ROMANS SERMONS – Mircheal Jones

What Gave Paul the Right to write what he wrote. The Book of Romans is one of the most important books in the New Testament. It was the book that led Martin Luther to begin the Protestant Reformation; and it was Martin Luther’s commentary on Romans that was being read when John Wesley’s Heart was “strangely warmed” by the spirit of God (thus beginning the great Wesleyan Revivals; from which sprang the Methodist Church). If this book is this important (and it is) we need to know that we can absolutely trust its author and have confidence in its content.

Romans is different from most of the other books of the New Testament because it was written to people that Paul did not as yet know personally. Paul’s other Epistles were written to answer questions or encourage people; Romans was written to explain Paul’s Basic Beliefs to the Church at Rome in order to establish Paul’s credibility with an established Church (Paul normally ministered in a missionary context; establishing a Church from the “ground” up).

God used this Treatise of Basic Beliefs to show the church at Rome (And all other churches) how a sinful man can have relationship and fellowship with a righteous God, why such righteousness is necessary, and then what man should do when he accepts God’s righteousness.

Doctrine is not “delightful” to most people and this study will not carry most of the excitement and anticipation of our recent Revelation Study but you must always keep in mind that “WHAT YOU BELIEVE DETERMINES WHAT YOU DO”. Doctrine produces Faith (Faith come by hearing the word of God) and it is by Doctrine that Faith can be: (1) Defined, (2) Defended, (3) Distributed, and (4) Demonstrated.

If Doctrine is this important (and it is!) then you must have confidence in the person presenting it. Paul realized this so he begins this important letter with his Credentials. Today most of us accept Paul’s authority without question but he needed to establish himself with the Church at Rome. In the same way today, Christians must establish their credentials to those around them. Let’s examine the things Paul used for credentials and see if we accent the same things: Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, ROM 1:1

HIS CREDENTIALS WERE BASED ON HIS:

A) Relationship to His Savior- A Servant. Note that Paul could have used the credentials he gave in Phil 3:4-7 (Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ) but instead he called himself a Servant.

He did not talk about his education or even the fact that he was a veteran missionary; he used the attitude of Christ- “The greatest of all shall be servant of all”.

Do YOU consider yourself a willing working Servant of God; or do you believe God is YOUR servant providing you with health, happiness, and heaven? A Servant of God:

1. Has a single Master– Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.

2. Faithfully does his duty without needing applause– Luke 17:7-10 When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. The Joy of your job is that it is for Jesus.

3. Serves by faith; trusting his master’s plan– the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth (John 15:15).

4. Knows the master will return one day to examine his work-(Luke 12:43-46) so he wants to be found faithful- His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matthew 25:21). Are you a faithful servant for your Master?

B) Relationship to the Church- Called to be an Apostle. An Apostle was “one who was sent by authority with a commission”. Paul was specifically called by Christ on the Damascus Road to carry the Gospel to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles.

While we are not called to be Apostles today, every Christian is given a Gift FOR and Place IN the body of Christ. As we learn WHERE and HOW God wants us to work in the Church we change from spectators into participators and life become abundant with Peace and Purpose; and then we have a testimony the world will listen to!!

C) Relationship to his Job- separated unto the Gospel of God. A Christian is separated FROM the World in His relationship with Christ and he is to be Separated TO a task (Separation FROM produces FELLOWSHIP but Separation TO produces RELATIONSHIP). Far too many Christians measure their standing with Christ in terms of what they don’t do (We do not fellowship with the world) instead of in terms of what they have become in Christ (My daily duties are based on my relationship with Christ).

If you have Salvation without Separation you have influence without power, movement without achievement; you may try, but not trust; serve, but not succeed; war, but not win. Without separation unto God from sin, your whole Christian life will be “wood, hay, and stubble”.

When the world demands to see your “credentials” (and they do every day!) do you produce some “phony badge of flesh” or do you show them Christ in your Attitudes and Actions. I can’t think of a better way to gain the respect of a watching world than to determine to be the kind of Christian God would have you be; one that will please God and show a lost world the wonder of Salvation in Christ.

The “Peter Principle of Prophecy”: We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:19-21).

ROMANS Outline

I. THE DOCTRINAL SECTION 1-8

A) The Doctrine of Sin 1:1-3:20

B) The Doctrine of Justification 3:21- 5:21

C) The Doctrine of Sanctification 6:1-8:39

II. THE DISPENSATIONAL SECTION 9-11

A) Israel, It’s past 9

B) Israel, its Present 10

C) Israel, its Future 11

III. THE DUTY SECTION 12-16

A) Duty in Service 12:1 – 13:14

B) Duty Concerning Disputed Issues 14:1-15:13

C) Duty of Paul 15:14- 16:27

Rom 01:1-5 THE GOSPEL OF GOD

Rom 1:1-5 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God. (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

We are about to begin a new year, as well as a new decade, and I can’t think of a better way to begin than with a clear presentation of the Gospel of God. Many TV and Radio programs have been devoted to looking at the important events of the past year/decade and many new things have come our way but the greatest news the world has ever heard continues to be the Good News of the Gospel of God.

Paul is going to go into great depth about the need of, and results from, Salvation later in the Book but it’s almost as if he can’t wait to get started so he slips in a few sentences about the Gospel even as he is greeting the church at Rome. These few sentences show us some of the basic doctrines of Salvation; and as such help us to examine our own relationship with God.

Paul’s declaration of the essence of Salvation here follows the same guidelines as his presentation in I Cor 15:1-4 and lays stress on the Scripture Promises as well as the evidence of Resurrection. Salvation must have a FOUNDATION in order to Establish Faith (the Word of God) and then it must have FACTS as Evidence to show the Faith works (The resurrection of Christ from the dead).

This is a good way to give your testimony also- Tell what you were, tell how God’s word convicted you of sin and converted you by Faith, and then tell how Christ has changed your life. {Just a side “note”- The advertising world had copied this: See the dirty clothes, see how only our detergent will clean them, see how happy the children are who wear clothes cleaned in our detergent}.

THE GOSPEL OF GOD IS BASED ON:

I. THE PROMISE OF SALVATION-

A) BY the Prophets- The problem with some preaching today is that it is Man Directed instead of God Revealing. Its goal is to show people how to live better in this world instead of preparing them for the next. Prophets of old preached about the “sins of Society” but they did so in the context of revealing man’s responsibility to God. Today man acts as if HE is GOD and expects preaching to tell him how to be the best HE can be instead of becoming what God intended. Most people today aren’t looking for a Savior from sin as much as they’re looking for a short-cut to happiness.

B) IN the Scriptures- The birth and redemptive death of Christ has been the theme of the Bible since the Garden of Eden. A Protected Line, A Chosen Nation, a Coming Messiah; all are spoken of over and over in the Scriptures. That is why the Word of God is still being taught in churches today. It is still relevant today as it continues to show us God’s past promises fulfilled and His future Promises yet to come.

II. THE PERSON OF SALVATION- CHRIST. The marvel of Christianity is that it’s not simply a Plan for Self Improvement or Preaching about being Better; it’s a Person who lived like I live, died in my place, and sent the Holy Spirit to convict, convert, and guide me.

A> His Marvelous Birth- Made of the seed of David according to the Flesh. Jesus is man, and yet more than a man. He is not God AND Man, but the God-man. He is God in human flesh. His two natures are bound together in such a way that the two become one, with a single consciousness and will. The Incarnation of Christ is one of the Basic Beliefs of Christianity. Jesus was not just a good man or a prophet, but God in the Flesh who came to die in the place of sinful man.

B> His Manifested Power- Declared to be the Son of God with Power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Many have been raised from the dead but He was resurrected; never to die again. This power over the final enemy, death, is one that only God has and it was used to prove that God had accepted the sacrifice of His Son for the Sin Debt owed by man. The Resurrection is God’s Big “Paid in Full” for our sins. (Side Note- Men are not rejected anymore because of sin but because of unbelief. The Sin debt has been paid but many refuse to accept the pardon offered in Christ and as a result are cast into hell).

C> His Ministry to Us- By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for the obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

1. Grace- God’s Unmerited Favor

2. Apostleship- Part of the Body of Christ

3. Mission- To share the Gospel with the entire world- Outreach

4. Glory- To His name.

The Gospel of God centers in a Person (Christ) and is established by Power (Resurrection from the dead). God wants you to accept His “good news” today. 1) Admit you are a sinner and unable to save yourself. 2) Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins in your place. 3) Turn from sin as your turn toward Jesus for Salvation. 4) Trust God’s Power to deliver and keep you. Won’t you be saved today???

Rom 01:8-12 OTHER CHRISTIANS

One of the dangers Christians must be aware of is the “Isolation Syndrome”. This is when we think no one cares about us and we don’t care about anyone else- We’ll pout at the drop of a hat, become critical about any and every thing, and determine to get our way at any cost. Worship become work, it’s easier to Talk About someone than to Testify about the Savior, and our Prayer become “Lord, Bless me and my wife, my son and his wife; us four and no more. Amen”.

There are many reasons we get into this spirit of isolation and condemnation: (1) Things aren’t going the way we want at home or work and we can’t vent our feelings on fellow workers or family; so we pick a Christian to “scream” at (After all, They’re Christians, they can’t scream back!). (2) Sickness and depression hover over us like a cloud and we feel no one has it as bad as we do (And what’s the fun of being a “Martyr” if no one tells us how great we are at being one!). (3) We get into one of our “I’ve worked at Church long enough, let someone else do it now” cycles and we come to Church to be served instead of to serve.

Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, gets into this syndrome sometimes. It’s mainly aggravating and frustrating to those around you as they wait for you to get over your “moody blues” but there are times when it can do a tremendous amount of harm. It’s these times I want us to look at today- Times when the “Isolation Syndrome” becomes a deadly Sickness that destroys the Power and Purpose of a Church.

Donald Wildmon (Executive Director of American Family Association) tells a “Parable” in the January 1990 edition of the AFA “Journal” that shows the danger a church faces in this Isolation Syndrome: “Once upon a time there was a region on the northeast coast that was extremely dangerous for ships. The area was dangerous because of many hidden shoals and rocks and because of sudden, unexpected storms. Ships were being sunk, lives were being lost, families broken apart, and many sailors were injured for life because of shipwrecks in the area.

One day a concerned individual came up with an idea. Why not build a life-saving station in the area. The purpose would be to warn ships in advance and to rescue those who were wrecked. He shared his idea with a few friends and neighbors, and before long they had built a life-saving station, bought boats and buoys and even built a lighthouse.

It was such a good idea that many people joined in. Many lives were saved, many families held together and many injuries avoided. For years people were proud of the good that the life-saving station did.

Over a period of time the life-saving station became a central part of their lives. They held fellowship suppers, social events and special meeting at the building. Then one day some of the members of the life-saving station decided that the old building needed repair, the furniture was worn, the seats and facilities uncomfortable. So the people decided to build a new life-saving station.

When it was completed, they had the largest, most beautiful, most functional life-saving building around. They increased the number of activities in the building. They held all kinds of social events. More and more people became a part of their life-saving fellowship.

But a strange thing was happening. Fewer and fewer people were willing to go out and warn the ships, and even fewer were willing to go out in a storm to rescue sailors from a wrecked ship. The activities at the life-saving station took all their time. They just didn’t have time to save lives. So they decided to hire others- professional life-savers, to do the job for them. They could support the life-saving station without becoming directly involved in the difficult, unpleasant job of saving lives.

Several years later the members of the life-saving station decided that the life-saving activities were taking too much of their money. It was costing more and more to support the life-saving station and its activities in the manner to which they had become accustomed. They needed the fund to support their life-saving station, so they stopped paying the professional life-savers.

Many years later a member of the life-saving station asked what their purpose was. “Why, of course,” answered a member, “to provide a nice place for us and our families to fellowship, to have our community and social events. Why do you ask?”

The “Isolation Syndrome” is bad enough when we simply lose our Manners; but it becomes fatal when we lose our MISSION. What can we do to maintain our concern for those in Our Church, those in other Churches, and those without a Church? The evidence of Paul’s concern in today’s text gives us some wonderful guidelines to work from.

I. RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF A PERSON’S TESTIMONY- vs 8 “Your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world”. While a Christian must be willing to be made of “No Reputation” (Phil 2:7) he also knows that the world always matches what we say with what we do and our reputation for holy living will have a tremendous effect on our ability to effectively witness for Christ.

The next time you’re tempted to take “Pot shots” at an individual or church take time to consider their circumstances, their consistency (is this a one time or continuing problem), and the effect your statements will have upon their Character. Will it help your situation or your feelings to tear someone else down??

II. HAVE YOU PRAYED FOR THE PERSON?- vs 9 “Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers”. If we prayed as much about Problems as we do about Profits we wouldn’t have so many disagreements! If the average Christian would spend ONE DAY A WEEK Praying exclusively for Others, it would change them in marvelous ways. If everyone would make it a point to talk to God about a person before they talked to someone else about them it would cut gossip down to a trickle!

Your Prayer time should include praying for Your Enemies (Matt 5:44) as well as Your “Eyeless” (Missionaries are out of sight and, all too often, out of mind!).

III. ARE YOU COMMITTED TO CONTACT?- vs 10-11 “For I long to see you”

Satan knows that isolation breeds DEPRESSION, DISTRUST, and DISCORD (Note the example of Elijah- I Kings 19:- First He “requested for himself that he might die” (vs 4) in a bout of Depression, then he proclaimed “I, even I only, am left” (vs 10) showing he Distrusted everyone, and, finally, he was in such a state of Discord with God until he had to be recommissioned with someone to help him).

Some times Pastors will come to me “ranting and raving” about their sorry no account members. After talking awhile I generally find it’s more in the Pastor’s mind than in the People’s conduct. If he’ll build a bridge over those troubled waters he’ll generally find his people are Crying FOR him instead of Against him.

When we start Contacting instead of Condemning we’ll be able to use our Spiritual Gifts to Build up the Body of Christ and we’ll be “comforted together by the mutual faith both of you and me”.

Do you Build up the Testimony of others, or do you tear down their character? Do you Pray for or talk about others? Do you build bridges to others or wall them out? Remember, Christ didn’t die to save Buildings, he died to save people.

Rom 01:8-13 MAKE A DIFFERENCE DISCIPLESHIP

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles (Romans 1:8-13).

Why is the church getting smaller and the world getting worse? Why do we teach our children the Bible in Sunday School and then watch in amazement as they so easily abandon those teachings because a college professor “misrepresents the truth”? And the “biggy”; If your church closed today would it make a discernable difference in your community?

In our scripture today Paul shows us 4 traits of “Disciples who make a difference”

I. THEIR TESTIMONY IS KNOWN- vs 8 “Your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world”. While a Christian must be willing to be made of “No Reputation” (Phil 2:7) he also knows that the world always matches what we say with what we do and our reputation for holy living will have a tremendous effect on our ability to effectively witness for Christ.

II. THEIR PRAYERS ARE POWERFUL AND CONSISTENT?- vs 9 “Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers”. If we prayed as much about Problems as we do about Profits we wouldn’t have so many disagreements! If the average Christian would spend ONE DAY A WEEK Praying exclusively for Others, it would change them in marvelous ways. If everyone would make it a point to talk to God about a person before they talked to someone else about them it would cut gossip down to a trickle!

Your Prayer time should include praying for Your Enemies (Matt 5:44) as well as the “Eyeless” (Missionaries are out of sight and, all too often, out of mind!).

III. THEY DESIRE AND WORK TOWARD HELPING OTHERS GROW FOR GOD?- vs 10-11 ” For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; ”

Do you build bridges to others or wall them out?

IV. THEIR GOAL IS FRUIT FROM, AND FOR, THE FELLOWSHIP- . “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles”. He who aims at nothing hits nothing!

Remember, Christ did not die to save Buildings, he died to save people.

Rom 01:13-16 RESPONSIBILITY

Having shown his devotion to “Other Christians” Paul now reveals his recognition of Responsibility to the Lost. Sometimes as we strive to be “Good” it’s easy to lose sight of God’s Goal (To Save the Lost) and in our “Busyness” we spent our time rearranging the curtains while the ship slowly sinks around us.

Paul gives us some idea of his recognition of his Responsibility in today’s text; and in so doing showing us some of our own responsibility.

I. I PURPOSED vs 13 Responsible to Follow God’s Plan

We need a GOAL: Desire and Determination are needed. Take it or leave it Christianity generally ends up leaving it.

We must accept GOD’S GUIDANCE: Like Paul, We must purpose according to the will of God. Paul purposed to come to Rome as a Preacher but he ended up coming as a Prisoner (Having first witnessed to kings, brought Revival to an island he would never have visited otherwise, and had his way paid by the Roman empire!!).

II. I AM DEBTOR vs 14 Responsible to share God’s Blessings: Ps 116:12 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me.

A) Accountability – Ezek 33:

1. To the Greeks: “Wise” Saved- For showing me Christ. Because they’re brethren

2. To Barbarians: “Unwise” Unsaved- Cause Christ died for them. Because I’m God’s Method.

B) Usability- God must have a man. The only Problem God can’t solve is Self Will- Jonah

III. I AM READY vs 15 Responsible to be Active

A) Motivation- The Love of Christ constrains me

B) Mission- To Preach, to Reach, to Each

IV. I AM NOT ASHAMED vs 16 Responsible to make a stand- Luke 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory,

A) The Person- Christ

B) The Power- To Save

C) The Plan- Faith (Believeth)

D) The Prospects- Jews first, and also the Greeks (Everyone).

Have you accepted your Responsibility? or do you think Christianity is a spectator Sport??

Rom 01:14-16 5 DEBTS WE OWE

Paul told the Romans about 5 debts that were owed. Now none of us like to have a debt hanging over our head; especially since Paul also told the Romans (ROM 13:8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Let’s find what these debts are and then see about getting them paid:

1. THE SOUL WINNERS DEBT- ROM 1:14-16 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

People didn’t seek to win me to Christ because I was “worthy” or showed great potential; they sought me out of Love for a lost soul bound for a Devil’s Hell. The Gospel is not something to keep to yourself, it should be shared as often as possible with as many as possible.

2. THE SERVICE DEBT- ROM 4:3-5 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Many people try to Bargain with God by saying they will do certain things if God will do certain things failing to realize the Grace is “Unmerited Favor”. It’s much better to allow God to graciously Give than to Bargain with Him because His “bucket” is always pressed down and running over! Out Debt is to Trust in His goodness and Grace.

3. THE SPIRITUAL DEBT- ROM 8:11-14 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

We have a Debt to be led by the Spirit now instead of being controlled by the desires of the Flesh. We are no longer under bondage to the Laws of Moses but instead enjoy the marvelous Liberty of the Messiah. This Liberty involves Obligations however. We are obligated to Walk in the Spirit and be Filled with the Spirit.

4. THE SHARING DEBT- ROM 15:25-27 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

A Debt owed to the Poor Saints- Part of the same family. We have some obligations to the “poor” in general but our primary obligation is to help our Brothers and Sisters in Christ. (Helping Hand Fund)

5. THE SIN DEBT- ROM 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. This is a debt we can NEVER PAY; but, Thank God, it has been paid for us by Christ! We have only to claim His gift and the debt is paid. How sad that multitudes of people will spend eternity paying a debt that has already been paid (!) simply because they refuse to believe Christ paid it.

Rom 01:14-17 WHY PAUL RAN

Motivation is the key to success in any endeavor.

Motivation is the DESIRE to accomplish something. If you don’t care then you seldom succeed.

Motivation is the DRIVING FORCE that keeps us going when pain and problems call us to quit.

Motivation is the DIFFERENCE between success and failure in almost any endeavor.

The Apostle Paul made a difference during his day. Part of the reason for that was the extra force that motivated Paul to ignore problems and pain and continually reach out with the Gospel of Christ. Christ made a difference in him and he wanted to make a difference in others.

If I could give you a pill that would let you eat what you want, when you want, and still lose down to the weigh you want; you would tell everyone you met about it! So the first question I ask you is HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THROUGH CHRIST MADE ENOUGH OF A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE THAT IT CAUSES YOU TO WANT TO SHARE CHRIST WITH OTHERS?

What was Paul’s Motivation? (Rom 1:14) I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

The word Debtor here in the Greek has a three fold meaning:

1) An Obligation to Discharge- A RESPONSIBILITY to share Christ

2) A Duty to perform- A TASK to Live for Christ

3) A Debt to Pay- A LIABILITY to Give so that others may hear.

Paul realized that his salvation and deliverance put him in debt to share Christ with others. He could not love others as he loved himself and sit idly by while they went to Hell. So the Second Question I ask you is WHAT KIND OF PAYMENT ARE YOU MAKING ON THE DEBT YOU OWE TO GOD AND A LOST WORLD?

Paul had a reason to run but what method did he use? (Rom 1:16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Paul was not Ashamed of the Gospel. He was confident in it’s Power and Performance.

He preached that the power of God was released by “Believing”.

The word Believe has a 3 fold meaning here:

1) A Personal Trust- An Individual Confidence

2) A Confident Surrender- Giving Christ the ability to reign over us (Luke 19)

3) A Firm Reliance- vs 17 The Just shall live by faith.

So my final question to you is this- HAVE YOU PERSONALLY TRUSTED AND CONFIDENTLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND ARE YOU LIVING A LIFE OF FIRM RELIANCE IN HIM?

Rom 01:14-17 WHY PAUL RAN2

Story in II Sam 18- Ahimaaz ran fast but with no message, Cushi ran steady with something to say.

If you do not know where you are going you will not know when you get there. If you work without a vision then the work will be draining, demanding, and defeating instead of exciting adventures in accomplishments.

In our verses today are found some of the most important information in the Bible; and it gives us a good picture of Why Paul was such a success for God.

I. MOST MOTIVATING MESSAGE- vs 14 “I am Debtor”

A) An Obligation to Discharge- Promise

B) A Task to Perform- Care for Sick, Children

C) A Liability to Pay- Return something given

II. MOST IMPORTANT VERSE- vs 17- 4 times in Script.

Hab 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Ro 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Ga 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

III. MOST TREMENDOUS TRUTH- vs 15-16 The Gospel of CHRIST is the Power of God unto Salvation to everyone who believes- Jew, Gentile

Salvation Faith:

1) A Personal Trust- From the Heart

2) A Firm Reliance- Daily Walk

3) A Confident Surrender- Joy and Peace, Commitment.

Rom 01:17 THE GREATEST VERSE IN THE BIBLE

Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. If I were to ask the average congregation what was the most famous verse in the Bible they would probably say, “John 3:16”. If I asked them for the most famous chapter they would probably say, “Psalm 23”. But if I asked for the “Greatest verse in the Bible” there would probably be a number of different answers (almost everyone has a “favorite verse”. Most of you know that my verse is Psalm 16:11).

This morning I want to show you a verse that I think can justly be called the “greatest verse in the Bible” and then show you some reasons I have come to this conclusion. My objective in doing this is not to justify my position with you but to seek to get you to learn how YOU can be justified before God. After all, that’s the most important information you’ll ever receive; and that’s what this verse is all about!

FIRST, I believe it is the greatest verse in the Bible because it is the only verse I know of that is repeated in 4 different books of the Bible- Habakkuk, Romans, Galatians, Hebrews. It’s almost as if God keeps “hammering” at us with this verse so we won’t miss it’s meaning.

SECOND, It’s not only found in 4 different books of the Bible but it is the “Key Verse” in each of these books. In Habakkuk 2:4 it is used in it’s entirety to show God’s people that God does not see people as “bad and better” but as Justified and Unjustified; thus punishment for sin must come on ALL who sin. In Rom 1:17 it keys on “The JUST”; in Galatians 3:11 it magnifies “Shall LIVE”; and in Heb 10:38 it stresses “by FAITH”. It’s almost as if God thinks that if we can learn the lesson of this verse then all other lessons will fall in place.

THIRD, this is the verse that God used in Martin Luther’s heart to bring about the Protestant Reformation (that kept the Church from dying on the dogmas of Rome). I believe that when we get to Heaven and examine the 2000 year history of the Church we will see more Revivals coming from the impetus and inspiration of this verse than from any other single verse.

FOURTH (and most important), I believe this to be the most important verse in the Bible because of its content. It answers the most momentous question a Human can ask, “How can a man, doomed by the penalty of sin and captive to the power of sin, be Justified by a Holy, Sin avenging, God?”. The absolutely vital answer to this question it found in one simple sentence in this verse- “THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH”.

Two questions of tremendous consequence come from this verse-

1) Who are the “JUST” and how did they become so?

2) What is “FAITH” and how do we obtain it?

A JUST PERSON is one who meets God’s standards for His life. Paul is going to spend the next several chapters showing us WHO declares men just- GOD; Not the Law (as man interprets it) {Rich Young Ruler said he kept the Law but Jesus wanted him to examine his heart}; Not Societies Standards (Men set standards that suit them in their present circumstances, see how standards have changed in the past 20 years).

He will then show that It is impossible for man to meet this standard on his own!! This will bring us to the Substitutionary Sacrifice of Christ as our only hope; and lead directly into the need and basis of Faith

The Faith Paul talks about is not a mere act of intellectual assent, but a continuing and obedient trust in God through Christ. This Faith is Belief that motivates to continued action. It is this kind of Faith that “Saves” us. It comes into our heart as we hear the Word of God (Rom 10:17). This Faith Justifies us and allows us to live. Do YOU have it?? That’s the most important question you’ll ever answer.

Rom 01:18-20 2:12-16 ARE THE HEATHEN LOST??

ROM 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

ROM 2:12-16 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

“Are the Heathen Lost??” This sounds like an “Interesting” question that would make a good discussion for a group of preachers gathered around a coffee table; but one that the average Church member wouldn’t find interesting. Yet, I believe it is one of the most vital questions Christians must face today. If we are going to change our emphasis from the “ME” Generation to the “MISSION” Generation then we must become convinced of the fact that ALL MEN WITHOUT CHRIST ARE GOING TO HELL for Eternity and that we have a responsibility to them.

In order for us to see this, I want to reveal 4 PRINCIPLES:

I. EVERYONE WHO HAS NOT TRUSTED CHRIST AS SAVIOR IS LOST

II. EVERY LOST PERSON WILL FACE THE WRATH OF GOD

III. THE ONLY WAY TO BE SAVED IS THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST

IV. THIS INFORMATION CONFERS RESPONSIBILITY TO THOSE WHO HAVE IT.

Paul begins by “getting Everyone Lost”. You cannot correct a problem unless you admit you have it. It is fairly easy for us to quote “ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23) but it is much harder to admit that your son, or your spouse, or YOUR SELF is a sinner, separated from God. So Paul “eases” his Jewish readers into this by showing 3 Groups of People are that are Lost:

1> The HEATHEN (Pagan) 1:18-32; 2> The HYPOCRITE (Moral) 2:1-16; and 3> The HEBREW (Religious) 2:17-3:8. This covers Everyone! Today we are going to look at the “Heathen”; but realize that, in one sense, this message applies to Everyone.

The first statement that is normally made about the Heathen is that a “Loving God” would not send them to Hell without an opportunity to be saved– and since many of them do not have the same privileges of being exposed to the Gospel messages that we have here then they will somehow be “saved”. (If this statement were true then it would be better to call our missionaries home and leave the Heathen in the dark; if being in the dark absolves them of responsibility for sin. But if you follow this thru then it means we should also close all our churches here as well! If darkness saves then we need to put out all the light; since light imparts responsibility!).

I believe a JUST GOD is able to judge the Heathen on the Basis of:

THE WITNESSES THE HEATHEN HAVE: You find among all cultures a sense of Sin, a fear of Judgment, and an attempt to atone for sin and appease a “God”. This is caused by-

A) The Witness Within- Conscience: Conscience= “To Know with”. There is within every man “something” that bears witness to right or wrong. There are many types of Conscience mentioned in the Bible– Defiled (Tit 1:15), Seared (I Tim 4:2), Weak (I Cor 8:10-12), Pure (I Tim 3:9, Acts 24:16), and Witnessing (Rom 2:15). When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden they immediately knew to hide their nakedness.

B) The Witness Without- Nature 1:20 Ps 19:1-3 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

ACT 14:15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

While the Heathen does not have enough knowledge to Save them they do have enough to cause them to Seek God (Cornelius). Since they know to seek God and do not do so then they are responsible to answer to God.

THE WRATH THE HEATHEN FACE: “The Wages of Sin is Death” (Rom 6:23). The ONLY WAY to escape the Penalty of Sin is through Faith in Christ- (Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby ye must be saved).

[I do believe there will be:

1. Degrees of Judgment- Many stripes LUK 12:47-48 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

2. Degrees of Accountability- Parable of Talents]

This brings us to:

A DUTY WE ALL HAVE:

a> Be Saved and Sure of it ourselves

b> Share the Gospel- We do not come to Church to ISOLATE ourselves but to EDUCATE ourselves that we may go out and EVANGELIZE others.

If the Heathen are Lost (and they are), our Responsibilities are:

1. EVANGELISM- Do it, Support it, Pray for it

2. MISSIONS- Become a Missionary, Support Missions, Pray for Missions (Ladies Aux responsible to give Mission request during Wednesday Prayer Service following their monthly meeting)

3. OUTREACH- Do it, Support it, Pray for it, Help Distribute it

The ONLY HOPE a lost world has is the light of the Gospel. We have been made “keepers of the light”. Will we hide it under the “bushel of busyness” or under the “bed of Laziness”; or will we do what we can to shine the light as far as possible in a sin darkened world?

Rom 01:18-32 MAN’S GUILT BEFORE GOD

Man stands accused by God of 2 counts:

1. Man is guilty of abandoning God’s Glory 18-23

2. Man’s progressive moral decline 24-32

God’s wrath is against every single manifestation of wrong in the universe, and it matters not whether those who practice that wrong are cultured or uncivilized, religious or pagan, Jewish or Gentile, Well-taught or ignorant. Ungodliness is impiety (Against God) / Unrighteousness is Wrong Doing.

