Historical Posts
Righteousness Delivers
Righteousness delivers time and again. Our nation needs to return to righteousness.
There was once a time when a country was not true to God, even though a few citizens may have been. He told Ezekiel, “’Son of man, when a land sins against Me by persistent unfaithfulness, I will stretch out My hand against it; I will cut off its supply of bread, send famine on it, and cut off man and beast from it. Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,’ says the Lord God (Ezekiel 14:13-14).”
Noah (Genesis 6-9) was faithful to God. When man’s every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually, Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD (Genesis 6:5,8). Even though God destroyed the earth by so great a flood, we see that righteousness delivers Noah and seven others. They were saved in the ark.
Daniel prayed to God often, and his friends would not bow down and worship the king. Even though they were thrown into a den of lions or into the fiery furnace (respectively), they were delivered by God; those that threw them in perished. Righteousness delivers again.
Job never blamed God for his adversity. Even though many things were taken away from him, yet he remained faithful to God and did not sin with his lips (Job 2:10). After a while, Job was blessed with more than what he had at the beginning. Yet again, righteousness delivers.
There is a great concern today about our nation. By persistent unfaithfulness, the LORD may turn against it. However, the righteous will be delivered! The wise man said, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34).” Let us be among the righteous few that the LORD may deliver.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Words to the Righteous – audio
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One often feels discouraged when he tries to do what is right, and no one else does. Elijah felt discouraged at the words of Jezebel, and fled for his life. When the LORD asked him what he was doing there, he replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life (1 Kings 19:10).”
Because of his discouragement, Elijah would not be a prophet much longer; rather, Elisha would soon take his place. The LORD did tell him, however, that He had reserved seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18).
Later, the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation (Isaiah 51:7-8).”
Christians are to practice righteousness as God is righteous (1 John 3:7). In so doing, we quickly learn that not everyone will act like we do. However, we should not be afraid of what men may do to us, for they can only destroy the body; rather, we must fear God who has power over both body and soul (Matthew 10:28; Hebrews 13:6; Psalm 27:1; 118:6). He has the power to destroy and to save! He will destroy those that do not obey Him, and those that hinder others from coming to Him. He will also extend His righteousness forever, and be willing to save anyone and everyone who is willing to come to Him.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Ephesians 05:08-14 – Walking in the Light – audio
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Text: Ephesians 5:8-14 (reading by Don Treadway)
Introduction
A. Light and darkness are complete opposites.
1) It is impossible to have both at the same time.
2) In fact, just a little light will cancel out a great bit of darkness.
B. Spiritually speaking, sin is often equated with darkness and righteousness with light.
Body
I. We were once walking in darkness.
A. There is no one that does not sin (1 Kings 8:46).
B. All have sinned and have come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
C. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2).
D. God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5,6).
E. The world was in darkness, and did not receive the Light (John 1:5-13; 3:19-21).
II. We have been called out of darkness.
A. God called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
B. The Lord called Paul to the Gentiles, turning them from darkness to light (Acts 26:15-18).
C. We are called by the power of the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).
D. By obeying it, we:
1) die to sin [darkness]
2) are buried with Christ in baptism
3) are raised to walk in newness of life [light] (Romans 6:1-7)
III. We must now walk in the light.
A. By becoming sons of God, we are sons of light and day; we are no longer of night nor darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5).
B. We must walk in the light as God is in the light (1 John 1:7).
C. Jesus commands us to let our lights shine before men (Matthew 5:16).
D. Light has no fellowship with darkness (Ephesians 5:11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
Conclusion
A. Are you in the dark?
B. Come to Christ, the true Light!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Will the Righteous Rule? audio
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Yesterday many voted on local issues. Candidates ran for office, state and local issues were debated, and the results affected everyone locally, state-wide, and perhaps nationally. It will not be long until another election is held, and people will be chosen to head certain offices. We all need wisdom to put the right person in the right place at the right time. Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, received his wisdom from God (1 Kings 3:5-12). He made an observation a long time ago that is still evident today.
Proverbs 29:2: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” Also, we read in Proverbs 28:12: “When the righteous rejoice, there is great glory; but when the wicked arise, men hide themselves.”
