind every war that we have
b. But if we just resist, then he will flee!
3. Draw Near To God – James 4:8
a. And He will draw near to us!
b. How do we do this?
1) Cleanse your hands – Get your sins forgiven!
2) Purify your hearts – Be single-minded in your devotion to God! (Not double-minded, like a spiritual adulterer)
4. Humble Yourselves In The Sight Of God – James 4:9-10
a. It’s possible to submit outwardly and not be humble inwardly
b. True mourning for our sins is how we can humble ourselves before God – James 4:9
c. The end result of such humility? God will lift you up – James 4:10
Conclusion
1. If we obey these four instructions, then God will draw near to us, cleanse us, and forgive us!
2. ONLY THEN WILL THE WARS CEASE!
a. For we will not be at war with God
b. So we will not be at war within ourselves
c. And we will not be at war with others!
3. As Solomon wrote in the Book of Proverbs: When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. – Proverbs 16:7
4. Are we making sure our ways are pleasing to the Lord?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Estate Planning
Useless disagreement
One of the saddest events in the ministry of Jesus is recorded in Luke 15:13-15. It has to do with a family disagreement over how the inheritance was to be divided. One came to Jesus with the following request: “Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus responded, “Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?” Then He warned: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). To further impress this truth upon His hearers, Jesus told the story of a certain rich man whose harvest had been so bountiful that he did not have room for it all. He determined to tear down his barns and build greater ones. Then he would sit back, take it easy, and enjoy the good life. But it would not happen. That night he died. All he had was left to others.
Important items are not found in the accumulation of things
It really isn’t any different today. Many spend their lives accumulating things, only to die and leave them behind for others to fight over. Happiness, joy, peace, and contentment aren’t found in the accumulation of things. They are the byproducts of living for Christ.
Leave behind real value
Sadly, most of us have seen this story acted out too many times in the lives of friends and associates. Families have been ripped apart as brothers and sisters fought over who got what. Homes have been destroyed because mothers and fathers gave their children every “thing,” but failed to provide a foundation for life centered in Jesus.
Parents, if you want to leave your children with something of real value, leave them the memory of a mother and father faithful to God. Provide them with an example of faith, love, devotion, and commitment to truth that will live on in their hearts long after you are gone. The really valuable estates aren’t measured in dollars and cents, but in faith, love, and service to God!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Prayer Power
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(The Power of Prayer)
Introduction
1. Jesus anticipated that people would become slack in their prayers…
a. Telling the parable of the persistent widow, that people might always pray – Luke 18:1-7
b. Wondering if He would find faith on earth (i.e., people praying) when He returned – Luke 18:8
2. Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers…
a. “praying always with all prayer and supplication…” – Ephesians 6:18
b. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” – Colossians 4:2
c. “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalians 5:17
3. If we have become slack in our prayers, might that be an indication that we do not appreciate the power of prayer? Have we forgotten what a privilege it is to pray?
Body
I. EXAMPLES OF THE POWER OF PRAYER
A. THERE IS FORGIVENESS FROM GOD…
1. The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ – 1 John 1:7-10
2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray – Acts 8:22
3. Don’t you want the assurance of knowing that your sins are forgiven?
B. THERE IS PEACE FROM GOD…
1. The antidote to anxiety is to pray – Philippians 4:6
2. The Christian will find their hearts and minds guarded by the peace of God – Philippians 4:7
3. Don’t you want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses understanding?
C. THERE IS STRENGTH FROM GOD…
1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the inner man – Ephesians 3:14-16, 20
2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for themselves!
3. Don’t you want the power that is beyond our comprehension?
D. THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FROM GOD…
1. Paul realized that God provided him opportunity to teach others – 1 Corinthians 3:5 (NASB)
2. He knew that the Lord often opened doors for such opportunities – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12
3. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would continue – Colossians 4:3