The Heathen do not know enough to be saved but they do know enough to cause them to SEEK God.

The specific acts of sin are:

1. Man changed the divine glory into idolatry 19-23

Result- God gave him up to uncleanness 24

2. Man changed the truth of God into a lie 25

Result- God gave him up to gross immoralities 26-27

3. Man forsook the knowledge of God 28

Result- God abandoned him to a base and perverted conduct 29-32

The Gospel is God’s Power (Greek word for Power is “Dunamis”):

1. Dynamite- Destructive Power

2. Dynamo- Constructive Power

The Gospel produces Righteousness- “Right Clothing”

All Sinners are Naked before God

Some attempt to make their own clothing- Filthy Rags Is 64:6

But the only clothing that God accepts is His- II Cor 6:7

Let’s begin by taking a brief overview of the Books of Romans and see why this verse is key. Romans shows: Man’s Sinful State; The Gospel’s Sanctifying Power, God’s Selective Prerogative; and the Christian’s Service Plan. This verse shows us HOW God deals with our sin (Faith in His Provision), How God helps our SINFULNESS (shall live), Who God selects (The Just), and how we’re able to Serve (by Faith).

A Human can please God only ONE WAY- Faith in God’s Provision for Salvation, Sanctification, and Service. Faith is the “hand of the Heart”

How can a sinful man have fellowship with a Holy God??

Barrier must be broken- Cross

Bond must be established- Holy Spirit makes us a Temple of God.

HOW CAN MAN BE JUSTIFIED BEFORE GOD?

1. Not with the Law- Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith.

2. Not by works of the Law- Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

3. By Grace- Titus 3:7 Being Justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

4. Thru Faith- Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

5. By A Faith which is demonstrated in Works- James 2:21-24 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

You are not simply called to believe there IS a GOD; you are called to TRUST HIM AS YOUR GOD (Absolute authority in your life). God does not simple clear us from the PENALTY of sin; He gives us POWER against Sin.

The Problems Listed:

Failure to Glorify or be Grateful to God

Preferring Empty Imaginations to Revealed Truths

Putting the Desires of the Flesh above the Word of God

23 sins are listed:

1. Unrighteousness- Wrong Deeds

2. Fornication- any unlawful Sexual Relationships

3. Wickedness- Active working of evil, especially against others

4. Covetousness- inordinate desire for what one does not have

5. Maliciousness- Bad Disposition

6. Envy – Spiteful Jealousy

7. Murder- extreme hatred

8. Debate- strife

9. Deceit- Trickery aimed to hurt.

10. Malignity- imputing evil motives to others

11. Whisperers- Behind-the-back Slanderers.

12. Backbiters- Try to destroy others with their talk

13. Haters of God- Hateful to God, Wicked in the face of God.

14. Despiteful- Insolent

15. Proud- Having an overblown opinion of oneself.

16. Boasters- Vainglorious

17. Inventors of Evil things- Plotters of evil schemes

18. Disobedient to Parents-

19. Without understanding- Ignoring God’s Revelations

20. Covenant-breakers= Word is no Good

21. Without Natural Affection- Unnatural attractions and desires

22. Implacable- will not commit themselves

23. Unmerciful- hard-hearted, no compassion.

Rom 01:18-32 WHEN GOD GIVES UP

One of the most awful things imaginable would be to believe that you were abandoned by God. We can expect to be disappointed by, and sometimes abandoned by, people in this world but we always have the Love and Grace of God to cling to. What a horrible thing to believe God had abandoned us.

It has happened several times in the Scriptures as men or countries went so deep into sin until God told Prophets not to pray for them and even to “Let them alone”. But we normally think that only someone who is a “hard down dirty” sinner would find themselves in this situation. I want us today to see that it CAN HAPPEN TO US; and, I believe, has already begun to happen in America.

God says 3 times in these verses that He gives up on men (24, 26, 28). The reasons for this drastic action are FALSE IDEAS ABOUT:

1) Who God Is- Went from God to Idols

2) What God Says- Went to Man as God

3) What God Wants- Believe Man’s Pleasure is God’s Goal

Because of these False Ideas God brings 3 JUDGEMENTS UPON MEN:

1) God gives them up to uncleanness and idolatry 24-25

2) God gives them over to be controlled by vile passions 26-27

3) God gives them over to a REPROBATE MIND 28-32

The Downward spiral is

INDIFFERENCE- Hold the Truth in unrighteousness vs 18

INGRATITUDE- Knew God Glorified him not as God, neither were thankful

IGNORANCE- Professing themselves wise, became fools

IDOLATRY- Worshipped the creature instead of Creator

INDULGENCE- Do those things which were not convenient.

NOTICE THE ERRORS THESE PEOPLE MADE:

I. IGNORING WRATH 18-20- Like many people these men thought the Way God’s Wrath worked was like a billboard I saw once- “Believe in Jesus or Burn in Hell”. While this statement is true it does not show the ONLY way God’s wrath is revealed. It is also revealed in man’s misuse of man and nature. God keeps allowing mankind to receive “payments” for his sin before the final “Pay Day” to try to get man to repent. Mankind first of all Refused this Truth, then Turned the Truth into a lie, and finally Abandoned the Truth

II. VAIN IMAGINATION 21-23-They failed to give God Glory or be Grateful for God’s Goodness- Just like Hogs, they never thought to look up at their provider. {Note that man is NOT a product of Evolution but of “Devolution”- went from Worship of God to worship of man, to worship of Birds, then beasts, then reptiles. As men became worst so did their worship.

III INDULGENCE 24-27- Because they worshipped what God created instead of God who created, God gave them up to be controlled by the power of sinful desires. This degrading passion led to deeper and deeper sexual perversion until Homosexuality became a way of life. (God does not call Homosexuals “Gay”, He calls them Ghastly!).

IV. IMPENITENT 28-32= They did not like to acknowledge God, or consider God, so God allowed them to be filled with ever kind of sin. Having abandoned God they were now abandoned by God.

If you continue in Sin, God will one day give you up to be controlled by your passions and perversions. Today is the day of Salvation. Will you accept God’s Mercy; or His Wrath??

Rom 01:22 THE WISDOM GOD WANTS

Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.

These “wise-fools” allowed their “wisdom” to cause them to:

1. Changed the Glory of God into an image- vs 23 (Tried to bring God down to their level)

2. Changed the Truth of God into a lie- vs 25 (Tried to make themselves God)

3. Did not like to retain God in their minds- Result Reprobate Mind-28 (Refused to acknowledge God so they began to live like animals).

I. NOT THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD- I Cor 1:19-21 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. God is looking for Wisdom that produces FAITH in Him and His Plans

II. THE WISDOM OF GOD- 1CO 2:1-7 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. The Wisdom of God is Preaching Based and Power Demonstrated. It will never be understood by the Natural Man.

III. THE WAY TO WISDOM IS THROUGH “FOOLISHNESS”- 1CO 3:18-23 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your’s; And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s. Contrast:

WISDOM OF THIS WORLD WISDOM OF GOD

1. Speech 1:17, 2:4 1. Power 2:4-5

2. Man originates 2:4 2. Spirit’s Words 2:13

3. Foolishness to God 1:20 3. Foolishness to Man 2:14

4. Philosophy 2:6 4. Preaching 1:31,2:4

5. Ignorance 1:21 5. Knows God 2:12

6. Leads to Condemnation 1:18 6. Leads to Glory 1:18, 2:7

WHERE WISDOM BEGINS-PRO 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. PRO 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

WHAT WISDOM DOES-PRO 2:10-12 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh forward things;

HOW WISDOM IS OBTAINED- A) Desire-PRO 18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. B) Discipline-PRO 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

ROM 1:32 SECOND HAND SINS

ROM 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

One of the prevalent evils in society today is what I call “Second Hand Sins”- No ones wants to be an “outcast of society” by going into “Gross sins” so they won’t have an affair, but they don’t mind viewing “R” and “X” rated movies; Many people wouldn’t take drugs or alcohol but they don’t mind selling them; and, while many people would not even own a gun they fill their life with hate and jealousy. I want us today to see that these “second hand sins” can do just as much harm as actual participation; and I want us to repent of and renounce them.

[ Just a little “side bar”. It’s also possible to have Second Hand Faith- Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. I think there are numerous times when others “travel along” with someone else’s faith- Sometimes Pastors lead a lot of “doubting Thomases”. And how many times in a Church have you heard someone say, “I don’t think it will work but I’m willing to let you try”!]

WHAT ARE SECONDARY SINS?

1. Sins of “Accomplice”- Rom 1:32

a> The BAD we Condone or Congratulate. We don’t participate in the wrong but we encourage it by our support as spectators. We won’t commit Adultery but we’ll laugh at and support TV shows that promote it. We pay Rock Stars Millions to glamorize drugs and sex for our Children.

b> The GOOD we Fail to do- James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. Much Church work “dies on the vine” because no one is against it; but they won’t support it either.

2. Sins of Attitude- Heb 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. The Poison of Passions destroys so many people.

3. Sins of Influence- JAM 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. No man is an island, We affect others by what we say and do.

a> The Influence of Family-

1. There is no such thing as “Second Generation Sin” – EZE 18:19-23 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.- but there is a tremendous INFLUENCE given by PARENTS- Over and over in the Scriptures God tells the Children of Israel they have “walked in the ways of their fathers and done wickedly”. Children learn so much from the example of their parents.

2. Then there is the INFLUENCE OF THE SPOUSE. God gave the Rules for the Man to be the Head of the Household for specific reasons. One of these is the fact that the Husband is the “Priest” of the Household and is responsible for its spiritual leadership. Wives who won’t do right cause great hardship on Husbands (Think what it would mean to my ministry if my wife would not attend church; went into sin…). Husbands who are more interested in sleep than they are in Church or serving God hinder many wives and children.

b> The Influence of Society-MAT 13:57-58 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (Peer Pressure, Public Pressure, Professional Pressure)

Second hand sin can bring First hand punishment. Repent

ROM 02:1-4 JUDGING THE JUDGER

ROM 2:1-4 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

We talked several weeks ago in our Sunday School lesson about one of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible- Matt 7:1-2 “Judge Not that ye be not Judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” That day we looked at “Judging” from the standpoint of the world and their judgment of us. In today’s scripture Paul is dealing with the problems we have in judging our own actions.

In Chapter 1 Paul had shown how the Heathen descended deeper and deeper into sin until he listed a group of sins that would make even a “sailor blush”. Now he must deal with the MORAL MAN who looks at this group of sins and feels fine about judging these people as sinners; and yet will not admit his own guilt.

This is the situation with the vast majority of people today. They aren’t as good as they want to be but they’re certainly not as bad as SOME people are! This allows them to condone their wrong while condemning the wrong of others. I want any of these who are here today to see the seriousness of their situation.

I. THEIR EXCUSE- Therefore thou art inexcusable. God says that the wrong of others is not a justification for your wrong. James said that if I keep the whole law and yet offend in one point I am guilty of all (James 2:10).

II. THEIR CONDEMNATION- Wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself: for thou doest the same thing. SELF CONDEMNATION. The very things you find wrong in others are going to be the basis of the wrong found in you. See 2:17-23

III. THEIR JUDGMENT- of God. If you expect God to judge the wrong done by the Heathen then you must also accept the fact that He will judge the wrong done by YOU.

1. Do you have a list of “Bad” Sins and “good” sins?

2. Do you compare yourself to other men; or to God’s Word??

3. Are you able to face the Judgment of God today; AS YOU ARE??

Rom 02:4-6 THINGS THAT LEAD TO REPENTANCE

GOD’S GOODNESS: Rom 2:4-6 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance. But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

GOD’S LONGSUFFERING: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

CHRIST’S SECOND COMING: And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:2).

We live in the day of the “Christian” Stripper (She doesn’t want you to lust after her body, just admire how good God has been to her!), the “Christian” Pick-pocket (He steals your wallet with one hand while putting a gospel tract in your pocket with the other), and the sexually driven, money desiring, TV Preacher (No explanation needed!).

It seems that Christians act like the world, the world acts like the devil, and no one seems to know right from wrong except Oprah and Donahue! The main reason for this is that we’ve come to the day of “Cheap Easy Believism” where all a person has to do is “Believe” on Jesus to be saved. The problem with this “belief” is that it is a mental acknowledgement instead of a Heart commitment. (That’s why a man can be “saved” on Sunday, not be changed on Monday, and not think enough of God to even come back to Prayer Meeting on Wednesday). The “missing ingredient” in most Salvation today is REPENTANCE.

I. REPENTANCE DEFINED- Repentance means to “have another mind” and is used to indicate a change of mind in respect to sin, God, and self. Repentance does not simply means to “feel sorrow for something” I have done (This was the kind of Repentance Judas had). That’s like crying over “spilt milk”- it won’t help you or the milk! Repentance is not simply a desire to start “doing good”; multitudes of very good New Year’s resolutions have already been broken.

Repentance is primarily A JUDGMENT UPON SELF. It is an acknowledgement that I am wrong; that I am unable to correct that wrong; and that only the mercy and Grace of God can help me. This is why REPENTANCE IS THE NECESSARY FIRST INGREDIENT IN SALVATION.

II. REPENTANCE ILLUSTRATED-

A) By a City’s action- Jonah 3:10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not. The Principle is this: The city of Nineveh saw the errors of it’s ways and turned from them toward God. God accepted that.

B) By John the Baptist’s Preaching- Luke 3:7-14 The “Fruits of Repentance” here were (1) A turn from selfishness to sharing- vs 11, (2) A turn from Stealing to Honesty- vs 12-13 (3) A turn from a Violent Spirit to a Peaceful Spirit- vs 14

C) By a “Backslidden Boy”- The Prodigal Son in Luke 15 was willing to say, “I have sinned. I am unworthy.” and he left the hog pens of the world for the father’s house.

REPENTANCE MAKES US FORSAKE SIN AND TURN TOWARD GOD

III. REPENTANCE DESIRED-

A) The men who preached Repentance- John the Baptist, Jesus (Matt 4:17), and Paul (Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance).

B) The Methods that lead to Repentance-

1> Knowledge of Wrath to Come– Acts 17:30-31 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. As man becomes aware of the consequences of his actions he is prone to turn from them and adopt a new life style. This is the FEAR Method and it works as long as the person fears the bad enough to motivate him.

2> Sorrow- II Cor 7:9-10 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. This is the EMOTIONAL method- The person is sorry that the Results of his sins affect him and those whom he loves. If he becomes sorry for what he’s done to God then it can lead to Salvation; but if he’s only sorry for the way it effects him or his loved ones then it will make only a surface change.

3> Sermons (To make a person aware that THEY are the ones that need to repent)- Matt 9:12-13 Jesus said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. This is the MENTAL Method- It brings a person to an intellectual acknowledging of their sinful state and their need of God. While Repentance must continue into actions; it must begin in the Mind (A man must admit he is lost before he will come to be |wved). This deals with the ROOT of the Problem; not the Fruit- Most people are willing to throw away their spoiled apples but they don’t want you pulling up the tree!

4> Goodness of God– Rom 4:6. Of all the Methods, this is probably the least expected or understood. All of the other methods go at changing a person from the NEGATIVE side while this one looks at the POSITIVE side. God provides men with His goodness and His mercy and in return expects them to lovingly desire to leave sin and sinfulness to enjoy Fellowship with Him. When they continue in sin it brings about:

C) Wrath stored up by failing to repent- Rom 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. Spurning God’s Love and forgiveness; accepting God’s Goodness without even so much as a “Thank You”; Man continually stores up God’s wrath until it will one day thunder down upon him.

Repentance is a necessary first step to Salvation. It begins when we see our sinfulness and our hopelessness. It brings about a departure FROM sin and a clinging TO God. It is produced in many ways but the most common is the Goodness of God that leads you to Repent and accept God’s Love. Will you Repent and accept Christ today??

Let me close with a final exhortation of Peter: (II Pet 3:9) The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Rom 02:5-11 RESPECT OF PERSONS

Rom 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Having shown the sinfulness of the Heathen and the failure of the Moral Man; Paul now goes to the “Religious” man and begins to show him that he too must come to God as a sinner to be saved by God’s Grace. In order to do this he must first break the “shell of Pride” that these people had wrapped around themselves.

These people thought that because they were “better” morally than others that God would somehow accept them. In their particular case, it was the fact that many of them were Jews; and, as such, God’s “Chosen people”. In today’s Church it is the person raised in the Church who knows just enough Bible to make them dangerous; the moral man who has a reputation but no relationship; the young married couple who is “good” but who worships at the Idols of Work, Family, and Pleasure.

These people think that a youthful profession somehow cancels all their present sins. They think it’s alright to drink as long as you don’t become a drunk; to play with some “recreational” drugs as long as you don’t become an addict. They think they’re alright with God as long as they meet most of Societies Standards. Somehow or other the fact that they’re “average Americans” makes the Bible requirements for Faith and Faithfulness unimportant. Like many of the people in the Bible they’re easing their way into Hell by slow stages.

These people must come to the place of acknowledging that ACCEPTANCE BY THE WORLD IS NOT RESPECT BY GOD. They must abandon their “Shell of Pride” and come to God for Salvation and Service because It is this “shell of Pride” that is a direct contributor in sending more people to Hell than any other single factor! This Pride cause men- 1> To Fail to admit they are lost. 2> To refuse to accept the fact that they cannot save themselves with their own works. 3> To refuse to come to God even when they find they are helplessly lost.

Isn’t it strange that everyone expects God’s People to follow the admonition of James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. And yet somehow they think that God will follow a different plan and accept them because of who they are or what they wear! Let Peter say again what Paul has just said, (Acts 10:34 35) Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: BUT in every nation he that worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Now that you know the Negative let’s look at the Positive. I have found that when someone clears up a forest and doesn’t plant something in this “new ground” that Thorns come up and make the situation as bad or worst than before. Since we know that God does not respect our “Person”, let’s find some things that He does respect and sow these seed in our lives.

THINGS THE LORD RESPECTS:

1. The Humble: Ps 138:6 Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. The reason God said the greatest of all shall be servant of all is because this shows an attitude of Humility. Remember “the meek shall inherit the earth”. Instead of taking pride in your abilities or adornment you should Praise God for His Blessings and Pray to God for guidance in using what He’s Given.

2. His Word: II Kings 13:23 And the Lord was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet. The Lord is Faithful and He expects Faithfulness. It is true that God does not respect the Jew above anyone else in regards to sin but it is also true that God honors those who honor Him. I believe that God “spoils” me today because of some commitments that we made to each other in my early Christian Life!

3. Coming to God on God’s Terms: Gen 4:4-5 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. The Lord doesn’t look for what YOU think is best; He wants what He has demanded in the Word. That’s why it’s so important to find God’s Plan for your life and get in it. A Good person doing a good work doesn’t please God UNLESS that work is what God is looking for!

4. Holy Living: I Peter 1:16-17 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. God can’t use Dirty Vessels. A “beat-up old pot” available for service is better than the best pot you’ve got that’s dirty and can’t be used.

5. Obedience: God lists a series of Blessing upon those who obey in Levi 26:3-8 and then says in verse 9 For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you. But then in vs 14-32 lists as horrible a list of punishments as could be imagined to those who are disobedient. God gave 4 Reasons for Obedience:

1. I will respect you

2. I will make you Fruitful

3. I will multiply you

4. I will establish my covenant with you.

God does not respect our Pride in our Person or Personality but He does respect our Committed Service to Him. Cast off your rags of self righteousness today and put on the garment of Salvation. Find the things that God is looking for and commit yourself to them.

Rom 3:1-4 HOW MAN DEFEATS GOD

Paul has spent the first 2 chapters bringing the condemnation of sin upon all men- The Heathen, the Moral Man, and the Religious Man. Now, before he makes some final statements about sins in order to show Faith as the only way out of Sin, Paul stops to show the Jews that even though they are sinners they have been entrusted with Special Privileges. This is a natural question. The Jews would want to know what would be the advantage of being God’s chosen people if it didn’t protect them from sin.

Paul tells them that the Jews have been entrusted with some Special Privileges (The mark of the Covenant- Circumcision, and the distribution of the Oracles {sayings} of God). These Privileges have allowed them to be Blessed of God as well have continual access to the Plan of Salvation. This should have brought about Faithfulness TO GOD and Love FOR GOD; instead, the Jews developed into a self righteous society that was more interested in Separation from the world than in Salvation for the world.

The Church today has been given the same type Privileges- the “mark of the Covenant” (The Holy Spirit) and the responsibility to distribute the “Sayings of God”. And, sadly, we seem to be making the same type mistakes- Joining the Church takes the place of Submitting to God, Enjoying God’s Blessings becomes more important than worshipping the God who Blessed us, and we’re more interested in bettering our Conditions than in Bearing our Cross!!

This brings us to the amazing statement of Paul in vs 3, “shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?” Is it possible that the God of the Universe can be defeated by mere mortal man!? (The answer is given in the next verse, “God forbid”! We can and do defeat God’s plans for our lives but we can’t Defeat God. God will remain GOD in spite of all we do, or fail to do; but His heart will be hurt and His work will not be accomplished in the way He desires when we fail to follow through with our Faith).

The question we must ask ourselves today is, “Does the Privileges God has given us require a corresponding Obligation”? What does God expect from us??

God expects us to TRUST Him for Salvation and then to obey his plans for our life. This is the “Rub” with many people. They don’t mind going to Heaven but they don’t want to commit themselves to following God’s Plan when they don’t know every detail of what that means {Walking by Faith}. They fear that somehow God will demand too much of them; or God will ask them to do something that they will hate doing. Because of this, they end up making “half hearted” commitments and live miserable life themselves as well as displeasing God. Let’s begin by looking at some ways we “limit” God’s ability to work in and through us and then see how we end up “Defeating” God; and then let’s determine to completely obey Him.

WE LIMIT GOD BY:

1. Disobeying Him- Ps 78:41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They allowed themselves to be controlled by Senses and Sight instead of Faith in God’s word and as a result spent 40 years dying in the desert. I wonder how often we limit God by refusing to obey His plan for our lives??

2. Disbelief- Mark 6:5-6 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. Familiarity killed their Faith and Jesus was unable to do much to help them! Today we get so familiar with the Worship service and with the Word of God until we “go thru the motions” instead of receiving a Blessing. Men will launch a Million Dollar Business on the basis of a Survey while the Church won’t do anything extraordinary even though it’s commanded in Scriptures!

It’s bad enough when we limit God but it’s even worst when WE DEFEAT GOD BY:

1. Lack of Love- The one thing God wants from us is our Love. We offer Him our Money or our Morals or our Minds but it is our Loving Devotion He desires. He won’t force it from us; we must willingly give it. This Lack of Love is shown by:

a> Failing to Obey Him- John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

b> Failure of Zeal for Him- Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

2. Giving God our Emotions or Mind without giving Him our will.

Emotions are largely governed by Circumstances

Intellect is governed by Reason

Will is guided by Faith that sometimes must ignore Circumstances and Reject Reason and “against Hope believe in Hope” (Rom 4:18). “Will” causes us to Persevere in God’s Plan when Emotion and Intellect would have us give up.

People who give God just their emotions are those who “make a commitment” during a stirring revival or crisis time in their life and then “cool down as they calm down”!

People who Give God only their Intellect are those who decide it is the best and proper thing to “make things right with God”. They strike a bargain with God in which they promise they’ll do “good” things in return for God’s Blessings here and Heaven in the Future. They know the Plan of Salvation and the Purpose of the Bible but they’ve never met Christ as a Person who they will follow as Lord and Savior.

People who yield their “Will” to God are those who deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ. They don’t serve God by Feelings but by Faith. They don’t try to make bargains with God because they know they have nothing to bargain with! They are sincerely sorry for their sinful state (Repent) and by Faith accept God’s provision of Salvation through Christ. Then they live their lives for God- first, last, and always!

Are your “Making the Faith of God without Effect” by your lack of Love or Commitment?? Jesus said you must come to Him “as a little Child”. Let me tell you how a Little Child comes, “Lord, I don’t have many `things’ but I do want to give you ME”. Are you willing to give God YOU?? He’ll give you Pardon and Peace and a Place- the Abundant Life you’ve longed for. Remember this- You can defeat God’s Purpose for you and reject God’s Plan for you but you can never Defeat God’s Power over you.

Rom 03:3-8 HOW GOD JUDGES

Isn’t it strange that we “glorify” “Bad” sinners when they accept Christ but act as if it doesn’t take as much to save a “good” person?? Paul is faced with a little of this attitude today. Since he has “convicted” ALL men of Sin and established that ONLY GOD can make a way for a sinful man to be accepted by a Holy God some men were asking if it was not GOOD TO SIN since that allowed God to get greater glory by saving a “worse” Sinner!

There are many ways this attitude affects us today:

1. The man who is “eternally secure” says it doesn’t matter if he sins a little because Jesus has already paid for ALL his sins and it will only mean that he might lose some of his reward (Which he willingly exchanges for a few of sin’s pleasures!)

2. Teens and Young Adults think it’s better to “sow your wild oats” and then get saved since you’ll be a better Christians after having seen the “horrors” of sin (Forgetting that Satan Blinds their eyes so they see sin thru “rose colored glasses!”).

3. “Good” little boys and girls think they don’t need to repent when they come to Christ since they aren’t as “bad” as many others; failing to realize that this very Pride is an abomination to a Holy God!

I think it’s time we took a realistic look at how God judges Christians (It may interest you to know that the Saints will judge the world as well as Angels- I Cor 6:2-3!)

God Judges with a:

I. REALISTIC JUDGMENT- According to Truth- Rom 2:2 “But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things”. God will give an Honest Evaluation of your Work

II. RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT- According to men’s deeds- Rom 2:5-6 “the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds:” God will take an Honest Evaluation of your Actions

III. REVEALING JUDGMENT- The Secrets of Men- Rom 2:16 “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel”. God sees an Honest Evaluation of your Heart.

Ask yourself these questions-

How will God Evaluate my work as a: (1) Christian (2) Family Member (3) Witness in the World

How will God Evaluate the way I accomplish my task?? Do you do the right thing in the wrong way? Do you give your best on the Field of Prayer or the Field of Play??

How will God Evaluate the Motives of my Mission?? Do you work only when others honor you? Are you building YOUR Kingdom or God’s Kingdom? When the secrets of your heart are revealed, will you be ashamed of what motivated you (The Love of Christ constrained Paul to witness- II Cor 5:14)

God will Judge us with a True Judgment and a Through Judgment. When your Mind and your Mission and your Motive are laid out for the world to see, will it Honor God or Humble You??

Rom 03:9-20 WHAT SIN DOES

We have spent the first 2 months of 1990 in the first section of the book of Romans trying to show you that ALL have SINNED and stand guilty before God. Paul ends the first section of his letter by showing WHAT SIN DOES. He wants us to see that Sin is not simply a Doctrine we believe but Deeds we Do that Damn us.

I. WHAT SIN IS:

1. Failure in Righteousness (vs 10) – Our STANDING with a Holy God is broken resulting in Condemnation.

2. Failure in Reasoning (vs 11a)- “none Understandeth”- Our MINDS have become Polluted and incapable of right reasoning (Controlled by Pleasures, or Passions).

3. Failure in Reverence (vs 11b)- “none seek God”- Our ATTITUDE is Proud instead of Repentant.

4. Failure in Right living (vs 12a)- “They are all gone out of the way”- Our PURPOSE in life has vanished.

5. Failure in Responsibility (vs 12b)- “They are together become unprofitable”{like spoiled Milk}- Our ACTIONS are Harmful instead of Helpful.

6. Failure in Reformation (vs 12c)- “There is none that doeth good, no, not one”- Our BEING is corrupt. Man achieves neither innocence before God or positive good (All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags).

The whole of man’s inner being is controlled by sin:

His MIND- None that understandeth

His HEART- None that seeketh after God

His WILL- None that doeth good

II. WHAT SIN DOES

A) Drives us from God- Our Failures should drive us TO God but instead we run FROM God! Gen 3:8-10, Luke 15: Luke 19:10

B) Destroys Our PEACE with:

1> Others-

Their throat is an open sepulcher- graveyard mouth

With their tongues they have used deceit- forked tongues

The poison of asps is under their lips- deadly words

Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness- foul mouths

Their feet are swift to shed blood- Look for trouble

2> Ourself- Destruction & misery are in their ways; The way of peace have they not known

3> God- There is no fear of God before their eyes

WHAT SIN BRINGS- Rom 3: 19-20 “Now ye know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin”. We become “Lawyers” instead of “Lovers of God”. We become people who Tolerate, then Spectate, and finally Participate in Sin until the Wrath of a Holy God falls upon us. We end up wallowing in the “Hog Pens” of sin instead eating at the Father’s House.

Sin will Contaminate you, Control you, and Condemn you- Abandon Sin today and accept God’s offer of forgiveness by Faith in Christ.

Rom 03:20 JUSTIFICATION

Justification means to be declared “not guilty” and, instead, be pronounced righteous before God {Compare to Forgiveness which means Guilty but forgiven}.

1. Not by the works of the law: Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20).

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness (Romans 4:2-3).

2. God is the Justifier: Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works (Romans 4:6). Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth (Romans 8:33).

A) We are justified by God’s Grace: Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24). {Freely means without a cause}

B) We are justified by the Blood of Christ: Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him (Romans 5:9). For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christianity is about CHRIST, our Lord, Our Love, Our Life.

C) We are justified by Faith: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). There is no value in “Faith”. The value is in what the Faith is in- All MAY be justified but only those who believe ARE justified (For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness (Romans 4:3).

Resurrection is God’s “Amen” to Justification: Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification (Romans 4:25). And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins (1 Corinthians 15:17).

The Results of Justification: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience (Romans 5:1-3).

Vs 1- Peace with God: And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight (Colossians 1:20-22).

Vs 2- Access to God: Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19).

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2:18).

Vs 2- We Rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one (John 17:22).