The Book of Esther is a good example. As Esther, a Jew, became queen, Haman wanted to have all the Jews killed. Mordecai found out about this plan, and soon “there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:3).” Mordecai told Esther, who risked her life to appear before the king and save the lives of her people. As a result, Mordecai was honored and “the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor (Esther 8:15-16).”
In our country today, many have ruled over cities, states, and the entire nation. When a righteous person is elected, the people rejoice! Similarly, if a wicked person is elected, many people groan. We should all do our best to be godly citizens, and choose wisely who shall rule over us. We need to keep God in charge, not man. Israel demanded a king in the days of Samuel, and he was displeased. The LORD told him, “they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them (1 Samuel 8:7).”
Let us not be ashamed of the outcome, but let us rejoice in knowing we did what God would want us to do. Remember the words of Joshua: “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Observations of a Centurion – audio
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As Jesus was dying on the cross, a centurion made a couple of important observations about Him.
First, he confessed that “Truly this was the Son of God (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39). Also, Luke records, “Certainly this was a righteous Man (Luke 23:47)!”
We too must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; otherwise we will die in our sins (John 8:24). John also exhorts us by reminding us that “if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world (1 John 2:1-2).”
As Jesus was the Son of God, so can we become sons of God. Paul told the Galatians that we are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26). John adds, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13).
As Christ was righteous, so can we become righteous. As Christ was obedient to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8), we can be made righteous through that obedience (Romans 5:19).
God’s righteous children.
Doesn’t that sound promising? There are befits if we live righteous lives as God’s dear children. John wrote, “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous (1 John 3:7). Jesus Himself promised that the righteous will enter into eternal life (Matthew 25:46).
Are you a child of God?
Are you living righteously? If so, you may enter into eternal life. If you have not become a child of God, why not do so now? If you are not living the righteous life as you should, why not start?
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Integrity of the Poor and the Perversity of the Rich
People may be classified into two categories: rich and poor. We may be tempted to view the rich as snobbish, haughty, and proud. The poor we might see as as humble, caring, and loving. Those who are rich might think their riches excuse their behaviors, whereas those who are poor usually take responsibility for their actions. Consider how the wise man says this is viewed before the LORD (Proverbs 11:1-6).
The poor walks in his integrity. I have often heard integrity defined as, “what one does when no one else is around.” Notice how the wise man talks about righteousness and integrity. Elsewhere in Proverbs, the poor is described as having integrity (Proverbs 19:1; 28:6). Sometimes being without things helps one appreciates the things one has. Paul taught the Philippians that he knew what it was like to be without, and he knew what it was like to have too much. In whatever state we are in, we should be content (Philippians 4:11-12).
The rich is perverse in his ways. To be perverse is to be “bent, crooked, or twisted.” It describes someone living in moral error. Here in our text the wise man uses terms like “pride, unfaithful, perverse, and wicked.” Some people think having riches would be the best thing in this world; however, this world and all its riches do not last forever (1 John 2:15-17). Remember that an appearance of a life of physical luxury does not always reveal a hidden life of perversity.
The wise man says, “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and not a fool (Proverbs 19:1).” Also, “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich (Proverbs 28:6).”
Either rich or poor, we must be content! Remember, “The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust (Proverbs 11:6).” God will care for those who are faithful to Him, and righteous before Him.
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Search for Spirituality
Spirituality is a highly sought after quality, and has been throughout the ages. In the ancient city of Ephesus, sacred prostitutes served daily in the temple of Diana because it was thought that sexual union brought closer union with the gods. Mothers have thrown their babies into the crocodile infested Ganges River in the search for spirituality. In Jesus’ own day Jews washed meticulously, dressed ridiculously, and wouldn’t even eat an egg laid on the Sabbath in their quest for greater spirituality.
What is spirituality? W. E. Vine writes regarding spirituality and the spiritual man: “Things that have their origin in God, and which, therefore, are in harmony with His character…the spiritual man walks by the Spirit…and manifests the fruits of the Spirit in his life.” It is that quality of life that results from a right relationship with God. It is evidenced by such things as love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
The essence of spirituality is reflected in Paul’s prayer for the church at Philippi. He prayed that they would approve the things that are excellent, and that they would be sincere and without offense until Christ came (Philippians 1:10). That should be our goal. Spiritual men have eternal values. They follow a divine standard. They live a distinctive life.
