Behold the Lamb

 This is a sermon that was given in the worship service in which the sacrament of communion was shared. It is based on the words of John the Baptist recorded in John 1:29, "Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world." After describing the circumstances surrounding the proclamation, the sermon focuses on the meaning included in the phrase that John uttered. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was presented may be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

I want to focus on the words in Jn. 1:29, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” But first let’s back up a little and review the setting.

John had been baptizing in the Jordan River the previous day. The Scripture says that the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem out to speak to John and they were asking him, “Who are you?”

I.          The Announcer’s Identity

John immediately assured them he was not the Christ. He made no claims to be the Messiah. In fact, he repeatedly explains that he and his ministry will continually decrease, and Jesus will continually increase. John also denies being “Elijah,” or “the Prophet.”

What do the terms “Elijah” and “The Prophet” refer to?

Elijah: Jews knew Elijah did not die, and they knew about Malachi’s prophecy.

Malachi 4:5 ^(NKJV) Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

The Prophet: The Jews also knew that Moses had made a prediction back in Deuteronomy.

Deut. 18:15 ^(NKJV) "The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear,

In the minds of the Jews, “Elijah” and “The Prophet” were clearly associated with the coming Messiah. They were wondering, “Are you the one who we expect to announce the coming Messiah?” However, since John denied being either of these figures, then that brings up another question.

John 1:24 ^(NKJV) And they asked him, saying, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"

(Mounce, Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Revised) The delegation from Jerusalem included “some Pharisees” who questioned John’s practice of baptizing, since he had acknowledged that he was not the Christ, Elijah, or one of the prophets. They viewed baptism as an eschatological rite to be performed by a leader in the last days. The Pharisees … were an important group among the Jews who insisted on fastidious obedience to the Mosaic law and to the oral tradition that had grown up around the law to adapt it to changing times. … Essentially, their question is, “Why do you baptize if you are not one of those leaders whose presence heralds the end of the age?” For John to have baptized would have violated the law if he had received no public office from God (cf. Calvin, 1:29).

John answers their question with another quote from the OT prophet Isaiah in order to establish his authority and his right to baptize. However, he immediately points them to Christ and insists that His baptism and ministry is much greater. John identifies himself as a “crier in the wilderness,” “an announcer,” identifying and introducing the One sent by God.

II.        The Announcer’s Proclamation

So, the following day, after this exchange, John sees Jesus and exclaims, “Behold (Look!), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” I can imagine John raising his hand and pointing to Jesus as he made this proclamation.

The other Gospels record the baptism of Jesus, which the Apostle John does not. So, some have thought that Jesus was coming to be baptized in this encounter. However according to John’s words, a little later (v. 33), he has already baptized Jesus sometime prior to this event. Therefore, in this event, Jesus is undoubtedly just passing by as He is recruiting His disciples, which we read about later in the chapter.

“Behold” – Imperative, (R. C. H. Lenski, Lenski New Testament Commentary) – [a] dramatic, pointing out Jesus, riveting all eyes upon him, opening all ears for what the speaker will say of him.

John is emphatically saying, “Look! There He is. He is the One, God’s lamb. Each time we share communion, the point is to get our eyes focused again on Him – the Lamb of God.

There are so many different things we can get our spiritual eyes focused on that we forget about the central figure, Jesus. Other things in the Bible are important and we must not neglect them, but if we’re not careful, we can get bogged down in debating the correct interpretation of minor points until we completely forget that Jesus is the main focus. We must see Him as the only One in whom we have hope of salvation and eternal life.

“Lamb of God”

(R. C. H. Lenski, Lenski New Testament Commentary) The word "Lamb" connotes sacrifice, the Lamb whose blood is to be shed. Thus also and especially in the full title, "Lamb of God," lies the idea of being without blemish, i. e., sinlessness, and joined with this the divine purpose and aim of substitution, expiation, and redemption. A truer and more expressive title could hardly have been found for the Savior; he was, indeed, "the Lamb of God."

(Colin F. Kruse, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) The word amnos [lamb] is found 101 times in the LXX, of which 82 are references to sacrificial lambs. The two uses of amnos in the NT outside the Fourth Gospel are clear references to Jesus, who died as a sacrificial lamb: one speaks of Jesus as the servant of the Lord, who ‘was led like a sheep to the slaughter, / and as a lamb before the shearer is silent’ (Acts 8:32); the other refers to ‘the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect’ (1 Pet. 1:19).

Acts 8:32 ^(NKJV) The place in the Scripture which he read [i.e., Ethiopian Eunuch] was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth.

1 Peter 1:19 ^(NKJV) but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Several times in the past I have mentioned the connection between the sacrifice of Christ and the OT requirements of blood sacrifices. We have especially referred to the Passover lamb in reference to Jesus.

“Takes away the sin of the world”

John prophetically announces the mission that the Lord had accepted – to “take away the sin of the world.” Some authors (e.g., Colin Kruse, Tyndale Commentary) do not think that John the Baptist was specifically thinking of sacrificial lamb in his comment, although he says that the Apostle John, while writing this gospel, would have.

Kruse says, “…indications are that he expected the Messiah to carry out judgment against sinners, not to offer himself as a sacrifice for their sins (cf. Matt. 3:12: ‘His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire’). John may have been identifying Jesus as the apocalyptic warrior lamb referred to in Jewish writings (e.g. 1 Enoch 90:9-12; Testament of Joseph 19:8-9) as did the author of the book of Revelation (Rev. 17:14), though the latter fused the idea of the powerful lamb/lion of Judah with the sacrificial lamb.”

Revelation 17:14 ^(NKJV) These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."

