Treasures and Turmoil

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This is a sermon given at Wayside Community Church on July 29, 2012. It was based on the Scripture 2 Corinthians 4:7-18.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

As I try to determine the will of God for the messages I bring, I do try to maintain a balance in the themes that I emphasize in my ministry. One of the things that I try to do periodically is present a message that inspires hope and faith.

As a pastor that has the responsibility to instruct and motivate people to a greater level of discipleship and a deeper level of love for the Lord, it can be appealing to make most of my sermons focus on who we ought to be or where we ought to be going or what we ought to be doing. Those kinds of messages are certainly necessary and hopefully helpful. But, a steady diet of that can begin to cause people to be discouraged, as it begins to seem that we are never achieving.

So, today I felt drawn to this passage of scripture that I hope will inspire some fresh hope and renewed faith in every one of us. With the help of God’s Spirit today, I want to bring a message that lifts your spirits to a renewed confidence in God and that inspires each of us to keep faithfully serving our Lord until He calls us home.

The two contrasting words I have used in my title seem to emphasize the stark contrast that the Apostle used in these verses before us today. On the one hand he speaks of a treasure. On the other hand, he immediately begins to speak in terms that I think are best described with the word turmoil.

Whenever we think of the word treasure, we usually do not think of trouble. And, when we think of the word turmoil, we do not usually think of treasures. But, Paul shows a clear connection to the two concepts in our passage we are considering today.

As we consider this passage today I want to emphasize

The treasure - I. We have a treasure.

The vessel - II. We are earthen vessels.

The turmoil - III. We experience turmoil and trouble.

The victory – IV. But not destroyed.

I. We have a treasure.

A. The treasure represents the message of the gospel.

The word is probably a reference back to the preceding verse where the apostle uses the phrase, “… the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” This knowledge, that is akin to a light suddenly coming on in the darkest surroundings, has been explained and developed in all of the verses leading up to verse 7.

B. The treasure did not originate with us; it was given to us.

Let us never forget, dear friends, that this gospel, this treasure, this knowledge is purely a gift of divine grace.

II. We are earthen vessels.

Our normal conclusion regarding such a rich treasure is that God would keep it, store it, or protect it in containers that are perfect and completely indestructible. Yet, this is not the case.

“earthen” – a word that Greek language scholars say is derived from the word that is used for the shell of an oyster. Thus, is implies something fragile or even brittle.

“vessel” – a common word that had different uses depending on the context. It is translated 19 times as “vessel,” but it is also translated twice with the word “goods,” once as “stuff,” and once as “sail.”

Some believe that Paul is alluding to an ancient custom of storing gold and silver in earthenware pots. (JH Bernard, Expos. Gk. NT)

His point seems to be this…

A. We are human.

We are made from dust.

We are “clay in the potter’s hand”.

We are mere flesh and bones.

Although, this doesn’t seem to be Paul’s point here, it is worth mentioning that this analogy seems to run parallel to the fact that God chose to become incarnate in human flesh. The treasure of the Godhead was wrapped in the earthen vessel of human flesh. (JH Bernard)

B. We are flawed.

We are limited, finite, weak, fragile, etc, etc. We are unlikely vessels for such a valuable treasure, but God has entrusted it with us. God has granted us the awesome privilege of carrying the knowledge of the gospel that is described like a bright light shining into a room of darkest ignorance.

III. We experience turmoil and trouble.

Immediately after declaring that we have been entrusted with this awesome treasure, the Apostle switches his focus to the struggles we face.

As I said at the beginning… whenever we think of the word treasure, we usually do not think of trouble. And, when we think of the word turmoil, we do not usually think of treasures. But, Paul shows a clear connection between the two concepts here.

A. Trouble is just a fact of life.

It is undeniably and unavoidably a part of our earthly journey. You can’t get to the end of this journey without experiencing some kind of trouble and turmoil. Some people have the mistaken idea that if we are Christians and we are trying to obey the Lord and live a good life then we should be exempt from trouble, suffering and turmoil.

But… our world has been deeply infected by the consequences of sin ever since the Garden of Eden. The curse which came about as a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience has only heightened and worsened through time.

We are a part of this earthly environment. And we will also be affected by the curse of sickness, death, trouble, evil, and all other consequences of sin. This world never will again be a paradise, no matter what the earth-worshippers and environmentalists fanatics or others may say!

