Sjbjburke's Blog

    1.  The Assembly Job 1:6,7

      a.  The sons of God.  1:6a

      b.  Satan.  1:6b,7

        1).  His Creation.  Ezekiel 28:12-17

Ezekiel 28:12-17  Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

          a).  His person.  Ezekiel 28:12,13   

Ezekiel 28:12-13  Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

He was –

            (1).  Wise.

            (2).  Beautiful.  Ezekiel 28:17a  “…because of thy beauty…”

            (3).  He exhibits personality.  The traits are seen in his –

              (a).  Intellect.  Ephesians 6:11 “…the wiles of the Devil…”

              (b).  Emotions. 

                [1].  Pride – Matthew 4:9  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.  ‘Undeserved worship’!

                [2].  Desire Luke 22:31  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

              (c).  Will.  2 Timothy 2:26  “…who are taken captive by him at his will.”

              (d).  Conversation.  Matthew 4:3-11  The tempting of Jesus in the wilderness.

                      He is not the personification of evil, he is an evil being!

            (4).  Powerful   Michael, did not dispute with him “…the Lord rebuke thee.”

          b).  His position.  Ezekiel 28:14

Ezekiel 28:14  Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

            (1).  He was the “annointed cherub”.

            (2).  He was positioned at the Throne of God.

                    Remember that cherubs minister at the throne of God.

        2).  His Crime – Pride.  Ezekiel 28:15-17

Ezekiel 28:15-17  Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

              1 Timothy 3:6  Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

           Refer to Proverbs 6:16,17 “…a proud look…”

        3).  His Character.     He can be known by his –

          a).  Names.

            (1).  Satan.    Hebrew: opponent, adversary.  Greek: accuser

            (2).  Devil.   Greek: Slanderer, false accuser

            (3).  Prince of the power of the air.  Ephesians 2:2

            (4).  Prince of this world.  John 14:30 “the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me”

            (5).  The god of this world.  2 Corinthians 4:4

                –  and also Beelzebub (the lord of the flies), the wicked one, dragon…

          b).  Personality.

            (a).  He is the author of sin. 

            (b).  He is full of lust, murder, and lies.

                    John 8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

        4).  His Contest – war against God.

          a).  He originated sin in himself.

                1 John 3:8  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

          b).  He introduced sin –

            (1).  To angelic beings.  Matthew 25:41 “…the devil and his angels.”

                    Revelation 12:7  “…the dragon fought, and his angels.”

            (2).  To human beings.  Genesis 3:1-6

          c).  He accuses believers.  Job 1,2

                Zechariah 3:1  And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel                  of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

          d).  He tempts to disobience.  1 Chronicles 21:1,8

                1 Chronicles 21:1  And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to                            number Israel.

                1 Chronicles 21:8  And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have                  done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I                     have done very foolishly.

          e).  He holds men in bondage. 

                2 Timothy 2:26  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the                          devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

          f).  He attempts to pollute the work of God.  Matthew 13:39  ‘wheat and tares’

          g).  He deceives.  2 Cor  11:14     He comes an a ‘angel of light’; 2 Cor 11:3

          h).  He blinds the minds of the lost to keep them from being saved.

                2 Corinthians 4:3,4; refer to Luke 8:12

          i).  He oppresses people with sickness and mental oppression.

                Acts 10:38  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

        5).  His conqueror

          a).  The Lord Jesus  conquered Satan, sin and death on the cross.

                John 12:31  Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world                    be cast out.

                John 16:11  Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

                Hebrews 2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he                  also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy                        him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

                Note: He introduced death, separation from God.

          b).  The Lord Jesus will cast  him out of heaven .  Revelation 12:7-10

          c).  The Lord Jesus will chain him for a 1000 year period. Revelation 20:1,2

        6).  His consequent punishment.

          a).  His confession.  Philippians 2:10.

                Philippians 2:10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in                       heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

                Refer to –

                Mark 3:11  And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and                        cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

                James 2:19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also                     believe, and tremble.           

          b).  His confinement.

                Revelation 20:10  And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire                     and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented                       day and night for ever and ever.

                Revelation 19:20  And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that                        wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the                      mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive                   into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

                Matthew 25:41  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me,                 ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Satan, the Devil, the Evil One – how do we protect ourselves from him?

The Lord gave us instructions in His Word. –

Be saved, a child of God.  1 John 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Be right with the Lord and with one another   2 Corinthians 2:10-11   To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Ephesians 4:25-27  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

Be aware of his methods    1 John 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Be prepared – Ephesians 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

I.  The Setting.  Job 1:1-2

  A. The Introduction.  Job 1:1-5

  B.  The Presentation.  1:6-12

This morning we are going to establish the existence and identity of Angels –

Job 1:6-12  Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

    1.  The Appointment. 1:6  Reveals the Lord’s sovereignty.

      a.  They came before the Lord.   “…present themselves before the Lord…”

      b.  They came at appointed times. 

Job 1:6  Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

Job 2:1  Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

    2.  The Assembly. 

Job 1:6-7  Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

      a.  The sons of God. 

        1).  Their identification – Angels.  How do we know they were angels?

          a).  They were giving account to the Lord for their activity and were not being judged.

          b).  Their presence before the Lord.

            (1).  No judgment on humanity at the throne of God at this time.

            (2).  Deceased mankind was in Paradise or in Hell.

Note:  we should at this time establish their existence.  Listen to the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ –

Matthew 18:10  Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Mark 13:32  But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

        2).  Their abode. 

Jude 1:6  And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

        3).  Their nature.

          a).  They are created beings.

Psalm 148:2-5  Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

Nehemiah 9:6  Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

            (1).  They are spirit.

Ephesians 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

            (2).  They are immortal.

Luke 20:36  Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

            (3).  They do not procreate.

Matthew 22:30  For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

          b).  They are different in their characteristics.  The host of Heaven is made up of –

            (1).  Cherubims.  First mentioned in – 

Genesis 3:24  So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Exodus 25:20  And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.