Whether John the Baptist was referring to the “warrior lamb” or the “sacrificial lamb,” is not so important for us to decide. The important thing is that both ideas are taught in Scripture, and we can be inspired by both pictures we have.

Peter is highlighting the sacrificial lamb.

1 Peter 1:18-19 ^(NKJV) knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, ¹⁹  but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

Saint Peter reminds us to be sober and serious about our faith and our conduct because we have been redeemed by the infinitely precious blood of Jesus Christ. We haven’t been bought with money (elsewhere referred to as “filthy lucre”), but we have been bought with blood; the blood of the Son of God.

Revelation highlights the warrior lamb.

Revelation 5:6 ^(NKJV) And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain.... (See 17:4 again on opposite page.)

The interesting thing about this passage is this: in this verse Jesus Christ is described as a Lamb as though it had been slain. In the previous verse, the angel refers to Him as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. It is difficult for me to comprehend what John must have seen. We can’t fully grasp the scene that is described here. But the important truth here again is the significance and symbolism of the Lamb. 

There is coming a day and time when all unrighteousness and evil will be destroyed by the “warrior lamb” – the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” Jesus Christ is truly the Lamb of God that was slain for our salvation.

Conclusion:

Behold! Look! There He is! The Lamb of God. The One who sacrificed Himself to cover the sins of the whole world. The One who will triumphantly destroy and conquer all sin, evil and unrighteousness forever.

Closing Song: Lamb of Glory

Racing Toward the Goal

This is a sermon that is based on Philippians 3:13-14 and other Scriptures. The message emphasizes the necessity for Christian believers to keep trusting Christ and serving Him with endurance until the end of life, much like an athlete must run the race until he reaches the goal. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was presented can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction: One common characteristic between modern times and the New Testament era was the importance of sports. Some writers tell us that sports played an important part in the Greek and Roman ideal of beauty and goodness. They believed that there must be a perfect balance between the training of the body and the training of the mind. Thus, their athletic training facilities were also centers of learning or intellectual training. However, as you may have read before, the sports “craze” degenerated over time. Blood-thirsty crowds became drunk on entertainment, and the “sports” became more and more brutal.

While Paul and other writers of Scripture do not seem to write as avid sports fans, yet they employed a fair amount of athletic language and analogies when writing about the Christian life. This obviously would have had a certain amount of appeal and relevance to the ordinary citizen. The readers of their letters would definitely have a knowledge of the common athletic games so that they could understand the analogies used by the biblical authors.

There are three basic games or sports that are referred to in the New Testament as analogous to the Christian life. They were: racing, boxing, and wrestling. Racing primarily referred to those who were “racing” toward the finish line which was “heaven.” Boxing was sometimes used to describe one’s discipline of self in order to “fight well.” Wrestling referred to the Christian’s fight with the forces of sin and darkness all around us. In this message I want to focus on the analogy of racing. (Foot racing, not stock car racing, or drag racing!! Not even chariot racing.)

In the passage of Scripture that I selected in Philippians, the word “race” is NOT used by the Apostle Paul, but the commentaries I consulted indicated that a race was in the author’s mind.

Lenski, in his commentary, tells us "Prize" [v. 14] is derived from the Greek word for umpire … who bestows the prize at the end of the race….
(R. C. H. Lenski, Lenski New Testament Commentary, Augsburg Publishing House, 1961)

Tyndale NT Commentary & Lenski – “… the goal (Gk. skopon) is a noun the means something you have/keep your eyes on. The verb form (Gk. skopein) means “to watch” or “to look.”

These word meanings would seem to indicate that Paul is referring to a race even though the word race isn’t used here.

What are some characteristics of this kind of race that Paul and other NT authors speak about?

I.          The race requires perseverance.

Heb. 12:1 (NKJV) “…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us….”

This race is not a sprint, it is a marathon. This race is not for the purpose of seeing who can get to the finish line first, but who can endure to the end. It’s not just the first one who gets the prize, but everyone who makes it to the finish line wins the prize. The emphasis on “run with endurance” shows that perseverance is required. There are plenty of reasons (excuses) that people give up the race and never finish. They give up their faith and stop practicing its teachings because they got distracted or discouraged.

When Paul says in Philippians, “I press toward the mark/goal,” the word “press” is in the verb tense denoting continuous action and is also translated as, “I am chasing/pursuing…” There’s always more race to go until Christ calls us home. Sometimes people get bitter over some mistreatment, or some tragedy and they turn away from God.

James 1: ¹²Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Life is full of disappointments, tragedies, hardships, fears, and heartaches, but we cannot allow any of those things stop us from running the race of faith. We must keep trusting and serving the Lord until we reach the finish line.

II.        The race requires ones’ full attention.

(NLT) Php. 3:13-14 No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.

In order to faithfully and successfully run this race I must NOT allow myself to become distracted. I cannot allow the successes or the failures of the past to distract me from the road that is ahead. Paul says, “forgetting the past” or “forgetting those things which are behind…” I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked to over the years of my ministry who are hung up on things that happened years/decades ago.

Forgiveness – “giving up all hope for a better past.” God forgives us, we need to forgive too.

I mentioned earlier that the word “goal” (NKJV) or “mark” (KJV), is a word that means something you keep watching or keep your eyes on. The writer of Hebrews tells it like this, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith….” We must keep our focus on Him. We dare not get sidetracked by the things that clamor for our attention.

Acts 20: 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

What are the “things” that Paul is talking about? Well, verse 19 refers to “tears and trials.” Verse 23 speaks of “chains and tribulations await me.” Paul is not going to allow the fears of what may happen to distract him from running his race and finishing the work that God has given him to do.