Vs 3- We Glory in Tribulation also because it allows us to recognize God and resemble God.

Paul teaches a man is justified by Faith without works (Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:28).

James says a man is justified by Faith plus works (Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (James 2:24).

Paul is talking about Justification before God; James is talking about Justification before men.

I would not work by soul to save,

That work my Lord has done,

But I would work like any slave

For Love of God’s dear Son.

Rom 03:21-26 JUSTIFICATION2

During a recent Revival service we attended the Preacher stressed in his message to be “sure that you’re sure that you’re sure” of your salvation. In the context of the message he was delivering it made a person really sit up and examine their relationship with the Lord. Later on my wife and I were talking and she said that even though she had no doubts about her salvation sometimes messages like this caused her to wonder if she could ever COMPLETELY KNOW SHE WAS SAVED. This people had cast out devils and done many wonderful works and yet when they faced God He said, “Depart from me, I never knew you!”

This is one of the most common problems I face as a Pastor; how do I get a Christian to rest peacefully in the security of their salvation and at the same time keep them from resting so peacefully until they become unfruitful in God’s work (Which eventually would mean being cut off and cast into the fire!). {In reality, the way preachers try to accomplish this is to have some services where they “hold the Christians close” and tell them everything will be all right and other services where they “scold” them for not being all they should be- It’s called the hold and scold method! Most parents have developed it to perfection years ago}. (Just a side note- when a Pastor or Parent uses only one side of this “sword” they will eventually get into trouble).

Well, Today’s message is one of the “Hold” Messages where we find out how stable our Salvation really is. Paul has just finished the first part of Romans where he has shown the sinfulness of man. Now he’s going to the second part where he’s going to show God’s way out of this sinful state. A key word he’s going to use is “JUSTIFICATION”. I want us to look at what that word means and see how marvelously it affects our relationship with God.

JUSTIFICATION IS:

1. An act, not a process. There are no degrees of justification; each believer has the same right standing before God (That is why Paul could call the people in the Corinthian Church “Saints” even though they had many problems). I am not going to have Eternal Life if I somehow learn to live a certain way; THE MOMENT I RECEIVE CHRIST AS SAVIOR THAT MOMENT I RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE (John 3:36).

Justification does not mean God makes us righteous, but that He declares us righteous. Do not confuse Justification and Sanctification. Sanctification is the process whereby God makes us more and more like Christ each day. Justification never changes; as long as we maintain faith in Christ we are absolutely justified before God. We must continually realize that the Blood of Christ covers ALL MY SINS ALL THE TIME.

2. Something God does, not man. No sinner can justify himself before God.

God does this: WITHOUT LAW- vs 21 / BY FAITH- vs 22 / FOR ALL- vs 23 / THROUGH THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST- vs 24-25 / THAT GOD MIGHT REMAIN RIGHTEOUS- vs 26

Faith means trust, reliance, confidence; and always involves a personal commitment of oneself to Christ. It is based on confidence in Him and His work, which is in turn based on a conviction about the facts of who He is and what He had done. Genuine faith always involves these three elements: Conviction, Confidence, and Commitment.

We are justified BY the Death of Christ- Peace with God

We are justified THRU the Grace of God- Access for all

We are justified ONLY by Faith’s acceptance of God’s Provision.

God had to provide a way to be “Just and the Justifier of them that believe”. This Justification can be your today; Accept God’s Provision by trusting Christ.

Rom 03:21-26 GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS

Having Convinced and Convicted the entire world of Sin, Paul now begins showing that the only method God has ever accepted for the remission of sins is Faith in the Sacrifice God Provides. This goes against the grain of Gentile as well as Jew because all mankind wants to believe that somehow he can master anything, even his sinfulness. This means that, having shown man how sinful he really is; Paul must now show how hopeless he is apart from God’s intervention. This causes us to come to grips with the “righteousness of God”. For it is this Righteousness that shows that only a Holy God can offer a sinless sacrifice to enable sinful man to be forgiven and returned to fellowship with a Righteous God.

“Righteousness” is an abstract term that is hard to grasp in today’s society. The world today is shifting and changing so fast until it’s difficult to keep up with it. Things that used to be thought of as “unrighteous” are now considered all right. Standards have shifted to such a degree until men can “religiously” desire to ordain homosexuals to be preachers; “Christians” can roll in the muck and dirt of the world all week and yet smilingly sit in church on Sunday and sing “Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow thee”; and Prayer, Fasting, and regular Church attendance are thought of as Fanatical instead of Faithfulness.

“Righteousness” is defined as the character or quality of being right or just. It was formerly spelled “Rightwiseness” and is used to denote an attribute of God that shows his character as faithful and true. This means that God cannot overlook sin just because He loves someone and that the punishment for sin must be consistent. God cannot allow man’s sins to go unpunished and He cannot allow the punishment to be anything less that His Holy nature requires.

This is why man cannot provide the payment for sins- anything he “pays” is not sufficient to meet the righteous requirements of God. It’s like a little boy with three pennies trying to buy a baseball glove; the three pennies are all he’s got, and to him they’re very valuable, but they are nowhere close the price of the glove.

Before we go on and see how the righteousness of God requires the Justification of God; I want us to see some of the “Requirement of Righteousness” so we will more clearly understand how and why God used the method He did to bring about our Justification. And that brings us again to look at What Sin Does to us: (Look at the example of Adam and Eve)

1. Robs us of our clothing- We hide from God and from each other. No longer able to face our frailty we hide behind the “bushes” of hostility and hypocrisy. RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST FIND A WAY TO CLOTHE US. (And Remember- All OUR Righteousnesses are as filthy rags, so it must come from God).

2. Causes us to run from God- We run FROM Responsibility; failing to realize that the string makes no music until its bound by the bow.

We run FOR the greener pastures of the world and find they’re really “Hog Pens”. RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST DEAL WITH OUR FEAR (Perfect love cast out all fear).

3. Brings disorder into our lives- a line of authority becomes necessary (Adam over Eve, Man over Nature, etc) and the more regulations we make the more we rebel against them. RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST CHANGE OUR CHARACTER – Greatest of all is servant of all

4. Incurs Penalties- cursed ground, driven from garden. RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST GIVE POWER OVER OUR PROBLEMS- Holy Spirit

“Do this and live; the law commands,

But gives me neither feet nor hands.

A better word the gospel brings.

It bids me fly and gives me wings.”

5. Requires a Payment- Blood sacrifice to cover nakedness- For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked (2 Corinthians 5:2-3).

RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST SATISFY OUR SIN DEBT TO GOD- The Cross met God’s Righteous Requirements.

Rom 03:23 CHANGE YOUR ENDING

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23).

• Many run with the herd never realizing the herd is headed for the slaughterhouse.

• Some are living life by letting life live them. They end up in the coliseum of corruption as a glorified gladiator saying, “we who are about to die salute you” and then waste their life for the entertainment of the crowd.

• Some are simply going with the flow; never realizing the flow is the flush headed for the septic tank!

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). It does not matter how fancy your car is if you are driving 90 miles per hour into a burning lake of fire. What matters in the end is where you will end in the end.

If what matters to you now does not matter in the end then should it be such a matter to you now??

The REASON: You are not a sinner because you sin. You sin because you are a sinner. You do what you do because you are what you are. Sin is not an accidental doing of wrong; it is the manifestation of corruption in your character. Sin is not just the breaking of God’s laws; it is the breaking of God’s heart because we fall short of the Glory for which God created us.

The RESULTS: Sin brings disease, divorce, disappointment, discouragement, debt, division, disaster, doubt, and damnation.

Sin is a sorry man who gets his pay check on Friday and then blows it on booze or drugs while his wife and children suffer hunger and abuse.

Sin is a 16 year old girl looking for love in all the wrong places and instead finding life changing pregnancy in the back seat of a car

Sin is a family torn apart by debt or lust and watching as the children follow the same destructive patterns.

Sin is living a lie that eats like a cancer at the character of your soul until you eventually do not know who you are and what is really right.

Most of us believe that Jesus shed His blood and died for our sins. Our problem is that we do not know if this same God can deal with our Self (Holy Spirit), our Society (Become Part of Body- Church), or our Circumstances (Faith in God’s Love and care).

You will never be what you want to be, or should be, if you remain what you are. Nothing works unless you work it. You should normally spell I can’t, I won’t.

METHODS GOD USES TO CHANGE US-

A) Education- And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Col 3:10) Many times God uses Preaching to Educate us- The Word Points out our Faults and Produces Faith. God does not “feed us the whole cow” at one time, He uses the principle that precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little (Is 28:10) as He gradually builds us into the person He has planned.

B) Sanctification- But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Cor 3:18). The Spirit tries to conform us to the image of Christ but we either Quench the Spirit (Won’t do what He asks us to do) or Grieve the Spirit (Allow wrong to defeat our purity and power) instead of being filled with (yielded to- as a drunk changes with alcohol) the Spirit.

C) Dedication– If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself (John 7:17).

God can change your ending and give you a new beginning. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Lebanon went from 135 to 502 in 4 years by believing 3 things needed to be changed:

• How the Church looked at itself

• How the Community looked at the Church

• How God looked at the Church

If you died like you are right now would you be happy to face God?

Rom 03:23 PERILS OF LESSER GLORY

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23). The essence of sin is not the badness we do but our failure to be the magnificent person God created us to be!

Please be aware that I am not talking about comparing your glory with someone else’s glory: There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory (1 Corinthians 15:41). For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise (2 Corinthians 10:12).

Let me give you a few examples so you can understand what I’m talking about:

The last days Church is not condemned because of the gross immorality or sinful practices – They are condemned because they settled for the “lesser glory” of Lukewarm Living.

Demas was a worker with Paul. He is not remembered for some act of adultery or thievery; He is remembered as a man who left his post and settled for the “lesser glory” because he began to Love this Present World more than He loved God’s work-For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; (2 Timothy 4:10).

We settle for a “lesser glory” when we try to BE God instead of BELONGING to God (For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s-1 Cor 6:20). Most people do not want to obey God; they want to command God. Like Eve in the Garden, we still want something that will make us gods.

We settle for a “lesser glory” when we trust OUR THOUGHTS over GOD’S TRUTHS. Many people refuse to believe in God because God refuses to see the “reasonableness” of their prayers and desires. How many people do you know who have abandoned serving God because God did not answer their prayer for the healing of a parent of child? It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. (Proverbs 25:2). (Even the Body of Christ is smarter than any one part of that body-All of us are smarter than any of us).

We settle for a “lesser Glory” when we compromise with Satan about our real GOAL in life– And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve (Luke 4:6-8). Our goal is not to gain the world and lose our soul.

We see God’s glory when we: [The cry of Moses was “Show me thy Glory” Ex 33:18]

seek God continuously: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18). We look like who we regularly look at until we not only see His glory but SHARE His glory.
trust God completely- But Stephen, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, (Acts 7:55). We are saved by Faith and we live by Faith; and keep getting “glimpses of Glory”.

All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Do not settle in sin and live a life of lesser glory when God calls you to have your sins forgiven so you can be Born Again as a Child of God!

Rom 03:27-4:16 ABRAHAM’S EXAMPLE

Having shown the sinfulness of man and the Righteousness of God Paul now comes to a “reasonable” conclusion- We conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law. This sounds wonderful;… but how do you explain this principle to people who have “worshipped” the Law for hundreds of years?? Paul decides the best thing to do is to go back to the “Father” of the Nation of Israel and show from Abraham’s Example how God used this principle from the very beginning.

As we look at Abraham’s example I want us to see the things in our own spiritual life that God expects us to do to bring Glory to Him. This will change Abraham’s example from a “mind-game” into a life changing demonstration.

1> ABRAHAM’S GLORY- 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. Abraham did many wonderful works- He left home at God’s bidding, went into the Promised land and claimed it as his own (Even though he never owned anything in it except a grave!), expected his seed to be as the “sand of the sea” (Even though he was 100 years old before the child of promise was born), and built many altars to the Lord God as a means of worshipping God and as a witness to the surrounding tribes. Yet all of this is not counted as his glory; instead the scriptures say Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness (vs 3).

PRINCIPLE #1– Man Looks at Physical works to ascribe glory to a man while God looks at Man’s Faith. (When you try to “justify” yourself before God remember that. Things that please men do not affect God).

2> ABRAHAM’S RIGHTEOUSNESS- 4:9b for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. Abraham’s righteousness was not a “reward” for his works (4:4); this would only incur increased debt! The more you try to “pay” off your debt to God with works the bigger the hole you tear in the “old cloth” (Matt 9:16). 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

PRINCIPLE #2– The only Righteousness that can have fellowship with a Righteous God is that that enters thru the door of Faith. Later on Paul is going to be so bold as to say (Rom 14:23) whatsoever is not of faith is sin. The things that God is looking for in a “saint” is a settled Faith in God’s Provision and Plan (Which will in turn affect a man’s character and conduct. Just don’t get the cart ahead of the horse).

3> ABRAHAM’S FAITH-

A) Manifested in a sign- “Circumcision” (vs 11): This sign was received AFTER Abraham’s Faith was manifested and was the symbol of his covenant with God. This relates to many areas of Christianity today- Faith must precede Feelings, Salvation must precede Service, Believing must precede Baptism.

PRINCIPLE #3– There are many Manifestations of Faith but they must never be accepted IN THE PLACE OF FAITH!!

B) Multiplied to the world- vs 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all. Abraham’s way of access to God (Faith) is also OUR WAY OF ACCESS. Jesus was a Jew; but He’s MY Savior!

PRINCIPLE #4– The People in God’s Family have different talents and abilities but they all must come into His house by the same door! Never let Pride or Popularity make you forget that.

Rom 04:17-22 ABRAHAM’S FAITH

Paul says that it was Abraham’s Faith that “impressed” God; not his works. And we have stressed that the Just shall live by his Faith. That should make it important for us to determine what kind of Faith Abraham had.

ABRAHAM’S FAITH WAS:

A “SENSELESS” FAITH- Who against hope believed in hope, (vs 18)

A) Believed the Impossible- He believed God who quickened the dead.

B) Believed the Invisible- He called those things that be not as though they were.

THE RESULT- “He became the father of many nations”

A STRONG FAITH- (vs 20) He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; He would have

A) As opposed to being “weak in Faith” if he would have considered his own body now dead, (vs 19)

B) As opposed to “Staggering” at the promise of God through unbelief (vs 20).

THE RESULT- “He Gave Glory to God”

A SAVING FAITH-

A) Because it Trusted God’s Promises (vs 21) Being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

B) Because it accepted God’s Pardon (vs 22) Therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

THE RESULT- He was delivered from Sin’s Penalty and made part of God’s Family.

Do You have Abraham’s Faith… or an absence of Faith?? God does not judge me by other people’s Faith or Failures but by MY Faith or Failures.

Rom 04:20 21 PERSUADED

We live in an age of persuasion- From Ads on TV to telemarketer. Persuasion can be bad:

1) Break us- (Proverbs 25:15) By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

2) Exchange Son of God for a thief- (Matthew 27:20) But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

3) Destroy Preachers- (Acts 14:19) And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.

The Bible lists 3 kinds of Persuaded People-

1) Fully Persuaded– (Romans 4:20 21) He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

One writer translated the word Persuaded as Satisfied and Assured. 3 things a Christian should be fully persuaded about:

A) God’s Care: (Romans 8:38 39) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

B) God’s Keeping Power- (2 Timothy 1:12) For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

C) God’s Future Plans- (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) Almost Persuaded– (Acts 26:28) Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

3) Never Persuaded– (Luke 16:31) And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

FOUR THINGS I AM PERSUADED ABOUT

1) That you are accountable to God for the use of your

a) temple- 1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

b) time- Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

c) talents-(Matthew 25:25) And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

d) testimony.(Ezekiel 33:6) But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.

2) That tithes and offerings are God’s method of support for His work.(Malachi 3:10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

3) That Redemption without Resurrection will lead to defeated Christians and Churches- (Romans 10:9 10) 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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

4) That Jesus is the Only way to Heaven- (Acts 4:12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Rom 04:20-22 PROMISE VERSUS PERFORMANCE

Moved any mountains lately?? Jesus said (Matt 17:20) If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Seems to me like there are a lot of Christians with extremely small faith…or sometimes the promises do not translate into performance. (Just for Information, Jesus said the problem with these disciples was their “Unbelief”…. and yet he ended his admonition by saying Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. So was the Problem their Faith or their Fasting??).

Abraham was in somewhat of this dilemma. He had received a Promise from God but Time (Almost 25 years had transpired since the Promise), Circumstances (He had to consider not his own body now dead, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb (vs 19)), and Emotions (Who against Hope believed in Hope-vs 18) all combined to defeat the performance of this Promise. If you too have been “buffeted in your belief” lately maybe it’s time we examined the difference between Promise and Performance.

FIRST, let’s see how you tell a Promise from a “Pipe Dream”. Then let’s see how you turn the Promise into reality.

Everyone has “Pipe Dreams”; that is, things they desire to have or to have happen. These can be anything from wanting dad to stop for ice cream to having a millionaire like your looks so much until he gives you a million dollars. “Pipe Dreams aren’t altogether harmful (Sometimes they may even be a little helpful) but they must be recognized for what they are- WISHFUL THINKING!!

“Pipe Dreams” are caused by CONDITIONS (You’re broke and so is your car! Your child/husband/wife is not acting like you’d like and you want them to suddenly “magically” change into the image you’ve dreamed of); or FEELINGS (People would like you better if you had some great talent. If I won a million dollars today, I wouldn’t have to go to work!). A “Pipe Dream” is just a HOPE– that you’ll suddenly lose weight, or become rich, or wondrously develop into the best basketball player in the world.

A Promise, on the other hand, is something that is based on the WORD of someone who is Able (and willing) to do what he has promised. There are CONDITIONAL PROMISES- You do this and I will do that (Whosoever Will may come. You make the decision and I will provide the way); and UNCONDITIONAL PROMISES- In spite of anything you do I am going to do certain things. There are very few, if any, of these promises to be found (Every time I thought I had found one I would find a condition attached to it somewhere. The closest thing I could find was a number of Promises based on Faith without Works; yet they were conditional upon Faith).

That Conditional aspect of the Promise is very important. A Performance is expected from the Person receiving the Promise as well as from the person who made the Promise. We will soon spend an entire lesson on the Performance required by the person receiving the promise, but right now I want us to look at what sort of Performance we can expect from the one making the Promise.

A FAITHFUL Performance- If the conditions are met the Promise WILL BE KEPT.

A TIMED Performance- God seems to always wait for the “fullness of time” so the fulfilled promise will do good instead of harm.

A GOD HONORING Performance- The outcome of the promise is not simply to bring you pleasure but to build your trust and adoration of God.

You can count on the Performance of the one giving the Promise; can He count of the Performance of the one receiving the Promise???

Rom 05:1-10 THE REJOICING LIFE

The Christian life should be an Abundant Life and a Rejoicing Life. Yet we still are human even after we’re saved from our sins and become a Child of God. How can we live in a sinful world, inhabit a “sickly” body, and yet rejoice in Life? Paul gives us several answers today. We rejoice in our:

I. SPIRITUAL POSITION: vs 1

A) Our Ability- Justified by Faith. I can rejoice because it’s not my Talent but my Trust that God looks at!

B) God’s Anger- Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. I rejoice because God’s anger has been turned away because of Christ’s Sacrifice.

C) Mutual Access- Stand in Grace in which we have access by faith. I rejoice in the access to the throne of God that is mine as a Christian.

II. FUTURE PROSPECT vs 2 Hope (Overwhelming Confidence) of the Glory of God. Heaven is not “Pie in the Sky” but a Mansion with the Master.

It is easy to rejoice in my Spiritual Position and my Future Prospects BUT the hardest part of the

Rejoicing Life to understand or withstand is:

III. PRESENT PROBLEMS We can GLORY in Tribulation. vs 3-5

A) KNOWING- The Secret of rejoicing in problems is KNOWING God is using them for our good and His Glory- James 1:2 3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

B) GROWING- We can glory in Troubles when we see what results:

1) Tribulation means pressure (That when endured squeezes out joy!) and brings us to having:

2) Patience Capacity to abide under (as if you exercise an arm), which will in turn lead us to:

3) Experience Proof of our approvedness (To try something out) which causes us to look beyond the Trouble to the Triumph as we get:

4) Hope Confidence (That we have the above) This hope then makes us not ashamed because the Love of God is shed abroad in our heart.

Problems are not for our enduring but enjoying.

IV. DIVINE PROVISION vs 6-10

A) Love of God

1. How He loved–gave Jesus

2. Who He loved

a. without strength

b. ungodly

c. sinners- miss the mark

d. enemies

B) Life of Christ– saved sinners from:

1. What he’s done- justified by divine blood

2. Where he’s going- saved from wrath

3. What he is- saved by His (Christ’s) life

The Rejoicing Life is not a life without problems or pressures but it is a life of Peace with God, Promises from God, and the Presence of God in real world situations. And it’s wonderful!

Rom 05:1-11 7 RESULTS OF SALVATION

7 BENEFITS OF BEING BORN AGAIN

1. Peace vs 1

2. Access into the Favor (Goodness) of God vs 2a

3. Hope of the Glory of God vs 2b (Anticipation of God’s Presence)

4. Rejoicing in tribulation vs 3 (Able to Bear trouble)

5. The Holy Spirit vs 5b (Wisdom and Strength living within)

6. Salvation from Wrath vs 9 (Tribulation and Judgment)

7. Joy vs 11 (In His presence is Fullness of Joy)

Rom 05:6 10 DIVINE PROVISION

I was born again 28 years ago tomorrow (March 19, 1962). That Monday night, kneeling at an altar in New Prospect FWB Church in Shinbonealley, SC, this 14 year old “Jones boy” from Crow Corner, S C changed from a sinner headed to Hell into a child of God with a title deed to a mansion in Heaven. During the past 28 years I have preached and taught and wrote and used every means God would give me to “multiply the ministry”. My motivation has been condensed into a simple little slogan; I want to get everyone, everywhere, to KNOW and to SHOW CHRIST.

This Two-pronged Mission means I want to get as many people as possible to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior; and then I want to see them develop a relationship with God to such a degree that they live rejoicing fruitful lives for God

The way this will happen is if I can get people to realize the Divine Provision for our new life in Christ (It’s not my abilities or talents that have brought me this far, it’s the fact that God has provided what I need). Two Divine Provisions from God have allowed me to Come to God and Live for God. They are the:

A) Love of God 6-10

1. How He loved gave Jesus

2. Who He loved

a. without strength

b. ungodly

c. sinners miss the mark

d. enemies

B) Life of Christ 10

This Life of Christ saves sinners from:

1. What he’s done We are justified by divine blood

2. Where he’s going We are saved from Righteous wrath

3. What he is It is no longer “I” but “Christ” living in me. It’s not by Trying to live right but my allowing Christ to live in and through me.

Before the foundation of the world God already had Provisions made for Sinners like me to come to Him for Pardon from Sin and a new life in Christ. But it wouldn’t have meant anything if someone hadn’t told me about it! Is there someone waiting for YOU to share the Good News with them???

Rom 05:8 BLIND MAN BATTLEFIELD COMFORT

Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Sometimes life seems to come at you like you were a blind man walking through a battle field- Bombs drop on you from above, mines explode under you, bullets wiz by you, and tanks run over you! Like the blind man, you are in the dark about what life is bringing your way so it seems that you get clobbered from every side. Let’s look at something that will give you help and hope today.

Satan sets TRAPS to Capture People- Drugs, TV, Debt

Satan provides TEMPTATIONS to Destroy People- Lust, Covet, Gossip

Satan uses TACTICS to Defeat People-

1) Get you out of God’s Time (Brake or Gas).

2) Secondary Defeat- If Satan cannot defeat you then he will try to defeat someone whose defeat will defeat you (Family, Friend).

3) Try to get you to doubt God’s Love (Eve in Garden, Paul’s Thorn in Flesh). It is this final one that I want us to defeat today.

In the “Jones devised version” everyone’s favorite verse is “Everybody needs a little bit of petting every now and then!”. I know ladies who want a copy to put on their refrigerator! It just goes to show how much people need to know that someone cares about them.

The Good News I bring today is that God really Loves you and He came to give light to blinded eyes and help to weary battle field pilgrims.

God’s Love is a Great Comfort to Christians-

A) Love Converts us- John 3:16

B) Love Controls us- 2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth (Motivates) us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

C) Love Cleans Christians- John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him (John 14:23).

D) Love Chastens us- Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

E) Love Comforts us- 1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

F) Love Controls Circumstances in a Christian’s life- (Romans 8:28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

It is Comforting in its Assurance- We KNOW

It is Comforting in its Scope- ALL things

It is Comforting in its Function- Work Together for GOOD

It is Comforting in its People- Them that LOVE God and who are CALLED according to His purpose.

God’s Love is also a great Comfort to Blind Men still walking in Battlefields- Ro 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Like a man on a battle field, you had better chose a side- or you will end up being shot by both sides!

Rom 05:8 THE EVIDENCE OF THE CROSS

1. EVIDENCE OF GOD’S LOVE- But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us Rom 5:8.

If you ever doubt God’s love look to the Cross where His Son willingly died to bring sorry, sinful man to God.

2. EVIDENCE OF MAN’S NEED-

A) A NEED EVERYONE HAS

B) A PAYMENT ONLY GOD COULD PROVIDE

C A WAY EVERYONE CAN COME

3. EVIDENCE OF MAN’S REBELLION- Those who crucified Christ were motivated by fear

4. EVIDENCE OF TRUE COMMITMENT: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” — Mat 16:24

“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” — Titus 1:16

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere James 3:13-17.

Joy in your Job for the Lord

Willing to Sacrifice to Serve

Evidences of Inward changes by Outward Attitudes- I would rather have an apple tree in my yard than a Redwood. The Redwood is only good to look at or cut up into lumber; the apple tree bears fruit each year.

5. EVIDENCE OF FUTURE HOPE- He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Rom 8:32.

Rom 05:11-21 THE REIGNING LIFE

Now that we know that the way to have the Rejoicing Life is to KNOW the Reason for life’s difficulties and then GROW thru them into the people God would have us be; it’s just a logical step from the Rejoicing Life to the Reigning Life. After all, if the troubles of life make us better instead of bitter then we should feel like rulers instead of being beaten and battered by life’s circumstances.

This is not how most people feel however. Most people feel their life is out of control instead of under their control. They’re trapped in difficult jobs, difficult marriages, and prolonged diseases. They long to be masters of their circumstances and rulers of their own fate; but….it doesn’t seem to work that way. And, since many of them expected Christianity to accomplish this for them, they feel like Christianity is a failure because Christians have more problems and pains than sinners do.

The Holy Spirit must have felt some of this coming into the minds of people because He led Paul to leave the Rejoicing Life and explain about the Reigning Life. And in this explanation I believe some Christians will find answers they desperately seek.

The word “Reign” means to “Possess sovereign power” to have “royal Authority” and carries the idea of “Ruling Over, Governing”. That’s what we long for, the ability to possess Power over Problems and to rule over our situation (Secretly, we want to be “God”. We want to determine what’s best for us and then have the ability to do anything we want).

“Reign” is used in 4 situations in today’s scripture:

vs 14- Death Reigned from Adam to Moses

vs 17- They that have received abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by Jesus Christ

vs 21- Sin hath reigned unto Death

vs 21- Grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Note two significant things immediately- Death reigned OVER man while Christians reign IN Life. One governs by Force, the other by Faith. Note also that Sin Reigns UNTO Death while Grace reigns THROUGH righteousness. And finally, see the RESULTS of the reigning- Sin reigns unto DEATH while Grace reigns unto ETERNAL LIFE.

Now, let’s go back and catch the general theme of the verses. Paul is explaining that the Law is not God’s method of Salvation- Faith is. He has given the example of Abraham’s Faith and then shown how Faith is the only method available to us since we were enemies of God (Wouldn’t seek Him) and without strength (Couldn’t seek Him). Now he is showing that sin’s penalty (Death) was visited upon men long before the Law was given- Therefore, if men must keep the Law to be saved then they should not have been punished for not keeping the Law when the Law was not yet given!

That brings us to “Father Adam” who brought sin into the world (vs 12). Adam’s original sin has tremendous theological implications but today I want us to simply look at what it was and what it did; and how that affects our ability to Reign in this life.

WHAT WAS ADAM’S SIN? 3 Words are used to describe it and then 3 words are used to show its results:

Offense———————-Judgment

Sin————————–Condemnation

Disobedience—————–Death

Adam “Offended” God by not trusting Him, Sinned against God by “Missing the Mark” of God’s Will, and was willfully disobedient to God’s instructions (Remember that Eve was deceived and, although she was the first to eat of the fruit, Adam is condemned because he willfully disobeyed).

THE RESULTS OF ADAM’S SIN were that (vs 12) by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men,. Now instead of ruling in God’s Garden, man labors among the weeds of this world awaiting the day breath finally stops. Adam’s sin brought man from Reigning to Ruin.

It is the Promise and Privilege of the Gospel to bring man back to the Reigning Life— A life that contains:

A TASK- Given by God and answerable to God for its completion

Some TROUBLES- To build our Dedication and our Faith.

Many TEMPTATIONS (That bring consequences to you and others when you fail)

Ultimate TRIUMPH as you go through the training here for the future God has planned for you.

Rom 5:17 For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

It’s essential that you realize the Reigning Life comes not from your TRYING but from your TRUSTING. We reign in life BY ONE, JESUS CHRIST. It is not our Ability, zeal, or strength that enables us to be the Victorious person God expects; it is allowing Christ to live thru me- Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Are you Reigning in Life?? Are you Confident in your position and your power? Are you victorious in your Conflicts with the enemy? Or is Life defeating and destroying you?? We’re saved by Faith and we live by Faith. Have you put your faith in Christ today??

Rom 05:12 WHAT SIN DOES

Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

We are always asking men to turn from sin to God – WHY???

