A New Year, a New Thing

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This sermon was given on the last day of the year 2017, and it focuses on trusting God to demonstrate His divine power to do something new in our lives that will bring us closer to Him.

Written Excerpts:

Isaiah 43:19 ^(NKJV) Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. 

Introduction: Have you ever felt like your life was in a rut? You’re going through the same old routine every day – eat, work and sleep. Nothing new or exciting happens, at least not very often. Maybe you’re in a situation or circumstance where you feel trapped and you are not able to change anything, so you have resigned yourself to enduring the status quo. If these descriptions fit your life and your situation, then probably the greatest news you could ever hope to hear is that something new is going to happen this year. 

You’d love to hear someone assure you that God is up to something new and He is going to include you in on it. Well, I can’t predict what God is going to do in your life this coming year, but I can tell you that doing something new and interrupting the status quo is something that God has often done in the past and is very capable of doing any day.

(The message today is based on an outline that was originally provided by Stephen Olford, a well-known British preacher.)

In our Scripture for today, God makes a promise through His prophet Isaiah that He is going to do a new thing for His people. Let us look at the passage for a few minutes to learn the promises of God’s new thing He will do and to learn the purposes of the new thing He will do.

I.    The Promises of God’s New Thing

A.  To transcend the past. (v. 18)

Isaiah 43:18 ^(NKJV) Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 

Go back to the beginning of the chapter in order to find out what specific events of the past God is going to transcend. Deliverance from Egypt had always been the “go to” illustration of God’s mighty power. Now, God is assuring His people that He will do something new for them that will overshadow all the past displays of His supernatural power.

How easy it is for us to yearn for things to be like they were in the “good old days.” We think of special blessings or special times of revival or moving of the Holy Spirit and we often wish we could go back to those times. But, God wants us to believe Him and trust Him to do something new.

B.  To transform the present/future. (vv. 14-17)

Isaiah 43:14-17 ^(NKJV) Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "For your sake I will send to Babylon, And bring them all down as fugitives-- The Chaldeans, who rejoice in their ships. ¹⁵I am the LORD, your Holy One, The Creator of Israel, your King." ¹⁶Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters, ¹⁷Who brings forth the chariot and horse, The army and the power (They shall lie down together, they shall not rise; They are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick): 

These verses speak about God’s intention to deliver and rescue His people from Babylon and to demonstrate His mighty power among the Chaldeans. (Interesting point: at the time Isaiah is prophesying, Judah hadn’t been deported as captives to Babylon yet. God is reporting through His prophet a time of deliverance that is going to happen.)

Think of this coming year. Think of anytime in the future. Imagine any scenario of what might be taking place or happening. Remember, God is already there. God is eternal. God already has it under control and He has a plan to bring you through whatever circumstances you may face.

II.  The Purposes of God’s New Thing

A.  To satisfy His people. (vv. 19b-20)

If we review not only what God has stated He will do for His people in verses 14-17, but also verses 19-20, we understand His purposes for that which He intends to do.

Isaiah 43:19b-20 ^(NKJV) … I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. ²⁰The beast of the field will honor Me, The jackals and the ostriches, Because I give waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen. 

God seems to be revealing His desire to provide everything His people need – roads (guidance, direction) through the wilderness; (life-giving) rivers in the desert; and refreshing drinking water. The imagery that He uses here indicates things that would have been “unheard of.” Whoever thought or heard of roads in the wilderness?! Or, rivers in the desert?!

He calls them “My people” and “My chosen.” God delights in doing things and working things for His people. However, we must remember, that He provides what we need, not necessarily what we want! And, it’s not because we are such nice people it is only fair and right that God treat us this way. No, it is only because He is full of love and compassion!

B.  To receive the praise of His people. (v. 21)

Isaiah 43:21 ^(NKJV) This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise. 

The people in Isaiah’s time were just like people today. Whenever God provides so many blessings and privileges for us, we tend to take them for granted. We tend to imagine that we somehow deserve them. We often develop an attitude of entitlement, as if God is only giving us what we rightfully deserve or should have.

But, the reality is this, God grants deliverance and blessings for the purpose of receiving glory and praise from us. It’s not because God is some twisted “egomaniac” in the heavens who demands everything be about Him, and everyone honor Him. No, God is absolutely perfect in every way we can ever imagine. He does deserve all glory and praise because He is perfect. It is not because of His twisted demands that we worship and glorify Him, but it is because He is perfect in every attribute. He is worthy!