 III.       The race requires self discipline.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ^(NKJV) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (KJV, a castaway – six times in NT).

(v.25) “temperate” – self controlled

(v.27) “discipline”; KJV, “keep under” my body – lit. to hit/strike in the face

“bring into subjection” – lit. to enslave; “cause to live the life of a slave” (TDNT)

Here the Apostle is expressing the fact that anyone that is serious about competing and completing this race must do whatever is necessary to make it. That includes removing all obstacles and hindrances.

Jesus: “If your hand, foot, eye offend you…”

It takes self discipline for a runner to train his body to endure the rigors of the race. There are some fineries and pleasantries of life that are put aside in order to stay fit and healthy.

Heb. 12:1 emphasized the need to get rid of “every weight” and “the sin that so easily besets us.” The Christian race is not a “cake-walk” to heaven.

In his hymn “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” Isaac Watts asks this question in v. 2:

Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease

While others fought to win the prize and sailed through bloody seas?

The answer comes in v. 4:

Sure, I must fight if I would reign; increase my courage, Lord!

I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy Word.

IV.       The race includes a prize.

In the original passage I mentioned earlier (Php. 3:14), Paul says, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call…”

2 Tim. 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

See James 1:12 again – “… the man that endures… shall receive the crown of life…”

This “crown” that James (and others) refer to is most likely a reference to the wreath that the Olympic runners received at the end of the race. Here he is making a comparison to the reward that each believer will receive when we finish the race and have endured all of the tests and trials of the marathon, we call life.

(NIV) 2 Peter 1:10-11 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, ¹¹and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

1 Cor. 9: 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.

Rev. 2:10b – “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”

The person who finishes life’s race with his faith still intact and his confidence only in the blood of Jesus Christ will receive the crown of life. Someday, each one of us will personally finish this race and the reward will be eternal life with our Savior and Lord, the holy Son of God. To successfully finish the race of faith will be worth it all!

Closing Song: Be Strong In the Lord 

He Is Able

 This is a sermon based on Jude 24 and stresses God's ability to keep His children from falling from grace, even though it is possible to do so. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was presented can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Do you believe we are living in times when people are struggling with all kinds of fear?

Do you believe we are living in times when spiritual darkness and wickedness seems to be gaining momentum?

Do you think it is getting harder and harder for believers to rise above the culture and live victoriously for Christ?

Have you had those moments when you wondered if it was really possible to live obediently and pleasing to God in such a wicked and perverse generation?

I know that all of us have probably had those moments when we asked ourselves all of these questions. We have had those moments when we realize that we need a power greater than ourselves in order to stand up and stand out for Christ. I bring you good news today and it is found in the text of Jude 24. “[He] is able to keep you from falling, and present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.”

With the help of “Him who is able,” I want to speak to you today on this passage of Scripture to help us experience renewed hope and resolve to allow God to give us everything we need for victorious living in these days.

Before we get into the theme of this doxology, I want to point out a few things about this letter.

Written by: Jude (Judas) the half-brother of Jesus.

Matthew 13:55 ^(NKJV) Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?

Jude said some very similar things as 2 Peter. May have been familiar with Peter’s letter. Peter warned about false teachers coming. Jude warns – false teachers are here.

Key Words: Contend for the Faith

Key Verse: Jude 1:3 ^(NKJV) … I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

The text at the end of the chapter we are looking at today appears to be a doxology that may have been commonly used and often repeated. It presents a message of hope and confidence as it lifts up the Lord in honor and praise.

I.          Falling is possible.

I suppose one of the first things I notice about this message of hope is the fact that the Apostle Jude acknowledges the possibility of falling.

A. Word Meaning

“… keep you from falling…”

“fall” – to stumble; “…five NT instances the main meaning is the figurative one “to slip,” “to err,” “to sin” (Geoffrey W. Bromiley, trans., Gerhard Kittel, Gerhard Friedrich, ed., Theological Dictionary of the New Testament: Abridged in One Volume, Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 2003)

See Rom. 11:11 where three different words are used that mean fall.

Romans 11:11 ^(NKJV) I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.

The first “stumble” is same word as in Jude – to stumble, err, sin…

Second “fall” is a different Gk. Word – “píptō”

…in Rom. 11:11 falling means abandonment by God in guilt, and in Rom. 11:22 falling is identical to guilt, píptō may also be used for loss of faith and separation from grace (1 Cor. 10:12). At issue here is an apostasy from God or Christ which means disqualification (1 Cor. 9:27). (Geoffrey W. Bromiley, trans., Gerhard Kittel, Gerhard Friedrich, ed., Theological Dictionary of the New Testament)

Romans 11:22 ^(NKJV) Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

1 Corinthians 10:12 ^(NKJV) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV) But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (KJV, “a castaway”).

The third “fall” (Rom. 11:11) = παράπτωμα, paráptōma. This is the same root word as the 2^nd “fall” but with a preposition attached to the front. In NT is translated 9 – “trespass;” 7 – “offense;” 3 – “sin.” (Strongs)

With this understanding of the word Jude uses, as well as other words used in similar passages, we clearly see that falling is possible.

B. Contextual Meaning

Jude 1:4 ^(NKJV) For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

This verse warning about those who currently causing trouble is followed by several examples from the OT of God bringing judgment upon those who turned away from Him and lived ungodly lives.

See esp. vv. 16ff

Jude 1:16-19 ^(NKJV) These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. ¹⁷ But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: ¹⁸ how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. ¹⁹ These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.

In the context of describing the kinds of people among whom the believers live, the Apostle says this word of promise and inspiration, “He is able to keep you from falling.” Taken in context, Jude is saying that God is able to keep them from succumbing to the cultural and spiritual degradation that exists all around them.