B. Sometimes, trouble seems to get progressively worse and compounded.

Look at the description Paul uses in verses 8 & 9.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NKJV) [emphasis added]
⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed--

Adam Clarke concurs with others by assuming that Paul’s language here is referring to the athletic games or contests that would have been common knowledge for his readers. In any case, he is using figurative language to draw an analogy to life’s experiences, and more particularly his own experiences.

Notice what he describes later on in this letter, chapter 11.

2 Corinthians 11:23-27 (NKJV)
²³ Are they ministers of Christ?--I speak as a fool--I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. ²⁴ From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. ²⁵ Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; ²⁶ in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; ²⁷ in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness--

There are many times in life when we feel like we are squeezed nearly to death, perplexed or in doubt, persecuted (pursued, chased), and knocked down all at the same time.

Have you been there? Many of us have felt like this at various times in our lives. But, I’m glad Paul’s message doesn’t end here.

IV. We triumph in victory.

Look again at Paul’s words in verses 8 and 9.

In every description of adversity he gives, he balances it with a word of hope.

We may be squeezed in, pressed, or beset with trouble on every side, but we are not crushed, distressed or straitened.

We may be in doubt and perplexed, but we have not given up in complete despair or given up our faith.

We may be persecuted (pursued, chased like an animal) but we have not been forsaken or abandoned by God.

We may be knocked down, but we haven’t been destroyed, killed or lost.

In all of these troubles, there is a ray of hope. There is a ray of light. God hasn’t abandoned us.

Look at verses 11-15.

2 Corinthians 4:11-14 (NKJV) [emphasis added]
¹¹ For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ¹² So then death is working in us, but life in you. ¹³ And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak, ¹⁴ knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.

Religion or Relationship

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This is a sermon that tries to emphasize the contrast between understanding Christianity as a religion versus understanding Christianity as a relationship with a person - Jesus Christ. Various Scripture texts were used to emphasize different metaphors that are used in the Bible to describe a relationship.

Religion or Relationship

Introduction:

I remember years ago when I would use encyclopedias to look up information about various countries of the world for school projects or reports I would discover all types of useful information about the different countries that I would research for my report.

I remember being perplexed to read about the predominant religions of each country. The religion might be listed as 60% one religion, 30% some other religion and 10% a different religion. Usually one of the religions listed would be Christianity. How could the government or any educational organization possibly know how many people were really true Christians out of millions in the country?

I had been raised to believe that one had to be “saved” or born again in order to really be a Christian. I had been taught that the word Christian meant that you were like Christ in actions and attitudes.

Well, I learned that the statistics in the encyclopedias were estimates probably based on surveys and population samples. Perhaps they were calculated from boxes that people checked on some sort of census form. They were based on the assumption that any people who claimed some sort of affiliation with a church or denomination were considered a member of that religion.

However, I’m sure many of us here have heard it said many times that Christianity is not primarily a religion; it is a relationship. Yet, many people who have reduced it down to a religion.

What is the difference anyway? Does it really matter?

Different people have described the difference between religion and relationship like this:

Religion – man (people) working in his own efforts to attempt to find God and please (or appease) Him.

Relationship – God seeking us and making the way for us to come to Him through the sacrifice of His Son so that we could know Him.

With the help of God I want to draw your attention to various Bible texts and concepts that emphasize the fact that Christianity is a relationship rather than a religion.

1. “Walk”

This word is used in both the OT and NT to describe relationship with God.

Genesis 5:24 – And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

Micah 6:8 He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: 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.

Rom. 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 Cor. 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight…

2 Cor. 6:16 … God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (In the context of this verse, Paul had stated the principle of not being “yoked” together with unbelievers because light cannot fellowship with darkness…)

There are many more passages that we could refer to, but the point I want to stress is that walking beside someone implies a personal relationship; a daily, moment-by-moment interaction; a sharing of common experiences; etc.

Shortly after we moved here to assume the role of pastor, my wife (Kris) started a daily walking routine with Lori Giesler. They both were wanting to get enough exercise to stay healthy, to manage their youthful look, and to have someone else to do it with in order to feel some sort of obligation to keep at it. Well, they have kept at it. There aren’t very many times that they miss their daily commitment. But you know what? Walking isn’t the only thing they do. They talk; they solve all the problems of the world; they

2. “Love”

Deut. 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (This “command” is quoted by Jesus in the NT.)

