Real Freedom

This is a sermon that was preached on July 4, 2021. This message begins with references to principles of liberty and freedom that our nation was founded upon, then transitions to speak about spiritual freedom that God offers through the power of the Holy Spirit. A video recording of the worship service in which this message was given can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Today, as you know, is July 4^th, the anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence from England. For the message this morning, I felt I should take a few minutes to share some thoughts and quotes regarding our national freedoms, then transition into a review of spiritual freedom taught in God’s Word.

I have often read and heard dozens of quotes by the founding fathers of our nation which undeniably connect our concepts of liberty and freedom to the principles in the Bible. One example is this familiar quote by John Adams: Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. – John Adams

Or this one by William Penn: (Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World) Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants. – William Penn

These are just two examples of the fact that the founding of this nation, its Declaration of Independence and its Constitution were all based on biblical concepts of faith and morality. 

The men responsible for the earliest principles etched into our national fabric understood the biblical concepts of inherited depravity as well as human free will. This means they whole-heartedly believed in individual freedom, but they also believed in law and order. Without biblically based boundaries, unfettered freedom of the individual would lead to unrestrained anarchy, and inevitably followed by a new era of slavery.

A few years ago, I read a book by Ann Coulter that I may have mentioned a few times before. The title of the book is, Demonic: How the Liberal Mob Is Endangering America. In her book she does a remarkable job of contrasting the French Revolution and the American Revolution. She also makes pertinent comparisons between the French Revolution and the recent examples of “mob rule” in American society.

The one thing that is so striking about the French Revolution is the fact that in spite of all the fanfare and hype about freedom for the common people of France, their fickle mob mentality led to some of the most extreme cases of brutality. Because of their general lack of godliness and righteousness in the culture, they repeatedly yielded to the most depraved desires of human nature, which ultimately led to the loss of countless lives.

So, what is real freedom? Let us think for a few moments about where freedom comes from and where it was meant to lead.

I.          Real freedom comes from our Creator.

Several years ago (2013), I gave a sermon with the title, “Liberty Is God’s Idea.” In that message and in other sermons as well, I have repeatedly emphasized the fact that freedom was designed by God at creation and is an essential part of what it means to be a human being formed in the image of God.

(Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World) Without free will, man would not be created "in the image of God." With it, he has the power to defy God's wishes and to bring misery on himself and others. – C. S. Lewis

A review of the creation account in Genesis will disclose that God laid down some basic laws or “ground rules” for the very first humans, but He did not coerce them to obey. Their actions reveal the fact that they obviously had the freedom to disobey. That freedom and ability to disobey was granted by the very same Creator who gave the rules.

(From my sermon in 2013) This image of God and this type of freedom [distinguish us] from the animal kingdom God created.

Some would argue that animals have liberty and freedom because they “can do anything they want to do.” Well, that is true to a certain extent. Animals may “do anything they want to do,” but their “wants” are dictated by instincts; stimulus and response; and what we might call “basic animal passions [or appetites].”

In fact, sometimes we describe human beings as “living like animals” when they fail to practice self-discipline or self-restraint, but continually seek to satisfy every passion and desire of their fleshly or carnal nature.

Animals are so driven and “enslaved” by their natural instincts and passions, that it many times gets them into traps or even killed. An animal does not have the basic ability to analyze life situations and then restrain its habits and instincts for a longer better outcome and more enjoyable freedom.

Only people, who are created in God’s image, have the ability to intentionally forfeit some immediate desire in order to enjoy a greater freedom in the long-term future.

II.        Real freedom includes real risks.

We understand from the story of creation and the fall of Adam that there was a real risk associated with the offer of freedom. The risks include some of the worst kinds of evils.

I remember reading long ago an answer someone offered regarding the problem of evil. The writer basically said this: God could have eliminated evil by taking away the free choices of those who perpetuate evil. But, in order to be completely fair/just, God must then take away the free choices of everyone else.

The point was this, real/genuine freedom for humanity involves freedom for all or freedom for none. If freedom to do evil is removed, then so is the freedom to do that which is good, wholesome, lovely, and praiseworthy.

(Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World) Free will, though it makes evil possible, is also the only thing that makes possible any love or goodness or joy worth having. A world… of creatures that worked like machines—would hardly be worth creating. The happiness which God designs for his higher creatures is the happiness of being freely, voluntarily united to him and to each other in an ecstasy of love and delight compared with which the most rapturous love between a man and a woman on this earth is mere milk and water. And for that they must be free. – C. S. Lewis

The Bible explains the fact that Adam and Eve’s disobedience led to all kinds of evil. In the initial part of the story (Gen. 3), we read about the guilt, shame, separation, and death that came about as a direct result of their disobedience. In the New Testament (Romans 5), the Apostle Paul describes how that through one man’s disobedience, sin and death passed upon all men.

There was a time when I wondered why God didn’t/couldn’t at least “limit” the consequences of their disobedience? Why were the “floodgates” of corruption opened upon the human race?

I don’t know if there is a completely adequate answer to that question, but this is the answer that came to my mind: The severe consequences of their disobedience was necessary to demonstrate the dreadfulness of sin.

We humans are often guilty of thinking, “This sin is such a small offense!” “It really isn’t all that bad if I do/say this.” But we must realize that every sin, no matter how small is just as abhorrent as Adam’s decision to eat the fruit in the garden. Every sin requires the death and shed blood of Jesus to cover it and pardon the sinner.

The good news of the gospel is this: Because God knows everything actual and everything possible, He was not taken by surprise when Adam used his freedom to disobey God’s command. The Bible tells us the whole plan of redemption was established before the foundation of the world.