Our for spirituality will not be complete until we learn the will of God and make it our own. That is only possible when we become careful Bible students. The Bible, understood and applied, makes for spiritual men and women. Spirituality may be a concept to define, but a spiritual person is recognizable.
Are you searching for greater spirituality?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Greatness of America
For some nine months in late 1831 and early 1832, Alexis de Tocqueville and his friend, Gustave de Beaumont, toured America studying prison reform. They traveled throughout the country talking to people from all walks of life.
So impressed were they with what they saw and heard that when they returned to Paris, Alexis set out to write of his experiences. The result was a two volume set entitled Democracy in America. One quotation from that work stands out. Alexis de Tocqueville wrote: I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there. I sought in the fertile fields and boundless forest, in her rich mines and vast world commerce, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution — it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.
I can’t help but wonder if a Frenchmen visiting churches in America today would come away with a similar appraisal.
God calls His people to righteous living. We are to “live soberly, righteously, and godly” lives (Titus 2:12). The challenge is to “come out from among them [the world] and be ye separate, saith the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:17). The pulpits of this land should thunder with a call to righteousness. But, instead, a call to compromise is often heard. Pulpits are deafly silent when it comes to sin.
Paul charged Timothy: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).
What America needs today is a return to old-fashioned Bible preaching.
What America needs is a call to righteousness. Churches and nations which turn their back on righteousness cannot stand long. As Solomon observed, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
Real power resides, not in the president, but in the pulpit when it is aflame with righteousness!
May God help us to recapture that power before it is too late!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Religious, or Righteous?
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
Ironically, many people equate religion with righteousness, but the two do not always go hand in hand.
I suppose the best example in the New Testament would be the Pharisees, the predominate Jewish sect of our Lord’s day. They were the religious elite, but they weren’t very righteous. Jesus urged the people, “All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not” (Matthew 23:3). Seven times in Matthew 23 Jesus called them hypocrites. They were pretending to be something they were not, and Jesus saw through their hypocrisy. To be sure, they would reap what they had sown (Matthew 23:33).
Christianity is more than ritual and ceremony.
The religion of Christ is a religion which makes men holy, righteous, and godly. Those who do not understand this do not understand Christianity.
Holiness is a hard word to define.
Scholars are uncertain as to its exact roots in ancient language, but it involves being remade, set apart, and living a radiant and pure life. It is the word which Peter used to describe the nature of God (1 Peter 1:16). Christians are admonished to “follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
Righteousness involves doing what is right, acceptable and approved of God.
It includes integrity, virtue, purity of life, uprightness, correctness in thinking, feeling, and acting. A religion without righteousness is a religion without redemption. We must live “soberly, righteously, and godly” (Titus 2:12).
Godliness implies reverence and love for God and things divine.
Godly men and women have the right values and priorities. Christianity makes men godly, so don’t be deceived into thinking that religion is nothing more than a Sunday morning exercise in ritual and ceremony. The religion of Christ is characterized by holiness, righteousness, and godliness. Anything less is unacceptable.
Religious men are not always righteous, but righteous men are always religious!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Revelation 3:1 Autopsy on a Dead Church Member – powerpoint – audio
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Text: Revelation 3:1
- Causes of Death
– Starvation – 1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:12-14; Matthew 5:6
– Spiritual Diabetes – Isaiah 30:9-10; Jeremiah 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:3-4
– Sclerosis of the Giver – 2 Corinthians 9:7; Luke 12:19-20
– Sunday Sickness – John 4:23-24; Hebrews 10:24-25 - Big Head – Proverbs 16:18; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Proverbs 21:24; 1 Timothy 3:6
- Busybody – 1 Peter 4:15; 1 Timothy 5:13
- Big Mouth – James 1:26; James 3:6-8; Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 17:28
- Stiff-Knecked – Acts 7:51; 2 Chronicles 30:8
- Always Looking Back – Luke 9:62
- Too Busy – Matthew 6:24; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 10:37-39
- Patting Himself on the Back – Luke 17:10; Matthew 6:3-4
- Finger Pointing – Matthew 7:3-5; 2 Corinthians 13:5
- No Backbone – 2 Timothy 1:6-7; 2 Timothy 4:1-2
- Straddling the Fence – James 3:9-12; 1 Kings 18:21
- Sitting in the Pew – Proverbs 22:13; James 2:18; Titus 2:14
- Full of Envy – Proverbs 14:30; Galatians 5:26; Proverbs 23:17
- Can’t Bend the Knee – Ephesians 3:14; Romans 14:11
- Won’t Spread the Gospel – Romans 10:14-15; Matthew 10:32-33
Content by Ralph Price
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Galatians 05:05 Eagerly Awaiting Our Hope
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Text: Galatians 5:5
Introduction
1. A few questions to stimulate your thinking
a. What is your hope as a Christian?
