Partners in Suffering

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This is a message that was given on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Written Excerpts:

Romans 12:15 (NKJV) ¹⁵  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Romans 15:30 (NKJV) ³⁰  Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,

1 Corinthians 12:26 (KJV) ²⁶  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.

2 Timothy 1:8 (NKJV) ⁸  Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,

2 Timothy 3:10-12 (NKJV) ¹⁰  But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, ¹¹  persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra--what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. ¹²  Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Philippians 1:29 (NKJV) ²⁹  For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

1 Thessalonians 3:3 (NKJV) ³  that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

Introduction:

I felt compelled to speak to you today regarding the issue of persecution. Jesus never promised His followers and disciples that they would have an easy life without opposition. In fact, He usually indicated that His disciples were to expect persecution and opposition.

The last couple of weeks we have had services that emphasized missionary outreach and the overall work of God in the world to bring more and more people into the Kingdom of God.

Today, we are giving special recognition to the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. This theme also coincides with the messages we’ve heard the last two weeks.

I believe that God wants us to be aware of what our fellow Christians face in other parts of the world and that He wants us to support them in our prayers as well as other ways.

There are two primary facts about persecution that I feel compelled to share today.

1. Persecution is assumed to be a normal part of Christian life.

See passages above in green highlight.

In these few verses, it seems clear that the Apostle Paul viewed persecution as a normal part of the Christian life experience.

Jesus also made statements to prepare his disciples for the likelihood of persecution they would experience when they chose to follow Him.

Matthew 24:9 (NKJV) ⁹  Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.

Several weeks ago, I spoke about suffering in general (not necessarily due to persecution) and I was speaking about the fact that Christians in developing nations think of suffering as a normal part of life, while Christians in the West (particularly America) tend to think that God should keep His children from pain and suffering.

The same principle also seems to be true regarding persecution. From what I’ve been reading, it seems that Christians around the world (particularly in many developing nations) accept persecution as a normal experience for all Christians.

Why? Partly because the claims of Christ and the core message of the gospel goes completely cross-grain with the rest of the religions of the world, and partly because that is all some of them have ever known.

Many people don’t have a problem if Christians simply promote Jesus as one of many great religious leaders and one of many ways to heaven (God). But when we proclaim that Jesus is the only way to God and that He is the only way, truth and life, then all other religions have a major problem with that.

There’s simply no other way to say it than, “Persecution is one of the ways God uses to spread the gospel to people and places that may otherwise never hear about Jesus.”

2. Christians are expected to share and support those being persecuted.

See passages above in yellow highlight.

These verses directly imply that Christians have a duty and an obligation to remember those who are being persecuted and to do what we can to share their burden.

There are various ways that Christians can share the load of pain that others are facing such as: assisting with material and physical needs; petitioning their country’s government for relief of persecution; and through prayer.

From what I have heard and read, it seems that most Christians that are being persecuted most often request the prayers from other Christians around the world.

Most often, rather than praying for God to deliver them from persecution, they want us to pray that God will grant them the strength to endure it. They want us to pray that they will be faithful witnesses for Jesus and their suffering will produce eternal fruit for the Kingdom of God.

Based on the teaching of Scripture, I believe we all have a Christian responsibility and a Christian privilege to partner with those who are suffering for Jesus by first of all, praying for them, and then doing any other things we can to help them endure their circumstances.

Conclusion:

Today, I want to share with you a slide presentation that I put together from stories and pictures in some of the magazines published by Voice of the Martyrs.

Following the slide presentation, we will spend time praying.

What Does God Get?

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This is the final message in a series of sermons on Romans. This message is based on Romans 16:21-27 and it emphasizes Paul's theme that God should receive all the glory for everything accomplished.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Several years ago there was a craze among Christians for a popular acronym “WWJD” – What Would Jesus Do?

A few weeks ago in the class I am taking at the college, I learned a new acronym that ought to be one that we all learn and keep in the forefront of our minds… “WDGG” – What Does God Get?

I already shared with you a portion of the lecture when I mentioned the difference between “cat theology” and “dog theology.” (Comes from a book written by Bob Sjogren and Gerald Robison)

Dog says to his master: “You feed me, you pet me, you shelter me, you love me. You must be God.”

Cat says to master: “You feed me, you pet me, you shelter me, you love me. I must be God.”

Someone practicing “dog theology” focuses primarily on God and His glory.

“Cat theology” focuses primarily on self and what God can do for me.

There are a lot of contrasts that have been made between the two viewpoints, but let me share just a few.

Quiet Times: Both Cats and Dogs have quiet times. Dogs focus on God’s glory (they think, “How is God’s reputation being affected by my life?”) and Cats focus on themselves (how can [God make] their life [better]…?)