III.       Real freedom is spiritual in nature.

In the beginning of the message today, I shared a couple of quotes from founding fathers to illustrate the connection between political freedom and righteousness. The implication was this: when individuals in society are not interested in pursuing a righteous life in agreement with God’s standards of morality, then freedom will be short-lived. Tyranny is “just around the corner” when lusts and passions are in control rather than righteousness and godliness.

There are numerous references in Scripture that support the truth that the most common form of slavery and servitude is the slavery to sin and the desires of the sin nature.

In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul laments the fact that the presence of sin in his heart causes him to do things he knows are not good, even when he desires to do what is good.

(Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World) No man is free who is a slave to the flesh. – Lucius Annaeus Seneca [Stoic]

Galatians 5:13 (NLT2) For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

John 8:34 (NKJV) Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.

Romans 6:17-18 explains that there are only two possible conditions in the life of a human being: a servant (slave) to sin or a servant to righteousness.

(Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World) Freedom does not mean I am able to do whatever I want to do. That's the worst kind of bondage. Freedom means I have been set free to become all that God wants me to be, to achieve all that God wants me to achieve, to enjoy all that God wants me to enjoy. – Warren W. Wiersbe

Many people today loudly proclaim their freedom from religious or spiritual laws and blatantly engage in wickedness and immorality. However, they are blind to the fact that they are actually slaves to the sinful nature that was inherited from their parents all the way back to Adam and Eve. It is not only important for us to realize the condition we inherited, but it is essential to learn and understand that the only remedy is salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ.

John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Romans 8 gives us the good news of what is possible through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit living in every believer.

Conclusion:

We must conclude that in ourselves, we are powerless against sin and inevitably become the servants of sin; living every day to simply fulfill the passions and desires of the flesh. But, when we submit to the grace and power of God, we can be born again, made new creatures and filled with His Spirit.

We are truly free when we submit to the will of God and are filled with the Spirit of God.

Closing Song:             In Times Like These

Conviction or Convenience

This is a sermon that was preached on June 27, 2021 and was based on three stories in the book of Daniel - Chapters 1, 3, and 6. It discusses the need for believers to live their faith according to true convictions based on God's Word rather than simply living according to whatever is convenient. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was given can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

I found this story on the website “sermonillustrations.com.” It was quoted by B. Clayton Bell, in the periodical, Preaching, May-June, 1986 issue.

A number of years ago Norman Cousins wrote an editorial in Saturday Review in which he reported a conversation he had on a trip in India. He was talking with a Hindu priest named Satis Prasad. The man said he wanted to come to our country to work as a missionary among the Americans. Cousins assumed that he meant that he wanted to convert Americans to the Hindu religion, but when asked, Satis Prasad said, "Oh no, I would like to convert them to the Christian religion. Christianity cannot survive in the abstract. It needs not membership, but believers. The people of your country may claim they believe in Christianity, but from what I read at this distance, Christianity is more a custom than anything else. I would ask that either you accept the teachings of Jesus in your everyday life and in your affairs as a nation or stop invoking His name as sanction for everything you do. I want to help save Christianity for the Christian." 

This account emphasizes for us the need for Christians to live out their faith with conviction rather than by convenience.

The passage of Scripture that was read today is one of two miracle stories in the book of Daniel that most, if not all, of us learned as children. – The “Three Hebrew Children” (Men) in the fiery furnace, and “Daniel in the Lion’s Den.” We could also include another miracle recorded in chapter one – the Hebrews choice to refuse the king’s menu plan.

All of these stories have several things in common. One common part of each story is the miraculous deliverance that God gave to them in response to their bold faith. Another common characteristic the fact that the individuals demonstrated their willingness to follow their convictions about their duties to God regardless of the consequences.

As we take the time this morning to reexamine these miracle accounts in Daniel, I want us to notice some of the characteristics that are similar for all of them.

I.          The Socio-Political Conditions

A. Conditions were antagonistic.

They were political prisoners or war captives. They were immersed in a strange culture with pagan religious beliefs and practices.

(A.R. Fausset, Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary) Ancient idolaters thought that each nation had its own gods, and that, in addition to these, foreign gods might be worshipped. The Jewish religion was the only exclusive one that claimed all homage for Jehovah as the only true God. Men will in times of trouble confess God, if they are allowed to retain their favorite heart-idols.

That is why the king can declare, “Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this."  (Dan. 3:39) And yet, he could still believe in pagan deities even after making such a decree.

They were given different names to further distance them from their Hebrew identity and heritage.

The image that was erected is believed by some authors to be an attempt “To consolidate his empire through a common religion.” (See Willmington's Guide to the Bible)

B. Conditions were dangerous.

Because they were “slaves” and war captives, their lives were dispensable.

The conditions were not only dangerous because they were slaves, but also because of the disregard the king had for human life in general. (e.g., See ch. 2 where he was willing to execute ALL of the wise men/ magicians for not being able to tell him his dream.)

King had authority and power to execute anyone he pleased.

II.        Their Faithful Commitments

A. Commitments were based on convictions.

In spite of the fact that these Hebrew men were living and working in antagonistic and dangerous conditions, they were committed to live according to their convictions. Their convictions were not mere personal preferences, but they were practices that were based on God’s law.

In chapter 1, regarding the menu ordered by the king, they considered the diet to be defiling.

Daniel 1:8 (NKJV) But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank...

It is not clear how the king’s food would defile the men. Various commentators offer several possibilities, none of which provide a conclusive answer.

·         Levitical dietary restrictions (clean/unclean)? Maybe, but those restrictions didn’t apply to wine.