4. Don’t you want the Lord to give you opportunity to lead others to Christ?
E. THERE IS BOLDNESS FROM GOD…
1. When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed and God delivered – Acts 4:23-31
2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf – Ephesians 6:19-20
3. Don’t you want boldness when you speak to others about Christ?
F. THERE IS WISDOM FROM GOD…
1. Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of the knowledge one has
2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubt – James 1:5-8
3. Don’t you want the wisdom that comes from above?
G. THERE IS HEALING FROM GOD…
1. Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them – James 5:14-15
2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another – James 5:16
3. Don’t you want the aid of God whenever in need of physical or spiritual healing?
H. THERE IS TRANQUILITY FROM GOD…
1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the nations – Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1-7
2. Thus we are commanded to pray for our rulers, that we may lead a quiet (tranquil, ASV) and peaceable life – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
3. Don’t you want to live in peace and tranquility and for others to as well?
Conclusion
1. The power of prayer can indeed be a blessing…
a. To the one who prays in faith
b. For those for whom prayers are offered
2. There is help in time of need from God…
a. We have a wonderful High Priest who understands our problems – Hebrews 4:14-15
b. Thus we can at anytime approach God boldly in prayer, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
3. Don’t you want mercy and grace whenever needed, for yourself and for others?
4. Indeed, the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (cf. James 5:16)…
a. “avails much” (NKJV)
b. “can accomplish much (NASB)
c. “has great power” (ESV)
d. “is powerful and effective” (NIV)
e. If such is true of one righteous man, how about the prayers of many righteous?
5. Do we believe in the power of prayer…?
a. Then let us pray always
b. Let us continue earnestly in prayer
c. Yes, let us “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
6. But not all have the privilege of the power of prayer. In our next study, we will see why
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Luke 18:01-08 Power of Prayer
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Text: Luke 18:1-8
Introduction
1. Jesus anticipated that people would become slack in their prayers
a. Telling the parable of the persistent widow, that people might always pray-Luke 18:1-7
b. Wondering if He would find faith on earth (i.e., people praying) when He returned – Luke 18:8
2. Paul frequently exhorted Christians to be diligent in their prayers
a. “praying always with all prayer and supplication…” – Ephesians 6:18
b. “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” – Colossians 4:2
c. “Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
3. If we have become slack in our prayers, might that be an indication that we do not appreciate the power of Prayer? Have we forgotten what a privilege it is to pray?
Body
I. EXAMPLES OF THE POWER IN PRAYER
A. THERE IS FORGIVENESS FROM GOD
1. The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ – 1 John 1:7-10
2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray – Acts 8:22
3. Don’t you want the assurance of knowing that your sins are forgiven?
B. THERE IS PEACE FROM GOD
1. The antidote to anxiety is to pray – Philippians 4:6
2. The Christian will find their hearts and minds guarded by the peace of God – Philippians 4:7
3. Don’t you want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses understanding?
C. THERE IS STRENGTH FROM GOD
1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the inner man – Ephesians 3:14-16, 20
2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for themselves!
3. Don’t you want the power that is beyond our comprehension?
D. THERE IS OPPORTUNITY FROM GOD
1. Paul realized that God provided him opportunity to teach others – 1 Corinthians 3:5
2. He knew that the Lord often opened doors for such opportunities – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12
3. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would continue – Colossians 4:3
4. Don’t you want the Lord to give you opportunity to lead others to Christ?
E. THERE IS BOLDNESS FROM GOD
1. When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed and God delivered – Acts 4:23-31
2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf – Ephesians 6:19-20
3. Don’t you want boldness when you speak to others about Christ?
F. THERE IS WISDOM FROM GOD
1. Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of the knowledge one has
2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubt – James 1:5-8
3. Don’t you want the wisdom that comes from above?
G. THERE IS HEALING FROM GOD
1. Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them – James 5:14-15
2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for one another – James 5:16
3. Don’t you want the aid of God whenever in need of physical or spiritual healing?
H. THERE IS TRANQUILITY FROM GOD
1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the nations – Daniel 4:17; Romans 13:1-7
2. Thus we are commanded to pray for our rulers, that we may lead a quiet (tranquil, ASV) and peaceable life – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
3. Don’t you want to live in peace and tranquility and for others to as well?
Conclusion
1. The power of prayer can indeed be a blessing
a. To the one who prays in faith
b. For those for whom prayers are offered
2. There is help in time of need from God
a. We have a wonderful High Priest who understands our problems – Hebrews 4:14-15
b. Thus we can at anytime approach God boldly in prayer, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
c. Don’t you want mercy and grace whenever needed, for yourself and for others?