The phrase lit. reads, “guard us not-falling.”

(Michael Green, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries – 2 Peter and Jude, Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Academic, 2009)   Here phylassō is used; it means ‘guard’. …. We must watch that we stay close to the Lord, but only he can guard us so that we do not stumble. Aptaistous, from falling, does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. [Greek writers use the word in various ways, one] of a horse which is surefooted and does not stumble, [another] of the steady falling of the snow, and by [a third] of a good man who does not make moral lapses. In the midst of difficult company, turbulent thinking and the questioning of moral standards, it is only the Lord who can preserve us.

How fitting for us today!

II.        He who keeps us from falling.

Jude uses a pronoun here, but it is very clear whom he is talking about. He specifically names Him in v. 25 – “To God our Savior…”

A. God has a “track record” of accomplishments.

There is so much we can say here. We are given so much information in the Bible about God and all He has already done. He has done so many mighty works and miracles in our world! Created this universe out of nothing simply by speaking the word. Delivered Israelites through the Red Sea. Calms Storms, raises the dead, heals the sick, etc., etc.

If He did all of those things, then He surely is able to give everything necessary for His children to overcome the threats, dangers and pitfalls which surround them.

B. He provides the tools for our success.

Jude 1:20-23 ^(NKJV) But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, ²¹ keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. ²² And on some have compassion, making a distinction; ²³ but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

God doesn’t just do everything for us. He gives us the privilege of doing what we are able to do for ourselves. And that is to willfully choose the practices which will produce spiritual results.

Build yourselves up in the faith – study the faith (in the Scriptures)

Pray in the Holy Spirit – Over and over in Scripture we are reminded of the need to pray and the benefits of prayer.

Keep yourselves – this emphasizes the personal choice we have to willfully submit ourselves to the love of God.

Have compassion…save with fear – be engaged in reaching out to others. There is something about caring for others and teaching/ discipling others that helps us keep alert and fresh in our own spiritual lives.

Even while we are doing what we know to do, God is still the One who is enabling us.

III.       He exhibits the victors with joy.

Jude 1:24b ^(NKJV)  … to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy

This is thrilling to think about.

(Expositor’s Bible Commentary) God is able, literally, to “guard [safely] as a prison.” Moreover, he is able not only to safeguard the saints against falling but even cause them to stand “before [God’s] glorious presence without fault and with great joy.”

(Michael Green, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries – 2 Peter and Jude, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Academic, 2009) God sets us before him (katenōpion, his glorious presence, is a strong word), and what deeper conception of bliss could there be than for the redeemed to be face to face with their God? God has no charge to prefer against those who are accepted in his spotless Son; and if God be for us, who can be against us? This is indeed great cause for agalliasis, great joy, a word particularly used of exultation at the heavenly banquet…. It is essentially a word that belongs to heaven.

It is clearly a cause for joy in us, but I am confident that it is a cause for joy to God and angels as well.

IV.       He deserves all the praise.

Jude 1:25 ^(NKJV) To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.

When we arrive in heaven, it will not be due to our own righteousness, it is only because of the grace of God. He obviously gives us the choice to accept His offer of salvation and to cooperate with the operations of His Spirit, but we deserve none of the credit.

To God be glory, majesty, dominion, and power now and forever!

Conclusion:

God has made His grace available to us every single day. He will not leave us to flounder and struggle in our own strength.

He will guard us and keep us from falling.

Closing song: Day by Day

Salvation Work

This is a sermon based on phrase in Philippians 2:12, "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." It explores the true meaning of the phrase and the connection between salvation and works of faith after salvation is received. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was preached can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Tomorrow is a national holiday – Labor Day. I haven’t preached very many sermons related to the theme of work/labor, but I decided to do so this year. Before we get started on the message, I thought I would begin with a little “Labor Day Humor.”

Two women were comparing notes on the difficulties of running a small business.
“I started a new practice last year,” the first one said. “I insist that each of my employees take at least one week off every three months.”
“Why in the world would you do that?” the other asked.

The first one replied, “It’s the best way I know of to learn which ones I can do without!”

“Do you believe in life after death?” the boss asked one of his employees.

“Yes Sir.” the employee replied.

“Well, then, that makes everything just fine,” the boss went on. “After you left early yesterday to attend your grandmother’s funeral, she stopped in to see you!”

The Worker – The Castle Rock, Colorado, Wage and Hours Government Department claimed an old rancher by the name of Mickey was not paying proper wages to his ranch help and sent an agent out to interview him. 'I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them,' demanded the agent. 'Well,' replied old Mickey, 'There's my ranch hand who's been with me for 3 years. I pay him $600 a week plus free room and board. The cook has been here for 18 months, and I pay her $500 a week plus free room and board. Then there's the half-wit who works about 18 hours every day and does about 90% of all the work around here. He makes about $10 per week, pays his own room and board and I buy him a bottle of bourbon every Saturday night.' 'That's the guy I want to talk to, the half-wit,' says the agent. 'That would be me!' replied Mickey. (https://www.funny-jokes.com/labor-day-jokes#More_Classic _Labor_Day_Jokes)

Labor Day is a day that was initiated for the purpose of giving tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. It was June 28, 1894 when Congress passed legislation making the first Monday in September a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. I fear that the culture war in our nation has done great damage to the idea of the sacredness of honest labor. I can’t tell the number of times in the last several months I’ve heard reports of supplies, products and projects being delayed because of the shortage of labor.

As I began thinking about the Labor Day holiday and wondering if there was a Scripture that the Lord would direct me to that was somewhat related, I almost immediately thought of this verse in Philippians 2:12.