Deut. 10:12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

These verses are only a small sampling of the verses that express the love God has for us and the love we have for God.

The very concept and idea of love rises way above the mere rituals and performances of a religion. It stresses the bond of affection between two parties. There are many commands in Scripture to love God, yet the truth about love is – you don’t have to be commanded. It is a deep-rooted desire to please the one I love.

3. “Friend”

Exodus 33:11 So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.

John 15:14-15 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. ¹⁵No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

4. “Bride”

Matt. 9:15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Rev. 19:6-7And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”

This metaphor speaks of intimacy, mutual love and devotion as well as faithfulness and fidelity. God passionately loves each and every one of us and he desires for us to have the same passion for him. It is just like a loving relationship between a husband and a wife.

Imagine what things would be like at home of our spouse treated us like we often treat the Lord.

·          They only talk to us when they want / need something.

·          They only talk to us when things are going wrong or they have something to complain about. They never share any joys or blessings.

·          They show up for special celebrations or occasions, but they never call or come around just to talk and spend time.

You might say, “Wow, that’s not much of a relationship! That’s awfully one-sided!” And you would be right. But sadly, that is the way many, many so-called Christians act with the Lord.

There are undoubtedly many people who have never grasped the idea that Christianity is a relationship rather than a religion. They treat this Christian faith as though it is just another religion and they go through life doing their “Christian duties and obligations,” but there is nothing vibrant, intimate or satisfying about it. They perform their “minimum requirements” but nothing more.

Religion: Seeking to do what I must do in order to gain acceptance with God.

Relationship: Realizing that God is seeking me and accepts me because He created me for Himself.

Religion: Worried that I haven’t done enough for God to approve of me, or love me.

Relationship: Realizing that God sent His Son to die for me before I ever cared about Him, so that I can be accepted and adopted into His family.

Religion: Looks at every command or teaching of Scripture as a duty or obligation that I must follow in order to keep God from rejecting me, or sending me to hell.

Relationship: Recognizes that the commands and ethical principles of Scripture are my privilege follow in order to show my love for Him.

Example – the kind of things that spouses do for each other just for the simple reason they want to please their lover. They love to show their spouse just how much they value the relationship and want to demonstrate their devotion.

That is why we obey the Lord and seek to please Him.

Conclusion:

God has designed the entire plan of redemption for the purpose of bringing each of us into a personal relationship with Himself. That original intimate relationship which existed when God first created Adam and Eve was severed and permanently broken when sin and disobedience entered the world. Our own personal sins and disobedience against God’s will has continued the separation between us and God individually.

But… because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, God has done everything that is necessary to re-establish the connection between Him and us. We must understand and acknowledge that religion is not enough. All our efforts to satisfy God and get His approval are not sufficient. We must recognize that it is only through trusting in the blood of Jesus that we can experience forgiveness for all our sins and have the relationship established with God our heavenly Father.

If you haven’t found this kind of meaning and joy and satisfaction, then I dare say that Christianity is still just a religion for you.

God wants to walk with you.

God wants to demonstrate His love for you and receive your love in return.

God wants to be the closest friend you’ve ever known… Someone you can go to with your burdens… Someone you can rely on for strength and counsel.

If this is what you desire, then I urge you to come forward for prayer and let us have a prayer with you.

Let us sing our closing hymn as a prayer of commitment to our Lord. 

Hymn # 593 Where He Leads Me

Christian Influence

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This is a message preached by Rev. Kenton Shaw while filling in for Pastor Les who was away.

A Visitation from Heaven

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This is a sermon that was preached at Wayside Community Church on July 1, 2012. The message was based on the text of Isaiah 64:1.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

As I began to seek the Lord’s will for today’s message, I was thinking about the national holiday coming up this week (July 4^th – Independence Day). I was thinking about the founding of this nation and about many of the problems that face us today.

I have been saying from this pulpit for many weeks and months that we need a genuine spiritual awakening in America. With the landmark rulings from the US Supreme Court this week regarding the Arizona immigration law and the national healthcare law, I personally believe it has become more evident that our nation is on the fast track to destruction. I know that I am probably speaking to some people here today that do not agree with that assessment, but I’m being honest with you about how I see it and how I feel.