·         Foods offered/consecrated to idols and considered to be connected to the idol, as Paul described to Corinthian Christians in the NT. Maybe, but no OT prohibitions against it. Plus, we’re told that virtually all food in these pagan nations were so dedicated.

·         Accepting the king’s food implied allegiance and loyalty to the king. They wanted to demonstrate their “independence” from the king and exclusive loyalty/allegiance to God.

·         The meal “test” proposed by Daniel was a way to demonstrate that their health and appearance was solely dependent upon God, not the king.

·         Summary: Each one of these suggestions could have been a factor, but the point is, these men made their choice in order to remain true to their God-given convictions, even at great risk.

In chapter 3, the command to bow and worship the image was a direct violation of the second commandment. "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image... Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them..." (Ex. 20:4, 5).

In chapter 6, the command / decree outlawing any prayers to any god or man except the king clearly disregards the very first commandment. Exodus 20:3 (NKJV) You shall have no other gods before Me.

In all of these examples, the men were acting on convictions that were grounded in the explicit words of God.

B. Commitments were uncompromising.

Look at all of these stories in chapters 1, 3, & 6. In every example, the Hebrew men did not give any indication that they were willing to compromise or change their stand.

(Willmington’s Guide to the Bible) - The three youths were no doubt aware of the many excuses available to them for bowing down at this private meeting. For example:

1.      Why not join the system. You can’t fight city hall!

2.      We’ll cooperate with old Neb and win him to Christ!

3.      A living dog is better than a dead lion—better red than dead! "He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day!"

4.      Daniel our leader is not here to make the right decision for us.

We all know that whenever we are faced with a decision such as these men were, there always seems to be plenty of “reasons” why we may not have to be as strict, rigid, or uncompromising as originally thought.

III.       The Unusual Consequences

A. Consequences included unusual suffering.

In two of these stories that we have been considering, the men had to go through tremendous suffering. I can’t prove from Scripture that they actually suffered physical pain. However, they still suffered – bound, cast into fire, fell down, etc. Daniel – bound, cast into den…

Point? God ultimately delivered them, but He didn’t exempt them from all the unpleasant or harsh circumstances.

B. Consequences included unusual deliverance.

In all cases, God provided a miraculous and unusual deliverance. God delivered the three men from the fire without even the smell of smoke, or a hair singed. God delivered Daniel from the lions without a single nibble!

Yet, in all of these examples, the men made their position clear either verbally or by their actions: Even if God chooses not to deliver us, we still refuse to give in to the decrees of godless pagans and defy the commands of our God.

Conclusion:

The Bohemian [Czech] reformer John Hus was a man who believed the Scriptures to be the infallible and supreme authority in all matters. He [was burned] at the stake for that belief in Constance, Germany, on his forty-second birthday. As he refused a final plea to renounce his faith, Hus's last words were, "What I taught with my lips, I seal with my blood." (www.sermonillustrations.com)

In other words, Hus declared, “My death in these flames is a testimony to my commitment to my faith and my loyalty to my God.”

I believe God allows every believer to be tested at some point. Think of Abraham. God said, “Now I know that you fear God since you have not withheld your son…” God already knew what Abraham would do, but the test was given to demonstrate the kind of faithful loyalty Abraham had.

God will allow us to be tested to reveal how loyal we are willing to be to the things we say we believe. I am a firm believer that Christians here in America will be tested just like believers in many other countries around the world. I don’t profess to know how severe that testing will be, but I can tell you that many professing Christians have already demonstrated their willingness to change their beliefs and practices even without severe threats, because they have already done it for convenience.

For example, some countries have experienced the prohibition of church attendance by tyrannical, totalitarian governments (at least for those churches not registered by the government), but many Christians in America have demonstrated their willingness to give up church attendance for far less reasons than government edict.

So, on the basis of the Bible passage we have considered today, I ask you, “What aspects of your faith and religious practice are you willing to go to prison for?” “What are you willing to die for?”

I pray that God will help me and everyone of us to stand like Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel!

Closing Song: Dare to Be a Daniel

Who Can Live with God?

This is a sermon based on Psalm 15 in which the author begins by asking the question, "Who may abide in thy tabernacle and who may dwell in thy holy hill?" The message speaks about the qualities that are necessary in the life of the individual who wishes to live in the presence of God. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was preached may be viewed by clicking here. 

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Throughout the years that I have been in ministry, I have observed that people often express an interest in knowing the answer to the question, “What must I do to go to heaven?” You remember that there was a “certain ruler” who posed such a question to Jesus, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk. 18:18)

Out of all those who ask that question, there is a significant number of people who are really asking, “What is the MINIMUM I must do to get into heaven?” In other words, it seems like what many people actually mean is this, “I want to keep living the way I please, but I sure would like to make sure I make it to heaven instead of losing my soul in hell.” I fear that those who come to the Lord with this kind of thinking and motive may not find the answer they desire. Yes, God does want us to desire to go to heaven and be with him for eternity. But I believe our Scripture lesson today shows us that there are other equally important desires that He wants us to possess and exhibit.

The question as posed a few moments ago, asks, “What must I DO?” Perhaps the more important question is this, “Who must I BE?”

The question that King David asked in the first verse of Psalms 15 was this, “Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?”

After we briefly consider the opening question, we will explore the qualities that are present in the life of this person who desires to “live with God.” 

I.          The Question Everyone Should Ask (v. 1)

“tabernacle” – lit. tent; some commentaries us the word “sanctuary.”

It originally was the structure that Moses made according to the design and plans given by God. It was created to be a place where God’s holy presence would be manifested and where Moses, and subsequent high priests, could commune with God and receive instructions from God, as well as make atonement for the people.