(NKJV) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling

According to my records, I used this verse and spoke briefly about it during a series of messages I preached through the Epistle of James, because it seemed to fit with a thought that James presented in chapter 2 of his letter.

I have heard many people interpret this verse to mean that everyone’s understanding of salvation is slightly different, so each person needs to “work out” what they think salvation involves for them and not worry about what others think. This view sort of implies a self-made, designer type salvation that goes along nicely with whatever I think it should be.

That is not really the correct understanding of the text. One author states that the words, “work out,” indicate the idea of carrying something through to its conclusion. As such, it would mean that the Philippian believers were urged to let God’s salvation be worked out into their everyday lives and accomplish all that God intended for it to accomplish.

For a little while today I would like to examine this text with you and then consider some other relevant applications of the principle that Paul is teaching us here.

I.          Contextual Information

There are a few details that are important to review before we get along too far in this discussion.

A. Paul is writing from confinement.

Philippians is one of four “Prison Epistles” in the NT. He is uncertain what lies ahead for him. He clearly indicates that his case is a life and death situation. (See Philippians 1:19-24.) He seems to write as though he believes he may be released because he hopes to see them face-to-face. (2:24) Regardless of the outcome, he frequently expresses joy in Christ and in the reports he has heard from them and about them.

B. This letter is a corporate letter.

By that I mean it was written to a church, a group of believers, not an individual. That is significant because it cannot have the meaning in verse 12 that I described initially, (i.e., every person trying to “work out” whatever they think salvation involves for them personally and don’t worry about what anyone else says or does).

“you” / “your” – the pronouns “you/your” in v. 12 are in the plural form. So, Paul is not giving an individual order or instruction, but he is addressing the entire church.

“work out” – or “work at;” Verb, present, middle, imperative

(Expositor’s Bible Commentary) The preposition kata intensifies the verb “to work” and means to carry the work through to its conclusion. The grace the Philippians have received from God, establishing their salvation, is still to be actualized and to become fruitful (cf. Collange, 109).

(Ibid) The command to “work out your salvation” suggests that salvation is “not only something they receive; it is something they do” (Fee, 234). Salvation is experienced in community… Salvation involves one’s individual reconciliation with God but also one’s reconciliation with others. (Williams, 137), recognizes that “even though the Philippians are expected to respond individually, the imperative has to do with what takes place in their community life, as they return to their common cause with regard to the gospel.”

C. God has already been working in them.

v. 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

This is clearly not a reference to individuals making up their own mind about what salvation is and what it involves, because God has already been working in them all corporately. God has poured out His grace in their hearts and lives and continues to do so. And, the work they are commanded to do is not all in their own wisdom or strength or ability. No, God is working through them.

II.        Salvation Work Includes…

A. Works that ratify repentance and faith.

Acts 26:20 ^(NKJV)  but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

Luke 3:10-14 ^(NKJV) So the people asked him, saying, "What shall we do then?" ¹¹ He answered and said to them, "He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise." ¹² Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" ¹³ And he said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed for you." ¹⁴ Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."

When John the Baptist was preaching “the baptism of repentance” to the people, they were convicted with His message and asked what they should do. His answer was not so they could earn their salvation, it was so they could demonstrate God’s work in them.

Ephesians 2:10 ^(NKJV)  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Paul doesn’t connect works with repentance here in Ephesians, but he connects works with salvation, which is essentially what he wrote to the Philippians – work your salvation.

B. Works that glorify God.

Matthew 5:16 ^(NKJV)  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

There is no way to spell out what all it may involve for us to do works that glorify God. The only thing I can say is that it means we do whatever it takes to help others recognize who God truly is. That is, works that fit with His character and nature.

Titus 2:7 ^(NKJV)  in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

C. Works that model what Jesus did.

John 9:4 ^(NKJV)  I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.

John 14:12 ^(NKJV)  "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

We obviously do not have the power to perform miraculous healings, etc. However, we can do things to alleviate the suffering of those around us.

I was talking to a pastor (Steve Stanley) who was working on graduate degrees in Wesleyan history and Christian history. He mentioned that he learned it was the Christians who ministered to the masses who were dying during the bubonic plague, etc.

III.       Our works will be judged.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15 ^(NKJV)  each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. ¹⁴ If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Many Christians are investing lots of time and talents into works that will not matter in eternity.

Conclusion:

Contrary to popular belief, “work” is not a curse. Labor in general was sanctified by God at creation. But works of righteousness are especially pleasing to the Lord. God has a work for all of us to do. Every believer has an important job – to carry out the mission of Christ until He returns or calls us home. So, let’s keep working!

Closing Song: We’ll Work ‘til Jesus Comes             P&W #188

A Key Ingredient for Worship

Max Lucado (In the Eye of the Storm), commenting about the disciples worshiping Jesus after being saved from the stormy sea (Matt. 14:33), said, "...only after the incident on the sea did they worship him. Why? Simple. This time they were the ones who were saved." This sermon borrows this thought and develops the idea that personal salvation is the necessary ingredient in order for worship to be genuine. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was delivered can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

I remember a number of years ago a good friend of mine told me something that you may have heard before too. He said, “The difference between minor surgery and major surgery is this: minor surgery is when it is someone else, and major surgery is when it’s you!” I suppose that we can see the nugget of truth to that. The only possible exception to that rule is when the “someone else” is one of your kids!

But it is true. When we experience the situation for ourselves it changes our perception of it in so many ways. It doesn’t matter what experience we may be talking about – pain, sorrow, fun, excitement and joy. The degree of our emotion and feeling will be different if we actually experience it instead of just listening to someone else’s experience.