3. Indeed, the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (cf. James 5:16)
a. “avails much” (NKJV)
b. “can accomplish much (NASB)
c. “has great power” (ESV)
d. “is powerful and effective” (NIV)
e. If such is true of one righteous man, how about the prayers of many righteous?
4. Do we believe in the power of prayer?
a. Then let us pray always
b. Let us continue earnestly in prayer
5. Yes, let us “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Faith within the Community
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Introduction
1. As Christians, we are but pilgrims and sojourners in this world…
a. We have duties regarding our spiritual growth and development – 1 Peter 2:11
b. Yet we also have a duty toward those who are still of this world – 1 Peter 2:12
2. One arena where we fulfill our duty to those in the world is “the community”…
a. The cities and neighborhoods in which we live
b. Relationships we maintain with our neighbors and fellow citizens
3. What impact should our faith have as members of the community…?
a. What effect should it have on us as neighbors and citizens?
b. How can our communities become a place to evangelize the lost?
4. Paul gave general instructions concerning Christians living in this world – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
a. To lead a quiet life
b. To mind our own business
c. To work with our own hands
d. To walk properly toward those who are outside
Body
I. THE CHRISTIAN AS NEIGHBOR
A. TO ASSOCIATE WITH OTHERS…
1. True, we are to be separate – cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
2. But we must not confuse separation with isolation – 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
3. Jesus provides the example – cf. Mark 2:14-17
B. TO LIVE IN PEACE…
1. As much as it depends on us – cf. Romans 12:17-21
2. Careful to give no offense if possible – cf. 1 Corinthians 10:32-33
C. TO WALK IN LOVE AND WISDOM…
1. We owe it to our neighbors to love them – cf. Romans 13:8-10
2. Showing kindness through hospitality – Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; 5:10
3. Making good use of our time – cf. Colossians 4:5
4. Speaking with truth and grace – cf. Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:25, 29
D. TO DO GOOD…
1. Diligent in doing good works – cf. Matthew 5:16; Luke 6:35; Galatians 6:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Timothy 6:17-18; Titus 3:8 1 Peter 2:12
2. Displaying honorable conduct – cf. 1 Peter 2:12; 2 Corinthians 8:21
3. Earning a good testimony from those outside – 1 Timothy 3:7; Acts 22:12
II. THE CHRISTIAN AS CITIZEN
A. OBEY THOSE IN AUTHORITY…
1. To be subject to rulers authorities – cf. Titus 3:1; Romans 13:1-5
2. To obey their laws, unless they conflict with God’s law – 1 Peter 2:13-16; Ac 5:27-29
B. GIVE HONOR AND PAY TAXES…
1. Honor all, including those in government – cf. 1 Peter 2:17
2. Pay taxes and customs, rendering fear (respect) and honor – Romans 13:6-7
C. PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY…
1. For kings and all who are in authority – cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
2. That we might lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and reverence – cf. 1 Timothy 2:2-3
D. Christians are a valuable asset for any country in which they live. Not only by their lawful obedience and prayers for those in authority, but by sharing the good news of God’s love – 1 Timothy 2:4-6
III. THE CHRISTIAN AS EVANGELIST
A. HOLDING FAST THE WORD OF LIFE…
1. We are to shine as lights in the world – cf. Philippians 2:14-15
2. Holding fast the Word of life – cf. Philippians 2:16
a. Some translations say “holding forth” (KJV, ASV) or “hold out” (NIV)
b. Certainly a duty expressed elsewhere – Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 2:9
3. In our communities, we have a duty to spread the Word!
B. INFLUENCING PEOPLE BY EXAMPLE…
1. Sometimes people won’t listen to our message
2. But we can still influence them for good by our example – 1 Peter 3:1-2
3. In our communities, we have a duty to confirm the Word by our lives!
Conclusion
1. Living in our community is a wonderful opportunity…
a. To be a positive influence on our friends and neighbors
b. To be a blessing for whatever country in which we find ourselves
2. Let your faith in the community be an opportunity…
a. To demonstrate the value of a vibrant faith in Christ!
b. To reach others for Jesus Christ through the gospel!