2 Samuel 6 describes the events when David brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem and had it placed in a tent structure that he had made for it. The original tabernacle and its furnishings were not brought to Jerusalem until later during the reign of Solomon. (Joyce Baldwin, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries)

“holy hill” – This was another way to refer to Mount Zion (Jerusalem) where the Ark of the Covenant was placed after David became king. Mount Zion was one of the hills upon which Jerusalem was built, and later became a name for the whole city.

“abide/dwell” – Commentaries tell us that both of these terms denote a temporary residence, since no one actually lived in the sanctuary. Therefore, these words really stress the idea of having communion with God. (TOTC; Expositor’s Bible Commentary)

(Willem A. Vangemeren, Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) As the pilgrims approached Jerusalem—the city of God, where his “sanctuary” was located on the “holy hill”—they had to examine themselves before entering the courts of God’s sanctuary.

King David is asking the question that each and every person should ask. What kind of person should I be if I want to live / commune with God? Maybe we could phrase it like this: “What needs to be the defining characteristics of my life in order for me to fit in the presence of God?”

I keep remembering the words of Dr. John Oswalt in his book, Called to Be Holy. He emphasized the fact that the 10 commandments were not given to Israel as a means for them to earn God’s salvation. God had already saved them, delivered them from Egypt, and accepted them as His people by His infinite grace. When God spelled out the 10 commandments, He was describing the commands or principles one must follow in order to live in the presence of a holy God. And, that seems to be the force of this question that the Psalmist is asking.

II.        The Qualities Everyone Should Seek (vv. 2-5a)

The response to the question in verse 1 is found in verses 2-5.

The qualities that are given appear in both positive and negative forms. (i.e., some attitudes/actions they do, and others they avoid) The qualities are also distinguishable between character and conduct.

Compare Psalm 24:3-4 (NKJV) Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? ⁴  He who has clean hands [conduct] and a pure heart [character]….

A. Holy Character (v. 2a, b)

“walks uprightly” – a moral way of life; blameless; “lives marked by ethical rightness.” (Vangemeren & Baldwin)

The work “walk” refers to the way someone lives. It seems to be talking about conduct, however this term is referring to the motivating principle for living, rather than specific actions, such as those listed in the following verses.

“works righteousness” – A quality that probably should be taken as a companion/parallel thought with “walks uprightly.”

According to Joyce Baldwin (TOTC), the word for righteousness means “they do the right thing and act morally.”

(Vangemeren) Righteousness is a dynamic term describing God or humans in relationship with people. The righteous do what is right; they live in accordance with God’s expectations (see 4:1).

Again, this word seems to be describing the underlying principle of this person’s life even though conduct is implied. The specific ways that uprightness and righteousness are displayed in the conduct or lifestyle of this person are spelled out in the remainder of verse 2 through the first part of verse 5. It is possible to do a lot of the right actions, but not for the right reasons. “Walking uprightly” and “working righteousness” address the inner motives of the heart as well as the conduct.

B. Holy Conduct (vv. 2c-5a)

“speaks truth” – (Vangemeren) … fidelity between the heart and the speech… integrity.

Opposite quality described in Psalm 12:2 (NKJV) They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

“does not backbite with tongue” – lit. slander. One of the root meanings is “spy out.” i.e., Looking for things to gossip about to hurt another’s reputation.

“does no evil to neighbor” – the word for “evil” has many variant meanings including harm, affliction, distress, grief, wickedness, etc., etc. “Neighbor” – lit. means close friend. (Jesus broadens the definition of “neighbor” in the NT parable of the “Good Samaritan.”)

“does not reproach” – forms an idiom — “casts a slur.” The wise neither initiate nor rejoice in the reproach of their associates. (Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised)

v. 4 seems a little harsh to our ears perhaps. “… in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honors those who fear the Lord.”

(EBC) The vile (i.e., rejected or scorned) person is a reprobate known for his evil deeds…. The designation refers not to the occasional offender who needs restoration (cf. Gal 6:1) but to those determined in their way.

So this righteous person who seeks to dwell in the house of God is one who honors the godly, rather than the wicked, and is able to distinguish between the two. It is alarming to see the number of professing Christians who are willing to give honor and praise to those who are waging war against the moral values of God’s eternal Word.

Is trustworthy to a fault (v. 5a). When the righteous gives his word, he can be trusted to keep his word, even if it ends up costing him dearly.

This is one area I need to pay closer attention to. It’s so easy to say yes to a request, but then find out later I can’t do it. My reason may be legitimate, but it damages the reliability of my word anyway. I need to be more careful to not make promises or even imply a promise before knowing for sure I can fulfill it.

Usury – high interest. Prohibited in the Law for an Israelite to charge high interest on a fellow Israelite who has need of help.

In other words, he doesn’t cheat borrowers or take advantage of their adverse circumstances. (This is common sense and natural response for anyone who has the uprightness and righteous character we mentioned at the beginning.)

Doesn’t sellout (justice). It was common at times, but strictly forbidden by God to accept a bribe in the administration of justice, either as a judge or as a witness. It has often been said, “Everyone has his price.” But not the man or woman who desires to live with God.

Even though there are a total of ten characteristics or qualities listed in this Psalm, they obviously are not intended to reflect the entire Decalogue (Ten Commandments), because nothing is mentioned about murder, adultery, etc. However, several of these state in a general way what the commandments say in a specific way.

In all of these qualities described in these verses, we can sum them up as both Jesus and Paul do in the NT. All the law and the prophets can be summed up in these two: Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.