The BIBLE CALLS FOR:

1. A Changed Mind – Repentance

2. A Changed Heart – Regeneration

3. A Changed Life – Conversion

4. A Changed Standing – Justification

5. A Changed Service – Sanctification

The reason men aren’t Changed (Converted) is because of what sin does. (It’s important to realize that “man does what he does because he is what he is”. Man is not basically good – He is a sinner by nature and a servant of sin my choice. Left to himself he will go deeper into sin).

What then does Sin do that empowers it to draw men away from Heaven into Hell?

SIN:

I. DECEIVES PEOPLE

A) By the Way it LOOKS: Jesus said in Matt 23:47 that sin is like a Graveyard; it looks pretty but it’s full of dead men’s bones. The Best ads on TV are Liquor ads; they picture one thing and deliver another.

B) By the PROMISES it Makes: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat (Gen 3:5-6). How many people have started on Drugs for the thrill and stayed for the kill!

II. HARDENS HEART Heb. 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Prov. 29:1. He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. (Pharaoh- hardened till God hardened) Parable of Thread – Wind thread around till can’t break. Story of the Vine and the Tree/The eagle and the martin. The same sun that melts snow hardens concrete.

III. FINDS YOU OUT Num. 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out. (You think it’s hidden but it’s not) Samson – Arose as before but had no power. [Me-Planting Peanuts and stolen Cigarette Butts]

IV. REPRODUCES SELF Gal. 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (What you put in mind you get back with interest) Plant peanut – Get Peanuts. Plant Anger – Get Anger. Gets bigger and bigger.

V. KEEPS FROM GOING TO HEAVEN Rev. 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. The wages of sin is death – But the gift of God is eternal Life thru Jesus Christ our Lord. Turn from Sin to Christ today

Rom 05:12 WHAT SIN DOES2

Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

We are always asking men to turn from sin to God – WHY??? First realize that “man does what he does because he is what he is”. Man is not basically good – He is a servant to sin and left to himself will only go deeper into sin. (Cp savages without Christian influence to where Gospel preached)

I. DECEIVES PEOPLE Gen 3 – Eve was told she wouldn’t die but did. Liquor Ads – Look beyond – Drugs Same. Sin will take you father than you want to go.

Jesus gave a good illustration of sin – Graveyard — Looks pretty but full of dead men’s bones. Matt 23:27

II. HARDENS HEART Heb. 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulnmess of sin. Prov. 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. (Pharoah – hardened til God hardened) Parable of Thread – Wind thread around till can’t break. The same sun that melts snow hardens concrete.

IV. REPRODUCES SELF Gal. 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (What you put in mind you get back with interest) Plant peanut – Get Peanuts Plant Anger – Get Anger Gets bigger and bigger.

V. KEEPS FROM GOING TO HEAVEN Rev. 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh admonination, or maketh a lie; but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

The wages of sin is death – But the gift of God is eternal Life thru Jesus Christ our Lord

Turn from Sin to Christ

Sin is falling short of the Glory of God.

Rom 05:17 WHAT GRACE BRINGS

Rom 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

One of the things missing from many people’s Christianity is Joy and Peace! While we need to realize that the Christian life means taking up our Cross and following Christ; as well as enduring Persecution for Righteousness sake, still it is the ABUNDANT LIFE of a Pilgrim on their way to Heaven! We should feel that Joy, and convey that Joy, to a world desperately looking for meaning to the madness of life.

That can happen only when we realize what the Abundant Life really is– The Abundant life is not Riches, Relaxation, or Reveling; it is a Relationship with God (The heart is a restless hunter seeking only God). This relationship is not built on my Trying or even my Triumphs, it is based on Trusting God for Salvation and life- Not my Goodness but HIS GRACE. That brings us to a need of understanding What Grace is and What Grace Does.

I. WHAT GRACE IS: One of the Most popular ways of describing Grace is the acronym God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. A short accurate description but it doesn’t really “Move” us. Grace is simply a method that allows a Righteous God to save Sinners (like us) that could not save themselves- Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. GRACE MEANS SALVATION IS NOT SOMETHING WE WORK UP BUT SOMETHING WE BELIEVE IN!!

II. WHAT GRACE DOES: Here are 20 “Samples” of what Grace Brings us:

1. Includes us in God’s Plan- Chosen in the Beloved before the foundation of the earth- We’re not an afterthought on God’s part. God determined before the earth was made that He would redeem believers by the sacrifice of His Son Jesus.

2. Redeemed – Bought from Slave Market of Sin. I was expensive; it cost Jesus his life, but God paid the price for me.

3. Justified- Sins blotted out- Cast into the sea of forgetfulness, as far as the east is from the west.

4. Reconciled- Renewed Fellowship- What God forgave He forgot so now we can have fellowship.

5. Sanctified- Set apart for God- A Peculiar Person that God loves and cares for.

6. Forgiven- As only love could- Nothing between God and I now.

7. Glorified- Sees as we will be (Potential); not the dirt but the destiny!

8. Accepted in Beloved- Not our Ability but Christ’s ability. What a relief.

9. Freed from Law- able to live in Liberty without the “Law” breathing down my neck every moment.

10. Union with Christ- We’re in God and He’s in us. GLORY!

11. Children of God- Able to call “Abba, Father”

12. Members of Household of God- Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

13. Delivered from dominion of darkness- No longer Blinded by sin

14. Translated into the kingdom of light- Able to see God’s wonders

15. Heavenly Citizen- with rights and responsibilities

16. Seated in Heavenlies in Christ- God sees me as if I’m already in Heaven with Christ! (Like woke up in White house; have to learn what you’re able to do. Many people live in the “out house” when God’s put them in the White house!!).

17. Sealed by the Holy Spirit- “Branded” by the Holy Spirit who is IN, WITH, and UPON us to teach us and empower us.

18. Makes us One of God’s Sheep- Christ is the Shepherd. That gives us PROVISION (We go in and out and find pasture) and PROTECTION (Christ is the door of the Sheepfold to keep out the “Wolves”).

19. We become a new Creature- II Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. You have a new “Heart” that gives you a new desire. You can still sin but you don’t want to.

20. Peace- Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: We have Peace WITH God and the Peace OF God.

Wonderful Marvelous Grace. Grace that is greater than all our sins. Grace that can save you today and give you ABUNDANT LIFE in Christ.

Rom 15:13 Now the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

God wants our Faith to FILL us with Joy and Peace. This can only happen when you are Saved, Sure you’re Saved, and know what you receive the minute you’re saved.

WHAT I MEAN BY BEING SAVED

A) Realize you’re lost in sin without Help or Hope

B) Repent of sin and turn to God for Help

C) Receive Christ as your personal Saviour.

1. Put your trust in HIS Sacrifice for YOUR Sins

2. Publicly Profession Him as Saviour

3. Become Part of the “Body” of Christ (Church)

Noah Found Grace in the eyes of the Lord and lived while the rest of the world faced God’s Wrath. WILL YOU SEEK A SAVIOR OR TRY TO SWIM UNTIL YOU DROWN???

Rom 06:1-2 LIVING RESPONSIBLY

It’s great to know God’s forgiveness. Wouldn’t it be even better not to have need of it! (Paul asks in Rom 6:1-2 that should we sin that grace may abound! Some taught it was better to sin so they could experience God’s forgiveness- sort of like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer because it feels so good when you stop!)

Remember again that Mistakes are not Necessarily Sins. Some are Personality Perspectives and some are simply Mistakes- Which all of us make.

We are talking tonight about living in such a way that Sin will not conquer or control you. We want to guard our heart and our testimony.

1) Consequences of sin- Sin Carries Consequences:

Physical and Spiritual

Now and Later

You and Others

2) Callousness of Sin- harder to break strong holds, easier to accept sinful living.

3) Commitment needed toward ways to avoid sin-

A) Live Responsible to:

Family-

Work- Work as unto the Lord

God-

Church- regularly Attend

Money- Tithe, Use Wisely

Salvation-

B) Fear doing wrong / Love doing right

C) Learn from past Failures

Rom 06:1-6 THE REGENERATED LIFE

Regeneration; the most important thing that can happen in your life. What does it mean to have a “Regenerated Life”?

I. CONVERTED– 6:2 How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? A Christian is one who is Dead to Sin’s Penalty because Jesus Christ has paid the “Wages” of Sin (Death) and given us the “Gift” of God (Eternal Life). Convicted of his rebellion against a Holy God this person has Believed in his heart that Jesus died for him and has confessed with his mouth that God has raised Christ from the dead.

II. CONDUCT CHANGED– 6:4 even so we also should walk in newness of life. Performance is expected. God did not just save you FROM Sin’s Penalty; He saved you FOR His honor and glory.

Our life is now lived according to God’s will instead of our own.

Sometimes it’s hard to determine what God’s will is. Let’s look at SOME THINGS THAT “WEARY” GOD and we can begin to see the positive by showing the negative.

PLAYING CHURCH- Is 1:14 Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth; they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.
DISREGARDING HIS WORD- Mal 2:17 Ye have wearied the Lord with your words, Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?
CONTINUING IN OUR SINS- ISA 43:24 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.
PRETENDED REPENTING- Jer 15:6 Thou hast forsaken me, saith the Lord, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.

All of these focus on one common theme- Using God instead of Loving God. God does not like “Hypocrites” that give Him Lip service instead of Life Service. He expects you to Walk different as well as talk different.

III. COMMITMENT GIVEN– 6:6 That henceforth we should not serve sin.

A) Commitment to God: To Love Him and Let Him use your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

B) Commitment to the Church- We commit ourselves to

1. Attend it regularly- Heb 10:25

2. Prepare for the Worship Service-

3. Give to it as God has prospered us

4. Become a Member- that will take the place assigned to us in the Body by the Spirit of God.

Being Saved should be TRANSFORMATION as well as SALVATION. It should change us from “worms of the world” into “Believing Butterflies” that are a beauty to behold because of our Character and Conduct.

Are you Floating in the breeze or wallowing in the mud??

Rom 06:-4 things A Christian needs to KNOW about Sin

Chapter 6 deals with the believer being Dead to Sin, Chapter 7 deals with the believers death to the Law, and chapter 8 deals with the believers Spirit given Victory. I want us today to look at chapter 6 and see some things about our relationship with sin that will hopefully change our attitudes and our actions. (Sin here is not acts of sin but the old sin nature that produced these acts. Sins are the fruit, sin is the root).

1. Sin’s Payment PAID: vs 3– Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? vs 4 THEREFORE we ARE Buried with him that we should WALK in newness of life. We don’t OWE Sin anything. Sin tries to claim our passions for the “pleasures” it’s given us but that debt is paid.

2. Sin’s Power Destroyed: vs 6- Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN. vs 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. God did not take away the ability to sin but He did change our Appetite for Sin- Now it’s a pain instead of a pleasure.

3. Sin’s Penalty Conquered: vs 9- Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. vs 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. You faithfully believe that sin’s power is broken and God’s Power is at work in you life. Eternal life is something you live instead of look forward to.

4. Sin’s Patterns Broken: vs 16- Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? You change character (new Creature), Companions (Ps 1:1), and Conduct (Let him that stole steal no more but rather labor to give, Ep 4)

3 Things you YIELD-

1. Your Body unto God: vs 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

2. Your Obedience unto God: vs 16-

3. Your Life unto Holiness: vs 19- I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

These are a daily attitude of life not an emergency measure when you face some special temptation. The answer to the sin problem in the believer’s life is NOT determination, discipline, starvation, resolution, reformation, legislation, or any other fleshly means. Victory comes thru Crucifixion- see Gal 2:20

The REWARD of Obeying what you Know- vs 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

The RESULT of Disobeying- vs 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We apply this verse to sinners all the time but Paul is using it in a statement to Christians! John said there was a sin unto death. Paul told the Corinthians that sin caused many of them to be sickly and die. And Samson had tremendous strength for God when he yielded himself to God but when he yielded himself to sin he died among his enemies.

Negative: We are dead to sin (6:2); no longer enslaved by sin (6:6); freed from sin (6:7); because the old self was crucified (6:6).

Positive: There is newness of life (6:4); union with Christ (6:5); and life with him (6:8); because a new self emerged in our being raised with him (6:4).

KNOW:

vs 3 That you were baptized into Jesus Christ

vs 6 That your were Crucified with Christ

vs 9 That Christ was raised from the dead and death has no more dominon over you

vs 16- That whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom ye obey:

Rom 06:23 PAY DAY FOR SIN

I. The way of Sin- HARD: Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard (Prov 13:15).

A. Hard because Satan is the Master- Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Rom 6:16)

B. Hard because of no lasting joy- Pleasures of sin are for a “season”.

C. Hard because of no peace- With God or man

D. Hard because of no hope- here or hereafter. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: (Eph 2:12)

II. The work of Sin- DECEITFUL: Romans 1:29-31

A. Satan begins with small seed- Ye reap what you sow; with interest!

B. He paints a beautiful picture- Lot saw only the “Well watered valleys” not the corruption of Sodom.

C. Satan does not show the end- Prodigal son didn’t leave home expecting to end up in the Hog pens.

III. The wages of Sin- DEATH: Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die (Ezek 18:4).

A. Sin leaves a mark of Suffering – Here and Hereafter.

B. Sin leaves its mark of Sorrow – For Self and Family

C. Sin leaves its mark of Separation – From Good and God

IV. The way out of Sin- FAITH IN CHRIST: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 6:23).

A. Repenting- Turn FROM Sin. Sorrow about your wickedness.

B. Believing- Turn TO Christ, trust in, rely on, cling to Him.

C. Accepting- Christ with your Mind, emotions, will

D. Confessing- Your Heart believes and your Mouth confesses.

When you stand before God and get your final “Pay Check” what will be your wages- Heaven or Hell??

Rom 06:23 THE GIFT THAT GIVES

God gives us the ability to ENJOY Life: I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).. Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19). Living like the devil is not enjoying life; it is destroying life.

God gives us the ability to have ETERNAL Life: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23).

It is this gift of Eternal Life that I want us to look at today and see that it a Gift that Keeps on Giving as it impacts us; and those around us, for now and eternity.

I. GOD GAVE THE SON– John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God did not give this gift because we deserved it. He gave it by His mercy and grace because He LOVED us. Hell is what we deserve. Heaven is God’s gift to us.

II. THE SON GAVE THE SPIRIT– Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7).

Jesus as a human could only dwelt among us but the can Spirit dwell IN EVERY Christian to guide and grow us. You do not have to “hold out”; you simply have to let the Spirit “love out” through you.

III. THE SPIRIT GIVES THE CHURCH– I Cor 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues; but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

The Spirit gives Spiritual Offices (laying on of hands), Spiritual Graces (Fruits of the Spirit), and Spiritual Gifts (Parts of the Body of Believers). [Wisdom knows what needs to be done. Knowledge knows how to do what needs to be done. Faith believes that what needs to be done can be done. Obedience listens to wisdom, knowledge, and faith and does what needs to be done. Working together the Body of Christ gets the job done.]

IV. THE CHURCH GIVES THE GOSPEL– Matt 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

We win people who we then teach to live for God and win others

V. THE GOSPEL GIVES LIFE– Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. It is a gift we accept by Faith: Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.

God gives us richly all things to enjoy (1Tim6:17). Accept His Gift that keeps on giving Today.

Rom 06:23 THINGS GOD CALLS SIN

Rom 6:23 The Wages of Sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord. This is a classic “commonly Known” verse that has tremendous implications. While most Christians would willingly say “amen” to the verse they find it a little harder relating it to real life situations. It is easy to say that God’s wrath rests upon the sinner but it has become increasingly hard to define just what sin really is. It used to be “sin” to own a TV but today almost everyone has one and our Church is using Videos as a method of outreach. Drugs, Divorce, Preacher Scandal, etc. have all invaded the Church today and many preachers who preached against sin now find an excuse for it when it happens in their life.

If sin is as bad as it seems- it will send a person to hell and it cost Jesus his death on the Cross – then we need to know What Sin really is and learn how to Avoid it.

I. THE PRINCIPLES OF SIN–The Westminster Short Catechism defines SIN as “any want of conformity unto, or any transgression of, the law of God.” Paul says in Rom 14:23 for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Faith is responding to the Will of God. When I do not seek, or do not obey, the will of God then it is Sin. It may seem cultured or refined; or crude and vulgar, but if it is a violation of God’s will it is Sin- That’s why Jesus would berate “righteous” Pharisees and offer forgiveness to prostitutes.

“Sin” is from an old English word that means “To miss the mark” and was used to describe an archer missing the bull’s eye on the target. It is used several ways:

A) A Transgression of the Law as laid down by God.

B) Iniquity- an act that is Wrong (Usually known by the conscience even if not written in the Law- Rom 2:12-15)

C) Scofield also lists Trespass (the intrusion of self will into the sphere of divine authority), lawlessness (Spiritual anarchy), and Unbelief (Insult to Divine veracity) but all of these are basic to the original meaning of sin MISSING THE MARK

The basis of Sin therefore is to go outside of the bounds and plan of God. You may be “good” as far as the world is concerned but you’ve missed the mark of God’s Plan either by Omission or Commission and have violated the Divine plan.

The Word Sin is used in three ways:

1. A Man’s Actions in regards to God’s Laws. Man Sins

2. A Man’s Nature of Rebellion against God’s Plan. Man is Sinful

3. A Man’s Standing in Regards to Relationship with God. A Sinner

Sin Separates us from God; Deteriorates our lives; and Slays us. One Basic principle you must keep in mind is that YOU must answer for YOUR sins- Deut 24:16 The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers; every man shall be put to death for his own sin.

II. THE PRACTICE OF SIN – People practice sin in Two ways:

A) Attitude Sins-

1. Jealousy- To allow someone else’s success to cause you to fail to do your part (Saul has just been make King and Samuel said) I Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way. James 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

2. Hating Brother- Lev 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him. I John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

3. To demand Your “Rights” at the expense of a weaker Christian

I Cor 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethern, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

B) Action Sins- There are a number of “Common Sins” listed in the Bible by Godly Men- Joseph called Adultery Sin- Gen 39:9. Moses Called Idolatry Sin- Ex 34:31 And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.

But there are some things that God calls Sin:

1) Blaspheming: Levi 25:15 And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.

2) Failure to Function for God- Deut 32:23 But is ye will not do so, (That is, be faithful to your service for God) behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.

James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

3) Not heeding the Cry of the needy- 24:14-15 Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethern, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates: At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto thee.

4) Failure to keep a Vow to God- Deut 23:21 When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

5) God even lists some things that will keep you out of Heaven:

I Cor 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor exhortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

III. THE PARDON FOR SIN– II Cor 5:21 God made Christ to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Christ paid the “wages of Sin” (Death) and became our Propitiation so we can now receive PARDON and FORGIVENESS by placing our Faith in Christ.

IV. THE PREVENTION OF SIN– But God does not just pardon our Past sins; He provides us ways to avoid sin-

A) Reverence God Ex 20:20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. Psalm 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

B) Avoid Sinners- Ex 23:33 They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee.

C) Read the Bible- Ps 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

ARE YOU A SINNER? OR ARE YOU SAVED BY GRACE???

Rom 07: DEATH TO THE LAW

The Principle– vs 1-4 A dead person is not obligated to fulfill the law

The Practice- vs 5-6 Delivered from the law that we should walk in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter (of the law)

The Performance vs 7- the Law exposed

sin vs 7

killed me vs 11

is Holy and Just- I just can’t keep it vs 12-17

The Plea vs 18-25 How to do what I know is right (vs 18). Instead I don’t do the good and do do the bad (vs 19).

“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rom 07:13 MAKING SIN SINFUL

It is hard to do right when you do not know what is wrong. It is easy to do wrong when you do not know if wrong is wrong- Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful (Romans 7:13).

Sin God winks at: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (Acts 17:30). (In the Greek, “Winked at” means “to overlook”, “to not punish”). Which brings us to the question, “Are there some sins God overlooks”?
1. Involuntary “sins”- But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die: But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: (Deuteronomy 22:25-26). The damsel had sex outside of marriage but it was forced upon her so no punishment is incurred.
2. Doing wrong to do right “sins”- Rahab hid the two Israeli spies scouting Jericho and lied about their location. Because she did so as a result of her faith in God’s plan she and her family were preserved and she eventually became part of the line of Christ.
3. Social “sins”- David had many wives due to social and political reasons. I drive 77 in a 70mph zone. I make promises I forget to keep.
  Lest you think I seek to justify sin let me remind you it cost my Savior his life. I also know hatred is as bad as murder and looking with lust is as bad as adultery (Matt 5). I know sin is exceedingly sinful; I merely want to point out that grace is exceedingly gracious.
Intelligent Sins- And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ (1 Corinthians 8:11-12). Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend (1 Corinthians 8:13).
Location Sins- Secret Faults- Hidden Acts (Location- Tell my wife you love her in church vs dark room).
Neglectful Sins- Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (James 4:17).
Sin with no Cure- 2Ch 36:16 But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy. Pr 29:1 He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. I call this continued Intentional Sins

3 Sins that received great punishment in the Bible:

Eat the forbidden fruit- Gen 3
Hit the Rock in order to obtain water- Num 20:8-11
Number the Army of Israel- 2 Sam 24

Rom 08:1-8 CHRISTIAN DOUBLES

A “Double” in the movies is someone who takes the place of the main actor in the dangerous scenes. A “Double” secret agent is one who works for both sides in the war at the same time. Sometimes we think we “see double” when we look at twins or at people or things who look alike. But the Christian knows that there are many other Doubles he has to deal with.

I. DOUBLE CONFIDENCE– ROM 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are

1) in Christ Jesus, Confidence of HIS Sacrifice

2) who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Confidence of OUR Service in the Spirit (Not Flesh!). A walk is a manner of life- we’re not sin free but the direction of our life is under the Spirit’s leading.

II. DOUBLE LAWS–

A) One Frees while the other enslaves: ROM 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. One Law binds me to obligations while the other frees me to freely obey.

B) One is Powerful while the other is weak: ROM 8:3-4 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

III. DOUBLE MINDS–

A) The 2 Kinds of Minds: ROM 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

B) The 2 Results of these Minds:

Death/Life ROM 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

Enemy/Servant ROM 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

IV. DOUBLE TROUBLE– ROM 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. The Flesh doesn’t WANT to Please God and CAN’T if it tries! The Spirit must Indwell and Empower us in order to Please God.

A Christian HEARS Double many times as Flesh and Spirit come into conflict. He must learn to distinguish the “Master’s Voice” so that he will run the right race.

Rom 08:13-39 VICTORY THRU THE SPIRIT

Paul has been telling the Romans why they needed to be saved, and how God has made Salvation available. Now he’s dealing with the sinful nature that refuses to accept its defeat at God’s Hands.

Paul says that the way to live victoriously is to walk thru life obeying the Spirit instead of the flesh (8:1). He then goes on to show the many ways the Spirit gives us victory; victory that eventually makes us MORE than Conquerors.

3 Relationships to the Spirit:

1. you have not the Spirit – Lives in the Flesh and For the Flesh

a. in the flesh/in the spirit 8:5

b. death/life 8:6

c. war with God/Peace with God 8:6-7

d. Pleasing Self/pleasing God 8:8 “I” Will or “Thy” Will

2. You have the Spirit 8:9-11

3. The Spirit has You 8:12-17

When the Spirit has you then you have Victory:

1. Over the deeds of the body vs 13 We do not habitually live under the direction of the Flesh but thru the Spirit we mortify (Put to death) the deeds of the flesh (Not by trying but by yielding- You don’t overcome the darkness by trying; you turn on the light– and then you can see how to walk without stumbling.

2. Over Childish, Immature living vs 14 The Spirit leads us to act like mature sons, not babes in Christ. We grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ as the Spirit teaches us of Him.

3. Over fear and Doubt vs 15, 16 Eternal Assurance thru the Witness of the Spirit.

4. Over Suffering vs 17-18 The Spirit points to the Glory ahead that makes the suffering seem as nothing.

5. Over Death vs 23 The Spirit points to the Blessedness of the new Body.

6. Over failure in our Prayer Life vs 26 The Spirit teaches us HOW to pray and WHAT to pray for.

7. Over Self Pity vs 28-30 We are the Clay and God is the potter. Knowing that He loves us means that the Spirit will not allow us to be tempted or tried above our limit.

8. Over Everything vs 30-39 More than conquerors means that we not only defeat the enemy; WE TURN THE PROBLEM INTO A PLUS. (Example of man on Desert Island who lost everything in a fire that brought his rescue ship!).

Do you have the Spirit?? Does the Spirit have You??

Rom 8:21-28 SOME THINGS WE KNOW

1. We Know About GROANINGS- vs 22

A) Creation Groans- vs 22 For man to return to righteousness. The world is linked to man; When man fell the world was cursed, when man is redeemed the world will be made new.

B) We Groan- vs 23 For a new Body; of which the Spirit is the “Firstfruits” and the “Earnest”. How we long for full development in the Spirit.

C) The Spirit Groans- vs 26 For man to have a Spiritual Perspective

This gives us HOPE

2. We Know that God Knows the MIND OF THE SPIRIT- vs 26 This gives us CONFIDENCE

3. We Know about CIRCUMSTANCES- vs 28 This gives us FAITH in God’s LOVE

Rom 08:28 THE MIRACLE OF ALL THINGS

(Rom 8:28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Flat Tire resulted in 4 new tires /Paula resulted in Promotion

1) Because I am a Christian “All Things” are seen differently- (2 Cor 5:17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2) The “All Things” in my life allow me to manifest God in my life- (Titus 2:7) In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

3) One day the “All Things” will end in eternity- (1 Pet 4:7) But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

4) In the meantime God has given me to ability to deal with the “All things” that come my way- (Phil 4:13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

What shall we say that will allow us to handle the “All Things” that come against us? (Romans 8:31-37).

1) If God is on our side it does not matter who is against us- If God be for us, who can be against us?

2) Since God has already given me His best why should I fear the future- He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

3) Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Rom 08:28 THE MIX OF ALL THINGS

(Rom 8:28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

1) The Mix of All Things– Work Together

a. The combining of all things- cement

b. The conclusion of all things- “For Good”

c. The conditions of all things- That Love the Lord, Called according to HIS purpose

2) The Ability to deal with All Things– I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).

3) The Change that changes All Things– Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

a. Our Talk- Do all things without murmurings and disputings: (Philippians 2:14).

b. Our Life- But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, (2 Corinthians 6:4).

c. Our Goal- Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Philippians 3:8).

You need a “word from God” if you are going to victoriously handle the “All Things” that come against you- Rom 8:31-37

Rom 08:28 THE MOST COMFORTING VERSE

There are many comforting verses in the Bible:

(Psalms 23:1) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

(John 14:1-2) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

For Saints: (Romans 8:28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

It is Comforting in its Assurance- We KNOW

It is Comforting in its Scope- ALL things

It is Comforting in its Function- Work Together for GOOD

It is Comforting in its People- Them that LOVE God and who are CALLED according to His purpose.

For Sinners: (Romans 5:8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

These verses are not a Comfort to those who are without Christ and cannot lay claim to its promises. Like a BLIND Man walking into a battle field- Bombs drop on him, mines explode under him, bullets wiz by him, tanks run over him.

And, like a man on a battle field, you had better chose a side- or you will end up being shot by both sides!

I. What God’s Love does FOR us.

A) Love Converts us- John 3:16

B) Love Controls us- 2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

C) Love Chastens us- Heb 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

D) Love Comforts us- 1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

II. What God’s Love does IN us.

A) Love Cleans Christians- John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

B) Love Controls Circumstances in a Christian’s life- Ro 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

C) Love Calls Sinners to come from where they are to where God is- Ro 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Rom 08:28 Why is this Happening to Me?

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose.

Many times things happen in our lives that we can’t understand and our hearts are troubled as we seek an answer. Sometimes the problems continue to grow until we feel like crying with the Psalmist, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou far from helping me,…Ps 22:1. Other times the problems seem to make no “sense” no matter how many different ways we look at them. And then there are times we look back on problem areas in our life and see with amazing clarity the hand of God at work. The thing we need to get firmly planted in our hearts today is that ALL things work Together for good to them who are in the will of God. This will bring peace in the midst of problems and help us to maintain a sweet Christian testimony during times of trial.

With that basic fact in mind, let’s look at several reasons God may

allow troubles in our lives:

1. TO SHOW US OUR DEPENDENCE ON GOD. II Cor 12:7, 9b. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure…most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. It is only when we learn that “when I am weak, then am I strong” (II Cor 12:10) that we can ever be an effective worker that brings Glory to God and not to us.

2. TO SHAPE US INTO THE VESSEL WE’RE SUPPOSED TO BE. The Sculptor hammers at the stone- not to harm it, but to make it into a thing of beauty. It was persecution that drove the early church from the “safety” of the “nest” at Jerusalem to spread the Gospel around the world (Acts 8:1). It is the file, and not the feather, that sharpens the axe!!

Heb 5:8 Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.

Ps 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statues.

3. TO SAVE US FROM OUR OWN CARELESSNESS Ps 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy word.

Heb 12:10 But He (Chastened us) for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

It’s very hard to smile in the valley sometimes. But remember that God knows how many hairs are on your head, He knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, and He works all things together for good to them that love Him and stay in His will. Faith is able to trust in God’s Love even when it doesn’t know why.

Rom 08:28-39 HOW CAN YOU KNOW?

One of the hardest questions of life is “WHY?” Why am I poor, sick, lonely, etc. Why can’t I get ahead?, be happy?, find a job? The answer the Preacher (And GOD!) gives is that we Know that all things work together for the good to them that love the Lord , to them that are the called according to His purpose. But HOW can we KNOW this??

We Know about Groaning: (Romans 8:22-26).