3. What kind of neighbors and citizens are we? Do we encourage others to glorify God…?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Full Buckets – Colossians 3:15
Text: Colossians 3:15
The surest sign that you’re carrying a full bucket is wet feet.
Are your feet wet?
Like buckets, our hearts tend to spill what’s in them, and that’s Paul’s point in this verse: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body” (Colossians 3:15).
I suppose most of us struggle with the absence of peace.
- I’ll never get all this stuff done.
- How will my kids turn out?
- What if I lose my job?
- What will the MRI reveal?
And we fret and wring our hands and take more antacids.
We feel unsettled, distracted, nervous, and all this usually manifests itself in our interactions with others. We become distant or withdrawn, or perhaps irritable, even with the people we love the most, or perhaps especially with them.
Only it’s not supposed to be like that.
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” Paul wrote. The word rule often referred to an umpire in a game and meant to control (Kittel).
In other words, Paul is saying that our hearts should be governed, ordered, controlled by peace. But how?
It won’t happen when you seek it on your own. You’ll never get everything in your life arranged perfectly so that peace naturally comes.
Peace in your heart will come when you’re filled with the peace of Christ.
Then your feet will be wet. Then you’ll feel peace and live peace and radiate peace.
Today, for a few minutes, pause and empty your heart of all anxieties and distractions and ask the Lord to give you his peace, to fill you with peace. Ask him to let it rule your life. It’s what he wants, of course.
Shortly before he died he left us with these words: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
I hope your feet get wet today.
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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2 Timothy 03:14-17 Why We Need the Bible
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Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Introduction
1. We began this series of lessons by illustrating why we need God
a. He is our Creator, who knows us better than we ourselves
b. He is our Redeemer, who seeks to save us from ourselves
c. He is our Provider, who is willing to meet our every need
2. Now I wish to focus our attention on why we need the Bible
a. Both the Old and New Testaments
b. As the guide to salvation and comfort
3. Assuming that one believes in the Bible as the Word of God, we need the Bible because:
Body
I. IT IS GOD’S POWER TO SAVE
A. BY CREATING FAITH
1. Without faith it is impossible to please God – Hebrews 11:6
2. Without faith in Jesus we cannot be saved – John 8:24
3. It is the Word of God that produces such faith – Romans 10:17
4. For example, the gospels were written to produce faith – John 20:30-31
B. BY CAUSING ONE TO BE BORN AGAIN
1. Jesus taught the necessity of being born again – John 3:3-5
2. The rebirth involving water and the Spirit is produced by:
a. Receiving the “incorruptible seed” of God’s Word – 1 Peter 1:23-25a
b. In particular, that word proclaimed in the gospel of Christ – 1 Peter 1:25
3. Which gospel calls for one to be baptized – Mark 16:15-16
a. As proclaimed by Peter – Acts 2:38
b. The washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit – Titus 3:5
C. BY KEEPING ONE SAVED
1. Paul emphasized this value of the Scriptures
a. To the Corinthians – 1 Corinthians 10:11-12
b. To Timothy – 2 Timothy 3:14-17
2. The saving value of the Word of God is for both young and old
a. The young can keep their ways pure by it – Psalms 119:9
b. Elders were commended to the Word for their salvation – Acts 20:32
d. Lack of knowledge concerning God’s Word destroyed Israel – Hosea 4:6
e. But when received with meekness into our hearts, the Word of God has the power to save – James 1:21
II. IT IS GOD’S POWER TO COMFORT
A. THROUGH THE HOPE IT GIVES
1. Paul wrote of the hope provided by the OT scriptures – Romans 15:4
2. The OT provides assurance of our hope in Christ, because it illustrates how God always keeps His promises
3. How much more so the NT, providing hope by revealing the grace to be shown when Christ comes again! – cf. 1 Peter 1:13
B. THROUGH THE PEACE IT GIVES
1. Especially as it reveals the means and source of true peace – Philippians 4:6-9
2. With such inner peace, nothing causes one to stumble – Psalms 119:165, 92-93
3. “In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.” – Robert E. Lee
C. THROUGH THE HAPPINESS IT GIVES
1. Blessedness through the stability and nourishment it provides – Psalms 1:1-3