Note: Something else I have repeatedly stated and reminded us of… These qualities of godly or righteous conduct and character cannot be possessed and performed in and of our own strength or effort. It requires the cleansing and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

III.       The Promise Everyone Should Hear (v. 5b)

Psalm 15:5 (NKJV) … He who does these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 1:3 (NKJV) He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Conclusion:

Heaven wouldn’t be heaven without Jesus. So, am I ready to live in His presence? 

We have been talking about the kind of character and the kind of conduct that a person has who is able to live with God; to dwell in His sanctuary and live on His holy hill. In summary, that person who can live with God is one who is essentially like God in his heart motives and life conduct. It is the person that is growing more and more like Jesus each day.

The song I chose for our closing song today is hopefully the testimony of each one here today.

I Want to Be Like Jesus

He Did It All for Me

Using the classic "suffering servant" text from Isaiah 53:4-6, this sermon was delivered for a worship service in which the sacrament of communion was shared. The message emphasizes the theme that Christ sacrificed Himself for each of us, even though we live over two thousand years after His crucifixion. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was given can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

You no doubt have seen the title of my message already. Many of you will recognize it as the title of a popular song recorded by the Oak Ridge Boys and perhaps other groups.

Here are the lyrics to that song:

Once a man whom we know as the Son of God 

Hung upon a cruel tree

He suffered pain as no mortal man

He took my place He did it all for me

When I step inside of those gates of pearl 

And the Master's face I see

I'll gladly kneel at His nail-scarred feet

Oh praise the Lord He did it all for me

He did it all for me

Each drop of blood was shed for even me

When the Savior cried bowed His head and died

Oh praise the Lord He did all for me

Oh praise the Lord He did it all for me

This is the song that came to my mind as I began thinking about the message I felt led to bring today.

I recently read excerpts from a sermon by A.W. Tozer titled, “Who Put Jesus on the Cross?” I will be sharing a few quotes from his sermon as we go through the message today. Because we are sharing the sacrament of communion today, I want to speak to you today about the fact that His suffering and death were all for you and all for me.

As we look at this familiar text in Isaiah, there are at least two lessons we should learn from the passage.

I.          We must assume ownership for our sins.

(The Tozer Pulpit, vol. 6, Gerald Smith, editor) – “Let us not eloquently blame Judas nor Pilate… Let us not curse the Jews for delivering Jesus to be crucified… Oh, they were guilty, certainly! But they were our accomplices in crime.”

⁵  But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. ⁶  All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

“transgressions” – a rebellion or revolt; (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament) The fundamental idea of the root is a breach of relationships, civil or religious, between two parties… This masculine noun represents those who reject God’s authority.

“iniquities” – a perversion, or guilt; (TWOT)The basic meaning of the verb, "to bend, twist, distort," can be seen in its concrete, nontheological uses… "infraction, crooked behavior, perversion, iniquity, etc."…. it denotes both the deed and its consequences, the misdeed and its punishment.

“peace” – the condition of reconciliation that was the goal of the suffering.

Look at the pronouns used here in verses 5 & 6.

OUR transgressions; OUR iniquities; OUR peace… The LORD laid on Him the iniquities of US all. Yes, there were/are others who must assume ownership for their participation, but we all know that no one has ever found pardon and comfort by placing the blame on others.

Wherever we read in the Bible that Jesus died for the sins of the world, it is always imperative that we personalize it and remember that it was our “transgressions” and our “iniquities” that were the cause of His suffering and death. When we partake of the emblems of communion, it should be a vivid reminder of our sins and cause us to take ownership of our guilt, which made it necessary for Him to die.

II.        We must assume responsibility for His suffering.

Not only must we take ownership for our sins (i.e., transgressions and iniquities), but we must assume responsibility for His suffering. There are plenty of biblical references that describe the suffering of Christ as He paid the price of redemption, but we want to specifically look at the words used by the prophet here.

Isaiah 53:4-6 (NKJV) ⁴ … we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. ⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. ⁶ … the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

“stricken” – from root meaning to touch; to strike, inflict a blow (possibly fatal)

“smitten” – to hit, strike or beat;

“afflicted” – from root meaning looking down or browbeating; to depress (literally or figuratively); humiliate?

“wounded” – pierced, thus fatally wounded or slain.

“bruised” – crushed or broken; (TWOT) God did crush his servant… This emphasizes the emotional and spiritual suffering of the Savior as he became sin for us….

“chastisement” – reproof, correction, discipline

“stripes” – Tozer – “The meaning… in the original language is not a pleasant description. It means to be actually hurt and injured until the entire body is black and blue as one great bruise.”

“laid on him” – to lay a burden

All of these descriptive words stress the kind of suffering the Lord endured for us.

(Lyrics of song: The Hammer, by Ray Boltz - chorus)

And I cried, "Who nailed Him there?
This Child of peace and mercy
Who nailed Him there?
Come and face me like a man
Who nailed Him there?"

And the crowd began to mock me
I cried, "Oh my God, I do not understand"
Then I turned and saw the hammer
In my hand.

(Song writer/singer speaking)

I nailed Him there
The child of peace and mercy
I nailed Him there
I am the guilty man

I nailed Him there
With my sins and my transgressions
I cried, "Oh my God, now I understand
When I turned and saw the hammer in my hand"

Tozer – The suffering of Jesus Christ was not punitive (punishment)… not for anything He Himself had done… The suffering of Jesus was corrective… that it might begin in suffering and end in healing.

As we come to the communion table, we do so realizing that we must assume responsibility for Jesus’ suffering and His death. The awareness of this responsibility is included in repentance. Repentance is the act of turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is the reversal of direction. But the Bible says that “godly sorrow produces repentance” (2 Cor. 7:10).