Prayer: Dogs pray to establish God’s kingdom. Cats pray to establish their own kingdom.

Worship: Dogs worship God primarily for who He is. Cats worship God primarily for what He’s done for them.

Obedience: Both Cats and Dogs want obedience in their lives. Dogs want to obey God. Cats want God to obey them. You usually see this reflected in their prayer lives.

While trying to get us to understand the two different perspectives and to realize the importance of truly worshiping God, the author challenges us to raise this question, “What does God get?”

What does God get out of my life and the experiences I face each day?

As we now come to the end of Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome, we notice that he concludes everything he has written by writing a very long sentence that can be condensed down to this, “Now to Him… be glory through Christ Jesus forever. Amen.” (vv. 25-27)

It’s as if Paul is reminding us that all he has written comes down to the one final point – that God should receive the glory due to Him for the great plan of redemption He has completed through Jesus Christ.

This reminds me of a scene portrayed in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 5:1-14 (KJV)
¹  And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. ²  And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? ³  And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. ⁴  And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. ⁵  And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. ⁶  And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. ⁷  And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. ⁸  And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. ⁹  And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; ¹⁰  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. ¹¹  And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; ¹²  Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. ¹³  And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. ¹⁴  And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Paul has masterfully expounded the message of redemption through Jesus Christ and now, after sharing greetings from those who are outside of Rome (21-24), he urges us to close with a doxology of praise to God for His wonderful grace. (vv. 25-27)

In this one very long closing sentence Paul provides a sequence of thoughts that provide the reasons for glorifying God.

Here are the thoughts expressed in this one long sentence:

1. God is able to establish His children.

2. He stabilizes them through the proclamation of the gospel.

3. The gospel was hidden, but has been revealed.

4. It has been revealed to all nations to lead them to obedience.

5. He alone deserves praise.

So, let’s quickly take them one by one and explore them a little more.

1. God is able to establish His children.

The word “able” is the Greek word “dunamis.” Emphasis is on dynamic ability or power.

“establish” – to fix, establish or strengthen against presupposed threats.

Is there any doubt in our minds that the same God who through His dynamic and infinite power created the worlds is powerful enough to fix you and me steadfastly in the faith so that we can stand firm against all threats?

2. He stabilizes them through the proclamation of the gospel.

The Apostle declares that God is able to establish them according to his gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ.

The word “gospel” means good news and it includes the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ and available to every one who believes in Him.

He affirms that the gospel consists of the preaching of Christ and that is what we need to get established in the faith. Jesus is the center core of our faith and the more we learn about Him, the stronger we will be as disciples and followers.

3. The gospel was hidden, but has been revealed.

This message being proclaimed was hidden for a while from the beginning of time.

It was a mystery. It was unknown. It was hidden by the darkness of sin which blinds the spiritual eye against the truth until the light of truth is shed upon our minds.

4. It has been revealed to all nations to lead them to obedience.

Paul has shown in earlier chapters how that God’s salvation through Jesus Christ is a fulfillment of what was revealed through the prophets.

As God progressively unfolded the messages through His servants and prophets, He clearly revealed that He intended for the message to be told to all the nations of the world.

God’s plan from the beginning was for all the nations to hear the truth and be led to faith and obedience as a result of hearing and receiving the truth.

Salvation was never intended to be only for one nation or one people, but for the entire world.

One of the reasons we believe so strongly in world missions and we make the effort to conduct missions conferences like we are next weekend is because of our conviction that God intends to save the world.

5. He alone deserves praise.

The final point of the sequence of thoughts goes back to the giving of glory and praise; not only because He is able to establish His people in the gospel, but because of His wisdom in devising such a grand scope and plan for redemption.

Conclusion:

All in all, Paul brings us to the realization that the salvation of Jews and Gentiles, even all the world, is for the glory of God.

Eph. 2:6-7 “and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

Worship Is A Part Of Life!

When Cats are so focused on themselves, they worship God during their quiet times, during Sunday morning services, and possibly while listening to worship music. Everything outside of those times is “everyday life.”

But “everyday life” was designed to be one big worship service. This can happen when we start to ask the simple question, “What Does God Get?”

·        What does God get when you hug a child?

·        What does God get when you see a sunset?

·        What does God get when you listen to music?

·        What does God get when you look at a flower?

·        What does God get when you see a butterfly?

·        What does God get when you taste a chocolate covered strawberry?

To relate this thought to our closing verses in Romans, let me ask, “What does God get when you think about being justified by faith?”

“What does God get when you meditate about sanctification?”

“What does God get for redeeming the heathen?”

 “Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb! Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb! My heart sings this song again. Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb!”