            (2).  Seraphim.  Mentioned only in –

Isaiah 6:1-6  In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

            (3).  Angels.  Differences are noted among angels in  –

              (a).  Their appearance.    Lot entertained angels who were seen to be normal men.

Hebrews 13:2  Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.   Also remember the angels at Jesus’ tomb.

              (b).  Their personalities. 

                     Angels seem to have individual personalities.

                [1].  Their positions. 

                        Archangel (Michael) and angels following him.

Colossians 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

               [2].  Their names.

                 [a].  Lucifer. 

Isaiah 14:12  How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

                 [b].  Michael.      

Jude 9  Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

                 [c].  Gabriel    

Luke 1:19 “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God…”

              (c).  Their power.  They have superhuman strength –

2 Peter 2:11  Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

–  but they do not have equal strength among themselves –

Daniel 10:11-13  And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

        4).  Their service.  A survey of their ministry unto the Lord.

          a).  They worship the Lord.

          b).  They execute the will of God.

Psalms 103:20  Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

          c).  They served in the Garden of Eden.

          d).  One smote the firstborn in  Egypt.   Exodus 12:23 “…the destroyer…”

          e).  They protected Elisha the prophet –

2 Kings 6:17  And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.  

          f).  They destroyed the Assyrian army that besieged Jerusalem. 

          g).  They announced the birth of Jesus.

          h).  They ministered to Jesus following the temptation and His anguished prayer.

Matthew 4:11  Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Luke 23:43  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

          i).  They announced His resurrection.

          j).  They carried Lazurus to Paradise.  Luke 16

          k).  An angel released Peter from Prison.

          l).  They minister to the saints. They instructed Cornelius to contact Peter.

Hebrews 1:14  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?        

          m).  They are coming with the Lord at His second coming.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:                  

        5).  Their future.

          a).  Holy angels. They will continue in the presence of God and serve Him.

Luke 15:10  Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

          b).  Unholy angels.  They will be cast into the Lake of Fire  

Matthew 25:41  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Job 1:6a “…the Sons of God…”  These are angels standing before God, answering to Him for their actions.  Do you know that you also are accountable to God and must answer Him?

Conclusion: Who will you spend eternity with?  God has given the believer the victory! 

1 John 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Job.

Why did he suffer?  – the question to be answered.

In order to answer this question we must take note of God’s record of Job’s life.  This evening we will be reminded of three things from the life of Job through the account given in chapter 1, verses 1-5

I.  The Setting.

  A.  The Introduction.  1:1-5

    1.  Job’s testimony

Job 1:1  There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

Job did not begin his life in a state of perfection.  God gets the worst out of us in order to get the best out of us.  In Job’s early life, the Lord dealt with Job as He does with all of us, purifying our lives in the fire.

      a.  Perfect.  What he was. 

        1).  Perfection defined.  –  Complete, true (not sinless)

          a).  It can be known – seen in the lives of God’s people.

Psalms 37:37  Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

          b).  It should be desired in others.

Song of Solomon 6:9    My dove, my undefiled…

          c).  It should be sought after in self.

Philippians 3:15  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

Hebrews 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

              When we see it, we admire it, we want it – but what can we do to obtain it? –

        2).  Perfection accomplished.

     Admit the truth – “Lord, I cannot control this body.   Father, will you please take it and use it for your honour and glory?”

Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

         Based on what he was, we see what he did –

      b.  He was Upright.   Defined as ‘level, straight, right’

He is being described by the old saying – “on the level” – “are you being straight with me”?  Job could be trusted!

        1).  Uprightness is an attribute of God.

Deuteronomy 32:4  He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

        2).  Uprightness comes from knowing and doing God’s will.

1 Samuel 12:23-24  Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:  Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

      c.  He Feared God. 

         1).  He was wise

Psalms 111:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

        2).  He was protected.  You can read more about this when you get home –

Psalms 34:7  The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

        3).  He was blessed of the Lord.

Psalms 115:13  He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.

Psalms 118:4  Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 145:19  He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

     The attribute of fearing God leads directly to the next –

Proverbs 14:16  A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

      d.  He Eschewed evil.  The word is descriptive of one’s action.  It means to turn from, to avoid.

1 Peter 3:10-11  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

Romans 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Job avoided sin, he turned away from it and he was commended by God.

What a great testimony! – Perfect, upright, feared God, and eschewed evil. This was a man who loved and trusted God.

    2.  Job’s family.  1:2,4,5  We are introduced first to –

Job 1:2  And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.

      a.  His children.  He was blessed –

        1).  By their number.

Psalms 127:3-5  Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

        2).  By their love.    

Job 1:4  And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

They enjoyed each other’s company and included the unmarried sisters even though they could not return the generosity.

        3).  By their actions.  

Job 1:5  And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

              They were not involved in overt sin.  Job is not noted as rebuking them for their outward sin, but he did speak to them of these things, “Sent to sanctify them…”.  He knew that believers could sin and he prayed for their sins of the heart.

Jeremiah 17:9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

      b.  His wife.

        1).  Introduced in Job 2:9  “Then said his wife to him…”

        2).  Introduced as his only wife.

           a).  Job did not yield to the popular custom of the wealthy in taking more than one wife.  It seems that he was not caught up in the “do it because you can” mentality.

          b).  In this we see another positive aspect of his character. 

                 Genesis 2:24 “…shall cleave unto his wife and they two shall be one flesh.”

   3.  His Prosperity.  Job 1:3

Job 1:3  His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

Prosperity was not measured in ownership of land.  We should remember that the only land owned by Abraham was a grave site.  Many of the men of this age and area were nomadic – moving their livestock from pasture to pasture.  Job’s wealth was measured in livestock and in the servants needed to operate his holdings and household.  He may have been involved in both, having herds that moved from place to place but lived in a central location with his children’s houses located in outlying areas.  I say this because he owned five hundred yoke of oxen which infers that he farmed land as well as owned herds of livestock.  It is noted that he was the greatest of all of the men of his land.