In Max Lucado’s book, In the Eye of the Storm, this is what he wrote regarding verse 33 in Matt. 14:

After the storm, [the disciples] worshiped him. They had never, as a group, done that before. Never. Check it out. Open your Bible. Search for a time when the disciples corporately praised him.

You won’t find it.

You won’t find them worshiping when he heals the leper. Forgives the adulteress. Preaches to the masses. They were willing to follow. Willing to leave family. Willing to cast out demons. Willing to be in the army.

But only after the incident on the sea did they worship him. Why?

Simple. This time they were the ones who were saved.

For the message this morning I want to review some of the things I have said in the past regarding genuine worship and then relate those principles to the matter expressed by Max Lucado – the element of personal experience.

I.          Definitions of Worship

(ISBE) The principal Old Testament word is ‏שָׁחָה‎, ṣhāḥāh, "depress," "bow down," "prostrate" (Hithpael), as in Exodus 4:31 ^(KJV) [And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.] The context determines more or less clearly whether the physical act or the volitional and emotional idea is intended.

The Old Testament idea is therefore the reverential attitude of mind or body or both, combined with the more generic notions of religions adoration, obedience, and service….

The principal New Testament word (59 times) is προσκυνέω, proskunéō, "kiss (the hand or the ground) toward," hence, often in the oriental fashion bowing prostrate upon the ground… The root idea of bodily prostration is much less prominent than in the Old Testament. It is always translated "worship."

While the words used in Scripture often are meant to be taken literally, i.e., bow down, it truly describes the attitude of the worshiper more than the physical posture. With all of the things worship includes we might summarize it by saying that it is a recognition of the worthiness of the one being worshiped, and the acknowledgment of the worshiper’s unworthiness.

(Sperry, quoted in Wiley, Vol III p 45) “Worship is the adoration of God, the aspiration of supreme worth to God, and the manifestation of reverence in the presence of God.”

(Prudden, Ibid) “He who has not learned to worship inclines to the belief that there is no being more worthy of reverence than himself…. The essence of worship is, that in itself it is dethroned, and God enthroned. By it we recognize Him as somewhat other than a very powerful person whom we may use for our convenience and benefit.”

Archbishop William Temple (Draper’s Book of Quotations) To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.

(Adam Clarke, Christian Theology) [Worship] implies the deepest awe of his divine Majesty … a trembling before him while rejoicing in him; the greatest circumspection in every act of religious worship; the mind wholly engrossed with the object while the heart is found in the deepest prostration at his feet….

Worship… implies that proper conception we should have of God, as the great governor of heaven and earth, of angels and men. How worthy He is in his nature, and in the administration of his government, of the highest praises we can offer, and of the best services we can render!

These explanations, biblically and theologically, help us grasp to some degree that worship focuses completely on the being and nature of God. Worship is all about recognizing God’s worthiness to receive the highest adoration, praise and service.

Two kinds of worship: private and corporate. Both are necessary for maintaining a meaningful relationship with God.

II.        Some Distinctions about Worship

A. Worship focuses on God, not on us.

Far too often, our private worship and our corporate worship is geared towards what makes us feel good. When we stop and take stock of our own attitudes and preferences toward worship, how much of our wants and desires are centered on what makes us feel good?

This might say something about the need to learn something new if it will help us gain a greater adoration for God. I acknowledge that if I am singing songs that I know, then it’s easier to think about what I’m singing. If I’m trying to sing songs I don’t know, then I find myself struggling so much to get through it that I can’t focus on God and what I’m really singing about.

Having said that, there is also the danger of singing/saying everything so familiar that we just do it unconsciously or automatically. We go through the “motions” without really thinking about what we’re saying or doing. Either way, sticking with the old or integrating something new, the problem can be our own desire to please ourselves rather than truly honoring and glorifying God. Whatever we do, the focus is on God, not on me.

B. Appreciation is not the same as worship.

This next point is something that was brought up by another author I have often quoted – Dr. John Oswalt. I receive a weekly devotional from Dr. Oswalt by email. Last week and the week before, Dr. Oswalt made some comments that some might find to be old fashioned. He makes a connection between the mere show of appreciation and the tendency to make applause a component of worship.

Where does this instinct for applause come from? In the rock concert, at the end of a prolonged musical set, there is an extended period of applause. Why? The driving, thundering music has created such an excess of emotion in us that we must release it somehow, and applause punctuated with screams is a way to do that. We also want to express appreciation to the performers for having been able to create such pleasurable emotions in us.
So, in the sanctuary, or more likely, the auditorium, after the prolonged musical set, we are called upon to do what? To express appreciation to God for his excellent performance in filling us with emotion? Really?! Yahweh, the I AM? Moving us?! But someone will say, “No, it is an expression of praise.” I beg to differ. In the context, after an extended musical set, applause is an expression of appreciation, and appreciation is not praise.
Think of it this way. You are involved in a terrible auto accident just outside your parent’s home. You are unconscious in the front seat and the car is burning. Your father runs out of the house in his bathrobe, grabs the red-hot door handle and drags you out and away just before the gas tank explodes. He falls over your prostrate body, shielding you from the blazing chunks of metal that fall on his back, burning him and not you. When you come to, and learn what has happened, do you “give him a hand?” Absolutely not! He has not given a thrilling public performance for your [enjoyment]. No, you fall on your knees before him, tenderly kissing those burned hands, bathing them with your tears, “lost in wonder, love, and praise.”

I did not read you these comments to get us to stop clapping when anyone sings a special song, or plays special music. I read it because it helped me to realize afresh that what we do in worship really matters. Our motives matter and our methods matter.