A Prayer To The Lord:

·        Lord, we do not live for ourselves, we live for Your greatest glory.

·        Bless us with all things or give us nothing.

·        Honor us before others or bring us low.

·        Put us to doing or appoint us to suffer.

·        Give us work or keep us unemployed.

·        Send us overseas or keep us home.

·        Shatter any dream that is not yours.

·        We freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to Your pleasure and disposal.

·        All we ask is that we delight in Your glory!

Family Matters

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This message is part of a series of sermons on Romans. This message covers chapter 16:1-20 and emphasizes the importance of viewing church as a family.

Written Excerpts:

From 1989 until 1997 there was a TV sitcom series called “Family Matters.” I don’t know if I’ve ever seen even one entire episode, so I can’t really comment about the show. I couldn’t tell you whether it promoted traditional family values and morals or if it didn’t.

All I can say is, when I made my choice for a sermon title today I remembered that there used to be a TV show called “Family Matters”. Let me assure you, there will be no attempt in my message to draw any parallels between the TV show and our Scripture passage under consideration today.

To start off this morning, I am going to say the title of today’s sermon twice using two different styles of voice inflection and I’d like to have a volunteer to interpret the meaning according to the way I say it.

Family…. Matters     vs        family matters

In the first usage, the phrase emphasizes the fact that family is important; it has value; etc.

The second usage refers more to the idea that there are issues or concerns unique to the family that may or may not need to be addressed.

Both of these examples actually relate to the verses that we want to look at this morning.

There are two main thoughts expressed in verses 1-20 of Romans 16. They are: “Greet the saints,” and “Avoid the Unruly.”

Throughout the years of Paul’s ministry he has built relationships with scores of people. Even though he had never visited Rome before, there were obviously people there that he had known from previous places and occasions. He sends words of greeting to all of those because they are very much like family to him.

Paul’s tender greetings to these beloved members of the faith family reveal to us that family…. Matters!

On the other hand, Paul needs to address a family matter that is completely opposite in nature. He provides instruction on how to deal with “family members” who are unruly.

So, let us take a few moments today to get an overview of

B. Paul’s personal instructions for the Roman Christians. (16:1-20)

i.   Greet all the saints. (1-16)

The bulk of the section we are looking at today are used for Paul’s words of greetings that he wants to convey to various people who are connected with the church at Rome.

Some of the greetings are simple and basic: “Greet     (name)     .” (See vv. 14-15)

In some of the greetings Paul added additional comments. I want to point out some observations that came to me as I read them.

            a. I noticed that there seemed to be specific factors that promoted the bond of affection between them such as:

·        Some shared common labors (vv. 2c, 3, 6, 9a, 12)

·        Some risked their lives for him (v. 4)

·        Some were his spiritual offspring (v. 5b)

·        Some shared common persecution (v. 7)

            b. I noticed that he gave specific instructions for some of the friends.

·        Receive into fellowship (v. 2a)

·        Assist with personal and ministry affairs (v. 2b)

·        Show genuine affection (v. 16)

“greet one another with a holy kiss” – same instruction given to Thessalonians and to the Corinthians.

(Wuest's Word Studies) Regarding the holy kiss, Denney [Expositors’ Greek Testament] says, "The custom of combining greeting and kiss was oriental, and especially Jewish, and in this way became Christian . . . . By 'holy' the kiss is distinguished from an ordinary greeting of natural affection or friendship. It belongs to God and the new society of His children. It is specifically Christian." [A.T.] Robertson [Word Pictures in the NT] says, "The near-east mode of salutation as hand-shaking in the western . . . Men kissed men and women kissed women."

It appears that Paul is saying nothing more than this, “As you greet one another, you are to do so with the understanding that this is more than a common secular tradition, but you are sharing the love of Christ. And, make sure you keep your greetings sacred.” (i.e. nothing sensual about it)

After reviewing these greetings to the various people and the highlights of their special characteristics, I would restate the fact that Paul is showing us the importance of family and our relationships with each other.

ii.   Avoid the unruly. (17-20)

But, as with every family, there are some problems or potential problems that need to be addressed.

There were either some people already in the church who were known for causing divisions and offenses or there was a possibility for them to arise as had happened in other places.

So, as I implied earlier, taking care of this potential threat to their unity and fellowship was a family matter that needed their attention.

            a. There are various types of unruly people.

“divisions and offenses” – two different words that seem to highlight different kinds of problems.

One source (Theo. Dict. of  NT) implies that the “divisions” referred to disunity and party strife, while “offenses” is the word for “scandal” or “stumbling block”.

“Divisions” refer more to what they do within the church, and “offenses” sort of refer more to what they cause outsiders to think about the church.