God has testified of Job by speaking of his testimony, his family, and his prosperity.

Now –

How would we be introduced to Job today?   “I know a very wealthy man that lives over in this area.  He is the richest man in the country.  He has a big family – ten children!  He seems to be very religious.

Note that the order of importance to man is opposite of that of the Lord.  The first thing that the Lord spoke of was that Job lived for the Him.  The other things were incidental to that. 

How do we view our own lives.  Are we more concerned with prosperity and family than we are with our testimony for the Lord?

I ask you today – if you were to write your biography, would your testimony for the Lord be first – the most important thing to you?  If not, there needs to be a change and it should be made today.  Put God first!     

Message 15   1 Corinthians 13:8-13

We have learned in this chapter what God has determined is a prerequisite, and that is charity or, as it is also translated, love.  We also learned in verses 4 through 7 the definition of charity and saw God’s love is pure, as ours should be. 

Today we begin by learning that God, in His infinite power and wisdom, determined what would be permanent and what would be provisional (temporary or transitional, used for a time and then set aside) in the establishment and ministry of His church.

1 Corinthians 13:8-13  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Notice first that which is –

    3. Permanent. 13:8a   Paul declared unto them –

      a. The permanence of love.

1 Corinthians 13:8a   “Charity never faileth….”

We shall make two statements from Scripture which are foundational to this verse –

First –

1 John 4:16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love….

We see here that Love will abide as long as God exists.  God is love!

Second –

“… and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”

Love will abide as long as the believer is in God –

Now remember the promises of God dealing with this truth –

John 10:27-30  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.

John 6:37  All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

1 John 5:11-13  And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Being that God is eternal and that the believer is in God forever, love will be forever – eternal – everlasting.   “…charity never faileth…”. 

Compare with the statement in chapter 1 Corinthians 13:13 

“…now abideth faith, hope, charity….”

Love never fails – love always abides (remains, dwells, abides)

Now that this truth is settled, we turn to –

      b. The provisional nature of the gifts.  (Temporary, transitional)

1 Corinthians 13:8b-12  …..but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

We will find help in understanding the difference between the permanent and the provisional by –

        1).  Reviewing the gifts given to men to use for the building up of the church as they were listed in Chapter 12.

          a). The word of wisdom – the right decision.

          b). The word of knowledge – the right information.
          c). Faith – the encouragement to act.
          d). Power – healing, miracles – confirmation of the truth.
          e). Prophesy – proclaiming God’s Word, written or personally revealed (gift of knowledge)
          f). Discernment – knowing and verifying proclamation.
          g). Tongues – languages, Preaching to the foreigners.
          h). Interpretation – making known to all what foreigners were saying.

The church members were given these special tools to use in the church for the good of the church and evangelization of the world.  This was God’s working through men in the church to accomplish His will –

        2).  Reminding ourselves of the purpose of God in this work –

          a).  Establish His church

Matthew 16:16-18  And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

          b).  Evangelize the world

Matthew 28:18-20  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

We learn that these gifts were to be used only for a short time.  Then –

        3).  Realizing the fulfilment of the promise stated by Paul in the following verses –

          a).  The Provision of truth from God.

1 Corinthians 13:9-12  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

The New Testament was written over a period of about 50 years.  God revealed to the writers what He would have them to tell the world.  This first letter to the Corinthians was written about 40 years before the final letter of the New Testament was written – The Revelation of Jesus Christ as given to John the Apostle.  From the time of the writing of the first Gospel to the completion of the Revelation “…we know in part, and we prophesy in part…”.  As the Lord was revealing His Word to those He would have to write, the churches needed to know His will.  He revealed truth to them through the ministry of the Holy Spirit until the Word, “…that which is perfect…” was completed.  At the completion of the writing of His Word, the gifts were no longer necessary.  The people had His Word to preach and to teach.

          b).  The Promotion from partial information to perfect, or complete, information.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

We can understand what Paul is writing with this simple illustration.  When you began your formal education at school, you received books to aid in learning.  Each year as you progressed, you put away the books of that year and received books which built upon what you have learned.  Each book was a step up, a promotion, to the next on the staircase of education.  Now, why would you return to your first books, the beginning point of knowledge when you have gained that which you need to accomplish your purpose in life?  You have grown beyond the old books and the old toys and have no need of them any longer.

Paul explained to the church that the gifts were for the education of the entire church in the will of God and not for the promotion of self.  These gifts were only temporary and they should use them as directed by God.  They, as well as we, needed to focus on –

      c. The presence of eternal attributes.

1 Corinthians 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

In conclusion –

        1. The gifts of God were provisions for service, to be used by the believer (recipient).
        2. The attributes (faith, hope and love), are part of the believer’s nature, defining who he is.

Unbelievers do not have this love.

John 5:39-42  Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

The adversaries are not always as obvious as were the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes.  Remember Judas, a man who served without love!  Many go through the motions because of the expectation of immediate reward, whether in prestige, power, or purse.

          a). The believer was to exercise the gifts through the attributes of his nature.
          b). The Corinthians had a new nature,

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

 but they were not living accordingly. They were living as they were not even saved, according to the flesh.

Do you argue about the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Do you admit that what has been stated in this message is true, BUT you still claim your experience is more important than God’s Word?

Why don’t we read Peter’s confession dealing with his personal experience while in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:17-21  For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Remember –

2 Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

I submit to you today based on the clear instruction of the Word of God that the gifts set forth in

1 Corinthians 13:8b-12  …..but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

– are not for the church since the completion of the Word of God before the end of the first century AD.

They were not lost, but they were not loving.  What about you?  If you have been wrong about prophesy and speaking in tongues for today’s church, will you turn to God in repentance and faith, as a believer asking the Lord to forgive you for believing the excitement of the flesh over the truth of His Word?