Do our methods help us focus more on God and what He has done to save us, or do they lead us to focus more on ourselves or each other? Are we really worshiping the high and holy One who inhabits eternity, or are we expressing our pleasure and satisfaction for the way we have been emotionally stirred?

C. Performance is not the same as worship.

If we claim that appreciation and applause is distinct from real worship, then the same can be said about that which draws the applause – the performance. In his second devotional regarding the matter of appreciation and applause, Dr. Oswalt raises the issue of whether the music we applaud is truly offered to God as an offering of worship or is it offered for the approval of people?

We need to examine our motives and ask ourselves, “Am I offering this to God in praise and worship, or am I seeking the approval of men?” I need to remember that whatever I offer to God in worship – prayer, songs, sermons, etc., must come from a heart of true devotion and honor to Him, not for the applause and appreciation of people.

III.       Worship and Personal Experience

If we go back to the point that Max Lucado made about the disciples in the boat, what was it that caused them to corporately worship the Lord? All the other occasions they witnessed – healings, deliverances, etc. brought forth praise and undoubtedly prompted testimonies everywhere they went about what they had seen. What they had witnessed apparently caused them to give up their present livelihood to follow him. But now we get the impression that they are falling on their faces, prostrating themselves to worship.

Lucado says, “This time they were the ones who were saved.”

The same point can be made in the hypothetical example Dr. Oswalt presented - the person who is saved from the burning car. When the salvation God has provided for the whole human race has been personally applied in my life the dynamic changes. Whenever anyone tells how Jesus saved him/her, it’s a great story and it brings joy to our hearts. But, when Jesus saves me, the gospel takes on a whole new, personal meaning.

True worship flows from the heart when I recognize how lost I was and how deserving I was of judgment and hell, but due to the amazing grace of God and the blood sacrifice of Jesus, I have been redeemed!

Conclusion:

The “Key Ingredient for Worship” is a personal experience of salvation.

(In the Eye of the Storm, Max Lucado) When you recognize God as Creator, you will admire him. When you recognize his wisdom, you will learn from him. When you discover his strength, you will rely on him. But only when he saves you will you worship him.

For our closing song today, I want us to sing a song that expresses the salvation Christ has provided and has been personally experienced by each of us who knows we have been redeemed.

Closing Song: He Ransomed Me 

The Process of Spiritual Adultery

This is a sermon that was based on the OT prophecy of Hosea 13:6 in which God tells the prophet the factors that led to Israel's unfaithfulness and process of spiritual adultery, leading them to forsake the commandments of God and turn to the worship of pagan deities. A video recording of the Sunday morning worship service in which this sermon was given may be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Hosea 13:6 ^(NKJV) When they had pasture, they were filled; They were filled and their heart was exalted; Therefore they forgot Me.

(NIV) When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.

Introduction:

Earlier I read the first chapter of Hosea. It is an unusual story. I’ve often wondered how God spoke to those OT prophets. Was it an audible voice? When you read about some of the things they said and even the things they did, it makes one wonder if they did hear an audible voice from heaven. I know that before I would have done some of the things the prophets did, I’d not only need an audible voice, but I think I would have needed a physical body to go with the audible voice in order to obey some of those commands.

Hosea is a good example of what I’m talking about. I am intrigued over the fact that we don’t read about Hosea arguing with God over this directive to go marry a prostitute. All I can say is that Hosea must have been absolutely and positively certain that God had spoken!

The title I have chosen for the message today may seem a little unusual to you.

I know there are many Christian theologians and teachers who promote the doctrine that it is impossible for a believer to turn away from Christ and ultimately be lost for eternity. Whenever it appears as though someone has done that very thing, we often hear the argument that they were never really born again or saved. I am certainly willing to agree that many people who have professed to be born again, never really were. And, therefore, it wasn’t a matter of giving up their faith or trust in Christ, but never truly and fully trusting in Christ in the first place.

However, I firmly believe the Bible teaches us that should a believer turn away from God and give up their faith, they run the risk of being eternally lost. This is certainly illustrated in the history of God’s dealing with Israel and Judah, as well as repeated warnings to believers in the New Testament, which make no sense if there is no possibility of being separated from Christ and eternally lost. So today, I want to use this passage in Hosea and take what God says about Israel to illustrate the necessity for Christians stay true to the Lord and not become like those who forgot God in Hosea’s day.

The Scripture that was read earlier this morning tells us that the prophet Hosea lived and preached during the reins of four different kings in Judah and one king of Israel. By the time Hosea comes on the scene, both Israel and Judah have repeatedly abandoned the true worship of God and obedience to His covenant. They have repeatedly forsaken the Lord to worship and give offerings and sacrifices to pagan deities. According to verse 4 in chapter 1, it will not be long before the Lord brings an end to the northern kingdom – the nation of Israel.

Hosea 1:4 ^(NKJV) Then the LORD said to him: "Call his name Jezreel, For in a little while I will avenge the bloodshed of Jezreel on the house of Jehu, And bring an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.

Without taking the time to attempt an in-depth analysis of Hosea’s marriage, children, etc. we do need to point out that God clearly makes a comparison between Hosea’s relationship with his wife and the relationship between Israel and the Lord. While giving the description of Israel’s spiritual failings, God describes how it happened in Hosea 13:6 that I read a few moments ago. It is a description of how Israel ended up turning away from the Lord. It serves as a vivid reminder of the similar process that can happen spiritually to God’s children even today, so we need to be alert and on guard against the enemy of our souls.

I.          They experienced the wonderful blessings of God.

When I fed them, they were satisfied…

In the verses leading up to verse 6, it is clear that God is referring to the care that he gave to the people as they were delivered from Egypt and were traveling toward the promised land. Moses gave a very similar description in Deuteronomy where he is addressing the people prior to his death.