A) Creation Groans for man to return to righteousness. The world is linked to man. When man fell the world was cursed. Man’s redemption means one day the world will be make New. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

B) Man Groans for a new body free from sin’s pain, penalty, and power. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

C) The Spirit Groans for man to have a Spiritual perspective in our life and in our prayers. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

1. God’s Plan- vs 29-30 “For” (For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified).

He did foreknow- God knew in advance who would be saved. {This does not MAKE them be saved; God simply Knows}.

He did Predestinate- To be conformed to the image of Christ

He Called- He called all who would hear to be like Jesus

He Justified- He made it possible to heed His call

He glorified- He rewards those who come to Him.

2. God’s Protection- vs 31-34 “Who”

A) Against Enemies- vs 31-32 (What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?).

B) Against Accusations- vs 33 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth

C) Against Inability vs 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

D) Against Anything- vs 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

ROM 8:36-39 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How can we KNOW? When we realize that God has a Plan for us (Conforming us to the image of His son), and we Believe the accomplishment of that plan is the best thing that could happen to us. And we accept the Provision God has for us to enable us to be more than conquerors in ANY situation of life.

Rom 08:29 SAVED

Purpose of this message: To show people what God saved them FROM and what God saved them FOR so that they will become the Christian God intended them to be.

I. GOD’S PLAN Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethern. God did not save us for what we WERE but for what we could BECOME- Conformed to the image of His Son in whom He was well Pleased. (Many people lose the Joy and meaning to life because they don’t know what God wants from them or what He’s trying to accomplish in their life. So they assume God wants them Health, Wealth, and Care-free. That fills them with depression, despair, and discouragement when God uses whatever means are necessary to mold them into the image of Christ).

A) Created that way in the beginning- Gen 1:26 Let us make man in our image.

B) Satan has always tried to defeat God’s plan-

1. First he had man erect IDOLS (Images) of animals and worship them (Golden calf).

2. Then he had man worship man-animals (satyrs, etc).

3. Then came mythological “Men and women” (Zeus, Iris, etc).

4. Finally there was the Worship of MAN as God (Roman Emperors)-

ROM 1:21-25 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. ROM 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever

Today we depend on Self Ego (I’m the only one I have to answer to. If it feels good to me then do it). GOD’S PLAN IS NOT THAT WE BE GOD BUT THAT WE CONFORM TO THE IMAGE OF GOD- I Cor 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God:

II. GOD’S PATTERN– Jesus Christ Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: John 1:14 And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 14:9 He that hath seen me hast seen the Father.

God does not expect us all to leave home and wander in Galilee! but He does expect us to read the Gospels and follow the example of obedience that Christ has given us- And it is the Example of the “Two Edged Sword”: King in Matthew but Servant in Mark. Man in Luke but God in John [This makes life full instead of Robot “one dimensional”]

III. GOD’S POWER– When we accept Christ and are Born Again then we must be enabled to live this new life. It’s not enough to just turn over a “new leaf” and “try” to do better. You need something to enable you to become what God intended.

A) The Word of God- II Pet 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by them we might be partakers of the divine nature. Heb 4:12 says that it is a “Living Word”, a Powerful Word, and a Searching Word- and John even calls Jesus “THE WORD”. Have you read your Bible today???

B) The Spirit of God- II Corinth 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

We grow in this Image (Col 3:10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. until finally Christ will (Phil 3:21) changes our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body.

YOU BECOME:

A) A New Creature {A NEW BEGINNING} II Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

B) A Son of God John 1:12 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. With all the rights and privileges that involves

C) An Heir to Heaven John 14:1-2 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

What a Glorious Privilege it is to be SAVED.

1. God Forgives the Past- Look WHAT HAPPENS TO FORGIVEN SIN???

Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hast he removed our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me: for I have redeemed thee.

Micah 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us: he will subdue our iniquities; ;and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. What sins are you talking about???

2. He gives POWER and a PATTERN for the Present- The Holy Spirit and the Example of Christ.

3. And He has promised us a Home in Heaven!!!

ARE YOU SAVED?

Rom 08:30-39 WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE?

Prayer Meet Message

“What shall we say to these things?

1) To Our Enemies- vs 31

2) To Our Need- Vs 32

3) To Our Failures and Accusations- vs 33

4) To Our Sins and Misdeeds – vs 34

5) To Our Despair – vs 35-39

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:30-39).

Rom 08:31 FOR US

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

I grew up as the “No you take him” guy when people were choosing sides in school game activities. I was one of the nerds and many who wanted to be friends wanted to be friends a lot less when I told them I was not going to help them cheat on their tests or homework.

One of the great joys of the Christian life was to join with God and other Christians in the Abundant Life that comes when we realize:

1) God is FOR US in life’s BATTLES: In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us (Nehemiah 4:20).

2) God is FOR US in Life’s TRIALS: Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalms 62:8).

Not only will God BE FOR US but He will also DO FOR US:

1) God will do GREAT THINGS for us: The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad (Psalms 126:3).

2) God desires PEACE for us: LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us (Isaiah 26:12).

3) God provided SALVATION for us: And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David Luke 1:69). But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

4) The Holy Spirit and Christ MAKE INTERCESSION for us: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26). Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Romans 8:34).

Rom 08:31-39 FIVE WAYS WALKING WITH GOD MAKES US WINNERS

THE CONFIDENT CHRISTIAN. I believe you build a Great Church when people have Great Confidence in a Great God. A Confident Christian believes in the Character of God even when they cannot understand the Conduct of God (sickness, troubles). God CAN do anything but He will not do Everything. God Limits His Power: If God wills it it will happen is not true- Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish (Matthew 18:14). Seen cancer healed but many others not.

A) The Core of your Confidence: It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man (Psalms 118:8). In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge (Proverbs 14:26).

B) The Calm of your Confidence: For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not (Isa 30:15).

C) The Companions of your Confidence: And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you (2 Thessalonians 3:4). Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say (Philemon 1:21).

D) The Casting Away of your Confidence: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward (Hebrews 10:35).

The Result of your Confidence:

a> Ready for Rapture–And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming (1 John 2:28).

b> Faith to Pray expectantly: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us (1 John 5:14).

c> His Belief makes his behavior better: Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God (1 John 3:21).

Rom 08:31-39 TRUSTING THE GOD YOU TRUST

WHO IS YOUR GOD? For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him (1 Cor 8:5-6)

To many people God is simply a servant to Heal them, Help them, and Heaven them. To a Child of God He is their Master/ Father who Guides them, Grows them, and Gives them the privilege of living with Him in eternity. [It is hard for me not to see the Forest instead of the Trees.

You need a God who is Rock Solid and can be Trusted in Every circumstance of Life. Like David You need to be able to say, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence (2 Samuel 22:2-3).

BEING FAITHFUL TO YOUR FAITH- For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love (Galatians 5:6).

Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is the REAL TRUTH about things that cannot be touched or seen yet (Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1).

1) Faith COMES by PROCLAMATION: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17).

2) Faith is SHOWN by ILLUSTRATION: Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works (James 2:18).

3) Faith LEADS to CELEBRATION: For by it the elders obtained a good report (Testimony). (Hebrews 11:2).

4) Faith can be LOSS by EVAPORATION: For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him (Hebrews 10:36, 38).

5) Faith’s MOTIVATION is Love: For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love (Galatians 5:6). Faith WORKS by LOVE: The energizing force in Faith is Love. When I try to educate the mind of people who struggle with Faith I am dealing with the wrong need. It is not that they can’t understand just as well as anyone else; the problem stems from a hindrance or blockage in their love relationship with God.

People struggle with Faith because they Believe but are afraid to Commit. Sometimes a person is abandoned or abused by their parents, a close friend, or a mate. Many times these people find it difficult to have the right kind of faith because they have been “burned” before by someone they trusted. Their mind will say they trust God but their heart is afraid to make that leap of trust which is the very basis of faith.

Faith comes by education (Rom 10:17) but its motivating force is love. The hindrance to Faith is fear; fear of total commitment, fear of lack of ability, or fear of giving control to someone else. The answer to this fear is to understand fully the love of God for There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: (I John 4:18).

YOU MUST TRUST THE GOD YOU TRUST:

[Afghanistan is merely America’s latest disaster. Our southern border has collapsed, the murder rate is spiking in our cities, the Covid vaccines do not work, inflation’s out of control, and the country’s entire population of school children hasn’t been educated in more than a year]

1) TRUST in God’s PARTNERSHIP– What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). God is FOR us, IN us, and WITH us so we can live, do, and accomplish.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil 4:13). Example of Pool ball. Sitting there clean and minding its own business when suddenly it is struck by the White Cue ball and begins a journey [ENERGY] (avoiding the Black 8 Ball) to touch someone else or accomplish the desire of the Master [GOAL].

2) TRUST in God’s PROVISION– He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32). Provided PENNEY as I entered building. Provided extra for Church Building Fund

3) TRUST in God’s PARDON– Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth (Romans 8:33). Christ did not simply save us from sin’s Penalty; He saved us for God’s Purpose and Plan. I do not have Eternal Security but I do have Eternal Assurance based on my Faith.

4) TRUST in God’s PRAYERS– Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Romans 8:34).

WHO He Prays for: I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine (John 17:9).

WHAT He Prays for: I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (John 17:15).

5) TRUST in God’s LOVING CARE– Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39)

Adoni-bezek- “Lord Lightening” cut off the thumbs and big toes of his enemies and then had his thumbs and big toes removed. Represents Satan who can no longer hold or outrun a child of God- Jesus said, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:18-19)

Rom 08:32 RECEIVING GOOD THINGS

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32). Princess Paula has a sweat shirt she begins to wear around Thanksgiving. The message on the front simply says, “I like Presents”! Even if we do not want to admit it, all of us wear that same shirt from time to time.

Far too many Christians have a saved soul but a lost life. They have escaped the bondage of Egypt by the shed blood but faith failed them and instead of living in Milk and Honey with God they are wandering in a circle in the wilderness waiting to die. Sometimes the “circle of life” carries them close to doing something great for God and sometimes it carries them close to the sinful life of Egypt but they never find that place of connection with God that gives them resources, refreshment, and rest.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it (Psalms 81:10).

Rom 09:1 WORTHY WITNESSES

Rom 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost. Having shown the NEED of Righteousness, the WAY of Righteousness, and the RESULTS of Righteousness; Paul now must deal with the puzzling fact that the Jews had REJECTED God’s Righteousness for a Religious Righteousness that enslaved them to Law instead of liberated them for Life.

This is a “crossroads” that every Christian worker comes to- You know what you ought to do, and why you ought to do it, but you become discouraged and disappointed by the rejections and failures of people. At this Cross-Road you’ll either keep going by Faith or Turn aside into unhappy, unfruitful, living because things didn’t turn out as you expected.

The need in your life at this time is “TOTAL COMMITMENT”, and we’ll look at that in the next hour, but you also need to know that what you’re doing is the right thing (Doubts come when you ask yourself this question, “Is it my fault that the people aren’t being faithful?”). That’s what I want us to look at now; Is your witness a “worthy Witness”? Are you on the right road giving the right message?

Paul gives three things about his witness in today’s verse and these three things are what God is looking for in each of us as witnesses.

1. The Truth we Proclaim: I say the Truth in Christ.

a. “I say”- The Communication of a Witness. You must have courage enough to “come out of the crowd” and take the stand for Christ. There are multitudes of ways of communicating: Lips, Life, Light, Love, etc

b. “The Truth”- A Faithful Witness. You can’t cry “wolf” and be believed. The Truth is not always easy to bear but it’s the only thing to believe.

c. “in Christ”- A “Fellowship” witness- He speaks in fellowship with Christ, so that falsehood is impossible. He speaks the things that Christ would have him speak. (Which means we must ask ourselves what we are to be witnesses OF and who we are to be witnesses FOR. Christ did not come to simply save us FROM sin; He came to save us FOR God).

2. The Lie we Avoid: I lie not. A Big clean sheet with one spot of dirt will look dirty to everyone who sees it. Jesus was “death” on Hypocrites! We have learned to say what we think we ought to say instead of what is real- For example: “Christian parents will have good children” (Truth- Christianity is taught, not caught. If the Prodigal’s father represents God then the Prodigal represents initial failure and the elder son represents continued failure).

Some people have a zeal for God but not according to knowledge; and their zest won’t pass the test! And a witness who is false in one area is hard to believe in another.

3. The Conviction we claim: My conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost. This witness of the soul brings PEACE to the Life and PURPOSE to our work (It is this witness that gives us drive and determination in our work for God. Some people call it “Vision”, others a “Call”, but whatever it’s name it allows us to know we’re on the right road). (It even bears witness with our spirit that we are the sons of God. Rom 8:16).

What kind of Witness are you?? Do you Know and Proclaim the Truth? Do you avoid hypocrisy and falsehood? Do you have the inner witness of God about what you’re doing??

Rom 09:1-3 TOTAL COMMITMENT

Rom 9:1-3 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

Having explained the wonders of Salvation by Grace thru Faith; Paul is now faced with a perplexing problem- If God’s Promises are to be believed so readily and completely, why then was the covenant nation of Israel being dismissed?? If a man is simply to grab hold of Faith and hang on, how can he be sure that Faith will not fail him in latter years? This is part of the purpose of the next 3 chapters as Paul explains Israel’s Past dealings with God, Their Present standing before God, and their Future Relationship with God.

Paul begins this section, however with one of the most astounding verses in the Bible. Paul says that he could wish himself accursed to Hell, if by doing this he would be able to save the nation of Israel! He wants his readers to know that his statements about the nation of Israel are not simply philosophical preaching but the statements of a man who longs for his people to be partakers of God’s Grace and Goodness.

You would think that such a depth of love and dedication is a one time thing but the Bible gives several incidences of people with this kind of Total Commitment.

While MOSES was on the mountain getting the Ten Commandments from God; God suddenly told Moses to return to the people because they had turned to idols in his absence. Moses returned to find the people involved in immorality and idolatry (after he had been gone only 40 days!). He threw the 10 commandments of stone on the ground and broke them (signifying that Israel had done the same thing) and then makes an astonishing statement- Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, it thou wilt forgive their sin-; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written (Exodus 32:31-32). Moses was willing to be erased from God’s Book in order to save his people. What dedication

This same dedication was shown by Jesus- John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

I understand this type commitment, for I am literally killing myself for this Church and this ministry. I work day and night, many times totally exhausted, in order to try to help as many people as possible KNOW and SHOW CHRIST. One day I will probably try to “jump start” my heart or my brain and they will simply refuse to work. But I willingly do it out of love for you and God.

Do I expect this same type of commitment out of you? Not really. There are some things I do expect of you however:

A) Consistent Attendance- Our services are 4 hours per week. Be Here.

B) Consistent Service- I must have help with the Church if I’m to run the ministry. YOU must become involved- Teaching, Singing, Caring about the Church, Praying, Tithing. Christians are spectators in Heaven (Heb 12:1) but they must be Participators on Earth.

C) Consistent Living- Christianity is not a game you play but a life you live. If we’re going to make a mark for God in our area it will be by Godly Living.

When David was asked about facing the giant he said, “Is there not a Cause?” (I Sam 17:29). I ask you today, “Is not our Cause worth committing everything to”???

Rom 09:3 MOST ASTONISHING VERSE

There are many Astonishing verses in the Bible:

Why do bad things happen? I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. (Isaiah 45:7).

1) Why are there BAD PEOPLE– God has given us FREE WILL in order that we may love Him correctly Sadly, Free Will allows men to rebel against God as well as lovely serve Him. This sinful rebellion corrupts mens hearts- The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

2) Why are there BAD EVENTS– Gods Plans (Hurricanes release heat to preserve ocean balance). Gods Punishment (Storm- Jonah).

3) Why do so many Christians live so sorry? If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26). Christianity is not a mind game, it is a committed life.

If God gave people the proper conditions and chance wouldn’t they do right without having to be born again by committing to faith in Christ. This astonishing verse is at the end of the 1000 year reign of Christ and Christians- And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. (Revelation 20:7‑8 )

To me, the Most astonishing verse is:

Paul- For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: (Romans 9:3)

Moses- And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin‑‑; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. (Exodus 32:31‑32)

The one clear glimpse we get of the punishment of sinners after death is found in Luke 16 where the Rich man is in Hell. Although we learn that there are 5 THINGS IN HELL WE NEED IN THE CHURCH- 1) Sinners, 2) Earnest Prayer, 3) A Missionary Zeal, 4) A vision of Heaven, and 5) A Vision of Hell; we also learn that Hell is a Place of Torment, Tears, Timelessness (cant leave). That is what makes this verse so astonishing.

I. IT EXPOSES THE SERIOUSNESS OF SIN:

A) Because of what sin IS:

1) Dismissing Personal Convictions- And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23 )

2) Dishonoring Gods Character- For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)

3) Disregarding Societys Needs- Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (James 4:17)

B) Because of What Sin DOES:

1) Sin causes us to miss the Abundant Life

2) Sin causes us to miss Eternal Life (Death and Lake of Fire instead).

II. IT EXPLAINS THE HEART OF CHRISTIANS

A) We have found water and we want the rest of the thirsty world to come and quench their thirst.

B) Gods Love for the World becomes part of our heart for the world. Belo, Brazil- More people than live in Alabama with one church Tokyo City Tower- 27 Million People with little hope.

Buster Poston- He cared about me. Will you care about someone? Did someone care enough about you to invite you to come to the abundant life found in a relationship with Christ?

Rom 09:3-5 PRIVILEGES

Having made the astonishing statement that he would be willing to be accursed if that would save Israel, Paul now begins to show why his heart is so broken for this people. He wants Israel to know that it’s not God’s unwillingness to bless and care for them that’s the problem; the problem is that they’re “blowing” the tremendous opportunities God has given them.

In the 3 verses of our text Paul lists 9 Privileges of an Israelite. I want us to examine these Privileges and then determine if WE are wasting opportunities.

9 PRIVILEGES OF AN ISRAELITE

1. Brethren, Kinsmen according to the Flesh- Paul always went first to the Jews with the Gospel.

2. Adoption- Son-placing, Position of sonship. God treated Israel as if they were His own child.

3. Glory- Base of the Visible Shakina Glory of God in the Holy of Holies. It led them thru the Desert and guided many of their decisions until they finally forced it to leave (One of the saddest portions of scripture is in Ezekiel where you see the Spirit leaving the Temple, then the city, and finally lingering on a nearby mountain before finally departing).

4. Covenants- Abraham, Jacob, David. Divine “Contracts” in which God would fulfill His part but Israel would fail in her part.

5. Giving of the Law- The hand of God gave the Law of God to the People of God. Many other nations were fooled by wicked philosophies but Israel had the Truth from the beginning.

6. The Service of God- The Temple and the Offerings. They had the visible manifestation of the Worship of God.

7. The Promises- Over and Over God Promised Good for Obedience. The OT is full of promises to claim

8. The Fathers- Bible “Heroes”. Men and women who showed God’s Power in their life.

9. The Line of Messiah- God’s very Son and our Redeemer was a Jew. They knew that God had chosen them to be His special instrument of Blessing to the World.

With all of these privileges, you would think Israel would have loved and served the Lord with all their heart. Instead, they envied the world, became like the world, and eventually were conquered by the world. What a horrible thing to see Many Privileges turned into Mighty Punishment- Of whom much is given of them will much be required!

Sadder still is that the same thing is happening to the Church today. We have all the Privileges we could want:

1. All of the Gospel.

2. The Holy Spirit now lives WITHIN the Christian.

3. Tremendous Human Advantages and Opportunities to live for God. Little Persecution, tremendous open doors of service, a “flood” of Bible study material, and sermons, songs, and preaching services available to anyone desiring them.

Let’s don’t blow our Opportunities. If we do we’ll miss the Blessings of completed work, the Joy of God’s “Well Done”, and, worst of all, multitudes will miss the privileges we have because they haven’t gotten the message.

Rom 09:6-24 SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD

Paul has spent tremendous time and energy showing us that Salvation is available to all by Grace thru Faith. Then he has shown that Israel had tremendous privileges from God and yet were now being cast aside for the Gentiles. This brings us to an inescapable question, “Does God’s Word really change people?”. And if it does what caused these people to fail when they were supposed to be following God’s Word?

Paul begins his answer by saying that the Word of God has not “gone off course” (Taken none effect). Don’t think God couldn’t Bless because People failed to live up to their privileges. The Word of God is effective but it will not force a person to do right. God gives men opportunities; explains the consequences of failing to use these opportunities; and then allows man’s free will to make the correct (or incorrect) choice.

Paul begins by showing that all are not Spiritual Israel who are Physical Israel (Just as all are not saved who attend Church or claim Christianity). In this case, as in most cases, men got into trouble because they assumed something about the Word that was not true- they assumed that all the seed of Abraham would be saved; ignoring the plain teaching of the Word of God that God has always made choices about men based on their choices about Him.

The Sovereignty of God allowed Him to chose:

Isaac over Ishmael- Choice not on natural descent

Jacob over Esau- Choice not on Human Merit

Moses over Pharoah- Choice not on Human Logic (Both were murderers- Pharoah killed the babies, Moses someone afflicting a slave. Pharoah was “King” and Moses was born to a slave.)

There are several things we must learn about the Sovereignty of God:

(1) We must come on God’s Terms vs 18

(2) We must accept God’s Right to make us like HE wants- HE IS GOD! 19-22

(3) We must trust God’s Goodness to do the Right thing 23-24

You can spend you life fighting against God or you can submit to God’s Will and Work for your life. If you “kick against the pricks” you will find sorrow, disturbance, and failure. If you submit to God you will find Peace, Joy, and Abundant Life. Which choice are you going to make?

Rom 09:25-29 GOD’S MERCY

The Sovereignty of God scares me but the Mercy of God rejoices my heart! Having shown that God is able to set up whom He will and take down those who refuse to accept Him; Paul now shows that God mingles His Mercy with His Judgment. This is a principle we need to recognize today.

It seems that everyone on TV today is either a “Liberal” or a “Fanatic”. They either want to let the murderers go or send in “Rambo” for litterbugs! We can’t allow these attitudes to infect the Church. We need to examine, and adopt, God’s attitudes toward those who fail to do what they should.

From Cast-offs to Children of the Living God vs 25-26 (vs 25 is from Hosea 2:23 and vs 26 is from Hosea 1:10. Hosea was instructed by God to marry Gomer. She was an unfaithful wife that eventually went so deep into sin until she was sold as a slave. God told Hosea to go purchase her back; symbolizing the fact that God would “purchase” Israel off the slave market of sin one day and restore them to their place as people of God. Note that during the Tribulation the 144,000 come from ALL of the Tribes (except Dan whom God cut off completely for leading Israel into Idolatry)).

God’s chosen people did not measure up to what was expected of them. God chose them, gave them His word, promised them His Blessings, and personally guided them to the promised land. Instead of loving Him and serving Him they quickly turned to idols and wickedness. Time after time God rebuked them thru the Prophets or by allowing them to be captured by a wicked King. Time after time they would repent long enough to get out from under and then return to their wicked ways.

Do you know any people like that?? Isn’t it easy to become discouraged when people fail to measure up to what you expect of them? Children fail to reach their potential, Divorce comes to marriages, Even Preachers don’t always act like you think they should.

You shouldn’t overlook the sin but you should be willing to completely forgive and put back into service those who leave their old ways (Forgiveness does not mean we should act as if they never did wrong. I think that if the Prodigal Son would have asked the Father for $10,000 dollars to go back to the Hog Pens with then the Father would have turned him down because he would know that would not be best for the boy). Anyone who shows signs of genuine repentance, however, should be given every opportunity.

A Remnant out of the Wrath vs 27-29 (Quoted from Isaiah 10:22-23 and 1:9. Isaiah prophesied entirely to the southern kingdom of Judah during the time Hosea prophesied to the Northern kingdom of Israel. The Northern Kingdom was dispersed by Assyria while the Southern Kingdom was carried captive into Babylon where a Remnant returned after 70 years).

Don’t let the fact that most people are bad keep you from trying to help Some people. Sometimes a rose can grow in a manure pile! God has promised to save some from every tribe and nation.

Try to find some good out of even bad situations- The fact that I’m going bald means I soon won’t have to worry about the wind blowing my hair!

God’s mercy provides a method for us to escape His wrath and become His Children. Don’t reject it.

Rom 09:30- 10:10 THE WAY TO GO

All of Paul’s talk about the Sovereignty of God and His choices of people have brought us back to the main theme- “The Just shall live by Faith”. Paul is trying to show that God always has, and always will, choose those who by Faith choose Him. Now he wants us to see the dire consequences Israel faces because they chose the wrong way.

He begins with a puzzling paradox in 9:30-33. The Gentiles had not sought to come to God thru the years but when they did they came by “Faith” highway. The Jews had been seeking God for years but they had not found Him for they were looking on “Work” Street. And here is a Principle to remember- No matter how earnest or energetic you are, you will not find what you’re looking for if you look in the wrong place.

Paul says this is like a “stumblingstone”. When you look in the wrong place and can’t find what you want it trips you up- Discouragement sets in because you can’t find what you’re seeking even though you’re doing the best you can. Here are some guidelines to help you: (1) You can’t find Peace in the World. There is no peace, saith the Lord to the Wicked. (2) You can’t grow strong spiritually on a diet of Hog slop and Husk (ask the Prodigal Son). (3) The Journey’s Destination is more important than any Desires along the way.

Now Paul gives us some of the most famous Scripture there is on the most important subject in the World; How to come to God and be Born Again. You see, it’s not enough that we know the wrong way; we must find and follow the right way.

10:1= A Soul Winner must have a Heart and a Prayer life for the Lost

10:2-3= Wrong zeal only makes you do more wrong. You must learn to DIRECT YOU DESIRE; Anger, lust, and envy are some desires that will destroy you if not used according to knowledge. A desire to meet Man’s righteousness instead of God’s righteousness will lead you to eternal lose.

10:4-7= Man’s Law says do the best you can and that will help pay your debt (They forget to add that the “interest” grows every day more than anything you can pay). Christ says, “I have paid the debt. Trust me”.

10:8-9= The Word of God produces conviction of sin and Faith in Christ. This Faith motivates us to confess Christ with our Mouth and Trust Christ’s resurrection Power in our heart (We believe the Cross paid for our past and the Resurrection assures our ability to change in the Future).

10:10= We show God our heart is toward Him and we tell man our direction in life has now changed. This is not turning over a new leaf, it’s beginning a new life. Like a new born baby (We’re Born again) we must grow (which involves mistakes as well as accomplishments) and develop into the person God always intended us to be. That will involve finding, and taking, our place in the Body of Christ. That’s because Christianity is not just a Decision, it’s a Destination. We get on the right road and with God’s help and guidance we walk that road every day.

Do you know the Way to Go? Are you stumbling on the wrong road looking for something you can’t find?? Jesus not only knows the Way, HE IS THE WAY. Come to Him today.

Rom 10:10 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN?

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10). Marcy’s Ministry- to check the light bulbs in the hotel – clean the dirty ones and replace the burnt out ones.

“Christian” only found 3 times in Scripture:

Antioch Behavior- Ac 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Paul’s Preaching- Ac 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
Peter’s Exhortation- 1Pe 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

According to our Scripture a Christian is one who “Believes” and “Confesses”.

I. BELIEVE– Trust in, cling to, rely on. Not simply mental acceptance but HEART TRUST that accepts Jesus as God’s only door into Heaven. Not your works or your wealth or your social place.

II. CONFESS– To Acknowledge something. In this case to “Say the Same Thing” that God says about your need.

A) Declare yourself a sinner, without help or hope

B) Acknowledge that Christ is the Son of God and your only way to God.

C) Hand the “steering wheel” of your life over to God with complete confidence that He CAN and WILL do what is best in your life. [Right here is the reason most people do not become Christians. They don’t mind going to Heaven with God but they want to live their life here under their own control!]

Putting God is control of your life will result in changes:

1) Character Changes- (2 Corinthians 5:17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Talk different, Walk different, New person.

2) Companion Changes- Part of the Body. Must work together and do YOUR job.

3) Priority Changes- Putting God first in your life.

Rom 10:11-15 MISSION OF OUR CHURCH

Paul is in the middle of showing how God is dealing with the nation of Israel- Chapter 9 tells about Israel’s Past, Chapter 10 tells about Israel’s Present, and Chapter 11 will tell about Israel’s Future. Chapter 9 showed how a Sovereign God chose Israel for special blessings and now has a right to chose the Gentiles because Israel refused to follow Him. Chapter 10 has shown that God has required all along that men become righteous by Faith and that that Faith must come as a result of God revealing Himself, and His Plans, thru the Scriptures.

In the middle of this Chapter Paul clearly defines the Mission of God’s people. This is tremendously important because today people have gotten away from that ultimate Goal. Today the average Church thinks it’s goal is to Baby-sit the Young, entertain the Teens, Accommodate the Adults, and Bury the Elderly. Contest and Concerts seem to be the only way to get large crowds today; and that’s because they appeal to the Flesh instead of the Faith.

The normal thing for the Preacher to say right here is “Our Job is to Win the Lost”. Sounds good, has some truth in it, but it’s not the mission of the Church. Number One, we can’t “win” the Lost, only God can forgive sins and give a new birth. Number two, even God will not make a person repent of sins and trust Christ as Savior.

Look closely at our Scripture verses- ROM 10:11-15 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Vs 11 talks about Shame- The Christian will not be ashamed OF God or BEFORE God because of his faith. So the first thing we must realize about our mission is that it imparts boldness to us. This is not necessarily Brashness or fool hardiness but it does give us a confidence that shows in our work– The Choir will sing with enthusiasm, the Preacher will preach with energy, the Teachers will build their classes with zeal, etc.

vs 12 and 13 talk about Supplication (Prayer)- Riches and Redemption are available to anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord. The Ministry of the Church rises and falls on it’s prayer life. I believe there are people called of God to be “Prayer Warriors” for this Church and it’s outreach ministry. I also believe that we begin to fail when they begin to fail. You see, A church is not just preaching and performance and perspiration; it must be empowered by the Power of the Holy Spirit or it will a total failure. There must be a supernatural power if this is to be a supernatural work.