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Timothy 6:20-21a   Message 35  Final message on 1 Timothy

      e.  Be committed to the truth.   1 Timothy 6:20-21

1 Timothy 6:20-21  O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

        1).  The Treasure committed to Timothy.    “…keep that which is committed to thy trust…”

We will review that which Timothy was to minister to others, defending the truth from any that would change it from that which he had been given.

We learn of this letter in the –       

A.     Introduction of the Epistle                  1:1-2

This introduction reveals the truth that we all make choices in life and these  choices influence others.  We may never even know how we have helped others in living a life that honours God.  As we begin this letter, we note the identification of the writer and the recipient. –

  1.  Identification.

1 Timothy 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 

      a.  The writer – Paul identified himself as an Apostle by appointment by God.

      b.  The recipient is Timothy    1 Timothy 1:2a “Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith…”

        1).  The partner in ministry – “…my own son in the faith…”   Timothy was now –

        2).  The pastor at Ephesus

This is difficult work – the strength for which is only found in the Lord.  Paul encouraged Timothy in this truth by the next statement of that which is found only in God.  Paul explained that which he had declared of God’s –

    2.  Intercession: “…our hope…”  Our expected end – what to look forward to along the way:

1 Timothy 1:2b  “…Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.”

      a.  Grace,  Living grace needed for each day

      b.  Mercy, protecting us from evil    – and –

      c.  Peace, that which only can come from God.  

We then began to see the –

  B.   Charges to Timothy           1 Timothy 1:3 – 6:21a

Now that he knew the presence of God providing him with grace, mercy, and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ, Timothy was to make a –

    1.  Commitment to right Doctrine  1 Timothy 1:3-20

It would be good to remember that Paul had given Timothy, as pastor of the church in Ephesus, the responsibility to correct the wrongdoing in the church and instruct them in knowing and doing God’s work God’s way.  Timothy had to commit himself to right doctrine in order to set in order the right –

    2.  Conduct of the church                1 Timothy 2:1 – 3:16

We, the members of the church, are a living body – more than just an organization.

We have been placed into this body, the church, by the Lord –

1 Corinthians 12:18  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

– and we are to help one another to accomplish God’s will, and to tell all those in the world that God has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world that they may be saved.  We must have God’s help, which led us to –

      a.  Prayer    1 Timothy 2:1-7

Paul wrote of –

        1).  Supplication – seeking, realizing one’s insufficiency.  1 Timothy 2:1a

        2).  Prayers – conversation

        3).  Intercessions.

        4).  Thanksgiving     And that we are to pray for –

      b.         The People    Who are we to pray for?  1 Timothy 2:1b, 2a

The first thing is –  “…that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life…”

     c.  The Purpose  Why should we pray? – to carry out the commandments of God.        In –

        1).  Peace

        2).  Pleasing unto God  –  1 Timothy 2:3,4

        3).  Profitable to reason in atmosphere of peace –  1 Timothy 2:5,6

        4).  Proclaimed unto all the world –  1 Timothy 2:7

        5).  Practical actions of the believers    which takes daily prayer and determination to submit to God –

           a).  The Responsibility of the men in submission to the Lord –

            (1).  We are to be public, not ashamed of our relationship with the Lord  “…that men pray everywhere…”

            (2).  We are to be pure  “…lifting up holy hands…”

            (3).  We are to be peaceable  “…without wrath…”

            (4).  We are to be positive   “…without doubting.”

          b).  The Role of women in submission to the Lord –

            (1).  Their Dedication

            (2).   Their decency   (The dictionary definition of ‘decent’ is –   marked by moral integrity, kindness, and goodwill)

            (3).  Their determination

            (4).  Their desire

            (5).  Their deference

The conclusion drawn from the responsibilities and roles is –

 Do you see this morning that we are not saved by public prayer and praise, having children, or any other thing we do?  We are saved by faith, trusting in God through His Son Jesus Christ – the death, burial, and resurrection that all men might be saved.

That which Paul stated here is how believers, praying that we might lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty, live in submission and obedience, willingly and happily unto the Lord.

A man or woman who say that they will trust God for salvation, but nothing else, they will choose how they will live their lives, is not a saved person.

A man that says that he does not have to live a holy life, a public testimony for the Lord, does not need to pray, does not need to be kind to others, had better examine his salvation!

A woman that says she will be married, but will not submit to her husband’s leadership, does not have to help him accomplish God’s will for his life, will go to church but does not have to listen to the men because she knows more than they do, had better examine her salvation.

Anyone that states “I will accept your salvation, but I will do what I want when I want”, is not saved!

We also learned of the –

      e.   Positions or what are commonly called ‘offices’ in the church.  1 Timothy 3:1-13

Qualifications for the two offices in the church are set forth in this chapter, the first being that of the

        1).  Bishops                           1 Timothy 3:1-7

        2).  Deacons

The qualifications are set forth clearly and are to be followed exactly!

Next we were encouraged with Timothy in the –

      f. Performance of our duties                    1 Timothy 3:14-16

Paul took a brief intermission in the letter to exhort and encourage Timothy to consider the things he had read and to exalt the Lord, reminding us that He is Worthy of all of our love, all of our attention, and all of our obedience. 

We must stand for the truth of God’s Word as we, as well as was Timothy – are warned along with him of the –

    3.  Calamity in the church                   1 Timothy 4:1-5

      a.  The message of warning.  “…Now the Spirit speaketh expressly…”

Timothy, and every pastor since his time, was told of what to look for in their churches –

      b. The movement away from truth    “…that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith…”

These are all basic truths, easy to understand which should be trusted and obeyed.  But there is a continuing lie being proclaimed by the world –

      c.  The method of deception  “…giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils…”

These take the truth, question it, twist it, add lies to it and present it as the answer to your needs in life, the things that you deserve which leads to –

      d.  The magnification of the cult of self

    4.  Correction of the church.                  1 Timothy 4:6-16

Correction is necessary to remain on the course that is set before us by God through His Word.  We should examine our position daily to insure we are remaining true to God’s will and close to Him in our walk.