That “sorrow” as Tozer says, is “remorse for the share we had in the revolt that wounded Jesus Christ, our Lord.” The godly sorrow is the result of owning up to our responsibility for His pain, His suffering and His death. That is why we can say the deeper the repentance is, the greater the commitment and loyalty will be. The greater our grasp of our role in the Lord’s suffering is, the more reluctant we will be to turn aside and go back to unbelief and sin.

Tozer – Many years ago, an historic group of Presbyterians were awed by the wonder and the mystery of Christ's having come in the flesh to give Himself as an offering for every man’s sin.

Those humble Christians said to one another: “Let us walk softly and search our hearts and wait on God and seek His face throughout the next three months. Then we will come to the communion table with our hearts prepared – lest the table of our Lord should become a common and careless thing.

Conclusion:

At the beginning of the message I quoted the lyrics of the song: “He Did It All for Me.” “Each drop of blood was shed for even me. When the Savior cried, bowed His head and died, oh praise the Lord, He did it all for me!”

Let us sing a hymn before we share the emblems of communion.

Song: A Wonderful Fountain  

Home for Supper

This is a sermon based on Rev. 19:7-9 that focuses on the subject of the "marriage supper of the Lamb." In this message Pastor Les provides Scriptures to support these three observations: 1) The bridegroom/Lamb is Christ. 2) The bride is the church. and 3) It is a great celebration. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was given can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

I suppose if I would ask, almost all of you could quote verbatim many of the phrases that you have heard from your parents or your spouses. There is a phrase that I heard many times from my mother as I was growing up, and I’ve heard that same phrase from my wife. It goes like this, “Make sure you’re home for supper!” Or, if it was in the form of a question, “Will you be home for supper?”

Well, I find myself not using the word, “supper” much anymore. We always referred to our meals as breakfast, dinner and supper. However, the more appropriate designation now days seems to be, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Since it is still in style to say “breakfast,” I still know when to show up if I am invited somewhere for breakfast. The same is true if I am invited to supper, but if I’m invited for dinner, I’ll need more information in order to know if I am supposed to show up at mid-day or early evening!

I have learned through various sources that it is not very common these days for families to sit down together for a supper meal. Many years ago, when my wife was still teaching Spanish in a Christian high school in Ohio, she asked her students how many of them eat any meals together regularly and there were only a few students who raised their hands. Eating supper together is an excellent time for families to bond, learn about each other’s day and engage in some good old-fashioned communication. I, for one, would advocate bringing back sit-down suppers for families everywhere. I must say it is tragic that so many families these days are so busy running in all directions that they rarely find time to sit down and eat a meal together.

The message I felt God prompting me to bring for today is also about a supper. The supper about which I am speaking today is infinitely more important than all the suppers that have ever been prepared or eaten. I am speaking about the supper that is described in the Bible as “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” As we consider the reference in Revelation regarding the marriage supper of the Lamb, there are three observations I wish to point out.

1.         The bridegroom is Christ.

Mark 2:18-19 (NKJV) The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, "Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?" ¹⁹ And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.

John 3:29 (NKJV) He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.

Throughout the New Testament, the Lamb is portrayed in two main roles.

The Lamb is the perfect sacrifice to take away the sins of the world.

John 1:29 (KJV) The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1 Peter 1:19 (KJV) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

The Lamb is also the mighty warrior who destroys all the forces of evil in the world.

Revelation 17:14 (KJV) These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

The Lamb is Jesus Christ, the Son of God and He is the bridegroom for this marriage that is described here.

2.         The bride is the Church.

2 Corinthians 11:2 (NKJV)  For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Revelation 21:2 (KJV) And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:9-10 (NKJV) Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, "Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." ¹⁰ And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

Some commentators propose that these verses are symbolic and portraying the church as a city. Others believe that the city (place and description) is to be understood literally. I would say this, if it is literal, then it is only referred to as “the bride” because it is where the bride (the church) dwells. Most, if not all, of the other references to “wife” or “bride” in Scripture show it to be a people (the church), not a city.

The bride / church is a holy people.

(Vic Reasoner, A Fundamental Wesleyan Commentary on Revelation) She was given clean white robes and she maintains her purity through faith in the blood (1 John 1:7; 3:2-3).

1 John 1:7 (NKJV) But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Revelation 7:14 (NKJV) And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

(Reasoner) Notice that clean white linen garments were given her to wear, yet she must make herself ready (vv 7-8). In Ephesians 5:26 Christ cleansed his wife…

Ephesians 5:25-26 (NKJV) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, ²⁶ that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

…in 2 Corinthians 7:1 the Church is exhorted to cleanse herself.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV) Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Rev. 19:8b … for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

(Reasoner) [Adam] Clarke explained that the fine linen is not the righteousness of Christ imputed to believers, but “that which the grace and Spirit of Christ has [produced] in them.”

The bride of the Lamb is the church, which is made up of all those who have been made righteous through the righteousness of Christ that has been credited to them and imparted to them. If you and I want to be “home for supper,” we need to make sure that we have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and are walking in the light of His holy Word. We must be trusting completely in the sacrifice He made and faithfully striving to obey His Word in daily conduct.

3.         The supper is a great celebration.

(Reasoner) There were two major events in a Jewish marriage. The betrothal and the wedding were normally separated by twelve months. The two individuals were considered husband and wife, and were obligated to faithfulness, at the time of the [betrothal] (Gen 29:21; Deut 22:23-24). The betrothal was a covenant agreement which was considered binding and was only broken by divorce. Notice that in v 7 the bride is already called the “wife,” even before the marriage ceremony and supper…. In the same way, the Church is [as the] the betrothed wife of Christ (2 Cor. 11:2), but the wedding does not take place until [Rev.] 21:9.