Vs 14 and 15 give the “Formula” for Success in the Ministry- In order to call on Jesus for Salvation you must believe that you need saving and that Jesus can save you. In order to believe this you must hear the Good News of the Gospel. In order to hear the good news you must have a “Proclaimer” proclaim it to you. In order for the preacher to preach he must have a MOTIVATION as well as a MESSAGE.

Dr Meyers Harrison give 4 reasons everyone should be motivated to carry the Gospel:

1. The Command from Above- Mark 16:15 Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

2. The Cry from Beneath- Luke 16:27-28 The rich man in Hell cried for someone to go tell his brothers lest they come to Hell also.

3. The Call from Without- The Macedonian’s Cry was Come over and help us Acts 16:9.

4. The Constraint from within- Paul said The love of Christ constraineth us II Cor 5:14

Our Mission is to Boldly Proclaim the Message of Christ in the Power of God. When men believe the message and are saved then we are to make disciples of them so that they can, in turn, boldly proclaim the message of Christ in the Power of God.

Several Principles to be aware of:

1. There is no interest without something invested. Satisfying service comes from Sacrificial giving. Spectator Christians will change to Serving Christians when they give of themselves to the Church and the Ministry. Do you want to come to Church or be a part of the Church?

2. The Word of God produces Conviction and Conversion and Confession. We must believe it, preach it, and practice it. The Word of God must be the center of everything we believe and do.

3. You miss God’s purpose when all you want is to be a better person. Everyone today is looking for self improvement but the Call of Christ is to Deny Self, Take up your cross, and follow Him (as He followed the Father). Will you answer that call today??

My Ministry is to pastor this Church, extend it’s outreach, and use every method God puts at my disposal to spread the seed of the Gospel. This is very time consuming. That’s why I NEED your help in the other areas of the Church if we are to function effectively.

Each of the members of this Church must learn what their place is in the Body of Christ and determine to function in that place. We can go crippled thru life on one leg or we can really work for the Lord. That decision is yours.

Our Church has the privilege of reaching more people than any other Church in this area (maybe this state!). Our Mission is clearly defined and vitally necessary. Jesus said, “To whom much is given, of them shall much be required”. When you stand before the Lord and He ask you for a report of your stewardship will you be glad or sad??

Rom 10:16-21 WHY GOD DOESN’T SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS

Your Mind tells you it can’t be. You’ll even confess it can’t be with your mouth. Still, your heart craves Heaven on earth. All of us long to be free of the Trials, Temptations, and Struggles of this life. Paul is trying to use this thought to motive the Jews.

He has been showing the Jews that God wants them to be saved, has provided opportunity after opportunity for them to be saved, and yet now they are blaming God because things haven’t worked the way they think they should work. Paul wants them to see that God can’t solve their problem because they are LOOKING AT THE WRONG PROBLEM and then they are REFUSING GOD’S ANSWERS to their real problems.

1) vs 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Equal opportunity has been given but people have not responded equally.

A) For the Christian- Don’t get discouraged when you don’t accomplish what others accomplish- Seed falls in a lot of locations. Some will grow and some won’t. Your job is to Keep on Sowing!

B) For those with Problems- Have you responded to God’s Answer; Jesus? If you throw the Doctor’s medicine in the trash then don’t blame the Doctor because you aren’t getting better.

2) vs 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Your foundation must be the Word of God. Problems remain because we don’t apply Bible Principles to our Situations- Be not unequally yoked. Don’t put a stumbling block before your brother. Love God first and your neighbor as your self.

3) vs 18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. The Word is available to all. Your Problem is not unique. The Word of God has the answer to EVERY Problem you will ever have! The marvel about Christianity is that it will solve a Russian’s problems as easily as an Americans.

4) vs 19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. God sometimes uses some STRANGE TEACHING TOOLS: God’s strange method of winning Israel’s Love- Jealousy, Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh, the Heathen Nations who captured Israel (He called one a “Borrowed Razor”!), etc. Your problem may be the Helper of your life instead of it’s Hinderer!

5) vs 20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. If those who are supposed to serve God won’t do so then God will provide others. Your Problems will make you Bitter or Better. If you don’t learn the Lesson God is providing then God will have to teach it to someone else; and you’ll miss the Blessing.

6) vs 21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people. Continued Pleading and continued rejection. What a sad statement. Sometimes the problem is just a plain case of REBELLION against what you know is right. Wuest translates the word rebellion as “Cantankerous”. It may be that your Way is hard because your Heart is Hard.

God allows problems in our life to develop us and to discipline us. Are you a good student or have you become Cantankerous??

Rom 11:1-15 THE REASON BAD WINS

One of the most perplexing problems Christians face today is why the world is becoming increasingly wicked and the Church is becoming increasingly lukewarm. We’ve never had so many opportunities to do good and yet we’ve never had so many unconcerned Christians. Why is the Church dying instead of overflowing at the seams?

Then there is the problem of prosperity. Why do the wicked prosper and most of God’s children suffer financially or physically? Job makes a good preaching point but no one wants to follow his example!

Paul looks at Israel’s future in this chapter and in doing so he explains some startling things about the way God works. Brace yourself, this is not going to be pleasant.

Israel determined to go their way instead of God’s way and ended up with a slumbering spirit and sightless eyes (vs 8). After they were rejected the Lord selected the Church (Bringing in the Gentiles in order to provoke Israel to jealousy (vs 11)). Now the Church is becoming Apostate. Eventually God will rapture the faithful remnant of the Church and renew His dealings with the Nation of Israel.

Principles:

1. Bad overcomes Good- Adam in the garden fell. Throughout the Bible Godly men and nations have fallen. The Church is getting more and more lukewarm. Put one sick man in a room with 100 healthy people and they will get sick instead of him getting well (It’s not that Bad is stronger than Good. The 100 well men are much stronger than the 1 sick man. The problem is that Evil can be Caught while Good has to be chosen).

2. God takes bad situations and uses them for good- Through the fall of the Jews Salvation is come to the Gentiles (vs 11). The struggle against sin draws us closer to God. The struggles of life strengthen us and expand our horizons (Almost all inventions are the answer to a problem). Whether it is Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh that God used for His Glory or the man blinded for 40 years to allow Christ to show God’s Glory or the fact that we glory in the Cross; all these are “bad” situations that God uses for good.

3. If God can use Bad Situations for good just think what He can do with Good Situations (vs 12-15)! What is the 100 healthy men refused to stay closed in the room with the sick man?? What if they opened the windows and let in fresh air and sunshine? What if they ate healthy food themselves and gave it to the sick man? What if they obtained medicine and gave it to the sick man?

Several things we need to stress:

(1) God is still on the Throne. Because Good is defeated does not mean God is defeated!! God works within our will to conform our spirit to the image of His Son. The circumstances aren’t controlling God, God is controlling circumstances.

(2) Despite the fact that bad is winning we must keep up the fight. God gives rewards for faithfulness; not territory conquered. Look with eyes of Faith instead of eyes of Flesh or you will become discouraged. (3) Keep in mind that when the final chapter is written in the Book “Good” will be in mansions in Heaven while “Evil” will be cast into the Lake of fire forever.

Rom 11:16-26 WILL YOU BE CUT OFF?

Paul has dealt with Israel’s past and present and now he wants to show them, and us, that God is not through with the Nation of Israel. As he does so, he sounds a warning to the Church about it’s Pride. A warning that I believe a lot of Christians need to hear today. A lot of Christians are lukewarm, lazy, and unconcerned about their relationship with God. They have a form of Godliness but deny the power thereof. I pray God will use this message to convict their hearts and renew their dedication.

Paul list 5 witnesses in this chapter that show God is not through with the nation of Israel:

1. Paul’s Conversion- Paul says in I Tim 1:16 that his Damascus Road Conversion was a “Pattern”. Yet noone else is saved today by a blinding light and an audible voice. This is evidently the way God will use to bring about the sudden miraculous conversion of the Jewish nation. Paul says he was one “born out of due time” and he looks forward to the day the Jewish nation will come to know Christ.

2. Elijah’s Remnant- A Remnant according to the election of Grace- vs 5. Today the Church is open to Jew as well as Gentiles and some Jews are being saved.

3. The Gentiles- Used by God to “Provoke Israel to Jealousy” vs 11

4. The “Olive Tree”- Even though the Gentiles have been grafted in, the Root is still God’s promises to the Jews.

5. God Himself- vs 26 shows that God gave His word to Israel and God will keep His Word.

In the middle of this wonderful news for Israel Paul sounds a warning to the Gentile Church. This warning is about PRIDE in the fact that the Church has been grafted into God’s Olive Tree. Paul lists several warnings about this Pride:

1. The Root of the Tree is still the nation of Israel (vs 18)- Jesus is our Savior but He came as the Jewish Messiah.

2. Unbelief broke off the original branches and it can break off you (vs 19-21)

3. It is the goodness of God (not YOUR goodness) that brought you into the tree (vs 22)

4. God is able to graft the original branches back into the tree to replace you (vs 23-24)

5. Don’t let your own thinking mislead you about God’s Plan (vs 25).

Remember that John 15 says that fruitless limbs are cut off and cast into the fire- Faith without works is dead being alone (The devils believe in God and tremble but they don’t live different).

Faith is not a one time decision; it’s a life time dedication- vs 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

God’s plans are long range plans (for Israel and for you). You can ignore them, or wander from them, and be cut off; or you can follow God’s leadership and obey God’s will and be a fruitful part of His work.

Rom 11:33 WHY MUST WE ALWAYS DO IT GOD’S WAY?

Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite (Psa 147:5). O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33)

What a miserable Christmas! The husband was unemployed, the wife was expecting their first child at any moment, the family had to relocate many miles away from family and friends right at Christmas time, and the housing market was so tight until the only place available to stay was a sheep stall! (For info- the word “cow” or “stable” is not found in the New Testament). If these are the circumstances that God allowed for the birth of His only Son then it is easy to see how we sometimes wonder if God’s way is always the best way.

One of the most important aspects in walking with God is acknowledging His Sovereignty (Supremacy of authority or rule, complete independence and self-government). God could not be God unless He was completely Sovereign. Yet, He must use His Sovereignty in such a way until Mankind is allowed to have a Free Will.

Therein lies the difficulty. My “free will” looks at life and cannot imagine that it should turn out different from what I want but God comes along with a different plan and program and HE WILL NOT EVEN NEGOTIATE WITH ME! God simply declares, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

From the beginning God declared “it is my way or the highway” (Adam, if you eat that fruit I will put you out of the garden and make your life miserable). How can we accept such absolute authority without question or concern?

1) The Sovereignty of God must never be thought of apart from all else that God is- Holy, Wisdom, goodness, kindness, Love. God is not just an absolute POWER; He is a PERSON. The Sovereignty of God must be seen as the all controlling expression of His moral and ethical perfection.

2) Man has a Free Will but it must operate within the Sovereignty of God- Satan was free to rebel against God but he was not free to escape the consequences. And, since God is infinite, He plans for and controls the results of sin in His Sovereignty- the Example of Joseph: God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God:… (Gen 45:7-8)

3) God’s Sovereignty is the overriding principle expressed in the Bible. That’s because nations and people must learn to look for, and accept, God’s sovereign will if they are to prosper- Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain (Psa 127:1).

See God’s Sovereignty in the lives of People: (1) Sovereign CALL of Abraham. (2) Sovereign CONCEPTION in the birth of Isaac. (3) Sovereign CONTROL in the life of Jacob. (4) Sovereign CARE in God’s protection of Joseph.

You may not understand everything about God’s Sovereignty but you can:

1) REST IN IT– Cling to a God who is in complete control and who is working ALL things together for the good for those who love Him and who are the called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28). For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11).

2) WORK WITH IT– Submit to God’s Ownership. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

– and Leadership Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. (Isaiah 48:17)

Rom 11:33-36 4 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GOD

Having explained the wondrous Doctrine of Salvation; and then shown God’s extraordinary dealings with Israel, Paul now concludes this section of the Epistle to Rome with a Prayer to God and a challenge to the readers. In these last 4 verses Paul shows 4 things everyone has to consider about the Lord. He knows they are beyond the scope of normal human understanding but he wants us to be aware of them. For each of them is an important gateway to understanding and loving God.

One of the most perplexing things about God are the perplexing things about God! He just won’t fit into the box we want to make for Him. We want Him to be a nice elderly Father Figure that supplies our every need, comforts us when we’re sad, and takes care of the bad guys. Over and Over in the Bible, and in life, He doesn’t do things this way, however. And since He doesn’t fit our preconceived notions we decide to doubt His love and ability.

In a real world of sin, sickness, disaster, and disorder there are 4 things you should know about the Lord:

(1) The “Depth” of the Lord- Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

a. Wisdom- He is ALL Wise

b. Knowledge- He has ALL Knowledge

c. Judgments- unsearchable because He is a Just Judger

d. Ways- Past finding out. We can’t find them out but we can Walk in them- Hosea 14:9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

The Ways of the Lord don’t fit in a box because there is no box big enough to hold Him!! We just have to keep in mind that God doesn’t play by the same rules we do.

(2) The Mind of the Lord- Rom 11:34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Goes doesn’t think the way we think- Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. {9} For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

We can’t out think God but we can learn to think Like God- 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

(3) The Rewards of the Lord- Rom 11:35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? You can’t out give the Lord. We give God our Faith, He gives us Salvation. We give Him our “filthy rag” righteousness and He gives us mansions in Heaven.

(4) The Glory of the Lord– Rom 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

All things come From Him, all things must go Through Him, and all things will return To Him; for He alone must receive all glory. It is when man attempts to get God’s glory that trouble comes.

Are you trying to worship a fictional “Santa Claus” in the sky? or do you know GOD, the LORD?

Rom 12:1-2 DECISIVE DEDICATION

A young man, talking to his girlfriend, I love you so much I would climb the highest mountain to be near you and I would swim alligator invested rivers just to be at your side, and, if it is not raining, I will come to see you again tomorrow! Sadly, that is the kind of dedication that many Christians seem to have for God. They give stirring testimonies on Sunday Morning but fail to make it back for Sunday Night. They talk about longing for the time they can spend time every day talking with God but continually miss Prayer Meeting because they are too tired or too busy to spend time in prayer to God!

Sadly, many are like the Pharisees of Jesus day-Mat 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Let me Amplify the Greek meanings of the words in this verse- I appeal to you therefore brethern and beg of you in the view of all the mercies of God, to a make a decisive dedication of your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service and an act of spiritual worship.

A DECISIVE DEDICATION. That is what is needed today. We need to stop admiring Christ and start following Him.

This begins with a DECISIVE SALVATION- Becoming a Christian means much more than going through some “magic” ritual of praying to receive Christ. It is more than joining a church and attending regularly. It is more than paying tithes and trying to do better. Becoming a Christian is not just making a decision to believe Christ; it is a life-long commitment to follow Christ.

A Christian becomes the Bride of Christ to build a relationship.

A Christian becomes the Body of Christ in order to accomplish God’s work in this world.

A Christian becomes a Believer in Christ with a new purpose in life; doing God’s will. (If you attempt this type commitment BEFORE Conversion you will become a Pharisee or Hypocrite. It can only be real and lasting if it is done after conversion, in the power of the Holy Ghost).

Christianity means WHOLEHEARTED COMMITMENT/ DECISIVE DEDICATION–

1) Over 3 million people left Egypt for the promised land. Only 2 adults arrived, why?–Num 32:11‑12 Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me: Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.

It doesn’t have to be this way-Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

I am responsible for the DEPTH of my Commitment. God then becomes responsible for the WIDTH of my service. Most people spend their time and energy worrying about WHAT they are accomplishing instead of WHO they are serving.

It is a recognition of God’s OWNERSHIP AND SOVEREIGN RIGHT IN OUR LIFE-1 Cor 6:19‑20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. God has the right to put us Where He wants, When He wants, and in What ever condition he wants. Faith for a Decisive Dedication comes when we believe God will do right with the rights He has as God!

When Paul was stopped by the Lord on the road to Damascus he finally asked the all important question, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Paul’s life was transformed because He made the decision to obey the voice of the Lord.

Rom 12:1-2 DEDICATED DADS

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. {2} And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God Romans 12:1-2

We have tried this week during Bible School to show everyone HOW to be saved. We began by getting them lost- Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Then we showed the awful results of being lost- Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Then we tried to explain that a person should come to Christ NOW without trying to get “good enough”- Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Finally we shared the best News of all, how a person can become a Christian- Romans 10:9-10 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. {10} For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

But we didn’t stop there. We wanted them to know that the Decision for Christ must be followed by a Dedication of self to live under God’s direction. Our text today are the verses we used to show this.

I want to take these very familiar verses on this Father’s day and show everyone here, but especially all our dads, what God expects of you when you become a Christian. It’s tremendously important that we realize that becoming a Christian is more than being Born again; it’s also living a new life as a child of God. It’s not enough to abandon the army of Satan, you must learn to fight the good fight of Faith.

Paul asks for 2 main things in these verses:

(1) Present your Bodies to God as a living Sacrifice

(2) Have a Transformed mind.

This sacrifice is to be:

1. Our Bodies- The temple of the Holy Spirit. Before we trusted Christ, we used our body for sinful pleasures and purposes, but now that we belong to Him, we want to use out body for His glory. The Christian’s body is God’s Temple (I Cor 6:19-20) because the Spirit of God dwells within him (Rom 8:9). It is our privilege to glorify God in our body and magnify Christ in our body (Phil 1:20-21).

We are saved by the mercies of God and only His mercies will accept the feebleness of our bodies as a sacrifice.

2. A living Sacrifice- Remember Isaac; willing to die. He lived that day but died to self.

3. Holy- set apart for God’s use and free from sinful practices

4. Acceptable unto God- Well pleasing to God

5. A reasonable service- This is not the example of a Martyr but the reasonable expectation for every Child of God.

Wuest translation of this verse- I therefore beg of you, please, brethren, through the mercies of God, by a once for all presentation, to place your bodies at the disposal of God, a sacrifice, a living one, a holy one, well-pleasing, your rational, sacred service.

The Make-up of your Mind:

Our mind will be controlled by one of two agents- The World or the Will of God. We must decided if we will be squeezed into the world’s mold or liberated by the Will of God. Once we put the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God to the test we will readily see that that’s the course we need to take.

Dad’s are you dedicated to God? If your family thinks you’re the best dad in the world, and you are leading them to Hell; then you’re their worst enemy instead of best friend. Your family knows what kind of life you life on a daily basis. Is it the life of a living sacrifice dedicated to the Will of God?

Rom 12:1-2 THE WILL OF GOD

Several years ago the number one question Christians asked me was how to know God’s will for their life- now the most often voiced concern is how to grow as Christians. I believe the basic question is the same, but people’s perception has changed. When your basic goal is to learn, and obey, the will of God then you are admitting that you are the Servant and God is the Master; When you want to grow as a Christian, many times, the desire has changed to make yourself more “Godlike” and less of a servant [I believe this is a subconscious desire — I also believe that many Christians desire to grow as Christians in order to better do God’s will].

I want us today to look at how to Gain the Knowledge of the Will of God and then see the Glory of doing God’s Will; and then I want us to dedicate ourselves to DOING the Will of God.

I. HOW TO LEARN GOD’S WILL– Martin De Haan II in his book entitled “How can I know what God wants me to Do?” lists a number of methods people use to determine God’s Will:

1. Fleece (Asking God for a supernatural sign)

2. Flipping Coins (Leaving it to “Chance”)

3. Feelings (Obeying your feelings in spite of logic)

4. Floundering (Fishing everywhere for answers)

5. Defaulting (Letting events decide)

6. Dipping (Random Bible Readings)

7. Delegating (Letting others decide for you)

8. Dreaming (Asking for a vision or a voice)

9. Sliding (taking the course of least resistance)

10. Thinking (Using Logic in spite of feelings)

We must realize that we have waring factors within us attempting to influence every decision we make- Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. That means we need to look at some basic rules for determining what God Wants us to do.

1. ACKNOWLEDGE THAT GOD IS GOD– Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

We acknowledge God when we:

(1) Demonstrate Trust [Want to Know His Will because it’s best],

(2) Practice Submission [Willing to accept whatever His will is],

(3) Give ourselves to Prayer [Ask for His will to be shown us], and

(4) Live in obedience to Him [Do what He tells us to do]. Alan Redpath said “Don’t expect God to reveal His will for you next week until you practice it for today.”

2. ACCEPT THE BIBLE– Deut 4:1-2 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

A) There are some things that the Bible specifically says

1. TO DO- 10 Commandments, Teachings of Jesus, Epistles

2. NOT TO DO- Kill, Steal, Commit Adultery, etc.

B) There are a number of PRINCIPLES listed in the Bible:

Regarding your Riches, Reputation, etc.

REMEMBER-

(1) God will NEVER ask you to do anything that violates His Word.

(2) Know the CONTEXT of the Scripture (If it’s quoting the Devil or a man then realize that- Satan tried to get Jesus to do wrong by misapplying Scripture).

3. ACQUIRE WISDOM– Prov 4:11-13 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go; keep her; for she is thy life.

1- What are the ALTERNATIVES in your Situation?

2- What are the ASPECTS of your Situation?

3- What are your ABILITIES to do the Situation?

4. ASK COUNSEL– Prov 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

1- Others may have EXPERIENCE in your Situation

2- Others can be more OBJECTIVE of your Situation

3- Others may have more WISDOM in dealing with your Situation

Some parting advice -Don’t expect God to “Tie your Shoes for you”–God is not going to move Heaven and earth to help you decide between a pink and blue sweater!!

-Don’t expect “Instantaneous Answers”: Abraham knew God’s will for 25 years before it came to pass

-Realize that God gives Humans a vast amount of “Freedom”: God may direct you to buy a car but allow you to chose between a Ford and Chevy

II. GLORY OF GOD’S WILL PRODUCE:

1. Confidence in God’s Care II Tim 1:12

A) You can Trust Him as Master- goes before Sheep

B) You can Trust as Friend- calls by name, numbers hairs on head

2 Joy in your life- Ps 40;8 I Delight to do thy will O Lord Not an addition to Life, but a course of Life.

Do you desire to do God’s will for you today?? Are you willing to be a fool for Christ (I Cor 4:10)?? Salvation involves submitting. Have you??

Rom 12:1-2 WHAT CAN I GIVE GOD?

I’m thankful I’m a Child of God. It is the very best thing that could ever happen to me and when I consider what God has given me I’m overwhelmed with the desire to give Him something to show my love.

I. WHAT GOD GAVE ME

A) His only Begotten Son Jn 3:16

B) Salvation- John 1:12 To as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God.

C) A Wonderful Wife- Eve was God’s Gift to Adam- Gen 2:22 Prov 18:22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.

D) A Good Church- A place of Service for the Lord.

II. WHAT CAN I GIVE GOD? (What you are is God’s Gift to you, what you do with yourself is your gift to God.)

A) Give God your Body:

1. Present it to God- You are not your own, you were bought with a price.

2. Present it as a Living Sacrifice- Allow the Flesh to die as you are led by the Spirit

3. Present it Holy- It is being presented to a HOLY GOD and you are the temple of the HOLY Spirit.

4. This is a reasonable request of your service. This is not some extraordinary thing you are doing; this is what EVERY CHRISTIAN should do.

B) Give God your Mind:

1. Don’t let the World conform it- Pressure from without

2. It is Transformed by Renewal- Knowledge of Christ from within. Have the Mind of Christ, learn to cast down imagination that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ.

C) Give God you Will:

1. Obey Him, Keep His commandments. To Obey is better than sacrifice.

2. Submit to the good and acceptable will of God.

D) Give God your Heart- What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me, I will take the cup of Salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.

Close with Hymn “I Surrender All”

Rom 12:1-8 ADMIRE OR FOLLOW

On this day when we honor our Graduates. I want to look at the most important decision in a person’s life; their decision about Christ. These young people will be making several life changing decisions in the next few years (Marriage, Jobs, Place to live). I want to make sure they make the correct decision about Where they will spend eternity; and about how they will live until that time. A decision that should not only be made by our young people but also by every person hearing this message today.

That brings us to our main PRINCIPLE for today: JESUS DID NOT CALL MEN TO ADMIRE HIM; HE CALLED THEM TO FOLLOW HIM (Pause and think of that).

Becoming a Christian means much more than going through some “magic” ritual of praying to receive Christ. It is more than joining a church and attending regularly. It is more than paying tithes and trying to do better.

Becoming a Christian is not just making a decision to believe Christ; it is a life-long commitment to follow Christ. A Christian becomes the Bride of Christ to build a relationship. A Christian becomes the Body of Christ in order to accomplish God’s work in this world. A Christian becomes a new creature with a new purpose in life; doing God’s will. (If you attempt this type commitment BEFORE Conversion you will become a Pharisee or Hypocrite. It can only be real and lasting if it is done after conversion, in the power of the Holy Ghost).

Is this your type of Christianity?? Or do you simply admire the teachings of Christ?? Do you long to serve God, or is Christianity simply a “hell insurance” policy that you hate making the payments on? (Before you answer too quickly, Where were you Wednesday Night?? Do you spend time talking with God or is your prayer life simply telling God what to do? Do you share your faith with others on a regular basis?)

PERSONALLY, This type of Christianity means WHOLEHEARTED COMMITMENT- Over 3 million people left Egypt for the promised land. Only 2 adults arrived, why?–Num 32:11-12 Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me: Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.

Sadly, many are like the Pharisees of Jesus day-Mat 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

It doesn’t have to be this way-Jer 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Have you ever knelt before the Lord and committed yourself completely to Him, asking Him to have His perfect will in your life-Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

You either Obey or Disobey. Jesus said that if you SAID you would obey and then failed to follow through then you were disobedient (Matt 21:28-31).

I am responsible for the DEPTH of my Commitment. God then becomes responsible for the WIDTH of my service. Most people spend their time and energy worrying about WHAT they are accomplishing instead of WHO they are serving.

PRACTICALLY, It is a recognition of God’s OWNERSHIP AND SOVEREIGN RIGHT IN OUR LIFE-1 Cor 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. God has the right to put us Where He wants, When He wants, and in What ever condition he wants!!

We are SERVANTS, He is the MASTER. Remember what that meant to Abraham. He was called on to sacrifice his only son for the Lord. We know that God stayed his hand at the last minute but Abraham didn’t know that until it happened!! Are you willing to obey God’s orders, no matter what???

Have you submitted to God’s Plan for your Life. It may mean service as a “little person” instead of the local hero but the Bible is full of illustrations about “Little People” who did a great work for God by simply doing their job:

The Nurse who rescues the baby who became King- Fight Abortion Today

The Prophets who tore done temples of Baal (Centers of Prostitution)- Those who fight Pornography today.

Dorcas who spent her life making clothes for others- Actually SERVE

The Boy who gave his lunch to feed 5000- Give what you have.

When Paul was stopped by the Lord on the road to Damascus he finally asked the all important question, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do (Acts 9:6). Later, when Ananias was complaining to the Lord about going to him the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake (Acts 9:15-16).

God wanted Paul to make the decision right up front about whether he would Admire Christ or Follow Him. So He showed Paul what real commitment meant; and the rest is history.

Are you an Admirer or a Follower?? The greatest moment in your life is when you yield it all to Christ; holding nothing back. That’s when Christianity becomes an Abundant Life.

Are you ready to stop Admiring and start Following??

Rom 12:3 THE MEASURE OF FAITH

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Rom 12:3).

What is Faith? Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. — Heb 11:1

Where does Faith come from? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. — Rom 10:17

The measure of Faith deals with a man’s PRIDE- Not to think too high of self but to think soberly,

After all, where did our abilities come from? For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1 Cor 4:7)

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 1 Cor 12:8-9. The Amount of Faith- Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Rom 12:6

WEAK FAITH: Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations (Romans 14:1).

STRONG FAITH: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (Romans 4:20).

THE CONSEQUENCES OF FAITHLESSNESS: And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23).

HOW CAN YOU INCREASE YOUR FAITH? Pray for More Faith, Exercise the Faith you have, and get more of the source of Faith (The Word of God) into your life. And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do (Luke 17:5-10).

Rom 12:4-8 PARTS OF THE BODY

One of the reasons the Church is failing to win the Lost and influence the world is the fact that it is paralyzed! By that I mean that many of it’s body parts fail to function and as a result the rest of the body cannot go forward. I want us today to begin looking at our obligations and opportunities as part of the Body of Christ.

There is ONE Body but many Members. The Head of the Body is Christ. The Body exist to exalt the head and obey it’s will. The Head, in turn, will protect and nourish the body. Let’s see some basic things about these BODY PARTS:

The Body is made up of MANY PARTS- All members have not the same office. We are one and yet individuals.

The Body needs ALL THE MEMBERS- Different Functions are not reason for pride or superiority (See 1 Cor 12:14-26). Therefore when we talk about Gifts it is for Edification, not Exaltation. Warren Wiersbe said about Gifts, “Spiritual gifts are tools to build with, not toys to play with or weapons to fight with.”

1. WHAT IS A GIFT? The Word “Gift” is the Greek work “Charisma”.

A. “Gift: of the Spirit is an extraordinary endowment bestowed by the Holy Spirit sovereignly and undeservedly on believers as instruments for Christian service and church edification”. Thayer- “Gifts are extraordinary powers, distinguishing certain Christians and enablilng them to serve the Church of Christ, the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit”.

Talents are natural techniques and methols; Gifts are supernatural abilities or supernatural powers given to Christians only. God may use a natural ability or inclination in the endowment or use of a Gift but talent is not necessary for (sometimes it even hinders) the Gift God gives.

Gifts are not Offices in the Church; although every Church officers needs certain gifts to effectively do their duty.

The Gifts of the Spirit are not the Fruits of the Spirit. Gifts have to do with service, Fruits with Character.

