1Timothy115

In us we have two natures that are not our own but are seeking the affections of our (soul's) faith. One (is in the flesh) the lust of our corrupted flesh from Adam's sin, leading to death, and the other (is in our spirit) the light of Christ's Spirit seeking to quicken us, leading to life eternal. Both we are born with and feel their effects. Nether was our choice to be born with but we are influenced by them and given the choice to which we will submit to in faith.
In this message we deal with the natural physical and spiritual headship of the two men and what they give to ALL people simply by virtual of being born naturally into the world. We then deal with what happens when we willfully give our faith over to one or the other.
(Preached Sunday morning, 12-12-2021, by Pastor John Young, at Maranatha Bible Baptist Church, 16990 S 38th St, Mendon, MI 49072, Between Fulton and Menden in Wakeshma Township, Near Kalamazoo and Battle Creek in South West Michigan, https://www.facebook.com/MbbcFulton)
 

Faith Through The Ages - Hebrews 11:13

1. Compelling Faith (Forward Looking)
2. Confirmed Faith (Established)
3. Concurrent Faith (Bi-directional)
4. Consummate Faith (Fulfilled)

1. Compelling Faith . Forward Looking .
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

2. Confirmed Faith . Established Faith .
Hebrews 8:6 But now hath he OBtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

3. Concurrent Faith . Bi-directional Faith .
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

We look back into the scriptures.

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (Note: Isaiah 52:13 through 53:12)

We look ahead to Christ’s return.

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

4. Consummate Faith . Faith Fulfilled .
Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Do you have the faith required by God?
Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

“It is wonderful condescension in God to hear prayer; it is bowing his ear.”
Matthew Henry

The excerpt above is from Matthew Henry’s commentary on Psalm 116. Many of you may have had this thought before. I thought it might be worth sharing for reflection or comments if so inclined.

It brings to mind Psalms 8:4 and Christ’s condescension.

Text: Rom.16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

1Tim.4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

2Tim.1:13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

2Tim.2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

We claim to be Christians, followers of a specific way and teaching Jn.14: 6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. We claim to be guided by the unerring Word of God, the Bible. Yet it seems we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of history and repeatedly disregard the warnings of those in the faith that have gone before us.

We have a parallel in the history of the nation of Israel. We can see this parallel in the remarkable scriptures of Duet.1:2-15. An eleven day trip took them forty years! We can see a direct parallel between Israel’s relationship to God and our relationship to God…. how slowly we cover the ground! What winding and turning! How often we must go back and cover the same ground again and again. We are slow travelers because we are slow learners. We might marvel at their unbelief and slowness to OBey, but we, like them, are kept back by our own unbelief and slowness of heart.

The doctrine that we are to hold and pass on is the Word that we have received: The pure, unadulterated truth of God.

The Galatian Church is a negative case in point. Gal.3:1-4. O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not OBey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If it be yet in vain.
Saved by grace, but then allowing themselves to be seduced by a perversion of Scripture.

Deut.1:3. And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them; Here is instruction for all who labor in the Word and doctrine:
Moses gave what he received from God, nothing more or less; this is the grand principal of the ministry, to bring people in direct contact with the Living Word of God.

The Apostle Paul makes this argument better than I can. 1Cor.2: 1-5. And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

1Cor.15: 1-3. Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

The ‘so called’ church has wholly departed from the authority of the Word of God. In these churches, things are taught that have no foundation in the Scripture.
They not only tolerate, but sanction and defend that which is in direct opposition to the mind of Christ. He spoke of them in Mat.15:8-9.
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

If you ask for the Divine Authority for their institution or practice, you are told that God has left us free to act according to our conscience. It is considered that professing Christians are left free to form churches, choose their own form of government and appoint their own officers. Can this be true? Are we to assume that the church is worse off than Israel in instruction and authority?

We can see in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, the marvelous pains God took to instruct His people in even the minutest particulars concerning their worship and private life. Nothing was left to human arrangement. Man’s wisdom, judgment, reason and conscience had no part in it. There was no place for, “I can’t see this, or, I can’t go with that, or, I can’t agree that this is so.” Such language could only be regarded as self-will, for in that day all the instruction came with, “Thus saith the Lord.” They might as well say they could not agree with God. Are we left to think and arrange for ourselves in worship and service to God? I think not! 1Tim.3: 14-15. These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
He then goes on to show how things ought to be done by believers.

Why are there different doctrines among professing churches? We have
possession of God’s Word. We also have division, sects, creeds and denominations,
Why? Because they refuse to submit their whole moral being to the authority of the Scripture. Free exercise of thought is the boast of Protestant Christianity.

Such thinking will not stand at the Judgment. Mat.7: 21-23. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

The duty of the servant is to OBey, not to exercise his will. The confusion between so-called churches is due to an unwillingness to bow to Divine Authority.

Mat.7:28. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

It is impossible for the Holy Scripture to teach opposing doctrines. It cannot possibly teach the doctrines of Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Church of Christ and Baptist….they oppose one another!

Let’s look at a direct command in the name of Jesus for unity. 1Cor. 1:10. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

The so-called “church”, has departed from the authority of Christ long ago. They gave themselves over to man’s reasoning, feelings and religious perversion. They did not heed the teaching of Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

It is every Christian’s sacred duty to test every ecclesiastical system by the Word of God. If we have no Divine authority, no perfect standard, how can we be certain that we are on the true path?