Deut. 32:10-15a (NKJV) ¹⁰  "He found him in a desert land And in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. ¹¹  As an eagle stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young, Spreading out its wings, taking them up, Carrying them on its wings, ¹²  So the LORD alone led him, And there was no foreign god with him. ¹³  "He made him ride in the heights of the earth, That he might eat the produce of the fields; He made him draw honey from the rock, And oil from the flinty rock; ¹⁴  Curds from the cattle, and milk of the flock, With fat of lambs; And rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, With the choicest wheat; And you drank wine, the blood of the grapes. ¹⁵  "But Jeshurun [upright one, i.e., Israel] grew fat and kicked; You grew fat, you grew thick, You are obese!...

Think about all that God had done for Israel. Miraculous deliverance on Passover night. Miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea. Miraculous provisions of food and water.

As you read through the story of the exodus and the journey to Canaan, if you’re like me, you wonder how could the people ever forget about the ways God provided all their needs? How could they ever doubt God’s ongoing care? I don’t know that I can prove it directly in Scripture, but I am convinced that they became ungrateful and began to take all God’s blessings and provisions for granted.

Still spiritually applies to people today. We have such great opportunities for godly music, preaching, teaching, etc. that we just begin to take it for granted and begin to be ungrateful for all that God has provided. We fail to truly appreciate our privileges because we’ve learned that we can get it anytime we want it or feel the desire.

We have no comprehension of the conditions Christians in other parts of the world contend with. The spiritual poverty in their countries requires many of them to travel long distances on foot, risk getting beaten or maybe even killed just so they can hear the Word of God and receive encouragement from their brothers and sisters. But in places like here where our spiritual privileges are so rich, we know nothing about taking such risk to hear the Word. We are constantly “fed and have become well-satisfied.”

II.        They developed an attitude of self-sufficiency.

when they were satisfied, they became proud

As God is describing the condition of His people, He says that once they were satisfied, they became proud. The description provided here by the Lord through the prophet is given in physical or natural terms. They were satisfied because they had all they needed. They had plenty to eat, plenty to wear, plenty of everything. Eventually they became proud and evidently began to boast about who they were and how special they were to Yahweh/Jehovah.

The pride caused them to focus on themselves rather than focusing on the extraordinary grace of God. Pride causes people to forget that God has done so much, and they begin to be amazed at all they have accomplished. There are few things more repulsive than people who have become proud of their spiritual status and accomplishments. You’ve no doubt met people who give the impression that they are so special to God, He is surely fortunate to have them “on His team!”

James 4:6 “… God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

III.       They forgot God and became corrupt.

Then they forgot me.

When the people of Israel forgot the Lord…

A. They abandoned Him just like an unfaithful spouse.

We all understand the tragedy of marital infidelity and the consequences it brings into the lives of two people who at one time pledged to love each other until death. The abandonment and infidelity did not just happen in a day or overnight. It was a much longer process of “forgetting” to treat one another with the kind of respect and tender love that was at the beginning of the relationship.

How sad it is to watch marriages slowly deteriorate and their affections turn toward someone else. We sometimes become shocked at the level of disrespect, bitterness and even violence that develops between two individuals that were “madly in love” at one point.

The prophets of God frequently used the analogy of marital infidelity and unfaithfulness to describe how the people of Israel treated God. Their worship of pagan gods was often portrayed or described as “playing the harlot” or “prostituting themselves.”

Just as it is in human relationships, the abandonment toward God doesn’t usually just “overnight.” It often is a much longer process of gradual unfaithfulness to Him and failure to take appropriate steps to keep the affection and devotion warm and fresh.

When they abandoned Him…

B. They began to make choices that appealed to their own proud, lustful hearts.

Hosea 13:1-2 (NKJV) ¹  When Ephraim [another name often used to represent Israel] spoke, trembling, He exalted himself in Israel; But when he offended through Baal worship, he died. ²  Now they sin more and more, And have made for themselves molded images, Idols of their silver, according to their skill; All of it is the work of craftsmen. They say of them, "Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!"

Depending on the proper translation of this verse, it could have a reference to the performance of human sacrifices.

(Hosea 13:2b NIV, … It is said of these people, “They offer human sacrifices! They kiss calf-idols!”)

It is astounding how depraved a nation or an individual can become when they have turned away from the Lord and have begun to live according to the dictates of their spiritually dead hearts. How does such corruption and depravity happen to a nation? How does it happen to a married couple? How does it happen to an individual? How do they become so corrupt and unfaithful to the God (spouse) they onetime loved and worshiped?

Well, I can tell you this: it didn’t just happen suddenly. It is a long process of carelessness with regard to maintaining a loving relationship, open communication, and stubborn faithfulness to promises and vows regardless of all the allurements that might seek to draw us away. You can be sure that the Holy Spirit was faithful. There were many times the Spirit prompted them to come back and revive the devotion and strengthen the relationship. But, each time a person overrides the prompting of the Holy Spirit, it becomes easier to do it the next time.

Conclusion:

If you’ve read your Bible, you know how this all turned out for Israel. After they persisted so long in their abandonment of God and their worship of pagan gods, the Lord allowed them to suffer the consequences of their own choices. War, defeat, captivity, death.

If an individual, a church, or a nation insists on turning away from God and appeasing our own depraved desires, then one day God will allow us to experience the consequences. But, it doesn’t have to end that way. As I said earlier, the Holy Spirit is faithful to keep calling us back to a renewed spiritual vitality and relationship if we will respond.

Closing song: Holy Spirit, Light Divine