Conclusion:

Today we stand at the threshold of a new year. Some of us may be overwhelmed with the problems of the past and stressed over the prospects that those issues will still be confronting us in the future.

Can we look at this verse in Isaiah and trust that is can apply to our own lives? Can we grab ahold of a promise God made thousands of years ago to a specific nation on the other side of the world, and claim it as a fresh message from God for us? Don’t look to the past and wish for former supernatural blessings. Look to the God who has said, “I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth..."

For our closing song today I want to use a song that I don’t think we have used before, but it’s a pretty simple tune and I think it has good advice for all of us based on a quote from Scripture:

Be Still and Know

Seeing God's Salvation

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This sermon was given during Advent and it discusses the words of Simeon that were spoken when he saw the baby Jesus in the temple as he was being presented by Joseph and Mary. The message emphasizes the necessity for every one of us to see Jesus as our only salvation.

Written Excerpts:

Luke 2:30 ^(NKJV) For my eyes have seen Your salvation

Introduction:

What is the one thing in your life that you passionately hope you get to do or get to see before you die?

We’ve heard of people who create their “bucket list.”

Some people really hope to:

·     Do something dangerous like skydiving or bungee jumping;

·     Do something extravagant like traveling to every country in the world;

·     Experience some new ability like learning another language; publishing a book;

I haven’t really created a list myself, but if I were to make a list I think a couple of things I might put on it would be:

·     Take a trip to Israel

·     Go big game hunting out west

Is anyone here today willing to reveal 1 item you have on your bucket list?

I think the person we heard about in our Scripture reading today might have had a “bucket list.” The main item on his list was an experience that God had already revealed would actually happen to him before his death. Why do I think that? Because his words recorded in the Bible are: “Now, you are letting your servant depart in peace…”

Bible scholars tell us that his words describe a slave being released by his master. It might mean that Simeon is ready to die now since he has experienced this great privilege. Or, it simply could mean that he is released from the “search” because he has seen the Messiah. We usually understand the meaning to be, “now I’m ready to die” because a previous verse states that God had revealed to him that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

As Simeon holds this child in his arms, he immediately becomes aware that this is the person he’d been searching for. He makes an interesting statement in his response. “My eyes have seen your salvation.”

During the next several minutes I want to explore with you the meaning of this statement as well as some of its implications.

The meaning of the statement

Salvation is a major theme throughout the Bible. All through the prophets God had repeatedly promised salvation for His people. Salvation or deliverance is depicted both in a political / military sense and in a spiritual / moral / eternal sense. One major example of God’s salvation in a literal political sense is the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. That historical event was used repeatedly to illustrate God’s redemptive power. It was also used to illustrate the spiritual deliverance God gives from bondage to sin.

If we compare v. 30 with v. 26 “…before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” then we can conclude that he expected salvation to come through a person, and that person is the child lying in his arms. Simeon is testifying to the fact that he has now witnessed the One through whom God would bring salvation to the Jews and to the whole world. In this holy child, he sees the redemption of his own soul and the redemption of the entire human race.

Important Implications of the statement

1. Salvation was His primary purpose/mission.

Not only did Simeon understand that Jesus was to be a savior, but many others understood that as His primary role as well.

Mary:

Luke 1:46-47 (NKJV) And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷  And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 

Zacharias: 

Luke 1:69-75 (NKJV) ⁶⁹  And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, ⁷⁰  As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, ⁷¹  That we should be saved from our enemies And from the hand of all who hate us, ⁷²  To perform the mercy promised to our fathers And to remember His holy covenant, ⁷³  The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: ⁷⁴  To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, ⁷⁵  In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. 

The angel to Joseph:

Matthew 1:21 (KJV) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 

Notice that the primary emphasis here is salvation from sins, not salvation for oppressive political enemies.

Jesus:

Matthew 18:11 (KJV) For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 

Luke 6:9 (KJV) Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? 

John 12:47 (KJV) And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 

Paul:

1 Timothy 1:15 (KJV) This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 

Hebrews 7:25 (KJV) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 

2. To understand the significance of salvation, we must understand our own need of it.

You’ve heard me say before: In order for the gospel to truly seem like “good news” (which is what the word “gospel” means), then we have to understand what the “bad news” is first. In order to see that salvation is great and wonderful, we must see that we are helplessly lost and doomed for hell. We must see our selfishness and self-will as it truly is – rebellion against God’s will, design and purpose. We must understand our failure to obey His Word is sin; a violation of His purpose and will.