2. Note that this comes to the one engaged in daily Bible reading
Conclusion
1. To fulfill our need for God, we need the Bible
a. For God has spoken through prophets and His Son – cf. Hebrews 1:1-2
b. He has made His Word accessible to every nation and tongue – Romans 10:17-18
2. With the aid of the Bible, we can experience God’s power in our lives
a. As we learn the way of salvation, and accept it with an obedient faith
b. As we walk in the way of salvation, and receive the hope, peace, and happiness God gives
c. Great men have spoken of the value of the Bible:
– “Within the covers of this one single book, the Bible, are all the answers to all the problems we face today. If only we would read it and believe.” – Ronald Reagan
– “I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book.” – Abraham Lincoln
– “The Bible is worth more than all other books which have ever been printed.” – Patrick Henry
3. Is that our attitude toward the Bible?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 12:12-17 Pursuit of Peace and Holiness – audio
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Text: Hebrews 12:12-17
Introduction (Mother’s Day)
1. Hebrews 12:1-3: we saw the need to run a race:
a. Lay aside things that would hinder us, especially the sin of unbelief
b. Have endurance, even as Jesus endured hostility and the cross
c. Focus our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, whose own example should encourage us not to become weary and discouraged
2. After reminding us of the value of the Lord’s chastening in verses Hebrews 12:4-11, the author of Hebrews in Hebrews 12:12 returns to the metaphor of running:
a. With a call to run with style – Hebrews 12:12-13
b. With instructions to pursue peace and holiness – Hebrews 12:14
c. With a word of caution, appealing to the example of Esau – Hebrews 12:15-17
3. One way to describe the Christian race, then, is the pursuit of peace and holiness
a. How well are we doing in our pursuit?
b. Do we know what it is we are to be running after?
c. Are we aware of the possible pitfalls that can hinder us?
Body
I. MAKING PREPARATION FOR OUR PURSUIT (Hebrews 12:12-13)
A. A CALL TO RUN WITH STYLE
1. We are to strengthen
a. the hands which hang down
b. the feeble knees
c. A common figure of speech (Job 4:3-4; Isaiah 35:3), calling us to shake off all weariness, to be firm and strong
2. We are to make straight paths for our feet, so that:
a. what is lame may not be dislocated
b. but rather be healed
c. Another common expression (Isa 40:3-4: Proverbs 4:23-27), encouraging us to remove all that would hinder our progress (especially if we are weak)
B. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS CALL
1. First, we must respond to this call to action
a. This is something we are being called to do
b. We can’t expect God to do it all!
c. While God will certainly help us, we must make the effort – Philippians 2:12-13
2. This call to action is not limited to strengthening just oneself
a. Certainly there is the personal application
b. But as concerned Christians, we should seek to:
1) Strengthen the hands and feeble knees of others
2) make straight paths for others – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
c. Just as those who are spiritual should be concerned for others – Galatians 6:1
C. Shall we heed the call to be strong and very courageous?
II. THE GOAL OF OUR PURSUIT (Hebrews 12:14)
A. PEACE WITH ALL MEN
1. We should not be surprised to read that we are to pursue peace
a. Jesus is The Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6
b. He died to make peace possible: with God, and with man – Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:13-17
c. He taught that peacemakers will be called the children of God – Matthew 5:9
d. A key element of the kingdom of God is peace – Romans 14:17-18
e. Therefore, we are to pursue peace with all men – Romans 14:19; 12:18
2. How does one pursue peace with all men?
a. By seeking peace with God first – Proverbs 16:7
1) We must first make our relationship with God what it ought to be
2) Through Jesus, we can be at peace with God – Romans 5:1
b. Letting the peace of God rule in our hearts – Colossians 3:15
1) The Lord is able to give you peace always in every way – 2 Thessalonians 3:16
2) How the Lord imparts peace:
a) Through His Word – Psalm 119:165
b) Through prayer – Philippians 4:6-7
3) If one is not at peace with himself, it is unlikely he can be at peace with others
c. By doing things that make for peace – Romans 14:19
1) Such as being considerate of their conscience – Romans 14:13-21
2) Seeking unity with compassion, love, tenderness, and courtesy; willing to respond to evil or reviling with a blessing – 1 Peter 3:8-11