These Christians were to “mark” them (i.e. watch out for them) and “avoid” them.

People who stir up strife and cause division are just as bad, if not worse, for the health of the church than the threat of sin and compromising with evil.

We have a number of people in our congregation who have left other churches to attend Wayside. For most, if not all of those who have come since I have been here, you remember that I specifically spoke with you about whether you were coming with unresolved conflict with the place you left.

            b. Unruly people are self-serving and convincing.

These people serve their “own belly” (i.e. satisfaction of fleshly desires, or more generically, a reference to a self-serving attitude).

These people also generally use smooth and convincing talk to persuade others and lead them astray. (Wuest)

Even though Paul knows that the Roman believers have been faithful and obedient (v. 19), he still wants them to be prepared to deal with trouble if it arises.

            c. God will overrule the entire situation.

Paul closes his comments by reminding them that God is still in control and He will completely and finally destroy Satan.

It is not a debatable matter. It is as certain as God Himself.

Conclusion:

It is fitting that we should be talking about family matters on a Sunday that we celebrate communion.

Communion is one of the physical symbols that reminds us not only of our spiritual bond with Christ, but it also reminds us of our bond with each other in the body of Christ.

As we celebrate the Lord’s supper and remember His sacrifice, let us also reflect on the importance of keeping strong bonds of love with our brothers and sisters in the faith.

 To view the next sermon in this series, click here.

Sold Out for Jesus

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This sermon is part of a series of messages on Romans and it is based on Romans 15:14-33 in which the Apostle Paul details his ministry in the past and his plans for continuing ministry in the future.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Today we are looking at the second half of chapter 15 in Romans. We have now entered into the closing section of the letter in which the Apostle shares some final thoughts and greetings.

As I read through the verses that I wanted to cover today, I was contemplating what I could use for a title that would summarize the teaching in these verses. As you can see by what is printed in the bulletin, I came up with the title, “Sold Out for Jesus.”

In the remainder of chapter 15 Paul speaks about his ministry and I am sure that after reading these verses, we have to conclude that Paul was a person who was totally “sold out for Jesus!”

Let’s take a look at verses 14-33 to review some of Paul’s closing comments in which he recounts part of his ministry efforts in the kingdom of God.

If you are following the outline I’ve created, we will be covering “A” under “VII” near the bottom of the page.

A.   Paul's personal ministry for Christ. (15:14-33)

Paul reviews or summarizes his ministry to the Gentiles and his desire to include them in his life of service that has already produced much fruit. He also wants them to join with him in ministry as he continues to serve Christ.

 i.   He has faithfully preached to Gentiles. (14-20)

Even though he has never yet visited Rome, he commends them for the qualities they already possess, and he alludes to his ongoing role in their spiritual development by virtue of his letter in which he has written rather bluntly and boldly (see vv. 14-15).

There are three descriptions that Paul gives of his ministry to the Gentiles.

a.   His ministry was initiated by God’s grace.

vv. 15-16   Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, ¹⁶  that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Paul’s perspective regarding his ministry was that God had chosen him and honored him to be the missionary to the Gentiles.

He had been especially selected to be a servant and representative of Jesus Christ by the grace of God.

“minister” – word that carried the idea of priestly ministry.

b.   His ministry was accompanied by God’s power.

vv. 17-19a - ¹⁷  Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. ¹⁸  For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient-- ¹⁹  in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God,

If you read the historical record of Paul’s journeys for Jesus, you will understand that everywhere Paul went he manifested the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit in miracles and signs that attested to his message.

“signs and wonders” – this same description is used to describe the miracles performed by the “man of sin” in 1 Thess.

Miracles do not prove the messenger is of the truth, but they do cause people to take notice so that the truth has an opportunity to convince the hearers.

c.   His ministry was fulfilled with God’s vision.

vv. 19b-20  …so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. ²⁰  And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation,

Paul’s focus in ministry was to go as far as he could… i.e. God’s vision was a worldwide vision.

He preached as much as he could (fully preached). i.e. God’s vision includes comprehensive knowledge of salvation. 

He pioneered new territory (not anywhere Christ was already named). i.e. God’s vision encompasses those who’ve never heard.

ii.   He will continue to preach as God leads. (21-33)

The quote from Isaiah 52:15 in v. 21 appears like it could be related to the comments before the verse as well as those verses following.

The Isaiah passage seems to support Paul’s ministry preference of going to those places where no other Christian missionary / preacher had gone. It also provides the foundation for his desire to come to Rome for the same reason.

As in the past, he wants to continue going into areas where no other minister of the gospel has gone.

This in no way is a criticism against those who do expand and build on the work that others have started. It is merely an explanation of Paul’s specific work and calling throughout his life’s ministry.