b. How strong is that hope?
c. Can you say that you are eagerly awaiting your hope?
2. Much of the joy of being a Christian is related to our hope
a. How real that hope is to us
b. How eager we are to one day realize that hope
c. How it enables us to serve the Lord with joy and patience
3. Paul writes concerning his hope – Galatians 5:5
a. What he was waiting for
b. How he was eagerly waiting for it
4. From his words in this verse and elsewhere we can glean truths that can make a great difference in our attitude and service as Christians.
Body
I. WHAT WE ARE TO EAGERLY WAIT FOR
A. THE HOPE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
1. The hope of justification
a. Paul had been writing about justification – Galatians 5:4
b. Justification and righteousness come from the same Greek word
c. Thus Paul is talking about the hope of being made right, not guilty of sin
2. They had no other hope of justification than by faith in the Redeemer
a. This was Paul’s hope expressed to the Philippians – Philippians 3:9
b. A hope that sustained him in his last days, his darkest hours – 2 Timothy 4:8
3. We are to have a strong desire plus expectation (the meaning of hope) regarding our standing before the Lord guiltless of sin
B. THE SAVIOR FROM HEAVEN
1. The Corinthians were eagerly waiting for the revelation of Jesus – 1 Corinthians 1:7
2. Paul also was eagerly waiting for Jesus from heaven – Philippians 3:20
3. For those who so eagerly await Him, Jesus will bring salvation – Hebrews 9:28
4. We are to eagerly await the coming of the Lord, for He will bring the righteousness (justification) we hope for!
C. THE REDEMPTION OF OUR Body
1. Paul also wrote of eagerly awaiting the redemption of our bodies – Romans 8:23
2. This pertains to the hope of the resurrection – Acts 23:6; 24:15
3. In which our mortal bodies will be raised and put on immortality – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 48-54
4. Made possible by the coming and power of our Lord Jesus Christ! – Philippians 3:20-21
5. We are to eagerly await that glorious transformation in which our bodies as well as our souls will be redeemed by the Lord!
D. Such are the things we are to hope for and await eagerly: Our justification from sin, our Savior from heaven, our resurrection from the dead!
II. HOW WE CAN EAGERLY WAIT FOR IT
A. BY FAITH
1. This is our part
a. We are to have faith – ESV “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait…” – Galatians 5:5 ESV
b. Faith in Christ and His sacrifice, faith in His coming
2. A faith that is Bible-based
a. A strong conviction in things unseen; in particular, Jesus – Hebrews 11:1; John 3:36
b. Which comes through the Word of God-Rom 10:17;John 20:30-31
c. Which gives us hope, like a light shining in darkness – Romans 15:4; 2 Peter 1:19
3. The eagerness with which we wait is proportional to the degree of faith we have
B. THROUGH THE SPIRIT
1. This is God’s part
a. Strengthened by the Spirit we wait for the fulfillment of the hope which righteousness by faith instead of the law insures to us.
b. Paul wrote of God helping us to abound in hope via His Spirit – Romans 15:13
2. We receive the Spirit’s aid as we:
a. Walk in the Spirit – Galatians 5:16
b. Set our minds on the things of the Spirit (i.e., the Word) – Romans 8:5-6
c. Ask God for strength by His Spirit (via prayer) – Ephesians 3:16,21
3. The eagerness with which we wait is proportional to the strength we receive from the Spirit
Conclusion
1. What is your hope (desire plus expectation) as a Christian? It should include
a. The hope of righteousness (justification)
b. The Savior’s revelation from heaven
c. The glorious resurrection from the dead
2. How strong is your hope? It all depends
a. Are you growing in faith (through the Word)?
b. Are you being strengthened by the Spirit (through prayer)?