Regardless of the rulings from the court this week, there is plenty of evidence that demonstrates the fact that our country has departed far from the ways of the Lord and the ways of morality and righteousness that it was founded upon. But I remind us today that several of those founding fathers of our nation clearly proclaimed at the beginning that our form of government was designed for a moral people; for a godly people; a people guided by biblical convictions of behavior.

We have an abundance of political leaders today who argue that we are witnessing the failure of capitalism. Well, if it is a failure, I can tell you why it is. It is because we are no longer a nation of predominantly righteous and moral individuals. Therefore I concur with what many Christian leaders have been saying, as well as some political leaders – there is no hope for the future of America outside of a genuine, nation-wide, spiritual awakening and renewal of faith and morality.

I don’t have a copy of the book yet, but Joel Rosenberg, a prominent Christian author, has recently published a book called Implosion. I’ve been reading some comments about the book on his internet site. In his book, he develops the argument that America is on a course to implode financially, morally, etc. But, he also reminds us that there is hope. And that hope is the same hope that rescued our nation in the past – it is another great awakening of spiritual life and a genuine revival of Christian faith.

As I was contemplating these subjects, I was reminded of the prayer in Isaiah that I have mentioned a moment ago. I truly believe that Isaiah’s prayer that is recorded in chapter 64 is a prayer that would be relevant for us to pray in our day today. Isaiah was praying for a special “visitation from heaven” -- a genuine revival or spiritual awakening sent from God.

Transition:

I would propose to you that this is our greatest need today in this nation, in this community, in this church, and in my own life – a visitation from heaven.

As we consider the kind of visitation for which Isaiah prayed I want to notice the:

I.   Existing Conditions

II.  Expression of Desperation

III. Expected Result

I.     First, let us consider the existing conditions in which Isaiah uttered this prayer.

There are numerous descriptions that we could give regarding the conditions in Judah and Israel leading up to Isaiah’s prophecy.

Listen to this description provided in the book, Exploring the Old Testament, edited by WT Purkiser.

The Nations of Judah and Israel were both fearfully facing the possibility of invasion from their enemies – the Assyrians. There were deplorable social conditions – the poor and widows were being oppressed, all sorts of economic crimes were perpetrated, Jerusalem became a hothouse of factions and intrigue, the custodians of law abused their powers, prophets were flattering and catering to the rich, and the lust of wealth ruled on all sides, commercialism and materialism were supplanting almost the last vestige of everything ethical and spiritual.

Sound familiar? Let me read it again with some of the words changed and see if you think I’m accurate or off base.

The USA fearfully faces the possibility of invasion from terrorists crossing over unguarded borders. There are deplorable social conditions – the poor and widows are being oppressed, all sorts of economic crimes are perpetrated, Washington has become a hothouse of factions and intrigue, the custodians of law abuse their powers, pastors are flattering and catering to the rich, and the lust of wealth rules on all sides, commercialism and materialism replaces almost the last vestige of everything ethical and spiritual.

Read 63:18 and 64:10-11 for a further description of conditions.

Isaiah 63:18-19 (NKJV)
¹⁸ Your holy people have possessed it but a little while; Our adversaries have trodden down Your sanctuary. ¹⁹ We have become like those of old, over whom You never ruled, Those who were never called by Your name.

Isaiah 64:10-11 (KJV)
¹⁰ Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. ¹¹ Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste.

If there was any place on the face of the earth that was ripe for a fresh visitation from God, it was Judah and Israel.

Sometimes we look around at the darkness and wickedness, and we get so caught up in discouragement and despair we forget that these are the conditions into which God desires to display His almighty power. We forget that these days aren’t all that different from the circumstances preceding the great revivals in the past.

The Anglican minister, John Wesley, visited a city named Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England. After his visit he responded, “I was surprised: so much drunkenness, cursing and swearing (even from the mouths of little children) do I never remember to have seen and heard before, in so small a compass of time. Surely this place is ripe for Him who ‘came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’”

Societies decay and become rampant with crime and wickedness when people forsake God. “Out there” in the world is not the only place where social and moral decay has set in. Conditions in the church or professing community of faith are not much better. But we can return to God and watch His supernatural power begin to reform our nation through the grace of God that is working in the individual lives of its citizens.

II.     Secondly, notice the expression of desperation.

A. Desperation is expressed in the use of the interjection: “Oh.”

The Hebrew word is a particle that can be translated: “If only that!” “Oh that” or “Would that.”