Paul was a pioneer missionary in many respects and it was something that inspired him and created a great deal of enthusiasm within him.

In these verses (14-33) Paul explains three ideas or thoughts regarding his future ministry.

a.   He feels compelled to go on to new territory.

Paul describes his intentions to go to Spain. (see verse 24 and 28)

There is no evidence in Scripture that Paul ever succeeded in going to Spain. Sources I studied indicated that some Bible scholars definitely believe that he didn’t go to Spain, while others believe he may have enjoyed a period of freedom between his first and second imprisonments that would have allowed ample time for a visit there.

The point however, is the fact that even as he is approaching the later years of his ministry he is still on fire for the Lord and is so “sold out for Jesus” that he continues to desire and anticipate “invading” new areas with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

b.   He plans to go back to home base.

Before Paul attempts any journey to Spain, he intends to go back to Jerusalem to minister to the believers there.

There are two points that Paul stresses regarding his visit back to Jerusalem.

First, his ministry to the believers (primarily Jewish Christians) will include delivering the collections he has been receiving from the Gentiles throughout Asia.

He explains that it is only right for the Gentiles to materially assist the poor Jewish believers back in the area around Jerusalem, since the benefits of the gospel has come from them in the first place.

Some writers (e.g. JFB Commentary) indicate that it was a common Jewish practice for the Jews that were scattered around the empire to send financial support back to Jerusalem for “temple tax” and other purposes.

Now the Gentiles can copy this practice for more practical Christian reasons.

Paul seems to be teaching a principle here that everyone who has been blessed needs to return the blessings. (Or pass them on to others.) e.g. God told Abraham, “I will bless thee….” And “You shall be a blessing.” Gen. 12

Every one of us has been the beneficiaries of someone else making the sacrifices and expended the effort needed in order to bring the gospel to us, so we ought to be willing to do the same.

In addition to the delivery of financial support, Paul explains that he also anticipates some opposition while he is back in Jerusalem.

Opposition is something that Paul was used to, and he took it in stride. Anyone who is “on fire for the Lord” and “sold out for Jesus” might as well get used to the fact that your enthusiasm for Jesus will not be appreciated by some people!

c.   He expects their partnership in his service.

The potential for partnership in his ministry will take two forms:

One, they will be able to provide valuable assistance if and when he gets to go to Spain. (vv. 24, 32) The implication here is that their assistance will be in the form of physical/material support and aid. When he comes, he will come “fired up” (see v. 29), but he will also appreciate and need their help.

Two, their prayer support will be extremely vital for him as he faces the opposition in Jerusalem, as he provides the offerings to the believers, and as he anticipates his subsequent visit to Rome.

In all of the letters that Paul has written in the NT, you will find a strong emphasis on prayer – his prayers for the believers and his solicitation of their prayers for him.

Prayer is presented in scripture as a means of communicating with God and expressing our praise and thanks to Him, BUT the Bible also expresses the necessity of doing spiritual warfare through prayer.

Here again Paul is urging the Roman Christians to engage the enemy by their prayers for him.

Conclusion:

When we read about Paul’s work for the Lord it is apparent that he was enthused, dedicated and sold out.  

Paul was not the type of person that looked at life with the attitude: “I’ll give Jesus this much time, and then I’ll be able to get back to doing what I like.” Or, “How much can I live for my own pleasures and desires and still have time for God’s work so I won’t feel too guilty?”

No, his life was consumed with living each day in order to tell the message of the gospel to as many people as possible, and to build them up in their faith as true followers of Jesus.

He obviously had time to rest, and I’m sure he lived a normal human life, but his passion and his goal in life was to live every day for Jesus.

But, what is “normal” for us I  believe is entirely different than what “normal” was for him.

His life I am sure was much less about himself and more about Christ, while for many Christians in America, it is the other way around; more about self and a little about Christ.

In one of his letters he wrote, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (KJV)

I want the Lord to help me to be more committed and more on fire for the Lord than ever! I want to be sold out for Jesus so much that, like Paul, I will be able to have an influence and an impact on other people for Jesus. Amen?

 

To view the next sermon in this series, click here.

To Be Like Jesus

(To download an mp3 file of this sermon, click on the title above. To listen now online, click on the play button of the audio player shown here.)

This is a sermon on Romans 15:1-13 that is part of a series of messages on the book of Romans. Paul urges his readers to understand the attitudes of Jesus and copy them.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

We are getting close to the end of our series of messages on the book of Romans. Today we will finish up the main body of his letter, then the remainder of our messages (maybe 2 more) will focus on Paul’s closing remarks.

We have been talking about looking out for the welfare and the good of others in the body of Christ who may be at a different level of spiritual development than what we are.