Paul also provided Timothy with a practical guide to the pastor’s relationship with the church in giving –

    5.  Counsel to the Church       1 Timothy 5:1 – 6:2                                     

      a.  Pastoral Ministry   To Regard them as family

        1).  Ministry to the members

             2).  Ministry to widows.                1 Timothy 5:3-16

               3).  Ministry to pastors.               1 Timothy 5:17-22

                 a).  The pastor’s remuneration. (Simply put, the pastor’s salary)

          b).  The pastor’s reputation.

        4). Ministry to slaves and to masters.    1 Timothy 6:1-2

          1).  Freedom in Christ should not promote rebellion

          2).  Equality in Christ should not promote disrespect 

       b.  Personal lives.  1 Timothy 6:3-21

        1).  Be careful in fellowship.

        2).  Be content in material pursuits.

        3).  Be contending for the faith.  “fight the good fight of faith…”

        4).  Be constantly exhorting the brethren.

Which concludes this morning with –

        2).  The Trust required.  1 Timothy 6:20b-21

… avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

Conclusion 

1 Timothy 6:20-21  O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee.

We have an example of treasure entrusted to others in the account known as ‘the feeding of the five thousand’.

John 6:9-13  There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

We should notice that which Jesus took and gave thanks for were barley loaves.  Jesus gave of the barley loaves to His disciples to give unto the people.  The disciples took of the barley loaves from the hands of Jesus and they went throughout the crowd of people distributing to all.  The people received barley loaves from the disciples who had received them from the Lord.  Following the meal, the disciples were instructed by Jesus to collect all that remained of the barley loaves and twelve baskets were filled.

It is important to notice that the bread that was blessed and given by Jesus was the same that was distributed, eaten, and then the excess collected and stored in baskets.  The disciples nor the people changed the bread that was given.  That which was given was more than sufficient to meet their needs.

The disciples were ministers (waiters on of tables) not taking orders from the people, but providing food from the Master. 

Timothy was a minister and was not to take orders from the people, changing that which he had been given to suit the taste of the people, but was to simply distribute the Word of God to the people as it was given.  We are held accountable to this same command – “…keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called…

Human nature has not changed from the first time man disobeyed God.  People are always seeking the easy way.  Jesus dealt with this in His ministry on earth –

John 6:60-64  Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not….

Does what you hear from God’s Word seem too hard for you?  Are you committed to the truth?  I sincerely recommend to you that you trust God, taking one step at a time in accordance with His direction in His Word. God will not make it easy, but He will make you able to do the things that seem hard to you.

Do not change His Word or His will to suit your weakness.  Trust His Word and do His will to increase your strength.

Trust the Lord for your salvation today.

1 Timothy 6:17-19      Message 34  Joy found in the Lord

We have noted that our Lord Jesus that “…before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession…”  and we should also witness a good confession before those in the world, knowing and trusting in the truth –

 Hebrews 13:20-21  Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  

In order to accomplish God’s purpose for our lives in bringing glory to Him, we must act upon that which we have learned.  The pastor is to preach, to practice, and to encourage every believer to –

      a.  Be careful in fellowship. That they will withdraw themselves from evil and give themselves to listen and obey ‘wholesome words’.  1 Timothy 6:3-5

      b.  Be content in material pursuits.  1 Timothy 6:6-11

      c.  Be contending for the faith.  1 Timothy 6:12-16

This morning we look to the command to be –

      d.  Be constantly exhorting the brethren about –

Their present desire,

Their precarious position,

Their positive action.                         We begin with –

        1).  Their present desire    Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19

1 Timothy 6:17-19  Charge them that are rich in this world….

They have accumulated much in this present world,  and are not to put off  being a blessing to others, but to be a help to them now!

We all need to understand this truth – Refuse to hold tight to things!

Romans 14:17  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

This command from Paul hearkens back to the Kingdom truths taught by the Lord in what is commonly called the Beatitudes.  

Matthew 5:3-12  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

How many of us are raising up our hands high right now and saying “Please Lord, let this be me”!

These are lessons for the Kingdom, but if a believer wants to have a bit of Heaven on earth, so to speak, these attitudes and actions, which are completely contrary to the present world system, should be applied to our day to day lives.  The testimony of this life will be apparent to the unbeliever as a contradiction to the desires of the flesh.  Notice carefully the description given by the Lord and see what is not listed –

Humble (5:3),   Compassionate  (5:4)),    Obedient (5:5)                                      Honest  (5:6),  Helpers  (5:7)  Holy  (5:8), Ambassadors  (5:9)  Unashamed (5:10)

Is this how the Lord would describe us?

We find no mention of the wealthy, the powerful, the celebrity,  – those people that the world lifts up to praise and honour.  We must remember what is important in the eyes of God.

So we are instructed again in this letter to Timothy of the importance of a changed life in this present corrupt world.

Following their present desire, we look to –

        2).  Their precarious position.  They are warned of –

          a).  Their vanity –

“…that they be not highminded,…”

See the use of this word used by Paul –

Romans 11:19-21  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

Do not believe that we, as many of them did, are in a protected position and cannot be touched by the chastisement of God or the circumstances that trouble others.

And they are warned of –

          b).  Their vulnerability –

“…nor trust in uncertain riches…”  They believe their wealth is a wall of protection and insulates them from the common tragedies of this life.

Proverbs 23:5  Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.

Ecclesiastes 5:13  There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

Following this warning, we see the blessings offered through –

        3).  Their positive actions –  They are to trust –

   “…in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;…”

How do we truly enjoy the wealth God gives?  We are given the answer here –

  “That they do good, that they be rich in good works,  ready to distribute, willing to communicate; “

Giving of things and sharing those things, being in common with them.  It is easy to give something and take your hand back, but here we are to give something and share it with them.  We see that this has to do with giving our hearts. Give those things that will meet the spiritual an physical needs of the person.