All that claim to be His church cannot justify the confusion of doctrines that they hold true. 1Cor.14:33. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

If God is not the author of this confusion, then who is? Jas 3:16. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

If we cannot say that “this is the thing that the Lord has commanded”, then we are in error.
If a church or religious organization is not in subjection to God as revealed in His Word, what and to whom are they in subjection to? There are only two powers in this world, the power of God and the power of Satan. Satan is the master of deception and mimicry and his masterpiece of all time deception is a false religious system.

Rom.16:17-18. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

What kind of doctrine has God won your heart with? Can you go on to perfection with an opposing doctrine having once known the truth? Rom.6: 17. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have OBeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

The religious liberals will say that there is some good in all churches. My answer is that there is good grain in rat poison too, but it only takes a small amount of poison mixed in with the grain to kill the rat. Any Christian that thinks that he can take what good there is and leave the bad, is ignorant of the nature of evil. Make no mistake; that which is contrary to God’s Word is not of God! 1Cor.10:21,

Sons of God


Introduction
In a depressed economy some people look for ways to turn their life around and become successful. The internet is filled with motivational stories of a path to success. In one internet search I found over 65 Million 3-step-processes for success. Most present a process for gaining a strength or ability and achieving a goal. The steps are similar (1) Believe in yourself (2) Gain ability through a process (3) Benefit from the change. Many plans are sincere but some are from crooks looking for a quick dollar. Both have you sending money to receive their book and or process materials.

However, I want to tell you about an author with a no cost plan. This plan has your best interests at heart and only desires for you to achieve permanent security.

Text John 1:12 (10-14)
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

Discussion
1. Transaction – “received him”
Like the first step in success, believing is the key to receiving Jesus, meaning by faith. For the Christian faith is demonstrated through loving and OBeying Christ. People will receive a plan to achieve temporary financial success; however, they reject Christ and fail to achieve eternal security for their soul.

Basis Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith…”
How Romans 10:17 “So then faith...”
What John 14:15 “If ye love me...”
When Luke 18:30 “Who shall not receive manifold more...”

2. Transmission – “gave he power”
Similar to the second step in success, that is, an ability through process; God gives you knowledge and ability “power” to receive his plan and purpose for you.
A Gift-It’s Free! Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace…”
An Ability (Power) Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed…”

3. Transformation – “to become the sons of God”
The final step is the change brought about by following the method. Those who receive Christ through his free gift will be changed or transformed for eternity.
Immediate Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call...”
Result 1 John 3:2 “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear…”
Promise 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “Then we which are alive and remain...”

Conclusion.
The author of our salvation doesn’t want our money or need anything from us. Jesus Christ came to bring salvation to man and reconcile us to God through his sacrifice on the cross.

Salvation is free to us, if you don’t have it, receive it; if you do have it then, share it.

Most, if not all of us here, are most likely already trusting Christ for our salvation. So what do we do with this lesson of transaction, transmission, and transformation? We take it to our family, friends, and community. If you’re saved I challenge you to share the Gospel of Christ with one person this coming week.

Sons of God


Introduction
In a depressed economy some people look for ways to turn their life around and become successful. The internet is filled with motivational stories of a path to success. In one internet search I found over 65 Million 3-step-processes for success. Most present a process for gaining a strength or ability and achieving a goal. The steps are similar (1) Believe in yourself (2) Gain ability through a process (3) Benefit from the change. Many plans are sincere but some are from crooks looking for a quick dollar. Both have you sending money to receive their book and or process materials.

However, I want to tell you about an author with a no cost plan. This plan has your best interests at heart and only desires for you to achieve permanent security.

Text John 1:12 (10-14)
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

Discussion
1. Transaction – “received him”
Like the first step in success, believing is the key to receiving Jesus, meaning by faith. For the Christian faith is demonstrated through loving and OBeying Christ. People will receive a plan to achieve temporary financial success; however, they reject Christ and fail to achieve eternal security for their soul.

Basis Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith…”
How Romans 10:17 “So then faith...”
What John 14:15 “If ye love me...”
When Luke 18:30 “Who shall not receive manifold more...”

2. Transmission – “gave he power”
Similar to the second step in success, that is, an ability through process; God gives you knowledge and ability “power” to receive his plan and purpose for you.
A Gift-It’s Free! Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace…”
An Ability (Power) Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed…”

3. Transformation – “to become the sons of God”
The final step is the change brought about by following the method. Those who receive Christ through his free gift will be changed or transformed for eternity.
Immediate Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call...”
Result 1 John 3:2 “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear…”
Promise 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “Then we which are alive and remain...”

Conclusion.
The author of our salvation doesn’t want our money or need anything from us. Jesus Christ came to bring salvation to man and reconcile us to God through his sacrifice on the cross.

Salvation is free to us, if you don’t have it, receive it; if you do have it then, share it.

Most, if not all of us here, are most likely already trusting Christ for our salvation. So what do we do with this lesson of transaction, transmission, and transformation? We take it to our family, friends, and community. If you’re saved I challenge you to share the Gospel of Christ with one person this coming week.

“It is wonderful condescension in God to hear prayer; it is bowing his ear.”
Matthew Henry

The excerpt above is from Matthew Henry’s commentary on Psalm 116. Many of you may have had this thought before. I thought it might be worth sharing for reflection or comments if so inclined.

It brings to mind Psalms 8:4 and Christ’s condescension.