The title I have chosen for today’s message, “To Be Like Jesus” you might recognize as the title of a chorus from many years ago. I have used it because of the references in today’s text that speak of the attitudes Jesus displayed in His life.

It seems to me that every true Christian should be concerned about living in a way that is patterned after the life of Christ.

ills. – “When the wife of missionary Adoniram Judson told him that a newspaper article likened him to some of the apostles, Judson replied, ‘I do not want to be like Paul… or any mere man. I want to be like Christ… I want to follow Him only, copy His teachings, drink in His Spirit, and place my feet in His footprints… Oh, to be more like Christ!’” (www.sermonillustrations.com)

If you have picked up one of the outlines I have made, you will notice that we are starting today’s message at lower case (iii) which is part of the main point “F” at the top of the page.

We’ve already talked about i & ii, which covered chapter 14. Today we are looking at the first 13 verses of chapter 15.

iii.   Those who are mature live in community with others. (15:1-13)

What does it mean to live in community?

Well, we understand that “no man is an island to himself.” The NT does not portray a Christian faith that is to be lived in isolation. (It can be lived in isolation, if that is the unavoidable circumstances a person find himself in, but…)

Christians are meant to live in the context of fellowship and mutual edification as they grow in their understanding of salvation and in the practical application of it in their daily lives.

It is so much easier for believers to conceive of all kinds of wild, heretical ideas when we “go it alone.” We need the fellowship and the accountability of other believers to help us stay in the right path.

It seems that Paul is wrapping up his admonitions about the weak and strong believers, by explaining how they should live in community with one another.

a.   Community living includes living like Jesus. (1-6)

As I already stated a few minutes ago, it seems like everyone would be able to agree that all Christians should model their lives after Jesus Christ.

But, what does that involve? Well Paul gives us a few guidelines in verses 1-6.

1.   Demonstrate patience like Jesus. (1)

“bear” – carry a burden.

Wuest's Word Studies – When an informed believer foregoes an action which he knows is right, but which a weaker Christian thinks to be wrong, and does it for the sake of not offending that weaker Christian, he curtails his own freedom of action, denies himself something that is legitimately his, and this is a burden to him.

Not pleasing self can prove to be a “burden to bear” for some people, and bearing burdens requires patience or endurance.

So, if we want to be like Jesus, Paul implies that we need to be willing to bear the burden of voluntarily denying some of our own desires in order to improve the success of weaker Christians.

2.   Minister to needs like Jesus. (2)

“please…for good…to edification” – Notice here that Paul did not just give a blanket statement that we should all try to please our neighbor. No, he qualifies the command by saying, “leading to edification.”

All our attempts to please and accommodate the weaker brother or sister should be with the purpose of promoting their “good” and to “edify” or build them up in the faith, not to perpetuate their immaturity or their weaknesses in faith.

The point is that there are plenty of things we can do for one another to build each other up, and we should take every opportunity to do so.

3.   Sacrifice self like Jesus. (3-5)

“even Christ did not please Himself” (v. 3)

“be like-minded…according to Christ Jesus” (v.5)

The life of Christ is a story of self-sacrifice and suffering for the benefit of others. If the Son of God can give up what He gave up and if He can endure what He endured, then by all means, Christians should be able to maintain that same attitude in their interactions with each other.

When we read about the experiences of Christ and the purposes of God in the Scriptures, they inspire patience, comfort and hope in us.

The same God who authored those scriptures is the One who enables us to be like Jesus.

4.   Glorify God like Jesus. (6)

“that you may…glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Here in v. 6 and again in vv. 7, 9, the emphasis is on giving or bringing glory to God.

The wording in these verses is in the form of a prayer that this would be accomplished in their lives. Paul is praying for all of them to display the same kind of attitudes as Jesus, so God will receive the glory.

b.  Community living includes breaking down barriers. (7-13)

I have described verses 7-13 as pertaining to the breaking down of barriers because of the repeated references to Jews and Gentiles in these verses.

There are hardly any barriers that were more pronounced than the one between Jew and Gentile. The “walls” erected in the OT to protect the “Word committed to the fathers” from being mixed with paganism, are now eliminated for the salvation of the Gentiles.

There are at least two main reasons for breaking down barriers.

1.   Removing barriers glorifies God. (7)

“Christ received us… to the glory of God;” “that the Gentiles might glorify God” 

There is no greater barrier between persons than the gulf that separated humanity from God. If Christ was willing to span the gulf that existed between us and God to save us for the glory of God, then surely Christians that have different beliefs and different levels of maturity can overcome the barriers that separate them.

When we do this, the implication is that it will bring glory to God, just like it did when Jesus received us.