So many offenses are sugar-coated these days and are not understood for what they really are. We don’t need to “turn over a new leaf,” we need to turn our hearts and lives over to the control of Jesus. We do not often hear people use the term “saved” these days. Instead, they use phrases such as: “accept Christ;” “put faith in Christ;” etc. These are fine and accurate descriptions to a degree, but when we say, “I have been saved,” it implies the fact that I came to the realization that I was lost, condemned, and bound for judgment, but Jesus saved me from that awful condition.

3. To understand the significance of salvation is to realize that it is for the whole world.

Luke 2:32 (KJV) A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

“Gentiles” – a word that could be translated “nations.”

Simeon knew that God not only wanted to save/redeem Israel, but God intended to save the Gentiles as well.

4. It takes certain kind of people to recognize God’s salvation when they see it.

Faith – being able to “see” the invisible. (Heb. 11)

Luke 2:25 (NKJV) And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Have you recognized the Son of God who was born in Bethlehem as the only Savior of the world? Do you truly believe that apart from Him there is no salvation, and we are all condemned?

If you have confessed your sins and put your trust in Jesus Christ to be saved from judgment, are you now looking forward to His return? We need that expectation for His second coming just like Simeon and Anna had for His first coming.

Let us close the service by standing together and singing:

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day 

Personal Testimony by Rev. Chester Rowan

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This is the audio recording of a message by Rev. Chester Rowan in which he shared his personal life story of recovery from alcoholism and finding Jesus as his personal Savior.

I've Been to Calvary

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This is a sermon that was given during a communion service discussing the different people who are reported as being at the cross when Jesus was crucified and making applications for our own responses to His sacrifice on the cross.

Written Excerpts:

Luke 23:33 ^(NKJV) And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.

Introduction:

Many of you have probably heard the song titled, “I’ve Been to Calvary.”

VERSE 1
I've never traveled far around the world
I've never seen the many thrills and sites unfurled
But I have taken the journey of journeys for me
Up Calvary's mountain there my Savior to see

VERSE 2
I walked the Calvary road where Jesus trod
I saw Him hanging there, the Son of God
With tear-stained eyes I knelt and prayed, Jesus hear my plea
Oh praise the Lord, I'm glad I've been to Calvary

CHORUS
I've been to Calvary
I can say I've seen the Lord
I've been to Calvary
Through the witness of His word
Each day at Calvary
What a thrill of love divine
Just to know that the Savior in mine

The verse I read from Luke’s Gospel uses the word “Calvary” for the place where Jesus was crucified. The other Gospel writers used the word “Golgotha” rather than “Calvary.” In any case, the place was just outside the city of Jerusalem and was the place of the crucifixion.

For just a little while this morning I want to talk about some of the people who were there at Calvary when Jesus was crucified and draw some analogies for our spiritual benefit today.

The Multitude 

Luke 23:27a ^(NKJV) And a great multitude of the people followed Him, 

Not much is stated about the great multitude that followed. Based on what we know about human nature, it is probable that these people were curious. We read of many occasions when the multitudes followed Jesus. Sometimes we are clearly informed that they did so because of the “loaves and fishes.”

What about your “trip” to Calvary. Have you truly worshiped the Lord or have you just been curious about Him, and interested to see what He does or what happens to Him?

I remember reading a quote from an old publication from 1886 that was put out by the Methodist movement in England. “Beware of just being friendly with Christ.”

The Women Who Mourned

Luke 23:27b ^(NKJV) and women who also mourned and lamented Him.  

The description given of these women would indicate that they were sympathizers and empathizers. 

Matthew 27:55-56 ^(NKJV) And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, ⁵⁶among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

Luke 8:1-3 ^(NKJV) Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, ²and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities--Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, ³and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. 

(Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) – This is valuable as giving us one of the few glimpses we have of the way Jesus’ needs during his ministry were met… Here we learn that these women responded in love and gratitude for what Jesus had done for them (cf. Mark 15:40f.). It seems to have been not uncommon for godly women to help religious teachers….

At least some of these women there by the cross were those who had been following Him and providing support for Him and the disciples. We know for sure that one of them (Mary Magdalene) had been delivered from demons. It might be very safe to assume that each of them had some significant prior experience with Jesus. For them, I’m sure there was genuine sorrow and grief over what was transpiring.