Look at the example of giving and the rejoicing that comes to the person giving in the following verses –

1 Chronicles 29:1-17  Furthermore David the king said unto all the congregation, Solomon my son, whom alone God hath chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the LORD God. Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the brass for things of brass, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood; onyx stones, and stones to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance. Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal: The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD? Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king’s work, offered willingly, And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron. And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite. Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. O LORD our God, all this store that we have prepared to build thee an house for thine holy name cometh of thine hand, and is all thine own. I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.

We see that the joy did not come through the material things, but through using these things for the glory of God and the good of the people.

“Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come…”

Using God’s creation for Him and being a blessing to others.  Trust the Lord to care for you and care for others through you –

Matthew 6:33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Conclusion:

“…that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

Do we understand what eternal life means at this present time?

It means that everything we go through here is just for a moment.

It means the experiences that we have in this present time should be an encouragement to us as we discover where our eternal which we lay hold onto now life is leading us.

Consider these things, that even in a life filled with trouble, just one thing after another, we have experienced some moments of joy –

A friend found

A life long love established

A hurt healed

A sorrow comforted

The prosperity preachers have it all backwards!  We do not give to get.  We get to give! And we do it over and over and over!

How much can you give before you cross the line of this life and enter into the presence of the Lord.

Enjoyment is short lived in the things that we accumulate as we pass through, but the joy we share with others through the Lord Jesus Christ, exalting God every day builds a good foundation in the coming days and on into eternity. 

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant…”

What blessed words to hear from the Lord.

1 Timothy 6:13-16  The Example of the Saviour  Message 33

We have learned that the pastor is to practice and to preach that believer’s will –

      a.  Be careful in fellowship. “…any man…” including Religious teachers, withdraw themselves from evil and give themselves to listen and obey ‘wholesome words’.

      b.  Be content in material pursuits.  1 Timothy 6:6-11

      c.  Be contending for the faith.  1 Timothy 6:12-16

We have been warned of the dangers of accumulating money as a method of setting ourselves above others through the possession of material goods, power, prestige, submitting to our pride and the love of money. Many fight for these things, not contending for the faith, but contending for foolish things that will all be left behind at death.

We are to fight for that good thing, faith.  We saw in verse 12 three things that will help us to walk in the way of the Lord.

The exhortation to contend for the faith.

The encouragement to lay hold on eternal life.

The example of the Saviour.

We began with –

        1).  The Exhortation to contend for the faith

          a).  Contending                 Paul’s exhortation –

                ‘Fight the good fight’. 

          b).  Courage to fight  We must know God’s Word and have the –

          c).  Conviction of what to fight for.

We were reminded that life is full of fights –

            (1).  good ones, the fight for THE FAITH, holding forth the truth of God.

            (2).  Meaningless fights: to fight for the things of this world which are so soon to be worthless to anyone.  And there are –

            (3).  Foolish fights:  to fight against God or to fight against His people which are to be rejected –

We have the exhortation to fight the good fight of faith.  We also have

Then we learned what it means to “…lay hold onto eternal life…”

        2).  The Embracing of your eternal life.

It is yours, posses it, occupy it, own it, God has given it to you!  Declare that it is yours and begin now, not waiting until you die!

Today, being Easter, we will look at the –

        3).  The Example of the Saviour 1 Timothy 6:13-16

1 Timothy 6:13-16  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

This is especially a blessed day to look to the Saviour as Paul exalts Him in this letter to Timothy.  I did not plan out the preaching schedule of this book for these verses to be preached on this day, but how appropriate they are and how blessed we are to fight the good fight of faith. 

          a).  The witnesses of our faith. 

1 Timothy 6:13  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

             (1).  The reason for fighting the good fight   “…God…and before Christ Jesus…”

We fight the good fight because God loves us –

John 15:9-12  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

            (2).  The results of fighting the good fight 

1 Timothy 6:14  That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

We fight the good fight because the world needs to see the light of God in us and hear the Word of God from us –

2 Corinthians 4:1-10  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

          b).  The witnesses of the Lord’s faith.  “…who before Pontius Pilate…”

1 Timothy 6:13-14a  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable,

We must take a moment and be reminded of –

            (1).  His plan

Luke 18:31-33  Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

Mark 14:61-62  But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

            (2).  His position.

Matthew 27:11  And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

John 18:37  Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Mark 15:12-14  And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

John 19:19  And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

            (3).  His power

John 19:2-12  And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

          c).  The witnesses in faith, looking for the Lord’s return.

Paul wrote these words –

1 Timothy 6:14b-16   “…until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.”

In the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ –

1 Corinthians 15:3-6  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

And in accord with the testimony of the angels at the Lord’s ascension –

Acts 1:8-11  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

We should fight the good fight of faith because we are in the eternal court of God, living in His presence for His glory.

We should fight the good fight of faith because we are in combat for the souls of men, that they might hear the gospel, turn to God in faith through His Son Jesus, and be everlastingly saved.

We should fight the good fight of faith because Jesus, as He went into Heaven, is coming again and we need to be prepared for His coming –

“…who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting.”

Are you ready to meet Him?  Are you excited to see Him?

1 Timothy 6  Message 32

      c.  Be contending for the faith.  1 Timothy 6:12-16

We have been warned of the dangers of accumulating money as a method of setting ourselves above others through the possession of material goods, power, prestige, submitting to our pride and the love of money. Many fight for these things, not contending for the faith, but contending for foolish things that will all be left behind at death.

We are to fight for that good thing, faith.  We see in these verses three things that will help us to walk in the way of the Lord.

The exhortation to contend for the faith.

The encouragement to lay hold on eternal life.

The example of the Saviour.

We begin with –

        1).  The Exhortation to contend for the faith

          a).  Contending                 Paul’s exhortation –

                ‘Fight the good fight’. 