3. If so, then we will eagerly await that for which we both desire and expect to see…!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Genesis 06:05-08 Noah Found Grace
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Text: Genesis 6:5-8
Introduction
1. We read of God’s displeasure with the world and its wickedness – Genesis 6:5-7
2. But as God pronounces judgment upon the world, and prepares to destroy it with a flood, we find encouraging words concerning one man: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” – Genesis 6:8
3. This simply means that Noah found favor in God’s sight, and we know the result of that favor: escape for him and his family from the flood!
a. But why Noah?
b. Why did Noah find grace in the eyes of the Lord?
c. And how might we apply this to our situation today?
Body
I. WHY NOAH FOUND GRACE IN THE EYES OF THE LORD
A. HE WAS “A JUST MAN” – Genesis 6:9
1. Some translations say “righteous”
2. This likely refers to his moral relation to God (Keil & Delitzsch)
B. HE WAS “PERFECT IN HIS GENERATIONS” – Genesis 6:9
1. Other translations (Genesis 6:9 nasb95, Genesis 6:9 NIV) use the word “blameless”
2. Not that he was sinless, but that there were no blatant faults
3. He was a man of moral integrity among the people
C. HE “WALKED WITH GOD” – Genesis 6:9
1. This is how he manifested his righteousness and integrity
2. In walking with God, he imitated the example of Enoch, his great- grandfather – Genesis 5:24
3. Walking with God in Noah’s case likely involved
a. Calling upon the name of the Lord (which began in the days of Seth – Genesis 4:26)
b. Offering sacrifices to God (which began in the days of Cain & Abel – Genesis 4:3-4)
D. HE “DID ACCORDING TO ALL THAT THE LORD COMMANDED HIM”
1. Twice this is emphasized in the Scriptures – Genesis 6:22; 7:5
2. We learn from the writer of Hebrews that this obedience of Noah came from faith – Hebrews 11:7
E. HE WAS “A PREACHER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS” – 2 Peter 2:5
1. He not only “lived” a righteous life
2. But he also “proclaimed” the need for righteousness, even though he lived in a very ungodly world
F. What about ourselves? Is there a need for us to “find grace in the eyes of the Lord” today? Yes!
II. WHY WE NEED TO FIND GRACE IN THE EYES OF THE LORD
A. NOT BECAUSE WE FACE THE THREAT OF A WORLDWIDE FLOOD
1. After Noah and his family were saved from the flood, God promised He would never again destroy the world in such a manner – Genesis 9:8-11
2. The rainbow is a constant reminder of God’s promise – Genesis 9:12-17
B. BUT BECAUSE WE FACE THE PROMISE OF THE END OF THE WORLD!
1. Peter reminds us that just as the world was once destroyed by water, so it shall be destroyed by fire when Jesus returns! – 2 Peter 3:3-13
2. In view of this promise, Peter calls upon us to “be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” – 2 Peter 3:14
a. Just as Noah “found grace in the eyes of the Lord”…
b. So we need to “found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless”
3. Is this not simply another way of saying that we, like Noah, need to find grace in the eyes of the Lord?
4. Indeed, it is! When the end of the world comes, we had better be in a condition where we too find grace in the eyes of the Lord! Otherwise, we will be like those left outside of the ark when the floods came!
III. HOW WE CAN FIND GRACE IN THE EYES OF THE LORD
A. WE MUST BE “JUST” IN HIS SIGHT
1. Fortunately, the good news of the gospel is that God sent Christ in order to make us “just” (righteous, forgiven) in His sight! – Romans 5:8-9