Here is another reference to the fact that bringing glory to God is not only the primary goal of Jesus Christ, but it is to be our primary objective as well.

2.   Removing barriers unites Jews and Gentiles. (8-13)

Paul uses the example of Jesus again to emphasize that He provided blessings to both Jews and Gentiles.

He blessed the Jews by confirming the truth of God in the promises made to the patriarchs and ancestors. (v. 8)

He blessed the Gentiles by fulfilling the promises so that the salvation promised would be passed on to the Gentiles as well, and they too would glorify God for His mercy.

By giving these quotes from the OT, Paul is showing that God intended all along to include the Gentiles in redemption.

References to Jews and Gentiles represent the distinctions between the weak and the strong. The Jewish Christians were generally weak, because of trying to live the gospel in the “garment” of the law. The Gentiles on the other hand, were considered the “strong” ones because they lived out their faith in freedom; not ever having been bound by the law, which they did not know.

This principle of removing the barriers between Jew and Gentile is emphasized in Ephesians 2:14-16 (NKJV). ¹⁴  For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, ¹⁵  having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶  and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.

Conclusion:

The burden on Paul’s heart is for the Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome to both live together and support one another with mutual respect and concern and with mutual desires to build each other up in Christ.

Whether one is weak or strong; Jew or Gentile; or defined by any other distinction, all those who have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ should be helping one another to grow in faith and in their understanding of the Christian life as taught in Scripture.

I didn’t plan on singing a closing song for today, but I would like to read the words of the chorus that I mentioned at the beginning of the sermon.

 To Be Like Jesus   (# 565)

To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus!

My desire – to be like Him!

All thro’ life’s journey from earth to glory,

My desire – to be like Him!

To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus!

How I long to be like Him!

So meek and lowly, so pure and holy;

How I long to be like Him!

The bottom line is this: If we want to be like Jesus, we will always be concerned about the welfare of others; not just about ourselves.

“On a wall near the main entrance to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is a portrait with the following inscription,

‘James Butler Bonham – no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Maj. James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is place here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who dies for freedom.’

“No literal portrait of Jesus exists either. But the likeness of the One who died for our freedom can be seen in the lives of true followers.”(www.sermonillustrations.com)

To view the next sermon in this series, click here.

My Brother's Keeper - Part 2

(To download an mp3 file of this sermon, click on the title above. To listen now online, click on the play button of the audio player shown here.)

This is a sermon based on Romans 14:14-23 and it is part of a series of messages that Pastor Les has been doing on the Epistle of Paul to the Romans.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Today we are moving to the second half of chapter 14, but we are keeping the same title that we used last week, since the subject of this section is a continuation of the previous portion we studied last week.

We have been doing this series of messages over the book of Romans and we are currently discussing the various ways that the Christians in Rome were admonished to practice or live out their faith.

Paul is essentially telling the Romans that the salvation they have received through faith in Jesus Christ should show up in how they live.

We have covered several topics so far. Let’s briefly review some of the things we have learned.

1. Christians should be totally consecrated to the Lord in every area of life. (12:1-2)

2. Christians should be actively engaged and involved with the church – the body of Christ. (12:3-8)

3. Christians should be demonstrating genuine love to both believers and non-believers. (12:9-21)

4. Christians should have respect for those in authority. (13:1-7)

5. Christians should practice public morality by living in love and avoiding contemporary evils. (13:8-14)

6. Christians should show evidences of spiritual maturity by the ways that they interact with other believers who differ from themselves. (14:1-15:13)

Last week we focused on vv. 1-13 of the 14^th chapter. Today we are going to move on to the remainder of the chapter.

Last week we talked about accepting other believers who may not see things exactly as we do on issues that we might describe as “non-essentials.”

Today we are going to talk about showing consideration for other believers by purposely avoiding actions and conduct that would foster their spiritual shipwreck.

When I prepared the outline for this study, I described this entire section (14:1-15:13) as having to do with personal maturity.

One reason I chose the theme of personal maturity as the description for this section is because the kind of consideration and concern for others described here is what you would expect to find in a person that is grown up and mature.

You wouldn’t expect an immature child to have any particular desire to accept others who have totally different opinions and practices, even if it is in areas that we call “non-essentials” (i.e. things that don’t have major importance).

You wouldn’t expect a child to be very concerned about the needs and concerns of another person, at least not for the long term.

You wouldn’t expect an immature child to be very willing to deny himself something he enjoys just because he knows that it is harmful to another person.

So, Paul is truly describing the behavior of a mature Christian who does exhibit those qualities.