It just seems to me that the way this is structured, Isaiah is expressing a very heavy soul burden and utters a cry of desperation.It implies a cry of distress. Isaiah apparently was so distressed over the existing conditions that this cry seems to burst forth from his lips.

B. Desperation is expressed by the extreme display of power he prays for.

It seems as if Isaiah is asking God to show the greatest display of His power. He’s asking God to go to the limit in showing his presence.

Some writers point out that Isaiah is using poetic and figurative language that should not be understood literally, but none-the-less, he is crying out for God’s supernatural display of power in their behalf.

C. Desperation is expressed in the confession of guilt. (vv. 5b-7)

“…You are indeed angry, for we have sinned-- In these ways we continue; And we need to be saved. ⁶ But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away. ⁷ And there is no one who calls on Your name, Who stirs himself up to take hold of You; For You have hidden Your face from us, And have consumed us because of our iniquities.”

Now, Isaiah was a faithful follower of the Lord and a true prophet of the Lord, but here he is expressing the condition of all the people and he includes himself along with all the rest of them.

When people get desperate for God’s divine and miraculous intervention, we forget about trying to prove all the ways in which we have been good and deserving of God’s grace. When we get desperate for His intervention, we begin to confess our faults, our sins, and our departure from His holy commands and requirements.

Remember, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

III.     Finally, notice the expected results of the prayer.

A. Isaiah expects a tremendous display of God’s omnipotence.

vv. 1,2a, 3.  Descriptions provided here seem to correspond to the events of Mount Sinai.

Compare these references:

Exodus 19:18 (NKJV) ¹⁸ Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.

Judges 5:5 (NKJV) ⁵ The mountains gushed before the LORD, This Sinai, before the LORD God of Israel.

Psalm 68:8 (NKJV) ⁸ The earth shook; The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

I really don’t know if Isaiah is wanting/expecting God to do the exact same thing as then, but the least we can say is that he is expecting some kind of revelation of God’s power.

B. Isaiah expects the enemies to notice God’s actions.

v. 2b.  “to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!”

At a time when Israel and Judah are being attacked and oppressed by their enemies, Isaiah calls upon the Omnipotent God of heaven to “make a name for Himself.”

Today, there are many enemies of the church and the cause of Jesus Christ. We need a tremendous display of God’s power that will silence the enemies of the cross.

We need a Pentecostal-style revival of the Holy Spirit that will cleanse away sin and impurity in the church and set her on fire with passion for the lost like the early disciples experienced until people begin to say that we too are “turning the world upside down.”

Conclusion:

I don’t know about you, but I have a hunger to see a divine manifestation of God’s power and presence. However, such a manifestation will more than likely not just happen. It will require someone getting a burden like that of Isaiah’s. It will require prayer and earnest seeking after God. It will require the people of God getting desperate enough to miss a few meals in order to pray; or to miss a few TV programs in order to pray. It will require obedience to the Lord – whatever He wants us to do.

May the Lord help us to stand in the place of intercession like the prophet.

A New and Living Way

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This is a sermon based on Hebrews 10:1-4, 11-24 and was preached as part of a worship service celebrating the Lord's Supper.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction

Today we are looking into a passage of Scripture that I believe has theological and practical significance in regards to our observance of the Lord’s Supper. The title I have chosen for the message is taken from verse 20, which appears in the middle of a long sentence. After making a few introductory comments about the book of Hebrews, I would like to briefly examine this subject, “A New and Living Way,” by considering these points:

1. How is the new way different from the old way?
2. How does this truth impact practical Christian living?

Hebrews:

We don’t know for sure who the author of Hebrews really is, but some scholars think it may be the Apostle Paul. The letter seems to be directed toward Jewish believers who were facing persecution for their faith and, as a result, some were turning back to the former beliefs of Judaism. They were returning to the tangible things of the former life including the temple, the sacrifices and the law.

The key word of Hebrews is the word, “better,” because the author uses various arguments to convince the readers that the new covenant is better than the old covenant. He is trying to prove to them that faith in Christ is better than faith in the temple and the old system of sacrifices. Some of the things he has covered include: Jesus is better than Moses and better than angels; Jesus is a better high priest; and a better sacrifice.

Now, these kinds of arguments continue in chapter ten where the author is making a contrast between the OT system of ongoing sacrifices and the one-time sacrifice completed by Jesus. He makes some clear distinctions to explain how the new is different and better than the old. He also defines some practical ways that this information should impact the lives of believers.