We too, can join them in grieving over the suffering Jesus went through, but our response needs to be greater than just grief.

The Mocking Thief

Luke 23:39 ^(NKJV) Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us."

Some people consider the crucifixion and sneer at the very idea that the Son of God would willing die. There are plenty of people who mock the very idea that God would send His own Son into our world just to die for humanity. I read a statement recently (I’m not sure where I saw it) that some atheist was claiming that, if there was a God, He was the ultimate “child abuser” for sending His Son to die.

I would assume that most all of us here today would respond by saying, “I would never mock and make fun of Him!” I am sure that is true, but if we are not taking full advantage of the sacrifice Jesus made there that day, I think there is a sense in which we are disrespecting what He did. If we fail to surrender to the Lord and allow His precious blood to cleanse our hearts, then we are despising the price He paid for us to be redeemed.

The Repentant Thief

Luke 23:40-42 ^(NKJV) But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? ⁴¹And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." ⁴²Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."

Of all the people we know who were there at Calvary, the response of this man is the most logical response anyone can make.

Recognize my own guilt and deserving judgment.

Throw myself on the mercy of the Lord.

Conclusion:

We have observed a sampling of the people who were at Calvary, and tried to draw some applications from their examples for our lives today. After talking about the people who were there at Calvary, I want to bring the message to a close by talking about one more person that wasn’t there (at least we don’t have any record that he was). His name is: Barabbas.

I suppose it is possible that Barabbas could have been in the crowd. If we go by the description of him that is written in the Bible, it is not hard to imagine that he would also be there mocking and jeering. 

When I emphasize the possibility that he wasn’t there it is mainly in regards to the fact that he was supposed to be there, but his place was filled by the sinless and perfect Son of God. Barabbas was scheduled for execution, but the people were incited by the Jewish leaders to beg for his release and for Jesus to take his place.

Barabbas is not the only one who deserved execution. This Thanksgiving season, I am thankful that Jesus Christ took my place so I could receive forgiveness and pardon.

Before we share the emblems of Communion, let us sing together the song, “Calvary Covers It All”

An End-Time Perspective

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This is the final message in a series of sermons on the book of 2 Peter. The message emphasizes Peter's admonition for holy living in light of the coming "Day of the Lord."

Written Excerpts:

2 Peter 3:11 ^(NKJV) Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness

Introduction:

I’ve been preaching a series of messages through the book of 2 Peter for the past several weeks. The sermon today is the 9^th and last message, which will address the second half of chapter 3. Last Sunday we spoke on the first half of the chapter and talked about the judgment and the mercy of God. Peter assures his readers that a day of judgment is coming regardless of what the scoffers may say. He also assured them that the primary reason it hadn’t come yet was because God is longsuffering and does not want anyone to perish (to be lost).

Today we are picking up at verse 10 and are reminded that the coming “day of the Lord” will be overwhelming in many ways. The phrase “Day of the Lord” was understood by the early Christians as well as ancient Jews as a term that referred to the coming of God when He would eliminate all evil and establish righteousness.

Let us take a few minutes to consider the description he provides of that notable day, then we will follow-up with three specific admonitions given in light of what’s coming.

I.     The Day of the Lord Described (Verses 10 and 12)

A.  The Day will arrive suddenly and unexpectedly.

“as a thief in the night” – This is a description that was used repeatedly by Jesus and other Apostles to represent the unexpected arrival of the Lord.

B.  Everything will change.

“heavens pass away”

“elements melt”

“fervent heat” “burned up” 

“being on fire” 

There is some debate among scholars whether all these descriptions are to be understood literally or if Peter is simply employing apocalyptic language to emphasize the fact that everything that was thought to be permanent is gone.

(Tyndale) But the most important point is the moral implications in this coming of the Lord and that is what Peter turns his attention to next.

II.    The Admonitions for Preparation

A.    Live holy (11, 14)

“Holy conversation” – clean, pure, separated and devoted to one person –the Lord Jesus Christ. We don’t keep making excuses for why we don’t live holy, but we keep striving for more of Christ and His grace to make us what we ought to be. As soon as we say, “I can’t …” We limit the power and the grace of God.