2. HOW DO WE GET A GIFT?

From the Spirit as He Wills- vs 6 (1Cor 12:11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (Therefore they are not to be turned down-For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (Rom 11:29). EVERY member of the Body has a function to perform, given to them by the Spirit, when they become a Child of God.

From the 4 lists that Paul makes (The other 3 lists of gifts are found in 1 Cor 12:8-10; 1 KCor 12:28; and Ephesians 4:11) there are 18 Gifts identified. These are not the only gifts and most of them have “branches: (For example-Giving could be gifts of money or gifts of hospitality).

SPEAKING GIFTS	SERVING GIFTS	SPECIAL GIFTS
Apostleship	Helps	Miracles
Prophecy	Giving	Healings
Evangelism	Ruling	Tongues
Pastor/Teacher	Showing Mercy	Interpretation of Tongues
Teaching		Faith
Word of Wisdom		Discernment of spirits
Word of Knowledge
Exhorting

Now let’s look at the List Paul uses in today’s text:

1. Prophecy-

A) The Office- “The inspired delivery of warning, exhortation, instruction, judging, and making manifest the secrets of the heart: (Vincent).

B) The Action- according to the proportion of faith. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him jdo it as of the ability which God giveth: (1Pet 4:11)

2. Ministry-

A) The Office- Same word used to describe Deacons but it refers to anyone who renders service.

B) The Action- let us wait on jour ministry (Active serving).

3. Teaching-

A) The Office-To cause to understand

B) The action- Actively engage in Teaching. In classes, by example

4. Exhorter-

A) The Office- To motivate the heart and will

B) The Action- Actively seek to motivate others. How many times does a project begin to grind to a halt until someone says, “Come on now, let’s get back to work.”

5. Giver-

A) The Office- The ability to share your resources with others.

B) The Action- Let him do it with simplicity. You’re not interested in who gets the credit but in who receives the gift.

6. Ruler-

A) The Office- Rule means to “place in front of: and refers to a position of authority

B) The Action- With diligence (Determination).

7. Shows Mercy-

A) The Office- To Show Compassion, to be moved by others needs.

B) The Action- with cheerfulness. Cheerfulness comes from the Greek word “Hilarity”. It means that those who minister to the sick should do so with so much cheerfulness until they are like a sunbeam in the sick-chamber.

vs. 6-8 in the Phillips Translation- “If our gift is preaching, let us preach to the limit of our vision. It it is serving others let us concentrate on jour service: if it is teaching jlet us give all we have to our teaching; and if our gift be the stimulating jof the faith of others let us set ourselves to it. Let the man who is called to give, give freely; let the man who wields authority think of his responsibility; and let the sick visitor do his job cheerfully.”

Rom 12:9 LOVE WITHOUT DISSIMULATION

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good (Romans 12:9).

Dissimulation is a Greek word meaning without hypocrisy so Paul is telling us to have non-hypocritical love. I want to look at the various stages of love and see how we can really love without dissimulation.

1) Coupling Love- Lust, desire for companionship (First came to God because I wanted something done about my sins).

2) Compulsive / Corrupted Love- Pornography that expects your partner to be perfect. Jealous love that wants to control (Had to learn that Gods people have pimples and it is Gods House to control, not mine).

3) Compelled / Circumstances Love- Staying together for the sake of the kids or for economic reasons (Some attend church because of the social stigma that would result if they quit. Others because of business connections).

4) Comfortable Love- Satisfied with each other- finish each others sentences (Many Christians are lukewarm. They just show up at church and go through the motions).

5) Committed Love- Take vows serious- Til death do us part. (Committed to serve God until Heaven).

Rom 12:9-21 PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN DUTIES

It’s sometimes difficult to know what to expect from Christians. We thought at one time they would suddenly become “Perfect”; but no one but the most naive sinner believes that now. Preachers succumb to lust even what version of the Bible you’re going to believe in any more.

Paul deals with some of this in today’s verses. He began this section on DUTY by showing the need of Dedication. Then he reminded us that we’re parts of the whole body; each needing the other. Now he wants to show us how we should live as Christians. These practical Christian duties will go a long way toward giving your peace of heart and showing the Gospel light to your lost friends and neighbors.

I. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD CHRISTIAN BROTHERS: 9-13

vs 9- Love without Hypocrisy (Dissimulation).

A) Abhor (shrink from) that which is evil in a person

B) Cleave (Embrace) that which is good in a person

vs 10- Love as a K-Family. “Kindly affectioned” is the tender love of a close-knit family.

A) Brotherly Love- We love all men but there is a special relationship with our “Brothers” in Christ.

B) Selfless Honor- We count it an honor to serve one another because we joy in the good of other brethern (Jealousy and Covetousness are gone).

vs 11- Spiritual Fervor- Not holding back from spiritual work

A) Fervent (Burning)) in spirit; not wildfire, but some fire!

B) Serving the Lord- Our energy must be correctly directed and it is so when we use it is serving the Lord.

vs 12- Steadfast Outlook-

A) Continuous Rejoicing in our Hope (confident expectation)

B) Patient (bearing up under) in tribulation (trouble)

C) Continuing instant in Prayer- Pray without ceasing (A Habitual Prayer life).

vs 13- Sharing Attitude

A) Distributing to the necessities (needs) of saints (fellow believers). (The idea is that we become “partners” with a fellow believer to the place we know, jand as far as possible meet, their needs).

B) Given to Hospitality- Making yourself and your home available to God’s people in need.

II. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD SINNERS: 14-21

vs 14- Bless the Persecutors

vs 15- Empathize with those that rejoice or weep

vs 16- Harmonize with each other-same mind (Don’t let pride in your position or your wisdom cause friction).

vs-17 Don’t pay back” evil. Build your Reputation instead of your rights.

vs-18 Make every attempt to live peaceably with all men

vs-19 -20 Let God be the method of your vengeance-God has promised it. OUR job is to make God’s wrath more just by showing good.

vs-21 Don’t allow the evil to control you; control it by doing good.

A Christian’s Faith manifests itself in changed Actions and a changed Attitude. Are you a Doers as well as Believer???

Rom 12:10 ONE ANOTHER

T HE CHURCH AS A WITNESS – One of the Purposes of the Church is to witness to the world about Jesus Christ. There are 2 basic ways we can do that:

1) BEARING WITNESS-(Acts 1:8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.- This is done by what we SAY. We actually deliver the message of the Gospel to the world thru sermons, conversations, outreach, and personal contact.

2) BEING WITNESSES– (John 17:20-21) Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. This is our witness through what the world SEES in our Church and in our life.

If the world sees bitterness, back biting, and battling in the Church then it will not want to look at the Savior we proclaim. But if they see the Church working together then they will want to listen to what we have to say. There are 10 ways listed in Scripture that show us how we can bear witness in our dealings with “one another”

1. LOVE ONE ANOTHER-(Rom 12:10) Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

2. HONOR ONE ANOTHER-(Rom 12:10) Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; If the finger hurts then the whole body hurts.

3. BE LIKE-MINDED ONE TOWARD ANOTHER (Unite around the common Goal of God)-(Rom 15:5) Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Radiate a Hymn of Harmony

4. ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER-(Rom 15:7) Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Some are Hands and some are elbows

5. SERVE ONE ANOTHER-(Gal 5:13) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. Greatest of all is servant of all

6. HELP ONE ANOTHER-(Gal 6:2) Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Burdens change shoulders at Calvary

7. SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER-(Eph 5:21) Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Our Place in God’s Plan

8. FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER-(Col 3:13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

9. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER-(1 Th 5:11) Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. We grow as we help others grow.

10. FELLOWSHIP ONE WITH ANOTHER-(1 Pet 4:9) Use hospitality one to another without grudging. Don’t just invite those who invite you (Luke 6:32-35). Show Christian Concern to all.

Rom 12:17-21 WHEN SOMEONE DOES YOU WRONG

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it isf written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good (Rom 12:17-21)

This will Impact your:

A) Attitude

B) Anticipation (Expectations)

C) Actions

1. The Way we LIVE with Trials vs 17

If you return evil for good that is devil like

If you return evil for evil and good for good that is man like

If you return good for evil that is God like.

We are not to “Pay Back” (Recompense) evil for evil but to provide a life style that will allow us to face persecution as a trial and not as the truth (We were wrong)!! – If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; abut let him glorify God on this behalf (1 Pet 4:14-16).

2. The Way we ACT in Trials vs 18-21

A) Negative-No vengeance. If I am forced to act by the world’s actions then the world becomes my boss!

B) Positive- Help your enemy–Not the way to win a conflict but maybe the way to win a soul!

THE WORLD SAYS	THE WORD SAYS
Hate them that persecute	Bless them that persecute
Strike Back at enemies	Live at Peace if possible
-Seek Revenge	Give Food and Drink
Never Forgive	Overcome Evil with Good

One of the results of taking vengeance- Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you and thereby many be defiled (Heb 12:15).

Rom 12-21 OVERCOMING

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom 12-21)

The thing that overcomes you becomes your master-anger, depression, habit (drugs, drink, lying, etc): While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. (2 Pet 2:19)

That’s because they have such Strength-When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh fromhim all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. (Luke 11:21-22)

Sometimes these “Giants” seem much bigger than they really are-And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. (Num 13:30)

That’s when we need to know the Way to Overcome–

Realize Jesus has Overcome the World. Rest in Him- These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

The Word of God allows us to Overcome- I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye havae overcome the wicked one (1 John 4:4)

Faith enables us to Overcome- For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4)

Salvation allows us to overcome- Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:5)

Don’t be afraid when sometimes Good people are overcome by Satan. These things are to try our Faith and deepen our trust in God- And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.(Dan 11:35)

Satan will have a time of overcoming God’s People during the Tribulation-And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them (Rev 11:7)

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (Rev 13:7)

Christ will eventually completely overcome Satan however-These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful (Rev 17:14.

PROMISES TO OVERCOMERS:

1- Access to the Tree of Life: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God (Rev 2:7)

2- Freedom from Fear of Second Death: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death (Rev 2:11)

3- Provision and Renewal: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it (Rev 2:17)

4- Authority to rule: And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations (Rev 2:26)

5- Eternal Assurance: He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels (Rev 3:5)

6- A Permanent Memorial for God: Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my kGod, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name (Rev 3:12)

7- A Place with the King: To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne (Rev 3:21) Parts of the Body 12:4-8

8- EVERYTHING: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Rev 21:7)

Rom 13:1-7 CHRISTIAN CITIZENS

God established 3 major institutions for the benefit of mankind- (1) The Home (Gen 2:18-25), The Government (Gen 9:1-17), and the Church (Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood – Acts 20:28). Probably the least liked of these is the Government. I want us today to find out what our obligations to the Government really are, How we can fulfil them, and what results if we don’t.

Christians thru the years have regarded their obligation to the Government within the context of 3 different interpretations:

(1) The Government is so corrupt until a Christian should have as little to do with it as possible. They don’t rebel against the Government but they would not work for the government, vote, or serve in the military. Amish, etc

(2) The Government and the Church each have authority in different areas- Physical and Spiritual. They are separate powers to be obeyed and separate areas to work in. Separation of Church and State.

(3) Others believe the Government is part of God’s overall plan. As such the Christian has a responsibility to seek to make Government better by serving in it and actively trying to change its faults. People in this category range from Preachers who promote certain parties and policies to Christian Politicians to Operation Rescue Demonstrators.

I. The Command– Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. “Be subject to” here means to place yourself under the authority of.

A) The Christian is obligated to obey the laws of the land unless these laws directly conflict with the Laws of God- The Disciples would not stop preaching at the command of the temple government because We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). (This must never be for strictly personal reasons; and you, as the disciples, must be willing to accept the beatings, jail time, torture, and even execution that comes as a consequence).

B) Paul wrote this knowing that the Roman Government was corrupt and rife with unreasonable laws- They conquered nations and imposed their own standards and customs on the people. The leaders of the nation were crooks, immoral, and more interested in lining their pockets than in easing the burdens of the people. (Even Peter said to “Honor the King” 1 Pet 2:17)

II. The Reasons: Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. Wrath and Conscience

1) Governmental powers are given by God- For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Jesus told Pilate that he could have no power except it were given him from above. This does not mean that God is responsible for each Person in Authority but He did establish the Governmental Authority. (Nebuchadnezzar had to learn that- they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will (Dan 4:25). And Cyrus knew it- Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. (Ezra 1:2)

We can lawfully Resist Government POLICIES that are wrong, replace Government PEOPLE that are Corrupt, Refuse Government PRACTICES that would violate the law of God, but we must submit to Government POWER.

2) Governmental powers discipline the lawless- For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Government has a responsibility to administer JUSTICE to the law breakers (There are times when good laws are used by Bad people to hurt Good people but God will eventually bring justice to bear. Sometimes by sending in another Governmental power to conquer the Evil Government– Numerous Old Testament examples and the Nazis in WWII).

Our Obligation is to make sure we are suffering for our Religion and not our Rebellion- But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf (1 Pet 4:15-16)

3) Governmental Powers must be supported- For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Taxes, Customary consideration, Respect, and esteem are due to the Government. This means we must pay for services, salute the flag instead of burn it, always have a little faster heartbeat when we see a policeman, and honor the office even if we can’t honor the man.

We see God’s direction in the Government of the world. God is in charge of not only the physical world, however, but also the Spiritual world. One day He will bring you before His court. Will you be declared “not guilty” by the blood of Christ or will you be sentenced to the wrath of God.

Rom 13:8 FIVE DEBTS WE OWE

Paul told the Romans about 5 debts they owed. None of us like to have a debt hanging over our head; especially since Paul also told us (Rom 13:8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Let us see the debts we owe and determine to get them paid.

1. THE SOUL WINNER’S DEBT– ROM 1:14-16 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

People did not seek to win me to Christ because I was “worthy” or showed great potential; they sought me out of Love for a lost soul bound for a Devil’s Hell. The Gospel is not something to keep to yourself; it should be shared as often as possible with as many as possible.

Who do YOU know who needs to hear the Gospel?

Name __________________________ What I plan to do _______________________________

2. THE SERVICE DEBT– ROM 4:3-5 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Grace is “Unmerited Favor” so the works we do are not to “pay” for our salvation but to please our God: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). Our debt is to show concern and compassion like our Master: Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8).

What act of Service has God put in your heart to accomplish? Remember, it is not your ability but your Faith that will enable you- _______________________________________________________

3. THE SPIRITUAL DEBT– ROM 8:11-14 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

We have a Debt to be led by the Spirit now instead of being controlled by the desires of the Flesh. We are no longer under bondage to the Laws of Moses but instead enjoy the marvelous Liberty of the Messiah. This Liberty involves God’s command to Walk in the Spirit and be Filled with the Spirit.

What area of your life do you feel is not presently under the control of the Spirit? How can you “mortify the deeds of the Body” that hinder this control? _____________________________________

4. THE SHARING DEBT– ROM 15:25-27 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

A Debt owed to the Poor Saints- Part of the same family. We have some obligations to the “poor” in general but our primary obligation is to help our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Some guidelines to consider:

Jesus seldom made “long term obligations” to people. He healed the blind and the lame but He did not offer to find them jobs or provide a home in which to live.
Jesus fed people who had been 3 days in the desert with Him (Mark 8:2). He did not feed people who had normal access to food.
Jesus did not look for an excuse to “pass by on the other side” but He did not try to be everything to every person (Healed one of the crowd at pool of Bethesda, etc.)

What guidelines do you follow in giving aid and assistance to others?
1) Example, I almost never give to someone who approaches me in a parking lot unless I can see the need.

2) ____________________________________

3) ____________________________________

5. THE SIN DEBT– ROM 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. This is a debt we can NEVER PAY; but, Thank God, it has been paid for us by Christ! We have only to claim His gift and the debt is paid. How sad that multitudes of people will spend eternity paying a debt that has already been paid (!) simply because they refuse to believe Christ paid it.

In order to pay your sin debt:

Jesus (God) took on a human body that had the ability to sin but remained sinless in order to save humans– For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus became a “curse” in order to provide us a cure- Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Galatians 3:13)

Jesus paid it all in order that all could come and drink of the waters of life FREELY- All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)

Your Sin Debt has been paid! Do not pass up God’s “Free Life Giving Water”- The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17).

Rom 13:8-10 LOVE’S DEBT

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Rom 13:8-10)

Having just told us to pay the debt we owe to the Governmental authorities, Paul now goes on to tell about the Debt we owe to each other. We owe a “Debt of Law” to the Government but we owe a “Debt of Love” to each other. It is this debt of Love that many people are failing to pay; and the “interest” on this debt can be disastrous.

(The Financial Implications- Some take “Owe no man anything” to mean that Christians should never incur Debt. The Levitical laws about loaning money and Jesus’ admonition to the servant to loan out his money seem to contradict this, however.

I believe that Christians should be concerned about how much and who they owe {The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender -Prov 22:7}. Debt should never become you master [If you have a debt and it’s paid up then you don’t Owe anything right now. It’s when you make a debt you cannot pay that you get into trouble- worry, ill feelings, temptation to do wrong]).

The main idea in the verse however is not on the “owe no man anything” but on the “BUT”. Paul is showing us a debt that we do owe and then showing us how to pay that debt. That’s what we want to look at today.

THE DEBT:

We are to love one another. This will fulfill our “Debt” to the law about Men (It does not fulfill our debt to the law about God!). We fulfill this debt in 2 ways:

A) Love Fulfills the Law: If we truly love others then we will keep the law. We will not want to harm men or do anything against them. We won’t murder them, rob them, Use them to simply satisfy our passions in an adulterous affair, lie about them, or covet their possessions.

B) Love Surpasses the Law: If we love people we will fulfill the law because we will go deeper than the law. Law can only cover so many situations while love will handle all situations. When we love someone else as ourselves we want them to be happy, have food and shelter, spend eternity in Heaven instead of Hell, etc.

Jesus makes the “Debt” very big by tying it to the example of His love for us: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)

THE PAYMENT: Numerous passages in the Bible show us how to repay this “Love Debt” we owe:

1. James calls it the “Royal Law” and specifically links it to prejudice against the poor. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. (James 2:8-10)

2. Forgiving Others- In the parable of the debt in Matt 18 Jesus told of a man who had a tremendous debt forgiven him but when he would not forgive a minor debt owed him then he was cast into prison. How many of us want God’s forgiveness but aren’t willing to extend it to others.

3. Love doesn’t bear a Grudge- Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the LORD (Lev 19:18). For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. (Gal 5:14-15)

4. Love holds its tongue- He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends (Prov 17:9) Even when people don’t treat you right- But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Mat 5:44)

5. Love will share its possessions- But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 3:17) Because Love is not simply words but deeds- My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.(1 John 3:18)

6. Love of man shows our love of God-If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:20)

Try to find ways to “Provoke” love so you can make “advance” payments on your “Debt”- And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (Heb 10:24)

Rom 13:11-14 3 ADMONITIONS FOR CHRISTIANS

Paul ends this section on Christian Duties by giving 3 Admonitions for Christians that we all need to hear and heed.

1) WAKE UP– And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed (Rom 13:11). Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night (1 Th 5:7).

Many things happen while Christians “Sleep”:

A) Sleeping can cause you to miss the Lord- And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not (Gen 28:16). Multitudes of people “sleep walk” pass the marvels and miracles of God and never see them.

B) Sleeping in the lap of the World can be Fatal- And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him (Judg 16:19-20). The world will soothe your brow as it picks your pocket.

C) Sleeping can cause you to miss opportunities for blessings- He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame (Prov 10:5). “Sleep-walking Christians” allow opportunities for witness and work to be squandered while they dream about how “good” they are instead of lifting up their eyes and looking on the fields white unto harvest.

Jonah, running from the will of God, went into a ship and then went to sleep (Too many “ships of Zion” are traveling with Sleeping Christians!). The waves become boisterous and men fear for their lives so they ask the “Sleeping Christian” What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not (Jonah 1:6). Sleeping while you’re disobeying God can be Fatal to you and others!

D) Sleeping during the Sermon can be Fatal- And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead (Acts 20:9). In this case the sermon was long and the time was late; I am concerned about the people who “daydream” thru sermons week after week while lives are destroyed and souls are lost.

E) Sometimes we sleep thru a crisis when we should be praying thru it- And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? (Mark 14:37)

F) The more you sleep the more lazy you become- Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger (Prov 19:15). The more you miss Church, Bible reading, Prayer, etc. the less important you think they are.

2) CLEAN UP– The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying (Rom 13:12-13)

a. Cast off the works of darkness

b. Put on the armor of light

c. Walk honestly

1. Not in rioting and drunkenness- Partying and Pleasure

2. Not in chambering and wantonness- Impurity of body and mind

3. Not in strife and envying- Disagreement and jealousy

3) MEASURE UP– But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof (Rom 13:14)

Abraham chose the mountains with God, Lot chose the well watered valley. Lot lost it all.

Rom 14:1-5 WHY CHRISTIANS DIFFER

Have 2 people examine and describe the same coin. But let one describe one side and the other describe the other side. Same Coin but with two different perceptions. A Lot of life situations are like that; it depends on your perception.

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. Rom 14:1-5

1. There are going to be Problems in the Local Church.

A) Some will be Personality Problems: I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not (3 John 1:9). Can result from Family ties {My “great grand daddy built this church}, Financial contributions {The Church couldn’t survive if I stopped paying my tithes}, or False Pride {Everyone knows that I’m the only one at that Church that does anything}.

B) Some will be Preacher Problems: For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ (1 Cor 1:11-12). These can result from a Pastor’s Personality {Some will like one Pastor while others will like another}, the Pastor’s Power {Pastors come and go but the Church’s power base stays the same. And woe unto the Preacher that challenges it}, or the Pastor’s Performance {One Pastor will visit “aunt Sally” more than another will. One will be at a church during a time of sowing while another comes just in time to reap the harvest}.

Note that not a one of these dealt with a Pastor’s Preaching. People accept almost anything from the Pulpit if they like the Person!

C) Some will be Sin Problems: It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife (1 Cor 5:1). Sometimes people who claim to be Christians aren’t really Christians. But even Christians aren’t Perfect so sometimes sin will capture someone. Sometimes it because Christians are various spiritual “ages” and “accidents” happen as they grow up in the Lord. And sometimes Christians backslide and sin (David).

D) Some will be HONEST DIFFERENCES OF OPINIONS about what is the right thing to do. The reason all Christians don’t see things the same is that some are “Weak” in the Faith and some are “Strong” in the Faith. The “Weak” Christians need “Props” to lean on while the “Strong” Christians abound in liberty. This doesn’t mean one is “better” than the other; simply different. These differences of opinion make all of us grow because they cause us to examine and explain our beliefs.

2. The TWO MAIN THINGS WE MUST CONSIDER are:

A) Our standing with the Master- To his own master he stands or falls. If God is happy with the work I do then you better be happy with it!! A man who lets public opinion become his master will never know Peace or contentment because his orders will change with every new fad.

B) Our Mind’s Perception- Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. The greatest joy in all the world is knowing what God wants you to do and then doing it.

People have Problems; God has answers. Keep your eyes on God.

Rom 14:7-12 ACCOUNTABILITY

One man said, “My greatest thought is my accountability to God”. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:11 12).

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).

1. We are accountable for our actions toward others- vs 7

A) Our Talk- But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (Matthew 12:36)

B) Our Concern- Parable of Good Samaritan- Which one was neighbor.

2) Christians are accountable to the Lord- vs 8

A) As stewards- Required that they be found faithful

B) As soul winners

C) As Citizens

3) Sinners are Accountable – The Wages of Sin is death.

Paul says the reason we should be careful in the judgement of Fellow Believers is because we also will face judgement one day (Lost people like to use this to attempt to keep Christians from condemning their sin- “Judge NOT”, they say. The Bible really says, With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Matthew 7:2).It means to be· willing to be judged by the same rules you apply to the sinner. Christians are SUPPOSED to condemn sin and sinful practices). ·

This idea of Accountability is one of the most awesome aspects of living. “Give an Account” is a Book keeping Term. It means to bring the books into balance. You were given something and now you must answer for what you were given. The weaker brother will answer for his understanding and the stronger brother for his understanding. Our job is not to “figure up our brother’s accounts” but to.be ready to give an account for that which was entrusted to us.

1. YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ACCOUNTABLE

A) For their Actions- Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment (Ecclesiastes 11:9). We are accountable to God not only for what we KNOW but what we DO.

B) For their Reputation- Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right (Proverbs 20:11).

2. PARENTS ARE ACCOUNTABLE

A) To Control Children- For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not (1 Samuel 3:13). This does not mean they will be judged for their children’s sins: The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. (Ezekiel 18:20).

B To Teach Children- And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up (Deuteronomy 6:7).

3. CHRISTIANS ARE ACCOUNTABLE- For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). For the use of their Talents, Tongues, and Testimonies

4. SINNERS ARE ACCOUNTABLE- And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12-15). For their lack of Faith, their acts of Unrighteousness, and their rebellion against God.

Rom 14:7-9 CHRISTIAN DEPENDENCE

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living (Rom 14:7-9)

As most of you know, I had been looking for a set of “hanging balls” for sometime to use as an object lesson. Thanks to Charlie Purvis I now have them and want you to see some lessons from them today. If you drop the first ball on the remaining balls it causes the ball at the other end to swing out. Then when that ball swings back and hits the middle balls it causes the first ball to swing back out again. On and on it goes; one action causes a reaction that causes another reaction.

People are like this. Everything you do affects those around you. You may not see it in the person right beside you but eventually it shows up in the people you contact-

It can be BAD things: Alcoholics many times have alcoholic children. Child abuse passes from generation to generation.

It can be COMMON Things: Language, Accents (That’s why Yankees talk so funny), taste in food, clothing, etc., and recreational activities (Football is an American sport while Soccer is played in the rest of the world).

It can be GOOD Things: Good Manners, a work ethic, an appreciation for Nature, etc.

Two Principles in today’s verses:

1. No man is an island- “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself”. We need Companionship (Adam’s Bride) and Cooperation (The Church as a Body). We must Care about one another, Pray for one another, and seek to build the entire body up (realizing that when we build the body we actually help ourselves).

2. The main principle in today’s scripture, however, is the fact of our obligations to the Lord. We belong to the Lord. It is up to Him to determine what we do- “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s”. We must accept the PLACE the Lord puts us, The JOB the Lord gives us, and the CIRCUMSTANCES the Lord gives us to labor under (When Jesus told Peter about the obligations that he must face he immediately looked back at John and said, “What about him?”. Jesus said, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me (John 21:22). The world is filled with unhappy Christians today who have never realized the truth of 2 Cor 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

Our Action will have an effect now and in the future- For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. If Christ is not our LORD here and now can we really believe He will be our Lord in the hereafter!?

Rom 14:10-12 YOUTH ACCOUNTABILITY

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written As I live saith the Lord every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:10-12).

Young people are accountable for:

1. Their actions- Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. (Ecclesiastes 11:9).

2. Their reputation- Even a child is known by his doings whether his work be pure and whether it be right (Proverbs 20:11). Nerd or hero- VIP

3. Their Companions- Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them~ and be ye separate saith the Lord and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you And will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).

4. Their Sins- The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him (Ezekiel18:20).

Sin Controls you.

A) Addiction controls you Alcohol, Drugs, Pornography, TV, Video Games, Facebook.

B) Anger can control you:

1. Do not let another person’s Talk control you- Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not (Romans 12:14).

2. Do not let another person’s actions control you- Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men (Romans 12:17).

b. Sin Defiles you- (Roach on Sandwich. Cat eating from pot when entered home)

c. Sin Destroys you- Your Mind, Your morals, your future

NOT accountable for their:

• Basic Looks- Just what they do with them

• Basic Abilities- Just what you do with them

• Beginning Families- Just what you become apart from them

Rom 14:12 ACCOUNTING FOR YOURSELF

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:12)

Two bank robbers entered a bank and told everyone to lie down on the floor. Realizing they had actually entered the bank before they pulled down their ski mask they went to the people nearest the door and asked the first man if he had seen their faces. When he replied, “yes” they immediately shot him. Coming to the next man they asked the same question. His reply, “No, I did not see you but (pointing to his wife), my wife did”.

I think this wife would have liked to answer this question for herself! Well, there is coming a day in which each of us will give an account for ourselves to God. Today I want us to look at some things we will give account for and determine to be ready for that accounting day.

Two things I want us to realize today- 1) Jesus is Coming. 2) Judgment is Coming.

1) JESUS IS COMING. – Rev 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen

I. THE FACT OF HIS COMING– Behold, he cometh with clouds;

A> Its Certainty- Every book of the New Testament makes reference to the Second Coming. There are over 1800 references in the Old Testament that prophesy the Advent of a victorious, reigning Messiah. Jn 14:3 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.

B> Its Effect:

1) Purity for the Present- And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure (1 John 3:3). If you knew the Preacher was going to your house for dinner today you’d clean up your house. If you believe Christ can return at any moment you’ll stay away from even the appearance of evil.

2) Hope for the Future- If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable (1 Cor 15:19). This Hope:

(1) comforts us concerning the death of our saved loved ones

(2) enables us to endure trials now, knowing Judgment is on the way

(3) Encourages us as we know that one day we shall see Him Face to Face whom so long we have known heart to heart. The Second Coming is not Spiritual or symbolic; It is the physical return of our Savior. Acts 1:11 Why stand ye gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into Heaven.

II. THE MANNER OF HIS COMING–

A> PUBLICLY- with clouds; and every eye shall see him. While the Rapture will be an unseen “snatching” away of His people; the Return will be a Public display of His return as King of Kings.

B> SUDDENLY- I Thess 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night Matt 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

III. THE RESULTS OF HIS COMING– all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.

A> World Wide acknowledgement of Him as King. The Millennial Kingdom set up to allow Him to rule with His people.

B> Wailing (Tears). These tears will be because of:

(1) Fear, as men realize that Preachers were right and Politicians were wrong; Education was not man’s greatest need but Salvation; and Momentary Pleasure is not worth eternal Pain.