It would be more accurate to say that the betrothal is on earth and the marriage in heaven. In betrothal both parties “plight” their “troth.” “Plight” means “pledge” and “troth” is related to the word “truth.” Thus, they enter into a covenant agreement, promising to be true to their word and keep faith.

There are several passages in the Gospels in which Jesus portrays the kingdom of God as a feast. One example is:

Matthew 8:11 (NKJV) And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

“sit down” – lit. recline; implies reclining at the table, which was the customary way to eat meals.

In this Matthew text, Jesus declares that there will be Gentiles and peoples from all points of the compass who will come and feast with the patriarchs, but the unbelieving Jews will be kept / cast out.

(R.T. France, Tyndale NT Commentary) The imagery is that of the Messianic banquet (cf. 26:29; Luke 14:15; 22:30), a prominent theme in Jewish eschatological expectation…

Rev. 19:7 “let us rejoice and be glad…”

Rev. 19:9 …'Blessed [happy] are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'

The references to joy, gladness and blessedness all imply a time of great celebration. Sorrow and pain are absent, rejoicing and celebration are the characteristics of this feast.

Conclusion:

(Jewish Domestic Customs and Life in Interpreting the Gospels) After all the preparations for the marriage had been made and the betrothal period was completed, there was a marriage parade which followed. Often this seems to have taken place at night, at which time the bride was brought to the bridegroom's house. Heaton, for example, notes:

The actual wedding ceremony consisted of the bridegroom's bringing the bride to his own home. Specially dressed for the occasion, he sets off in the procession with his friends to meet the bride at her father's house.... The wedding procession [including many friends of the bride and bridegroom carrying lamps/torches] returned to the bridegroom's house (with what hilarity and singing we are left to imagine) and then [after the marriage was consummated] there began a [massive] feast which lasted anything up to a week, or even [two weeks] (Judges 14:12).

Matthew 25 is picturing such a wedding parade. It is at night and it seems that certain unmarried friends of the bridegroom wait to join this parade. These details make interesting the background which Christ was referring to in this parable of the ten virgins. … Christ seems to liken the friends to those who will be prepared to enter the kingdom (the marriage feast) when He returns.

Matthew 25:13 (NKJV) Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

I don’t know about you, but I anticipate being present at this wedding feast! I want to stay alert and keep my torch/lamp burning brightly. I am trusting in the shed blood of the Lamb and the righteousness that His sacrifice provides. Most of all, I am anxious to see the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world. What a day that will be! What a celebration!

Closing Song: What a Day That Will Be

Now, In Closing

 This is the seventh sermon in a series of messages through the New Testament book of Colossians. This message is based on Col. 4:2-18 and it speaks about the Apostle Paul's final instructions and final greetings to the believers in the church at Colossae. A video recording of the worship service in which this message was given can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

As most of you know, I have been preaching a series of messages through the book of Colossians. This will be the final message in the series as we look at the fourth chapter. Maybe we could think of this chapter as the Apostle Paul wrapping up a sermon and giving his closing remarks. Because of the content of this chapter, I decided to title this message, “Now, In Closing.”

I remember when I was a child sitting in church, I was always anxious to hear the preacher say, “In closing…” or “In conclusion…” I also remember that what followed was usually much longer than I hoped!

A long time ago I heard someone ask, “Do you know what it means when a preacher takes off his watch and lays it on the pulpit?” Answer: “It means absolutely nothing!” Well, I have never had the practice of laying my watch on the pulpit. I know there have been a couple of times in this series that I went a little “overtime,” but we didn’t charge extra for it! So, I’ll do my best to finish up on time or even a little earlier today! (There’s no money-back guarantee about that though!!) 

I’ve heard of preachers who said they weren’t bothered by people looking at their watches when the sermon was a little long, but it was a little embarrassing if anyone took their watch off and shook it to make sure it was still running!

The passage we are studying today includes a few more instructions for the Christian believers followed by some general information and greetings. As we look at verses 2-18, we notice that it contains some final instructions for the readers, as well as some final greetings.

I.          Final Instructions (4:2-6, 16-17)

As we have been noticing throughout the letter, it is quite simple to identify his “instructions” because he uses imperative verbs to indicate things he wants them to do. The same holds true in this chapter as well.

There are 6 commands in this chapter. (v. 2, “continue earnestly;” v. 4, “walk;” v. 15, “greet;” v. 16, “see” [KJV “cause”]; v. 17, “say;” v. 18, “remember.”)

Here are the final instructions:

A. Pray (vv. 2-4)

1. Pray continuously (present tense verb). This is a general command regarding the absolute value and importance of prayer.

2. Pray prudently. Watch (present tense) [KJV], be vigilant [NKJV]. That is, be alert to the situations and conditions that are prevalent, so you know how to pray and what to pray.

3. Pray gratefully. “With thanksgiving.” We have studied many different passages of Scripture in the past that emphasize the need to express our gratitude to God.

Prayers cannot be restricted to our wants and wishes that we hope God will do for us. Gratitude is important. Gratitude and giving of thanks are ways to express our faith about the character of God – good, kind, generous, etc. Gratitude is also a way to express our faith about what God is going to do.

4. Pray purposefully. (vv. 3-4) Paul requests their specific prayers for him and those with him (“us”) to gain opportunities to spread the gospel (“mysteries of Christ”) more and more, even in his dire situation.