“Godliness” – Back in chapter 1 we learned that godliness was… a compound word literally meaning to “worship well”; thus, worship rightly directed. (Robertson’s Word Pictures/Vincent Word Studies)

The word emphasizes the inward attitude of worship and reverence and piety toward God along with conduct and other outward actions that confirm the heart attitude.

Live holy because of what’s coming.

v. 11 “seeing that…” – Peter definitely links the kind of life his readers should live with the “day of the Lord.”

Live holy because that’s all that really matters.

When this day arrives, and everything of material value is destroyed as verses 10 & 12 describe, then the only thing that will survive or matter is the spiritual/moral life. You and I won’t be able to depend on material possessions, bank accounts, positions and popularity then. The only thing that will be important then is our relationship with Christ and whether we let Him transform our lives.

B.    Live carefully (12-14, 17)

The next admonition Peter gives is what I describe as “living carefully.” Living holy has to do with our spiritual and moral life and character, but living carefully speaks more of our attitudes as we go about living holy.

Living carefully means living with expectation. (12-14a)

“looking for & hasting;” “we…look for;” “seeing that ye look for” – These words give the idea that these believers are not ones who will be caught by surprise. 

Jesus gave several parables in his earthly ministry that described a master showing up unexpectedly when the servants least thought he would come. In those parables He often would admonish the hearers, “So watch therefore…” We all need to live with the expectation that Jesus is coming soon. If we do, we will not allow ourselves to get careless about the important principles for righteous conduct.

Living carefully includes diligence and caution. (14b, 17)

v. 14 – “be diligent” – This literally means “make haste” and gives the idea of giving a zealous effort.

v. 17 – “beware” – so that you don’t fall from your own steadfastness. Don’t become self-confident and smug.

It’s amazing sometimes how so many people exercise such intense effort and awareness or caution about many things in life EXCEPT their spiritual condition.

C.    Live healthy (18)

Healthy living is implied in the imagery of growth. (18)

“grow in grace and in knowledge” – We talked about this at the very beginning of this series in the beginning of chapter 1. The Christian life is never presented in the Bible as a life that is stale and stagnant. If we are in relationship with Jesus Christ, that is a vital and vibrant relationship that is intended to mature and grow and develop.

If God is infinite – and He is! Then there is always new truths and new heights and depths for us to reach in our knowledge of Him and His will for us.

Healthy living refers to moral and spiritual health.

When Peter urges his readers to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” he is essentially summarizing what he was urging them to do in 1:5-7 in the list of virtues or qualities that they were to add to their faith.

Conclusion:

Peter ends his letter with a short doxology (praise).

…To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

All of human history is leading up to one final climax – the complete and total triumph of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. He will be glorified by every creature in heaven and earth. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Let us close our worship service by standing together and singing the hymn: Jesus Is Coming Again

Judgment and Mercy

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This is the eighth sermon in a series of messages on 2nd Peter. This message is based on 3:1-9 and it speaks about the judgment and mercy of God. Peter explains to his readers that judgment is surely coming in the future, and the only reason it hasn't happened yet is due to the mercy of a loving God who is not willing for any to perish.

Written Excerpts:

2 Peter 3:9 ^(NKJV) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 

Introduction:

We have been working our way through the book of 2^nd Peter for several weeks. We mentioned at the very beginning that the letter was written by the Apostle Peter because false teachers had infiltrated the Christian believers and he wanted to refute them, as well as provide reliable instruction for his readers. In last week’s sermon we took a look at chapter 2 of the book of 2^nd Peter where he describes the characteristics of the false teachers and he informs them of God’s judgment. Now, in chapter 3, Peter expands his message about the coming judgment, but as he does, he also reminds his readers of God’s gracious love and mercy.

Judgment and mercy are interesting topics to think about and discuss. I’ve discovered that a lot of people are similar to me in the fact that we are much more in favor of God’s judgment when we’re talking about other people who have done ungodly things. However, we are much more in favor of God’s love and mercy when we start talking about our own ungodly deeds and attitudes!

It is actually quite amusing sometimes to watch people change their opinions and attitudes about the kinds of sins that deserve the judgment of God and the condemnation of people until they fall into the same sin (or a close family member). Then they typically change our views on judgment and think of many reasons why they deserve mercy. This common human response simply shows us how much we really want God’s mercy for ourselves, which we ought to also want for others. (That is, if we “love our neighbors as ourselves.”)

In chapter 3, Peter explains to his readers that judgment is certain, but it is delayed because of God’s mercy.