(F.) ii.  Those who are mature show consideration for others. (14:14-23)

Today we are going to take a look at Paul’s admonition for believers to show consideration for others.

a.   [Showing] Consideration involves personal restraint. (14-16; 20-21)

14:14-16 (NKJV) ¹⁴  I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. ¹⁵  Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. ¹⁶  Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;

14:20-21 (NKJV) ²⁰  Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. ²¹  It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.

The Apostle starts out by declaring with confidence and certainty that nothing is “unclean” (i.e. common; in contrast with the “holy”).

In this context he is specifically talking about food, but the principle can be applied to other areas as well.

Remember the vision that Peter had in the book of Acts prior to his calling to go preach to Cornelius and some Gentiles?

In contrast to this statement of principle, Paul acknowledges that when a person considers something as unclean (i.e. common or unholy), then it is unclean to him/her.

Therefore, in spite of the fact that nothing is common or unholy, there are some who can be “grieved” (i.e. sorrow) by what they see others doing, and may “speak evil” (lit. blaspheme) about the “good” that the others are doing.

So…… What shall we do?

“Do not destroy” – in v. 15, 20; Paul uses two different words that forbid the tearing down or destruction of another believer through our careless behavior.

v. 20 – Even though the item itself may be pure, if a person of weaker conscience partakes it can be “evil” because it destroys his conscience.

v. 21 sums it all up by saying that we ought to voluntarily refrain from eating, drinking or doing anything that causes a fellow-believer to sin or weakens him against sin.

(Wuest's Word Studies) “…the selfish man who so uses his Christian liberty as to lead a weak brother to tamper with his conscience is … [taking] part in that ruin."

Just a few days ago we received a complementary copy of a Christian magazine in the mail. It was published earlier this summer and it just happened to have a couple of articles regarding the issue of alcohol consumption by Christians.

One of the articles was written by someone who had purposely chosen to drink alcohol socially as a “demonstration of her liberty in Christ.” However she later made the decision to become a “tee-totaler” because she had become sensitized to the plight of individuals who are addicted to alcohol and other chemical substances, and she felt compelled to voluntarily restrain her own preferences in order to avoid the harmful influence she may exert over neighbors and friends.

This author had become so concerned about her neighbors and new acquaintances struggling with addiction, it took the pleasure and joy out of her new-found freedom with regards to drinking.

This same principle might be applied to a number of different areas of practical living (e.g. concern for those struggling with lust and addiction or attraction to pornography).

b.   [Showing] Consideration involves positive encouragement. (17-19)

14:17-19 (NKJV) ¹⁷  for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸  For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. ¹⁹  Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

In these verses it seems like Paul is emphasizing the fact that if food and drink and other such matters are non-essentials, then the stronger believer should not allow those non-essentials to overshadow the more important principles of the Kingdom of God, i.e. righteousness and peace and joy.

When the stronger Christians willingly restrain their own preferences in order to protect the conscience of the weak, then they exemplify these same principles that carry so much more importance.

Having said that, Paul seems to be also promoting the fact that even weaker Christians need to learn that the kingdom of God is not made up of what we eat, and drink, but it is the display of righteousness, peace and joy in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of mature Christians to live in such a manner as to pursue the things that promote peace [i.e. the absence of conflict and turmoil] and will build up (i.e. edify) our brothers and sisters in the faith, rather than pursuing the things that can destroy them.

c.   [Showing] Consideration involves personal faith. (22-23)

14:22-23 (NKJV) ²²  Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. ²³  But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

Coming to the end of this paragraph, the Apostle emphasizes the importance of personal faith and conviction.

When we exercise our faith and live according to our faith, we are to do so “before God.” He is not talking about just having our own opinion about things, but having a conviction that this action, choice or principle is within the will of God; having a vibrant, living faith that is personal with God. (i.e. not based on what someone else says or does.)

The person who is not firmly convinced or convicted in his heart about what is right or permissible stands to be condemned if he partakes or performs simply out of a desire to “fit in.”

If there is the slightest doubt in his mind that this behavior is not God’s will, then it is a choice that is described as sinful.

Doubt is a sin that is frequently condemned in Scripture. Here, in this context, doubt is applied to the performance of some deed or the pursuing of some behavior about which the Christian is not firmly convinced would be approved by God.

Conclusion:

There are a number of practical ways that the principles of this chapter can be applied to our everyday lives.

Many controversies have been generated between believers who have different interpretations and opinions regarding things that could be classified as non-essentials.

Paul is urging us to be considerate of each other, and rather than argue and tear down one another, we should seek the general welfare and building up of one another.

It takes a certain level of personal maturity in order to practice that principle in everyday life.

Let us conclude our service this morning by singing a hymn that emphasizes our responsibility to live in harmony and in love with one another.

I Then Shall Live        # 604


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