2. This blessing is available to all who demonstrate true faith in Jesus – Romans 3:24-26
3. Being justified, we can have peace with God – Romans 5:1; cf. 2 Peter 3:14
B. WE MUST BE “PERFECT” IN OUR GENERATION
1. That is, to be complete, mature, to be everything God desires of us
2. Again, the good news of the gospel of Christ is that God has provided the necessary elements for us to be “perfect”!
a. The blood of Christ, to cleanse us of our sins – 1 John 1:7-9
b. The Word of God, to guide us to completion – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
c. The strength of the Spirit, to help us in our struggles – Ephesians 3:16
d. The providence of God, who will work with us and lead us to victory! – 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 5:10
C. WE MUST “WALK WITH GOD”
1. Of course, this would mean that we can “no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk…” – cf. Ephesians 4:17-20
2. Rather, it requires that we be “followers of God as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1), and that we…
a. “Walk in love” – Ephesians 5:2
b. “Walk as children of light”, exposing the sins of darkness – Ephesians 5:8-11
c. “Walk as wise”, with an understanding of what the Lord’s will is – Ephesians 5:15-17
D. WE MUST “DO ALL THAT THE LORD HAS COMMANDED”
1. Observing not just “some” things, but “all” things – cf. Matthew 28:20
2. For in so doing, we demonstrate our faith to be “a living faith” – James 2:17,24,26
E. WE MUST BE “PREACHERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS”
1. It is God’s will that we “proclaim the praises of Him”, which would include His righteousness – cf. 1 Peter 2:9
2. This can be done most vividly by example, in living transformed lives – Romans 12:1-2
Conclusion
1. God does not want anyone to perish in the great conflagration that is yet to come, but He does require all to come to repentance – 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30-31
2. And when we turn from sin and turn to God, what do we find? The same thing Noah and his family found: “grace in the eyes of the Lord”!
3. Speaking of the salvation of Noah should remind us of the comparison Peter makes between Noah’s salvation and our own
a. I.e., the part baptism serves in our salvation – 1 Peter 3:20-21
b. Just as God used the element of water to save Noah from a wicked world
c. …so in His grace God utilizes water in our salvation through the blood of Jesus!
4. If you have not done so, why not find favor in God’s sight by being baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16)?
5. Then, as we look forward to the coming of the Lord in which He will usher in “the new heavens and new earth”, give special heed to the words of Peter: “Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” – 2 Peter 3:14
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Revelation 14:13 Righteous Dead
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(The Blessed State of the Righteous Dead)
Text: Revelation 14:13
Introduction
1. In describing the Revelation that was shown to him, John heard words of comfort…
a. Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'” – Revelation 14:13a
b. “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” – Revelation 14:13b
2. What else does the Bible say about the state of the righteous dead…?
a. In regards to the intermediate state?
b. That period from the moment of one’s death until the resurrection of the last day?
[The answer depends upon what covenant was in force. But in both testaments we find words and imagery that suggests a condition of blessedness for the righteous dead. Consider what we find…]
Body
I. DURING THE OLD COVENANT
A. WORDS THAT COMFORTED…
1. The death of God’s saints was precious in His sight – Psalm 116:15
2. The death of the righteous was rest and peace, confronting evil no longer – Isaiah 57:1-2
— Such words hinted of a blessed condition of the righteous dead in OT times
B. IMAGERY THAT CONSOLED…
1. The beggar Lazarus was consoled and comforted – Luke 16:19-22,25
2. The reference to Moses places this during the Old Covenant – Luke 16:29-31
3. Jesus’ account accords somewhat with Greek concepts of Hades
4. The Greek conception of Hades was that of a locality receiving into itself all the dead, but divided into two regions, one a place of torment, the other of blessedness. – ISBE
5. Greeks referred to the place of torment as Tartarus; Peter also – cf. 2 Peter 2:4
6. Jews viewed the place of blessedness where Abraham was as Paradise – Barnes
7. Jesus later promised the thief that he would be in Paradise – Luke 23:43
8. Which between His death and ascension must have still been in Hades
a. For after His death Jesus descended to Hades – cf. Acts 2:27
b. Yet after His resurrection He had still not ascended to Heaven – cf. John 20:17
— The story of Lazarus and the promise to the thief on the cross illustrates the blessed state of the righteous at that time
[While the Old Covenant was still in effect, little was revealed about the state of the righteous dead. We now live under the New Covenant, where more is revealed and the blessedness is even greater…]
II. DURING THE NEW COVENANT
A. WORDS THAT COMFORT…
1. Paul viewed his impending death as a departure, using “a metaphor drawn from loosing from moorings preparatory to setting sail” (Thayer) – 2 Timothy 4:6
2. Peter used the Greek word exodos (translated “decease”), meaning “exit”, the same word used to describe the Exodus of Israel from Egyptian bondage – 2 Peter 1:15
3. Paul wrote of death as a gain, something far better than living – Philippians 1:21,23
4. He looked forward to being with Christ, at home with the Lord – Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8
5. He described the righteous dead as asleep in Jesus, yet living with Him, and coming with Him – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14; 5:9-11
6. He described Paradise as now in the third heaven (the presence of God!) – 2 Corinthians 12:1-4
a. Could the location of Paradise have changed from Hades to heaven?