I.    Judgment Is Certain (vv. 1-7)

As I pointed out earlier, Peter clearly indicates in chapter two that God does not tolerate error and ungodliness. He gave examples of fallen angels, the world population prior to the flood, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The implication was that judgment will also come for the false teachers who were teaching and leading people astray from the truth.

A. Coming judgment suggests the need for repeated warnings. (1-2)

Starting off here in the third chapter, Peter indicates that since judgment is coming, repeated warnings need to be given.

2 Peter 3:1-2 ^(NKJV) Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 

Peter’s purpose in writing a second letter is so that they could be reminded of messages given by the holy prophets (OT Scriptures) and by the Apostles themselves.

“stir up” – Gk. διεγείρω; arouse or awaken; i.e. stir up.

Any careful reading of the biblical prophets and apostles show repeated emphases on judgment.

I remember reading from some sources years ago that Jesus spoke much more about hell than about heaven.

Vic Reasoner says, “False doctrine is a sedative. When we ought to be concerned by the teaching of Scripture, false teachers lull us to sleep.” (Commentary on 1 & 2 Peter)

“pure minds” – the word “pure” is a compound word that literally means “judge” and “sunlight.” It suggests something that is held up to the sun to expose any flaws. (Reasoner & A.T. Robertson)

Peter is essentially saying that his readers have not been affected (yet) by the false teachers. They are pure (sun-judged). However, he still feels the urgency to remind them of what has been taught and preached by the prophets and by Jesus Christ through the Apostles. If he feels that these “pure-minded” Christians needed to be reminded, then certainly we need to be occasionally reminded today as well.

What do we need to be reminded of? Well, he hasn’t said yet (that’s coming next), but the answer is: we need to be reminded that God has judged sinners and rebels in the past and He will do so again. We also need to be reminded that people have always scoffed at pending "gloom and doom.”

B. Coming judgment is often mocked. (3-6)

2 Peter 3:3-4 ^{(NKJV) 3}knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, ⁴and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."

Scoffers have always been around and always will be.

“last days” – for the biblical writers, the last days was the period of time between the first and second coming of the Messiah. It marked the end of the old era. (cf. Heb. 1:2) This is not specifically speaking of the time immediately preceding the second coming, unless we think of it as including all of the time since Christ came.

They base their assumptions on the mistaken opinion or viewpoint that time has always continued without interruption or intervention (uniformitarianism).

2 Peter 3:5-6 ^(NKJV) For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.

Ignorance is willful for some people.

Apparently Peter believed and accepted all other biblical accounts of creation and declares that it all came into being by the Word of God!

It seems apparent also that when Peter describes the earth as “part above water and part in the water,” it leads him into the next point, which is the worldwide flood.

There are plenty of reasons to believe in a worldwide flood in Noah’s day. But there have always been people who willfully reject it, which is why people like those at the Institute for Creation Research and at Answers in Genesis are so dedicated to preserving and promoting scientific evidence for the flood.

C. Coming judgment is on the horizon. (7)

2 Peter 3:7 ^(NKJV) But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

“preserved by the same word” – lit. “have been stored.” God not only created the heaven and earth, but He preserves it all. He holds it all together. We shared some thoughts about this fact on Wednesday night in the Bible study. (cf. Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3)

“reserved for fire” – lit. “are being reserved, guarded or protected.” There is a future time of judgment by fire that is coming. 

 (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) – Some Jews, at least, believed in a dual cataclysm of the world, by water and by fire, and attributed this idea to Adam! (i.e. Josephus)

Compare OT references on judgment by fire:

Deuteronomy 32:22 ^(NKJV) For a fire is kindled by my anger, And shall burn to the lowest hell; It shall consume the earth with her increase, And set on fire the foundations of the mountains. 

Malachi 4:1 ^(NKJV) "For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble….

“judgment and perdition” – i.e. condemnation/ damnation, and destruction

The Bible is full of warnings about the final judgment and punishment of those who reject Christ and His commands.

II.  Judgment Is Delayed (vv. 8-9)

Having refuted the claims of the scoffers, Peter proceeds to explain why judgment hasn’t come yet.

A. The delay is not as long as it seems. (8)

2 Peter 3:8 ^(NKJV) But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The first reason Peter offers for the fact that judgment hasn’t come yet has to do with the fact that God’s perspective on time is very different than ours.