Paul also gave us understanding of the word through his use of it in –

1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery (Fight) is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Paul’s terminology uses a comparison of the wrestling contest in the official games.  We picture the contestants facing one another, the unbeliever is looking for a weak spot in the believer’s life to seize and defeat him.  We are to fight, we are to be contenders, and we are to trust the Lord, standing in His strength.

          b).  Courage to fight

Jude’s exhortation –

Jude 3-4  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

“It was needful…”  To may believers are accepting false teachings.  It is not ‘alright’!  We should never lower God’s standards to satisfy man’s desires.

Ephesians 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

We must know God’s Word and have the –

          c).  Conviction of what to fight for.

Life is full of fights –

              (1).  good ones, the fight for THE FAITH, holding forth the truth of God.

The Lord chose His fights – At times He stayed.  At times He walked away –

Luke 13:31-33  The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

The fight had to be a good fight, to the glory of God – “Fight the good fight of the faith, unashamed –

John 18:36  Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

To stand in the name of the Lord for His Word.

To stand in the power of the Lord wielding the Sword of the Spirit which is His Word.

There are good fight and there are –

              (2).  Meaningless fights: to fight for the things of this world which are so soon to be worthless to anyone

And there are –

              (3).  Foolish fights:  to fight against God or to fight against His people which are to be rejected –

Fights that should never enter the mind or the heart – to fight                           against God.  Even the Jewish rabbi, Gamaliel knew this –

Acts 5:34-39  Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

We have the exhortation to fight the good fight of faith.  We also have –

        2).  The Embracing of your eternal life.

“…lay hold onto eternal life….”   It is yours, posses it, occupy it, own it, God has given it to you!  Declare that it is yours. 

2 Corinthians 5:17-20  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Philippians 3:16  Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Ephesians 2:8-10  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Remember your calling to salvation and remember your courage through salvation

We see the exhortation to fight.

We see the encouragement to lay hold on eternal life, and now we see –

        3).  The Example of the Saviour.

Never be ashamed.  The Lord was never ashamed! 

John 8:58  Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

John 10:30  I and my Father are one.

John 14:19  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

How then do we fight the good fight of faith –

Ephesians 6:10-13  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

How then do we posses our eternal life –

2 Timothy 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

1 Thessalonians 5:17  Pray without ceasing.

2 Timothy 2:2  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2 Corinthians 10:16  To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.

How then do we follow the example of our Saviour –

Hebrews 12:1-4  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

1 Peter 2:21  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Will you fight the good fight?

Will you lay hold on eternal life?

Will you follow His steps?

1 Timothy 6:6-11    Message 31

Having completed the instructions to Timothy on the pastor’s ministry to the church, Paul exhorted Timothy on the testimony of the believer’s –

      b.  Personal life.  1 Timothy 6:3-21

Last week we learned that the pastor is to practice and to preach that believer’s will –

        1).  Be careful in fellowship. “…any man…” including Religious teachers, withdraw themselves from evil and give themselves to listen and obey ‘wholesome words’.

Today we will be instructed that we are to –

        2).  Be content in material pursuits.  1 Timothy 6:6-11

1 Timothy 6:6,7  But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

We should begin with the second statement which will help us to formulate a plan for our lives, seeking wisdom and direction from the Lord.

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

Adam was created from the dust of the earth, and from that time, life transferred generation to generation, with each generation returning to dust, bringing nothing into the world and taking nothing out.  It is important to know that life began as the work of God in the Garden of Eden and ends with each person’s body of flesh returning to the dust of the earth. 

Consider two facts –

One, contrary to popular opinion, life does not begin at conception.  There is no time that life does not exist, it is transferred from the man and the woman to the child.

Two, because we begin with nothing and end with nothing, we should plan carefully what we will do between these two points, birth and death, to bring glory to God.

Now think about the first statement –

“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

Paul learned this truth from the Holy Spirit and shared with us this lesson for our benefit –

Philippians 4:10-13   But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

He was instructed by the Lord by word and by the deeds of those that loved the Lord.  Do you think that Paul may have seen this Godly character in action through the life of Barnabas?

Notice also Paul’s use of this word ‘contentment’ in 2 Corinthians 9:8, the only other place that it is used by Paul and it is translated ‘sufficiency’

We should look carefully at the context –

2 Corinthians 9:7-11  Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.

Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

We note we are to have a plan to use that which we receive.  Paul also speaks to the attitude of the believer in the use of that which is in his control –

Ephesians 4:28  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Do you believe the thought would be-

Be content with the things that you have because this is probably all that you will ever get!

Or do you believe the thought would be –

Be content with the things that you have because you will bless others with the abundance that you have to give away?

“Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”

You see contentment is not an emotion, it is a plan!  Your contentment is the foundation of the plan based on the Word of God to provide for the ministry of the Word of God in whatever form the Lord leads.

Now we turn to the outline of the message today –

          a).  The Reward   1 Timothy 6:6

1 Timothy 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain.

          b).  The Realization of facts  1 Timothy 6:7-8

1 Timothy 6:7-8  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

          c).  The Rejection of greed and envy.  1 Timothy 6:9-11a

1 Timothy 6:9-11  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things…

God has prepared the animals with natural instincts to be warned of dangers in their paths –

Proverbs 1:17  Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

God has also prepared men with natural instincts and above these, words of warning!

We know from our own natural instincts to beware of danger.  The Lord speaks of ‘falling’ in these verses – to be drawn over the edge by our own instability.  Think about this –

Stand in the middle of a walkway, no problem.

Stand in the middle of your drive, no problem.

Stand in your front hall, not problem, Yet –

Stand on the edge of a cliff and we become unstable!

Stand on the edge of a tall building and we become unstable!

This is why warning signs are posted – to add to our natural warning system. 

He has declared that the love of money, the greed that provokes men to the desire to be rich will “Drown men in destruction”.  Imagine if you will the struggles of one who is drowning in water – the fear, which quickly turns into panic, the struggle to reach the surface, the burning in the lungs, need to gulp in air instead of water, the flailing and kicking about.