Let’s take a look at what the writer had to say and see how it applies to our lives today.

1. How is the new way different than the old way?

A. The old way was a temporary shadow (symbol, copy) of the eternal and the real. (vv.1, 4, 9, 10)

The sacrifices of lambs and goats; bulls and heifers were all necessary and required by God in the old system but they never were able to actually cover up the sins of the people. They were just a “shadow” to demonstrate the need for the only adequate sacrifice.

The old system was initiated with the original intent to be replaced by the blood of Christ when the time was appropriate.

B. The old way required repetition while the new way is complete. (vv. 2, 3, 10-14)

The author makes it clear that the old system was inferior because of the fact that it required repetition. Sacrifices were necessary on a regular basis for all types of purposes, including the Day of Atonement every year when the High Priest would enter the holiest place behind the veil to sprinkle the blood on the “mercy seat” – the lid of the Ark of the Covenant.

He argues that the repetition was proof that the sins were never permanently remitted until Jesus made the sacrifice of His own blood once and for all.

C. The new way provides privileges never enjoyed under the old system.

These privileges included:

·          Knowledge of sins forgiven and cleansed (vv. 10, 17)

·          Permission to enter the holiest place of the heavenly temple (v. 19)

·          Having a High Priest that forever intercedes

2. How does this truth practically impact the life of a believer?

The answer to this question can be found in the three “Let us” admonitions found in verses 22, 23, & 24.

A. Let us draw near (v. 22)

Since the new way has been provided and is completed through the offering of Jesus’ blood, we have the privilege to approach the Sovereign God of the universe with a “sincere heart” and with “full assurance” or confidence of faith. We know by faith that the blood of Christ has cleansed our hearts and our lives and His blood gives us access to the throne of God, from which we had been separated before. So, let us approach the throne of God often. Let us approach with confidence; not in ourselves, but in and through Jesus Christ.

B. Let us hold fast (v. 23)

Everything that needs to be done for our salvation has been done, so let us hold tightly to the faith we profess. (We can’t profess it if we don’t possess it!) Let’s not lose heart. Let’s not give in or give up.

Why? Because God is faithful. He can be trusted. He has done everything that is necessary to get us to heaven, so let’s not lose heart and through away our confidence or our faith.

No matter how difficult life gets, let’s continue to hold fast to our faith.

C. Let us provoke (stimulate) one another (v. 24-30)

Oh my, this is one admonition that most modern-day Americans do not like. We have become so accustomed to our independent life style and our “do-my-own-thing” attitudes, that we do not like it very much at all for anyone else to point out our deficiencies or failures.

The biblical writer proclaims that in light of all the arguments he has just covered, we need to “consider one another” (care enough about each other) to stimulate, motivate or provoke one another to a greater degree of love and good works. In other words, we are to encourage each other to show evidence of our love and commitment to Christ in our everyday lives.

We are to press each other to be more diligent about meeting together for worship, encouragement, accountability and fellowship. And, he says that we are to do this all the more as we get closer and closer to the “day” that is approaching (Second Coming). I believe the closer we get to the return of Christ, the more the Devil will try his best to get people to find more excuses to be absent from the accountability and fellowship of other believers.

Verses 26-30 emphasize the fact that this “provoking” one another includes warnings about willful, deliberate sin that is excused and ignored rather than confessed and forsaken. Verse 26 – starts off with the conjunction “for” which makes a connection to the verses before it.

“no more sacrifice” – I am convinced that the author is saying that the sacrifice he was just describing in the earlier part of the chapter does not continue to cover the individual who willfully and deliberately engages in sin against God even after having known and believed the truth of the gospel.

Dear friends, can I lovingly but firmly say that I’m concerned and even alarmed about how much our holiness churches have been affected by a Calvinistic-style of theology that emphasizes the impossibility to live victoriously over sin, and we all can’t help but sin everyday. This is not always true, but many people who believe that it is not possible to have victory over sin, often develop a careless attitude about sin and a tendency to excuse it. But, this passage in Hebrews 10 clearly warns against that kind of attitude.