“one day… a thousand…” – probably not to be taken literally as though any time the Bible speaks about 1 day then it should be equated with exactly 1,000 years. It is probably just a cliché or euphemism that emphasizes the truth that God is not restricted by time. For The One who is Infinite, all time is like the present.

B. The delay of judgment is rooted in God’s love. (9)

2 Peter 3:9 ^(NKJV) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 

Peter denies the assumption of many people – i.e. God doesn’t really mean what He says; God is less than diligent in carrying out His threats/promises; etc. But, the real reason for the delay of judgment is because God is longsuffering and God wants everyone to be saved.

“not willing” – We could get into the age-old debate about the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. But the fact of the matter is, there is ample biblical proof of the fact that God wants everyone to be saved, and Jesus did actually die for the whole world.

So, He wants “all to come to repentance.”

“repentance” – a turning away from old way of thinking and living to a new way. 

It is motivated by a genuine and deep sorrow for the fact that our sins cost Jesus His very life. 

It is interesting that Peter doesn’t say that God desires for all men to be saved, although that is what he means. He didn’t say, “God desires all men to go to heaven,” although that is what he’s ultimately talking about. He says, “God doesn’t want anyone to perish but to come to repentance.” Genuine repentance is the way to God.

Conclusion:

Everything Peter says to his readers about the coming judgment is absolutely true. The Bible has warning after warning about the consequences for those who reject Christ and disobey the Word of God; seeking their own will and desires.

But, the Bible is also full of evidence for the love and mercy of God. Any person who willingly comes to Christ and confesses his sin and truly repents of his past wayward living, can find forgiveness and mercy from the Lord!

If there is anyone here today that has not come to God in repentance and in confession trusting in the blood of Christ, you can certainly do that today.

Error in the Church

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



This is the seventh sermon in a series of messages on the book of 2 Peter. This message covers chapter two and discusses the issue of heresy and error growing within the church. The Apostle Peter talks about the characteristics of the false teachers as well as their coming judgment, just like the false prophets in the Old Testament.

Written Excerpts:

2 Peter 2:1 ^(NKJV) But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 

Introduction:

Five Hundred years ago this coming Tuesday (Oct. 31^st), a Catholic monk who was a professor of theology at the University of Wittenberg, Germany nailed a document to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. The name of this monk was Martin Luther. The document titled, “95 Theses,” was written in protest of the errors and abuses that were promoted by church officials, especially a practice known as the sale of “Indulgences.” There is a longer story behind it all, but a church official had been authorized to sell the indulgences in order to pay off a debt owed by the archbishop of that region. 

What was an “Indulgence?” Well, the Church believed that eternal guilt and punishment for sin could only be forgiven by God, but there was a temporal satisfaction that had to be “paid” by the repentant sinner either in this life or in purgatory. It usually involved some good deed(s), some type of pilgrimage or payment of money to the church. (Penance)

The indulgence was an official document (piece of paper) that could be bought with money and it would free the person from the temporal penalty of sins. Later, it was extended to include the “souls in purgatory” if the living relatives bought indulgences for them. Martin Luther’s efforts to reform the Church led to an outright separation from the church, which is now known as the Great Reformation.

In the passage of Scripture we are considering today, Peter confronts the errors that have been cropping up among the believers of the 1^st century. Confrontation against error was necessary in the 1^st century and has been necessary ever since, including such notorious times as the Great Reformation.

Confronting and defeating error and evil is something that is not always welcome in our society today. Christians today seem to be content to just “love everyone and everything.” There doesn’t seem to be as much concern for what is right or what is true, but “let’s just all get along and learn to love one another and tolerate everything.” 

I want to remind you today that truth matters; biblical doctrines matter; and the clear distinction between right and wrong matters. When Jesus went to the cross He wasn’t just wanting to work out a truce or some agreement where He and the Devil could peacefully co-exist. No, when Jesus Christ went to Calvary’s cross, He went there to accomplish a complete and final victory over the Devil that would eventually bring about the total demise of the kingdom of darkness.

The Apostle Peter is of the same mind. He wants to expose the errors of the false teachers and help the believers to understand the truth and stay in the right relationship with Christ.

Today we are continuing our study of 2^nd Peter by discussing chapter 2. Here we see Peter’s analysis of the source of error among the readers and what’s in store for them. For our discussion today I have decided to adapt an outline of chapter 2 that I borrowed from Dr. Vic Reasoner.