Now imagine all of these things in a person’s life who is drowning in the need, not for air, but for power, for riches, for prestige, for control over others.  When they cannot get what they believe they need, they begin to fear, panic, flail about, get angry, disappointed, discouraged if they do not get what they want.  They “pierce themselves through with many sorrows.”  They do this to themselves, destroying their lives and those around them. 

The Lord instructs us for our good and it is an amazing thing that men reject the counsel of God to their own destruction!

When we hear and obey the warnings from God, we will be able to enjoy –

          d).  The Rejoicing from God’s blessings.  1 Timothy 6:11b

“… and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”

The result of God’s Working in and through our lives – the Fruit of the Spirit.

Will you listen to Him now as a believer?

Will you make a plan for your life to use that which you have as God directs.  Remember that we bring nothing in and we take nothing out.  Set up a plan to insure that the gains during your life are used to the glory of God.

Will you listen to Him now as an unbeliever?

None of this has to do with you at this moment, but that can all change if you will turn to the Lord in repentance and faith, calling on Him for salvation.

On either hand, do not live your life like a drowning man!

1 Timothy chapter 6:3-21  Message 30

Having completed the instructions to Timothy on the pastor’s ministry to the church, Paul exhorted Timothy on the testimony of the believer’s –

      b.  Personal life.  1 Timothy 6:3-21

The pastor is to practice and to preach that believer’s will –

        1).  Be careful in fellowship. “…any man…” including Religious teachers

          a).  The command to the believers?

1 Timothy 6:3-5  If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness……from such withdraw thyself.

We must note Paul’s inclusiveness in the declaration “If any man…”.  The truth is exclusive to is God Himself.  What God said is true.  His infinite perfect demands truth in all thins.  Man is true when he repeats the Words of God and is directed in life thereby.  If any man, including Paul himself, turns God’s truth into a lie, he is to be rejected –

Galatians 1:8-9  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

The believer is to accept the burden of knowing the truth and then never turning from it.

Be careful of those who say that this mandate applies only to the saving message of God, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Man cannot interpret God’s Word as he pleases to accommodate his own circumstances.  We are to o bey the whole counsel of God –

2 Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Proverbs 30:5-6  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

Matthew 4:4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Though every religious teacher, every Christian scholar, even the whole world reject the Word of God as revealed in His Word, they are wrong and He is right –

Romans 3:4  God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…

Though the whole world declare that God’s Word is wrong their word is right and should be accepted, remember that the judgment of the world is relative to their own beliefs and is temporary, constantly changing.  God’s judgment is true and everlasting.  Be careful in the choice of your judge and remember that final judgment is coming and it will be based on God’s Word, not man’s opinion!

 Hebrews 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Now, understanding and accepting this, it is important to understand that the idea behind the word ‘wholesome’ is dealing with good

Notice the Lord’s use of the word in –

Luke 5:31  And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

And John’s use in –

3 John 2  Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Hold on to wholesome words as opposed to sick or diseased words which are brought out of a sin sick heart revealing evil thoughts, ideas, and actions, which harm people.  These take away their health, spiritual sickness which also often leads to physical sickness.

The words of our Lord Jesus Christ are healthy words which keep us strong spiritually.  The words are full of grace and mercy which strengthen us.  They words are full of warning which protect us.

The words of our Lord Jesus Christ –

Matthew 22:37-40  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

John 13:34-35  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

          b).  The challenge to the believers.  

God set forth a very clear statement in His Word on what is healthy and unhealthy, what is holy and unholy, what is truth and what is a lie.

It is important that we are reminded again that health and is the same word as ‘sound’ doctrine reveals the sin and sickness in the world.  Read again of the purpose of ‘sound words’. 1 Timothy 1:10 –

 1 Timothy 1:9-10 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,  For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

Take note of those that use ‘unhealthy’ words – “the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons…”

The Lord is declaring that the –

Ungodly,

Sinners,

Unholy and profane,

Murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers,

Manslayers,

Whoremongers – for those that promote fornication or adultery.

Homosexuals,

kidnappers (slave traders)

liars,

those that lie under oath – bear false witness

These are being excused by the world instead of being confronted and warned of being under condemnation and coming judgment.  The world does not care that these will die in their sins and spend eternity separated from God, tormented in Hell forever.  The world claims that any warning is hateful and hurtful, condemning the messengers, though they love and care for the souls of mankind as the Lord commands.

We must be very clear in this, even religious teachers present unsound words and encourage people to reject the Word of God, to reject the truth of God, to reject the love of God, and cause many to remain in a condemned state with no hope of escaping eternal separation from God, in hell forever.

They speak unhealthy words which do not agree with God’s truth!

          c).  The believer’s conduct?      “From such withdraw themselves…”

Christians should readily admit the difference between a holy life and an unholy life is the work of God in their lives which was brought about through their repentance and trust in God though His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

We are not to withdraw ourselves from them because we are better than them, but so as we will not be influenced to sin, but might influence them to turn to the Lord in faith.

We have spoken with multitudes of people over the years that refuse to turn to God, even to visit church with us, because of someone they knew that claimed to be a Christian and acted in some ungodly manner.  I spoke with our neighbor from across our street yesterday that gave this excuse. 

I find this strange that people claim to be their own person, making their own decisions, standing for what they think is right no matter what, and yet they let what someone has done influence the most important decision in eternity.

What can we do to help them?

            (1).  Do not let them influence us to do wrong.

            (2).  Live in such a way as to influence them to trust God.

Peter put it well –

James 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Why would we do this?  Because we have a new commandment –

“…That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

At this point you might be saying to yourselves “What in the world was that all about”?  The good thing about using this medium to present the message is that you can go back and listen again.  I pray that you will and see that Paul instructed Timothy to live out salvation to the glory of God, being reminded of the simple truth brought out in –

2 Corinthians 4:4-5  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

The world needs to see God’s message in our lives.  Do they see Him in you?