He emphasizes it by saying, if those who despised Moses (the OT law) died without mercy, then how much more judgment will await those who trample the Son of God by living as though the blood of Christ was an unholy thing, and has “done despite” (insulted) the Spirit of grace. That is the reason why this passage, as well as other passages in the NT, urge us believers to watch out for one another and exhort one another and hold each other accountable. We are to pray for one another and to seek to restore every wayward or erring brother, because there is a real danger of being lost after we have once believed the truth and trusted in the blood of Christ.

Conclusion:

Today we are going to celebrate the Lord’s Supper once again in remembrance of the sacrifice of Christ for our sins. I believe it is fitting for us to reflect on these words in Hebrews regarding His sacrifice and how it should impact our lives as believers.

Let us draw near to the Lord in faith and confidence as we partake of these emblems. Let us hold fast to our faith and not waver or surrender under trials and pressures. And, let us stimulate one another to a greater level of love and service to our Lord, remembering that if we deliberately walk away from obeying the truth, it is just as if we trample under foot the blood that Jesus shed for us on the cross.

Before we share the sacrament of communion I want us to stand together and sing the hymn, “There Is a Fountain."

Five Conversations

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This is a sermon preached on Father's Day at Wayside Community Church by Rev. Wesley Rowan, son of Pastor Les Rowan. The extended title was, "Five Conversations We Must Have with the Next Generation." The message emphasized the importance of helping the next generation in our families to understand and embrace the Christian faith.

Laying a Firm Foundation - Obedience

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This is a sermon based on Matthew 7:21-23 that is part of Christ's Sermon on the Mount.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Today we are finally finishing up a long series of messages that we have been doing in Matthew regarding the Sermon on the Mount. We have been examining the various topics discussed in His sermon as they relate to the story He gave at the end of the sermon regarding the wise man and the foolish man. Everyone who pays attention to the lessons and puts them into practice will be like a man who carefully and wisely lays a solid foundation before building his “dream house.” The obvious parable here is that the house represents one’s life. The storms represent the adversities and trials that everyone faces in life. The foundation represents the habitual practice of obeying the principles of Christ’s teachings. (see v. 24)

I think we can all agree that the presumed condition here is that everyone has a personal relationship with Christ by having been born again by the Spirit through faith.

A couple of weeks ago I spoke on verses 15-20 regarding false prophets / teachers and the need for discernment in order to distinguish between those who are true prophets of God and those who are not. Today’s theme seems to be somewhat similar except the focus is on false disciples rather than false teachers. There are a lot of people who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ and claim to have faith in Him for salvation. They may possess a spiritual vocabulary and they may engage in certain kinds of activities that we might expect a disciple of Christ to perform.

However, in today’s text, Jesus clearly declares that no one maintains a relationship with Him merely by saying certain words, or performing certain activities. The relationship must be validated or authenticated with a life of obedience.

We have all undoubtedly read and heard many biblical texts that emphasize the fact that we are not saved by mere performance of biblical commands or rules. However, Jesus is emphasizing here the balancing truth – that is, we do not authenticate or validate our salvation through merely saying the right kinds of words/phrases or by performing incredible exploits for God. The only thing that counts is authentic love that results in explicit obedience to His Word and His will.

As we examine the words of Jesus in this portion of His sermon, I want to notice the conditions that do not qualify for admission into the kingdom of heaven as well as the condition that does qualify for admission into the kingdom of heaven.

I.          Admission into the kingdom of heaven is not based on...

A. A mere verbal acknowledgement of God.

“Not every who says, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Adam Clarke ties this in with the previous verses by his comment.

(Clarke, A Commentary and Critical Notes.) The sense of this verse seems to be this: No person, by merely acknowledging my authority, believing in the Divinity of my nature, professing faith in the perfection of my righteousness, and infinite merit of my atonement, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven—shall have any part with God in glory; but he who doeth the will of my Father—he who gets the bad tree rooted up, the good tree planted, [vv. 17-18] and continues to bring forth fruit to the glory and praise of God.

(Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible.) He shows, by a plain remonstrance, that an outward profession of religion, however remarkable, will not bring us to heaven …

It would appear that the point Jesus is making here is this: verbal acknowledgment of the existence of God, and the verbal acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as Lord (i.e. the Divine Son of God), are not enough to guarantee entrance into heaven. Mental agreement with some spiritual facts merely qualifies one to have the same level of faith that demons possess according to James 2:19.