Outline:

Having established the source of truth and its authority in the previous chapter, Peter continues in chapter two to write about The Source of Error (2:1-22).

A. The Characteristics of False Teachers (2:1-3)

2 Peter 2:1-3 ^(NKJV) But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. 

1. They will infiltrate the believers.

“among the people;” “among you”

“the people” – a word that usually refers to the a nation, in this case the people of Israel.

There were false prophets in the OT and there are false teachers now in the NT. 

Every time there is something that is really genuine, there will also be a counterfeit.

2. Their teachings are destructive.

“destructive” – perishing, (KJV “damnable”), i.e. eternal destruction. Rev. 9:11 uses same root word for the name of the “angel of the bottomless pit” or “destroyer.”

“heresy” – root word means “choice.” It is a deliberate choice to believe and follow something that goes contrary to God’s Word. 

Their heresy was “denying the Lord who bought them.” 

3. They are immoral. (v. 2)

“pernicious ways” (KJV); “destructive ways” (NKJV) – this is the same word used in v. 10 for “filthy conduct” or “lust of uncleanness” (NKJV). Compare with v. 14.

4. They are greedy. (v. 3)

“by covetousness they will exploit you” 

Many a person has been led astray and sought to lead others astray because of the lure of material gain and prosperity.

Usually, the people of the world can see through it better than the people in the church. Whenever Christians do something to reach out to sinners the sinner may very well be thinking, "Are you doing this for me or for you?" And they can usually tell the difference.

We need to constantly check our motives for what we do.

B. The Precedent of Judgment (2:4-10a)

2 Peter 2:4-10 ^(NKJV) For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; ⁵and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; ⁶and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; ⁷and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked ⁸(for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)-- ⁹then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, ¹⁰and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. 

Peter next gives some clear examples from biblical history where the false, and the counterfeit opponents to God’s truth were condemned and judged by God. The examples he cites includes: Fallen angels, Fallen humanity before the flood, and the Fallen cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

He then reminds his readers that succumbing to the errors and lies of the rebels is not necessary nor inevitable. God can and will deliver those who choose to be godly.

Finally, in this section, he reminds them that unjust, ungodly rebels against the truth will be reserved for future judgment. Who are these people being reserved for judgment? They are individuals who walk according to the “lust of uncleanness and despise authority.” (We could add this description to the characteristics we mentioned earlier.)

C. The Arrogance of False Teachers (2:10b-12)

2 Peter 2:10b-14 ^(NKJV) They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, ¹¹whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. ¹²But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, ¹³and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, ¹⁴having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children.

These false teachers were so arrogant they are contrasted with angels who, even though they have great power, they defer to the authority of God.

Not only are they contrasted from angels, but they are compared to mere animals who deliberately and resolutely follow their instincts and take any measures to obtain what they desire.

D. The First False Teacher (2:15-16)

2 Peter 2:15-16 ^(NKJV) They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; ¹⁶but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet.

The OT example of the prophet Balaam is used as an illustration of someone who was led astray by the lure of personal gain and was willing to curse the people of God in order to profit. These present false teachers are following the example and leading people astray for personal gain.

E. The Indictment Against False Teachers (2:17-22)

2 Peter 2:17-22 ^(NKJV) These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. ¹⁸For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. ¹⁹While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. ²⁰For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. ²¹For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. ²²But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire." 

Peter wraps up this chapter by adding on more of the characteristics that describe these false teachers (17-19).

Ultimately, they are hypocrites because they preach liberty, but they are slaves of corruption and lusts of the flesh. 

They and their followers have returned to the mire that Christ died to deliver them from.

Conclusion:

There have always been errors and false teachers springing up in the church. 

These errors that Peter addressed involved a number of facets, including arrogant claim to superior knowledge, and a belief that all matter is evil and the source of evil. Thus, Jesus existing in human flesh was not sinless and wasn’t truly God, so neither can we humans be truly pure and holy. Sin and corruption will always be a part of our “DNA” so we might as well enjoy our freedom, live the way we want, and hope for final deliverance in the next life.

Even today, there are ongoing errors that rise up in the church and among those who call themselves Christian. So it is absolutely essential that each of us remain committed to faithful reading and studying of the Word, as well as faithful seeking the power and illumination of the Spirit.

We constantly need God’s guidance and direction to remain true and faithful to Jesus Christ and His truth.