b. Many believe that such occurred at the ascension of Christ, as suggested in Ephesians 4:8-10
— Death for the righteous now promised something far greater!
B. IMAGERY THAT CONSOLES…
1. Jesus made promises that clearly refer to the eternal state, after the Judgment
a. The right to the tree of life – Revelation 2:7; cf. 22:2, 14
b. Not hurt by the second death – Revelation 2:11; cf. 21:8
c. Names not blotted out of the Book of Life – Revelation 3:5; cf. 20:12, 15
2. Yet also those that refer to the intermediate state, between death and the resurrection
a. To reign over the nations with Christ – Revelation 2:26-27; 3:21; cf. 20:4-6
b. To walk with Him in white, clothed in white garments – Revelation 3:4-5; cf. 7:9-17
— Jesus describes blessings for the righteous dead prior to eternal state!
Conclusion
1. The condition of the righteous in the intermediate state has always been one of bliss…
a. As depicted by the story of the rich man and Lazarus
b. Yet that only describes the condition while the Law of Moses was still in effect
2. The New Testament indicates that the condition of the righteous dead changed after Jesus ascended to heaven, so that…
a. Paradise is now in the presence of God in heaven
b. Faithful Christians can look forward to being with Christ upon their death
c. The righteous dead are now in the presence of Jesus, comforted by Him and serving God in His temple, even reigning with Him!
3. “But if righteous dead are in heaven now, what happens after the resurrection and judgment…?”
a. God and Jesus will dwell with them in heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven into a new heaven and new earth – cf. Revelation 21:1-22:5
b. A promise Peter and the early Christians looked forward to – cf. 2 Peter 3:13
4. Wonderful are the words John heard from heaven…! “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Beggars
I was getting off the interstate last week when I saw a man at the bottom of the exit ramp holding a “NEED FOOD” sign. I’m always stirred by different feelings when I see this – compassion, curiosity, even a bit of guilt and shame (for not doing more to help). Why doesn’t he have food? Should I give him money?
But it’s also interesting to recognize that this is the image Jesus used to start the most famous sermon ever preached. Most of his people thought the Messiah would come riding on the back of a white stallion at the front of an army of liberation. He would be strong, proud, powerful, and he would restore them to their former glory.
But his first words were nothing like what they expected.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).
Coming to God’s kingdom, Jesus said, involves first of all admitting that we are spiritually poverty-stricken. We are powerless to attain salvation, and we depend on God for everything that is good.
Beggars. That’s what we are. We come to Jesus without “a righteousness of our own” and receive that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith (Phil 3:9); “In him,” Paul writes, we “become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
What all this means is that being in the Lord’s kingdom involves emptying ourselves of pride, achievement, and accomplishment. We don’t bring our goodness to the table and exchange it for forgiveness. We don’t bring our impeccable morality and integrity to the Lord and hope it’s enough to be saved.
“Poor in spirit” means recognizing that there is “none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10), including me.
It means admitting that “no one understands; no one seeks for God,” that “no one does good, not even one” (Romans 3:12)… including me.
That is very hard for most of us. Naturally, I want to point to a few of the good things I’ve done. I want to compare myself to some of society’s dregs and take a little pride in, “Well, at least I’m not like that.”
That’s why pride has always been the biggest obstacle between us and salvation. It takes our eyes off of God and puts them on us.
You can’t be a part of the kingdom until you recognize that you are utterly dependent upon God for salvation. Blessed are the spiritual beggars, for theirs is the kingdom.
Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to the cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die. . . . When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee (Augustus Toplady).
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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