(2) Missed Opportunities-

a. The Saved will weep over failing to Work for Him

b. The Lost will weep over failing to accept His free Gift of Salvation- Philip Bliss probably said it best, “Almost persuaded, harvest is past! Almost persuaded, doom comes at last! Almost cannot avail, Almost is but to fail! Sad, sad, that bitter wail, Almost, but Lost!

HE COMING! Are You ready to meet Him???

2. JUDGMENT IS COMING: – Heb 9:27 It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

There are 6 major Judgments listed in the Bible:

1. Judgment of Saints- Romans 14:10

2. Judgment of Sinners- Rev 20:11-15

3. Judgment of the Earth- II Pet 3:5-7

4. Judgment of Angels- Jude 6, II Pet 2:4, Isaiah 14

5. Judgment of the Gentile Nations- Matt 25:31-32

6. Judgment of Israel- Matt 24, Ez 20:34-38

THE JUDGES:

1. Jesus- John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: John 9:39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world,…

2. Saints will Judge the “world” and Angels- I Cor 6:2-3 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?… Know ye not that we shall judge angels?

3. Sinners will be judged by the Bible and their works- Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

We will have to account for the use of our

A) Tongue (Including idle words-Matt 12:36, lying and angry words- Eph 5:25-26, and denying words- Matt 10:33);

B) our Talents (God gives each of us “talents” to use for His work. We will be rewarded according to how we use those talents and if we fail to use those talents then God will reject us [Faith without works is dead being alone]- Matt 25:14-20);

C) our Time (We are to “redeem the Time” (Eph 5:16) and “Past the time of our journey here in fear of God” (1 Peter 1:17));

D) our Tithe (Robbing God of His money- Mal 3:8, and misusing the resources God has given us- Acts 5:1-11);

E) our Troubles (Troubles sometimes correct us- Heb 12:5-11 and sometimes give us the ability to comfort others- 2 Cor 1:4); and

F) our Trust (The Just shall live by Faith- Rom 1:17).

Rom 14:17-18 ACCEPTED BY GOD AND APPROVED BY MAN

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Rom 14:17-18

In today’s scripture Paul gives us the two things all of us crave: (1) Acceptance by God and (2) Approval by Men {Ever notice how some young people; especially Rock and Roll Followers, want to defy God and shock man- clothes, words, conduct. As they attempt to break away from the control of their parents they sometimes think the only thing to do is to discard all authority. Young people must indeed break the Hold of their parents at a certain place in their life; but they must remember not to break the parent’s heart as they are breaking their hold! One day soon, that parent’s love will mean much more than their laws do today}.

The great danger man faces, however, is not his rebelling against Acceptance by God and Approval by man. Man’s greatest stumbling block in this area is his attempting to succor these benefits in the wrong way. He thinks money and good works will buy God’s acceptance and he thinks following the crowd will make him part of the crowd (Not realizing until later that the loneliest place you can be is to be IN a crowd but not part of that crowd).

We must understand that the kingdom of God is not meat and drink- Physical show. Jesus said the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21). He also told Nicodemus that Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). It is important for us to realize that this world is not our home and to adopt it’s standards; or seek it’s praise, will not bring us to the desired end.

In today’s scripture God shows us that we gain these great goals by serving Christ in the matter of Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost (This is not Salvation by Works. It is a Faith in the Sacrificial blood of Christ that produces changes in a person’s standing with God and his conduct before men). Let’s look at each of them:

1. Righteousness- right living that grows out of right standing with God. The best citizen, husband, worker, etc. is a Christian living like they’re supposed to.

2. Peace- Peaceful relationships with others as a result of being at peace with God. When you’re at peace with God you have peace with self and that makes peace with those around you. Do you have peace in your heart or a chip on your shoulder?

3. Joy- The exultant gladness of the justified and the manifestation of this hope in their daily lives. You’re not just happy about good circumstances, you have an abiding joy that shines thru everything.

Note

1. We use these things to SERVE CHRIST. Our goal is to serve Christ, not man. That goal will cause us to serve man but it get’s it’s energy and enthusiasm from our love for Christ.

2. All of these must operate under the control and power of the Holy Spirit. In other words, this is not something you Strive to be but something you Submit to Become.

Do you want to be Accepted by God and Approved by man? Serve Christ and submit to the Holy Spirit. This will produce fruit in your life that God will like and men will admire.

Rom 14:19 BUILDING THE BRETHREN

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another Rom 14:19

When a person is first saved they realize the need of growing in the Lord. It is their duty to seek to grow and our duty to help them grow. The problem many times is that they don’t know what to do to start growing and we either don’t know or don’t do the things we need to in order to help them grow. I want us to look at some key phrases in these verses and find how we can help “Build the Brethren”.

It’s important, first of all, that we realize the “cycle” a young Christian goes through.

He begins with Repentance- A sorrow for sins in his life.

Then he tries to follow the Rules- To deal with the sin nature.

Finally he comes to the Place of Relationship- He realizes Christianity is not laws but the Lord and as he gets to know the Lord better and better he will develop into “the image of Christ”.

I. The Negative we avoid:

vs 10 Judging your Brother- We are fruit inspectors and not fault finders. God will judge the true value of what we do- Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is (1 Cor 3:12-13)

Discounting your Brother- Can the hand say to the arm, “I have no need of thee!”.

vs 13 Putting a Stumbling Block in front of your brother (Temptation- I could let a liquor store be in front of my house and it wouldn’t tempt me but I wouldn’t allow it because it would offend some (including me!) and tempt some).

vs 15 Putting your “rights” above your brother (Shorts, activities)

II. The Positive we practice:

vs 19 Follow the way of Peace- You must clear up the “new ground” before you can plant the crop but you do so out of love.

Find the Way to Build Up your Brother.

A) Give them the Word- And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctifie. (Acts 20:32)

B) Teach them how to Grow forward; not go back- For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor (Gal 2:18)

Are you more interested in your desires than in your duty to your brethren? Do you look for ways for the Gospel to build up your Brethren or do you look for Gossip to tear down your brethren??

Rom 14:22-23 CONDEMNING SELF

Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Rom 14:22-23

There are enough things in life to condemn us without us condemning ourselves thru our Actions and our Attitude.

I. OWN MOUTH WILL CONDEMN YOU: And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: (Luke 19:22). If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. (Job 9:20). We will give account for the words we say (But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment Mat 12:36) and for the confession of faith we fail to make (For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God Rom 14:11)

II. CONSCIENCE WILL CONDEMN YOU: The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion (Prov 28:1). But don’t let Conscience condemn you wrongly- For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. (1 John 3:20)

III. ACTIONS CONDEMN US: Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth (Rom 14:22). If we think something is a sin then it is a sin to us because it represents an act of rebellion against God (Remember that! God is as concerned with our attitude as He is with our actions).

IV. PREACHING WILL CONDEMN YOU: The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here (Mat 12:41)

But it is not God’s Purpose to Condemn you but to save you- For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:17). She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. (John 8:11)

Rom 15:1-6 AN EFFECTIVE CHURCH

Paul has been dealing with how Christians are to interact to differences of opinions among themselves. Now he is going on to show some Positive alternatives to help us avoid these conflicts.

In today’s scripture he lists 3 methods that EVERY Christian can use to help build the body of Christ.

I. Minister to each other– We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me (Rom 15:1-3). Three admonitions are given here:

1. Not to Please Self- That is, at the expense of hurting someone else. It’s not wrong to enjoy life but it is wrong to allow your desires to destroy a weaker Christian Brother.

2. Please his neighbor for his good- This doesn’t mean I need to give in to every whim of those around me (We are not to be “people Pleasers”) but it does mean I am to seek to build up my neighbor.

3. Please God- Put God ahead of self or public opinion. There are some things we must make a stand about regardless of what everyone else does or thinks.

II. Meditate on the Word of God– For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (Rom 15:4).

1. Past Examples Teach us- God chose “Highlights of History” to share with us in His word. These Highlights show us God’s power in every situation.

2. Patience trust develops us- As we see what God has done and as we claim what He will do we have Hope to sustain us.

III. Have a Single Mind and Mouth to glorify God– Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 15:5-6).

1. Accept the fact that we are different parts of the same body. Don’t get mad because everyone does not do what you do or have the same burden you have.

2. Don’t let the differences divert us from our single goal- To glorify God.

Rom 15:4 HOPE

Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

I John 3:2-3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

The world is seemly full of depressed and down hearted people. Everyone seems to have given up and simply go along with the crowd now. Older people are leaving traditional moral values and younger people are seeking escape in the murky world of drugs or drink. More than anything else today people need a Rock to hold to, a shelter in the storm, and meaning to the madness of life- They need HOPE. [It is said that over the “gates of Hell” are written “Abandon all hope ye who enter here”. What an awful thing to be in torment and know that there is no escape and there is no HOPE].

I. WHAT IS HOPE???

A) Meaning to Life- The writer of Ecclesiastes found that “short term” goals ended up being only vanity of vanities. He tried everything under the sun and found it empty and meaningless. What he needed was something to carry him through the difficult times of life. Paul said that this ability to endure was found in hope- I Thess 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, your labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ,… –Faith is the source of Work. It provides the Motivation necessary / Labor issues from Love. “If you Love me keep my commandments” / But Endurance (under trial) comes only from hope. (Men can endure anything as long as there is hope. When hope is gone, men die).

B) Confident Expectation

1. Not “I Hope so”- that is simply wishful thinking. (I Hope I get $1 million is a wish, not an expectation).

2. Twofold for the Christian:

a. Blessed Hope of the Return of Christ- no more sin, pain, tears. What a Blessed Expectation!!!

b. The ability to Change NOW- become a new creature in Christ. (Misery came because of SIN. Yet even in the midst of God’s first punishment of sin He gave hope (Gen 3:15). WITHOUT HOPE DISCIPLINE BECOMES DESPAIR AND DEPRESSION [It there is no possibility of Change then punishment simply adds to the your misery!]

1) Sin’s PENALTY is done away by Christ’s death. Rom 6:23

2) Sin’s POWER is done away in Christ’s Resurrection Rom 6:4 That like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the Glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

3) Sin’s PATTERN is done away through the in working Holy Spirit. Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (He is able to break the “Circle of Sin”).

II. WHO NEEDS HOPE???

A) People with long standing problems- The man born blind was 40 years old and had been blind from birth. (Today people must deal with problems that began for many in childhood- their looks, their ability, their self image, etc.)

B) People with particularly difficult problems- The woman with the issue of blood had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse. Mark 5:26 (People with unsaved mates, uncontrollable children, major sickness…)

C) People who had been taught not to hope or to hope wrong- The Samaritan woman who had had 5 husbands and was living with a man. (People raised in “Wrong Religions”, People with the inability to have lasting relationships,…)

D) People overcome by fears- The Disciples had tried everything they knew and still the boat was sinking and Jesus was sleeping- Mark 4:35-41 (Fear of Failure, of success, of change, etc).

E) People who have tried unsuccessfully before-

1. Wrong Source- Trusted in Self or Faith in “Faith” and not in God (You throw your “anchor” into the boat instead of the sea).

2. Not-Perseverance- Didn’t stay with it. (Daniel had to pray 3 weeks to get his answer. Hope is helped when you do as God says and see God bring about the results).

F) Older People- Moses was called at 80. Abraham did not receive his Child of promise until 100. (People who are no longer active and feel “unneeded”).

G) Depressed People- Like Elijah, they are “Pouting under the Juniper tree”. They need to return to Work, realize they’re not in it alone, and feel Appreciated- “Well done, good and faithful servant”

H) Suicidal People- When the burden gets too heavy to bear and you feel you can’t go on: Moses, Paul, Job,. In Every case God sent them outside help

I) People who have suffered Life-shattering experiences:

1. Lost of Person (Death, Divorce, Distance)

2. Lost of Possessions (Robbery, Fire, Etc)

3. Lost of Position (Job, name in community, etc)

J) Those without Christ- Rom 8:24 For we are saved by hope…

1. Deep enough in sin to see the need of a Saviour.

2. Confident enough in Christ to trust Him to Forgive.

III. HOW DO YOU GET HOPE??

A) Patience from Scriptural Examples- Rom 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

BACK TO THE BIBLE:

1. Reveals God’s Plan for each of us

2. Reveals God’s Person of Salvation- Jesus Christ

3. Reveals God’s Promises to us- Endurance of Trials (“This too shall pass”) and Encouragement by the Scriptures

As you see God in the Bible you can see Him in the happenings of your life. See His love, His mercy, and His forbearance- and learn that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose.

B) Power from the Holy Ghost- Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in (Bubble over with) hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

C) Personal Relationship with God thru Christ- I Sam 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people were grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

Rom 15:5 (Amp Bible) “Now may the God who gives the power of patient endurance and who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and in such full sympathy with one another- in accord with Christ Jesus.” Be of good comfort, I have overcome the World.

Rom 15:7-13 3 WAYS TO BUILD THE BODY

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost Rom 15:7-13

3 WAYS TO BUILD THE BODY OF CHRIST:

1. RECEIVE= One another As Christ received us. Receiving others is denying self, restricting one’s own liberty to benefit others, respecting other’s convictions, and regarding other’s consciences. It is recognizing that each of us has a place (probably different) in the body of Christ.

It is forgiving the woman caught in the act of adultery. It is making room for the 4 friends to bring in the disabled man. It is inviting Jesus to Zacchaeus’ house; because even the rich need to know the right way.

It is remembering that Jesus called small business owners (Peter, Andrew, James and John- fishing business), government officials (Matthew, the tax collector), and ordinary citizens. It is accepting the fact that some are a bold as Peter while others have doubts like Thomas; and some are as steadfast as John while others make deals with the devil like Judas.

Receiving one another is opening a door instead of building a wall. It is genuine concern and not devilish curiosity (to feed your ego and gossip).

2. RESTRICT= As Christ was a servant of the circumcision (Restricting himself to the Jews because of God’s Promises. Only after they rejected him did his disciples go to the Gentiles)

Restriction means we put limitations on our liberty in order to accomplish something good- Marriage limited my money, my social life, and my independence. But the results are well worth the restrictions.

Why should we restrict our Liberty?

1. To build up other believers– Those who insist on their own rights are seeking their own pleasures and their own praise.

2. To Build up the Body (Harmony)

3. To Glorify God.

3. REJOICE= That God has made a way for everyone to come into salvation.

Note the progression in verses 9-12

The Jews Glorify God AMONG the Gentiles

The Gentiles rejoice WITH the Jews

The Jews and Gentiles TOGETHER praise God

Christ shall reign over Jews and Gentiles

The father may have to discipline the son sometimes but when the son hits that home run in little league then the father rejoices as if he had hit it himself. Are YOU glad or jealous at the good fortune of others?

[Added Later : Receive, Restrict, Rejoice- 3 ways to build the Body]. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, Rom 15:14-15

I wanted to preach today on “How God made a Fool out of Me” and tie it into the events happening in Iraq right now. All my elaborate plans about Chinese troops having to come across the Euphrates River may be simply man made ideas now that Iraq has its million man army. And it may be Iraq that destroys America instead of Russia (Using Terrorism instead of Atomic Bombs).

That’s the part that has me worried; not that America will be destroyed, but that it may be a slow death instead of a quick war. I greatly fear that most “Christians” would quickly lose their veneer of Christianity when faced with riots, looting, and the madness of guerilla warfare here in America.

Several reasons are apparent for this fear:

1. If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan? (Jer 12:5). If people will not be faithful to the Lord and the Church in the peace and prosperity of today, what will they do in the chaos of war? I ask of each of you 4 hours per week (9-noon on Sunday and Wednesday Prayer Meeting). Less than half of you give it with any degree of regularity. You would be fired from your job or benched if you played on a ball team but think it’s alright for Church.

2. Unwillingness to accept responsibility- Those attend will not become involved. Anything that is done must be worked around your schedule and must have everything provided so all you have to do is “tie the bow on the package” and claim the credit.

Woman who prayed for ham and sack of corn meal and God uses a wicked merchant to give it to her as a Joke but she said, “Still it arrived to still my hunger”. Good Part to end

Rom 15:13 THE MINUTE YOU’RE SAVED

Rom 15:13 Now the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. God wants our Faith to FILL us with Joy and Peace. This can only happen when we are Saved, Sure we’re Saved, and know what we receive the minute we’re saved.

I. WHAT I MEAN BY BEING SAVED

A) Realize you’re lost in sin without Help or Hope

B) Repent of sin and turn to God for Help

C) Receive Christ as your personal Savior.

1. Put your trust in HIS Sacrifice for YOUR Sins

2. Publicly Profession Him as Savior

3. Part of the “Body” of Christ (Church)- Function as such

II. THE MINUTE YOU’RE SAVED THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU RECEIVE

A) Forgiveness of Sins I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

WHAT HAPPENS TO FORGIVEN SINS? In Relation to:

1. DISTANCE: Ps 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

2. SIGHT: Isaiah 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness; but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption; for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

3. MEMORY: Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

4. DISPOSITION: Mic 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.(with a “No Fishing” Sign!!).Our Sins are away from us, out of sight, out of mind, & gone!

B) Peace with God Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: We have Peace WITH God and the Peace OF God.

C) Eternal Life Jn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 17:3 AND THIS IS LIFE ETERNAL, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. A Relationship with God

D) Satisfaction Jn 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. The desire of your soul is found in knowing Christ. The things of the world are like Salt Water- they look like they will quench your thirst but they actually kill.

E) The Privilege to Pray Jn 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Access to the greatest “Bank” in the world- with the ability to “Sign” Jesus’ name to the check!!

F) Power thru the Holy Ghost Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses…

Power to Witness- Holy Spirit gives you the words

Power for Wisdom- Holy Spirit is the Source of Wisdom

Power for Work- The Power that Raised the Dead

Power from the Word- that is like a hammer to break rock

III. THE MINUTE YOU’RE SAVED THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOUR BECOME

A) A New Creature II Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.You have a new “Heart” that gives you a new desire. You can still sin but you don’t want to.

B) A Son of God Jn 1:12 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.Part of God’s Family

C) An heir of Heaven Jn 14:1-2 Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. A Known Joyful End awaits you- Death is not a leap into the Dark but a Joyous homecoming.

ARE YOU SAVED TODAY?

Rom 15:14-21 THE JOB GOD GAVE

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. Romans 15:14-21

I. THE PARTNERS IN THE JOB– And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another (Rom 15:14).

A) A Trust- Persuaded of you

B) A Character- Full of goodness- Companions

Filled with all knowledge- Wisdom

Able also to admonish one another- Responsible

II. THE PERFORMANCE OF THE JOB– Unique (Not build on another man’s foundation).

Must have Faith in your Product– So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it (Isaiah 55:11). Not return Void- The word Void here is the same one used to describe the heavens and the earth before the Lord created man. It does not describe emptiness but confusion. It means that God’s word will produce order out of chaos.

Must have Faith in your Methods- Anyone can grow weeds; it takes work to grow grass!

Parable of the Seed- Won’t be completely successful or continually successful but judged by your Faithfulness as well as your Fruit.

Rom 15:22-33 GOD’S TRAVEL AGENCY

Having shared with the Roman Christians the great doctrine of Salvation by Grace through Faith; Paul now begins to close the letter with some personal notes. In today’s scripture he shows how he was planning ahead to spend some time with the Romans.

I want us to see how God changed his plans and led him in a vastly different direction than he thought; and then I want us to see how God directs and guides our lives today.

The greatest joy in the world is finding God’s will for your life and following God’s directions for your life. It’s not always easy, and it’s not always understandable, but it is always best.

[Paul’s plans were to carry a gift from the Asia Minor Christians to the poor saints at Jerusalem. He then planned to travel to Rome; and from Rome to Spain (I believe he then planned to travel to England and anywhere else he could “beyond the next horizon” in order to spread the Gospel as far as possible)].

Here’s what actually happened- When he delivered the gift to Jerusalem he was arrested, was nearly killed, and finally ending up in the Roman jail at Caesarea where he spent nearly 3 years- This allowed him to witness to the town of Jerusalem when he was arrested, to the Sanhedrin when he was on trial, and to 3 Roman Governors- Felix, Festus, and Agrippa.

He was then carried by ship to Roman (Where God used a tremendous storm to help him witness to the ship’s crew and start a mission on the island of Melita). He finally arrived in Rome where he spoke to the Jewish council, the Roman Government, and the soldiers ordered to guard him. And from his Roman Jail he wrote most of the New Testament Letters which make up our Bible today.

Finally released from Jail he journeyed to Spain, came back to Rome, was again arrested, and finally beheaded. His magnificent Journey was nothing like he planned but everything like God wanted.

That’s the way it is in our “Life Journey” also. We must constantly remember the words of Jeremiah 10:23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. We need to make our plans and do the things we can but we must never forget to add “If the Lord Will” to everything we do.

The reason it is necessary to keep God’s Providence and Plans in our mind as we go through life is to keep the mishaps along the way from defeating and destroying us. If you think you are controlled by the circumstances and catastrophes of life then you will eventually give up in despair as you are beat and buffeted along your daily journey. It’s vital that you claim the words of Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Paul mentions 2 things in today’s Scripture that are important in our travels- Hindrances and Prayers

HINDRANCES- vs 22 says Paul was “much hindered” from coming to Rome (And he didn’t know the half of it yet!). When life situations hinder us we must learn to make “lemonade when life gives us lemons”. We must see Opportunities instead of Obstacles- When Jesus had to go thru Samaria he used it to Witness to the Woman at the Well.

PRAYERS- in vs 30 Paul asked the people to “Strive together with him in Prayer”. What a major factor the prayers of fellow Christians play in our handling life’s problems and using them to advantage. Like Samuel of Old we should say God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: (1 Sam 12:23).

One Final thought- Make Sure God is your Travel agent- not Satan!

Rom 16:1-16 PRAISEWORTHY PEOPLE

One of the things I do from time to time either before or after a funeral is to look at the tombstones in the cemetery. I have found some very interesting names and remarks this way- one in Mississippi had the name “Wages” on the tombstone. I’ve always wanted a picture of that one so I could illustrate that the wages of sin is death. Another in North Carolina had the name Dunn on it. I pronounced it Done and thought about the fact that the tombstone meant that person’s Physical work was done. Paul is not going to read tombstones in today’s message but he is going to give us a brief insight into the life and ministry of a number of people. I believe this can be· a very informative time as we find descriptions that fit our friends, our neighbors, and even ourselves.

Remember, Paul had never been to Rome. These are Converts and acquaintances. 26 different people and 2 households are mentioned in the first 16 verses. That should show us the importance of building Relationships as well as becoming Righteous.

Paul begins by saying “I commend unto you” …. Paul wanted to recommend these people to the Church at Rome as examples. If you were visiting in a foreign country and your Pastor was asked to write you a letter of recommendation to -the Church there, what would he say about you??

1. Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succorer of many, and of myself also. She is the one who carried this letter from Corinth to Rome. The words “servant of the Church” is the feminine of Deacon and some thin} she was a deaconess (In the early church. some women served by visiting the sick, assisting the young women, and helping the poor). She appears to have been a Business woman and as such would -have been able to help with her influence as well as her finances. The truly liberated woman is one who is the servant of the Church and of the Lord..

2. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. See Acts 18:1-3, 18-19, 26; I Cor 16:19 and II Ti~ 4:19. Like Paul, this couple were tentmakers. Paul had stayed in their home in Corinth and took them with him when he began the church at Ephesus. They had Churches. in their home everywhere they went, they had journeyed wi.th Paul, and were mature enough in the Faith to correct a young preacher (Apollos) before he led people astray. Now Paul says they were willing to die in his place! These two saints had used their livelihood, their homes, and their wisdom to help the cause of Christ. Now they were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to advance the cause of Christ. Doesn’t it make ou1 little sacrifices for Christ seem insignificant?!

3. Salute my well beloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia unto Christ. How fondly we remember that first convert to the Lord ( In my case it was my Dad). Do you know there are multitudes of Christian who have never won their first convert to the Lord!

4. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us. How, Why, Where??? So many “unknown Soldiers” in the Lord’s Army

5. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. They had been in prison they still had a good reputation. They were some of the early converts (Maybe even Pentecost Day Converts). What a joy it is to see people who start out for the Lord and then continue with their work for the Lord. Many turn back or become lukewarm and it is always a joy to see people keep on keeping on.

6. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.

7. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, (Just like Priscilla and Aquilla this one was a “helper in Christ”. Some helpers receive much praise while others simply do their job. Are you faithful without the Praise?).

8. Stachys my beloved. Multitudes of People long for anyone to say to them, “I love you”. Paul wanted them to know that circumstances and distance didn’t change that.

9. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. ”Approved” here means tested and found sufficient. What a Marvelous Commendation! Have YOU passed the test?

10. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. what a joy to have fellow Christians in your household.

11. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Very possibly the chief servant of Governor Herod. Even power and politics can’t stop the advance of the wonderful Gospel of Christ.

12. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. What a burden when only a few members of a family are saved. Will the circle be unbroken in your family??

13. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. God’s work is the greatest work anyone can do.

14. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Paul gives an extra ”boast” here. I wonder what special work this one had done to merit this commendation. Maybe it was just continued faithfulness.

15. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. {This apparently means that Rufus’ mother had been like a mother to Paul). Jesus said that Christians would have to desert their own family at times in order to do His work but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (Mark 10:30).

16. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Herrnas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. Maybe all you do in the Church is show up every service and do whatever you can. You’ll never know how important that is. Everyone can’t be a “main part” but everyone can do THEIR PART. Don’t ever think you’re not wanted or needed.

Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. We give a “holy hug or handshake” today but that is very important because everyone needs to feel they are important to the rest of the body of Christ. Praise God for His People.

Rom 16:17-20 TROUBLE MAKERS

Paul used the first 16 verses of this Chapter to acknowledge the good characteristics of the people he knew in Rome. Now he wants to give a word of warning to the congregation.

That’s the way it is in any group of people; there are many good people that combine their talents to advance the work and there are some people who cause trouble and trial to everyone else. I hope your tombstone does not have the epithet that Achan had- “The Troubler of Israel” (I Chron 2:7).

Paul gives us three guidelines when confronted with Trouble makers:

I. MARK THEM–

A) Their Actions-

1> They cause Division. Instead of Building up the Body they try to tear it down- (Power Problems and Pastor Problems)

2> They cause Offenses (Eating Meat offered to idols) They are a PROBLEM for the Church instead of a PLUS

B) Their Beliefs- Contrary to the doctrine you have learned.

1> They have a form of Godliness but deny the Power.

2> They teach salvation by works instead of Faith.

3> They tell people what they want to hear- Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life: Ezek 13:22.

That’s why it’s so important that we Study the Scriptures together each week- These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so (Acts 17:11).

II. AVOID THEM– “Avoid” in the Greek is a continuing Action. It means to continually avoid. The protection and purity and peace of the body is the goal here. We don’t try to avoid getting them saved; we avoid their contaminating influence.

A) Because of Who They Serve- 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. Rom 16:18

1. They Serve not the Lord Jesus Christ. The reason they cause divisions is because they have a different master than Christians.

2. They Serve their own belly (Desires). As in the book of Judges, Every man is doing that which is right in his own eyes.

B) Because of What They Do- Their good works and fair speech deceive the hearts of the simple (Emotions). The Church does not need a naive piety that believe everything and everyone is good. We need courageous, intelligent exposure of hurtful heresy.

III. NOTE THE OBEDIENCE OF THE RIGHTEOUS–

A) Their Reputation- For your obedience is come abroad unto all men Rom 16:19a. Do you have a Reputation for Righteousness??

B) Their Sincerity– I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil Rom 16:19b. Longing and looking to do Good. Not playing at being a Christian; while in reality you are a hypocrite (Simple about Evil means- inexperienced, pure, undefiled, and undeceived).

Jesus said Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves (Mat 10:16). We need to be aware of the Bad but look for the Good.

Rom 16:20-27 THE WINNING SIDE

Paul closes this marvelous book on a tremendous “up note”. He wants the church at Rome to know that because we have the right doctrine about the right God then we are on the WINNING SIDE. He also knows that Satan will try to defeat and discourage them so he ends with 3 marvelous truths to hold to and depend on.

1. A PROMISE TO CLING TO– Rom 16:20

A> The Defeat of Satan- And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. One of the earliest Promises in the Bible- And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel (Gen 3:15).

One day SOON, the father of all lies, the accuser of the brethren, the murderer of men will be cast into the bottomless pit while we rule and reign with Christ on this earth. Then He will be humiliated in front of the whole world as he bows before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords; then cast into the eternal torments of the lake of fire.

B> The Grace of God- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. God doesn’t give us what we deserve; He gives us what Jesus deserves!! Marvelous grace that could save and keep a sinner like me!

2. SOME PEOPLE TO RELY ON– Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen (Rom 16:21-24). Paul lists some of the people with him as he writes this letter. Each of them are a sermon unto themselves but the main point is that he had some people around him that he could depend on.

One of the great things about the Christian life is that we become part of the body of Christ- individual, yet working together as a team. That’s the way it is here at our Church. Most People here know their responsibility and do their jobs- music, teachers, etc.

We not only become part of the Body, we also become Brothers and Sisters in Christ. We depend on each other’s prayers and partnership.

NOTE that he ends this section again by calling on the Grace of God to keep you. People WILL sometimes fail you but God’s grace is unchanging, THANK GOD!

3. THE POWER TO ESTABLISH YOU– Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen (Rom 16:25-27).

In a world of constant change and turmoil it’s good to know that we’re doing something to really help people. A Million years from now a cure for aids won’t matter much but a person’s relationship with the Lord will be all important.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most important information that anyone can ever receive. It will cure the Drug problem, the Divorce problem, and the Discouragement problem (Some Christians still have these problems but that’s because they refuse to take the “medicine”). Because of this, I believe we ought to do EVERYTHING we can to reach EVERYONE we can EVERY TIME we can.

Do you have this Power in your life? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? Today is the day of Salvation.