He doesn’t ask them to pray for his release, i.e., personal benefit, but for the advancement of the Kingdom. (John Knight, Beacon Bible Expositions) He also requests they specifically pray that God will give them the ability to “manifest” or reveal/ bring to light the mystery so any hearers will be able to understand and accept the message.

B. Practice (vv. 5-6)

Paul urges the believers at Colossae to pray, but he also urges them to practice their faith in everyday life.

1. Live consistently. (v. 5)

v. 5 “walk” – a figure of speech that means to live your life.

He urges the recipients to walk “wisely” toward those who are not already believers. We have often been reminded in the Bible regarding the need for our conduct to be in harmony with our message. People are watching how we conduct our lives and the attitudes we portray.

(Tyndale NT Commentary) To walk in wisdom includes living the kind of life that reflects and reveals the mystery of Christ that Paul desired to reveal as indicated in verse 4.

Walking “wisely” also includes taking / seizing the opportunities that we have. “Redeem (buy up) the time.”

2. Speak carefully. (v. 6)

To speak carefully means to speak with grace.

To speak carefully means to speak with “seasoning.” Seasoned with salt implies speech that has a positive effect like salt does.

Would be similar to the point Jesus made in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, “You are the salt of the earth.”

(A.T. Robertson, Paul and the Intellectuals) Speech that is pleasing, winsome, sparkling, even brilliant… containing antiseptic powers of pure salt and not be contaminated by a vile environment.

C. Promote (vv. 15-17)

1. Promote brotherhood.

v. 15 “Greet” – imperative verb.

Paul is admonishing them to give brotherly, Christian greetings to the believers in Laodicea and one person in particular there in whose home the church was gathering. It seems as though his point is to promote the bond of brotherhood between himself, the Christians in Colossae and the Christians in Laodicea. A reminder that we’re not in this spiritual journey / spiritual battle alone but we have faithful brothers and sisters who think of us and pray for us as we do for them.

It is imperative for Christians to make every effort to “greet,” encourage, support other believers. We get all caught up in our own struggles and burdens, we often forget to reach out to others who are struggling. (Not just in our local fellowship of believers, but even those far away.)

2. Promote truth.

v. 16 “see…” (KJV – “cause”) that this letter is read to the church in Laodicea, and make sure you read the letter from there.

Most commentaries indicate that he probably expected the recipients to make a copy of the letter and share it with the other church. This is also a command (imperative), so he is emphasizing the importance of passing the Word of truth to all those who need to hear/read it.

3. Promote encouragement.

v. 17 “say…” Make sure you tell Archippus to pay attention to the ministry to which he was called so he can fulfill his calling.

“pay attention” – (KJV, “take heed”), lit. see, look at.

Some writers (e.g., Tyndale NT Comm.) think that Archippus may have been assigned to a particular type of ministry within the church of Colossae. We’re not told any additional details about Archippus. It seems like he might have been slack or even discontinued his ministry. Perhaps it was through discouraging circumstances. That is all speculation, but in any case, Paul wanted them to encourage this brother to keep his focus on it and complete the task God entrusted to him.

II.        Final Greetings (4:7-14, 18)

These next several verses provide some personal greetings and information that involve people who were currently with the apostle.

A. The News Bearers (vv. 7-9)

Tychicus – a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord

“will tell you all the news about me” – KJV, “my state.” He would provide more specific details about what all had happened and was happening to the Apostle Paul.

v. 8 Tychicus will also seek to find out all he can about the church at Colossae in order to take news back to Paul. And he will seek to “comfort your hearts.”

Onesimus – He was originally from this city. He was the slave of a believer by the name of Philemon. In the book of Philemon, we learn that he had apparently stolen from Philemon and had run away.

Don’t know circumstances of his conversion, but Paul’s letter to Philemon urges him to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a brother in the Lord. He clearly indicates that Onesimus has come to know Christ and is currently walking in the truth and the faith. Here, Paul refers to Onesimus as “one of you,” and a “faithful, beloved brother.” Apparently had already proven by his life and assistance to Paul that there had been a change in his life.

Both of these men were to take news to the Colossians about Paul’s circumstances.

B. The Concerned Believers (vv. 10-14)

There are six men that Paul mentions in this section.

Aristarchus – “fellow prisoner”

Mark – KJV, nephew to Barnabas; commentators agree that the word here was not used to indicate nephew until years later in other literature. During this era, the word always meant cousin. In any case, he had deserted Paul and Barnabas in earlier missionary journey, but now, his life has gotten back on track and he has proven his usefulness to Paul. (2 Tim. – near his death, Paul is asking for Mark to come.) He his now urging the Colossians to receive him and welcome him. – A lesson in forgiveness and reconciliation.

Jesus/Justus – Nothing is said specifically about him, except that he, along with the two previous names, were all Jewish believers.

Epaphras – Col. 4:12 ^(NKJV) Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Luke – a well-loved physician. Accompanied Paul on missionary journeys. Wrote the books of Luke and Acts.

Demas – Nothing is said about Demas. In 2 Timothy, Paul states that Demas has forsaken him, having “loved this present world.”

All of these people send greetings and offer their concerns about the progress and status of the Colossian Christians.

C. Personal Touch (v. 18)

It was typical for letters like this to be dictated to a “secretary” or representative, but this closing statement written by him personally. Remember my imprisonment. i.e., pray for me and keep encouraged yourselves.

Grace to you. May God provide all you need!

Conclusion:

As we apply the author’s final instructions and greetings to our own lives, it is fitting to ask God, “Make Me a Blessing!”

Song: Make Me a Blessing