B. HOLINESS, WITHOUT WHICH NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD
1. As God is holy, so His children must be holy – 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:7
2. How can we pursue holiness?
a. True holiness (sanctification) comes through:
1) Faith in Jesus – Acts 26:18; cf. Hebrews 10:10-14
2) The work of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Titus 3:5
3) The Word of God – John 17:17-19
b. We cooperate with God in pursuing holiness by:
1) Offering ourselves as slaves of righteousness – Romans 6:19-22
2) Perfecting holiness in the fear of God – 2 Corinthians 7:1
a) Which includes cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh – 2 Corinthians 7:1
b) Also putting on the new man in true righteousness and holiness – Ephesians 4:24
3. In many respects, this is what the Christian life is all about pursuing peace and holiness! How successful we are will depend on how diligently we avoid the pitfalls
III. PITFALLS THAT HINDER OUR PURSUIT (Hebrews 12:15-17)
A. FALLING SHORT OF THE GRACE OF GOD
1. Without God’s grace, none can be saved, pursue peace, or have the holiness necessary to see God!
2. But do Christians need to concern themselves with falling from grace? Consider:
a. The warning not to neglect our great salvation – Hebrews 2:1-3
b. The warning not to be hardened by sin – Hebrews 3:12-14
c. The warning to be diligent – Hebrews 4:1, 11; 2 Peter 1:10
d. The warning against willful sin – Hebrews 10:26-31
e. The warning not receive God’s grace in vain – 2 Corinthians 6:1
f. The warning not to fall from grace – Galatians 5:4
g. The warning to look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for – 2 John 8
3. For the Christian, however, God’s grace can be just a prayer away! – Hebrews 4:16
B. LETTING A ROOT OF BITTERNESS TO SPRING UP
1. Bitterness can be a stumbling block in our pursuit of peace
a. It destroys the peace within the person who harbors it (modern medicine has shown that emotions like bitterness and anger can cause problems such as headaches, backaches, allergic disorders, ulcers, high blood pressure, and heart attacks, etc.)
b. It can destroy the peace in the congregation where it becomes manifest
2. It also becomes a stumbling block in our pursuit of holiness, for the problems it creates cause many to become defiled (unholy)
3. If we are going to make straight paths for your feet, then we need to clip any root of bitterness in the bud!
C. BECOMING A FORNICATOR OR PROFANE PERSON
1. Fornication is certainly a pitfall to avoid
a. Fornication is a generic term for any sort of sexual immorality (including pre-marital sex, adultery, homosexuality, etc.)
Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26, 27; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 1 Timothy 1:8-10
b. It is contrary to God’s will regarding our sanctification – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
1) Later, we will read in Hebrews where God will judge fornicators – Hebrews 13:4
2) It will keep one out of the kingdom of heaven – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21
c. Therefore, let us flee fornication! – 1 Corinthians 6:18
2. We must also not become a profane person
a. A worldly person who profanes holy privileges by placing on them a worldly estimate.
b. One does not have to overtly wicked; they can displease God by simply devaluing that which is important to Him with contempt, mockery, or scorn!
c. Such was the case with Esau – Genesis 25:29-34
1) There is no indication that he was a fornicator
2) But he was a profane person because he did not proper estimate the value of his birthright
3) Though he later wanted the blessings of the birthright, it was too late; despite his tears, it was too late to change his father’s mind he found no place for repentance
d. We can become profane by devaluing our spiritual blessings
1) In Christ, we have a spiritual birthright (redemption, fellowship with God, the hope of eternal life)
2) But we can let careers, hobbies, friends, even families, come between us and the things of God
3) Are we willing to sell our birthright for one morsel of food?
Conclusion
1. As we run the race of faith, our goal should be peace and holiness before God
2. To run the race, we need to:
a. Get in the proper form (lift the hands, strengthen the knees)
b. Watch out for the pitfalls that can hinder us in our pursuit, such as:
1) Not utilizing God’s grace to help you in our race
2) Allowing bitterness to become a stumbling block
3) Becoming a fornicator or profane person
3. As we run this race, the words of the apostle Paul are appropriate:
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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