There are a host of people in our day, just as it was in Jesus’ day, who have learned to use a spiritual vocabulary and “talk the talk” of a person of faith. But deep down inside their hearts, they have no passion or desire to obediently live out the commands of the One they claim to love and follow. (The converse is also true – perform commands/rules w/o any love relationship that gives life and vitality.)

B. The mere performance of spiritual endeavors such as

1. Prophesying (Preaching)

As we have noted several times already in this series of messages, the word “prophesy” includes two meanings. (1) predict the future; and (2) proclaim the Word of God. The use here in this verse is probably the latter meaning, although either meaning or both could be intended.

(Matthew Henry) A man may be a preacher, may have gifts for the ministry, and an external call to it, and perhaps some success in it, and yet be a wicked man; may help others to heaven, and yet come short himself.

Various commentators made reference to examples in Scripture where people prophesied for God or in the name of God, but they were not necessarily servants of God. For example, Balaam and King Saul.

No matter how eloquently a person may preach the message of Christ, that, in itself, does not guarantee his or her acceptance into the kingdom of heaven. Many of you have perhaps heard stories of various preachers or evangelists who have enjoyed remarkable success in their ministry, particularly in preaching and seeing many conversions, but they were later exposed for various kinds of misconduct that had come to light.

The Apostle Paul said this, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 (KJV)

It is possible for someone to preach the gospel and enjoy a certain level of success and expertise at it and still miss the kingdom of heaven.

2. Exorcisms and Miracles

I’m combining the next two examples of spiritual activities together because they both represent the performance of something supernatural. The supernatural demonstration might be in the form of driving out demons or in the form of some other miraculous display of power.

(Barclay) [In the ancient world] miracles were common events. All illness was thought to be the work of demons…. If a man succeeded in convincing… himself into a belief that a demon was in him or had him in his power, that man would undoubtedly be ill. And if someone could convince him that the hold of the demon was broken, then quite certainly that man would be cured.

The leaders of the Church never denied heathen miracles…. There was many a charlatan who rendered a lip service to Jesus Christ, and who used his name to produce wonderful effects on demon-possessed people. (Acts 19:13 KJV) Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Jesus clearly seems to imply that it is possible for someone to perform genuine miracles in His name without being in the right relationship with God himself. So His point is that one’s ability or history of performing miracles in the name of Jesus does not prove anything about the spiritual status of the one doing the miracle.

This reminds me of Paul’s statement in the love chapter, “…and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:2 (NKJV)

Miracle-working faith and power is not the litmus test. Genuine love for God and my fellow man that produces obedience to His commands is what counts.

II.        Admission into the kingdom of heaven is based on...

A. Obedience to the will of God.

Who are the ones that will make it into the kingdom of heaven? It is the people who do (practice) the will of God the Father in heaven. It is the people who do NOT practice iniquity (v.23). That is, those who do not practice lawlessness (NKJV, NIV, NASB). To practice lawlessness means to violate the commands of God and live according to my own will and my own desires rather than God’s will.

Obedience is the evidence of our love for God.

John 14:23 (NKJV)
²³ Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word…

Luke 6:46 (KJV)
⁴⁶ And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

What is the will of God anyway?

B. The will of God includes…

I’m convinced that the will of God includes the careful application of the principles in God’s Word into everyday life. This obviously requires reading and studying His Word, as well as the ongoing process of spiritual maturity that includes experience. This means that His will is not always clear, but it takes effort and commitment to discover what principles apply to each situation or decision in life.

Yet, we are not left completely on our own. The Bible does give us several references that speak directly about things that are or are not God’s will. A careful inquiry into God's Word will reveal numerous references that explicitly state what God's will is. Of course, all of His Word reveals His will implicitly.

Conclusion:

The whole point of Jesus’ message is that we can’t make it into the kingdom of heaven by mere professing certain truths, but it requires an authentic relationship of love that is backed up by obedience.

This brings us to the conclusion of His sermon where we started back in January. “Therefore” – (v.24) ties the story about the wise man and the foolish man in with the comments about obedience being a pre-requisite for entrance into the kingdom of heaven. It is as though Jesus is saying, “Obedience is not only the requirement for admission into the kingdom of heaven, but it is also the ingredient for a life of stability that will weather the most severe storms life can through at you.”

For our closing hymn today I have chosen a song that speaks about complete dedication to the Lord in the way we live out our faith in obedience. Please join prayfully in singing: "All for Jesus."