Preaching Outline for the Book of Ecclesiastes Message Three

Posted on January 13, 2017 by sjbjburke

Ecclesiastes 2:12 –26

Solomon reported that satisfaction and happiness in life cannot be found in education, experiences, escape from the world. He has not given up the search and Solomon begins –

I. The Review Ecclesiastes 2:12a “and I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly…”

Solomon stated that he might have missed something in his initial investigation and decided to return and examine his comparison of wisdom with madness and folly more carefully. Keeping to our theme of traveling the highway of life, have you ever exited off the highway looking for a place to satisfy your hunger, thirst, or just needed a rest, but very quickly decided you had better turn around. What you were looking for was not on this road, but – you just had a nagging thought that if you had gone just a little farther, the road may have taken you to the place you were searching for. Is it possible that you gave up too quickly? The further down the highway you travel and the more roads you search, finding no answers, you think, “I should go back to that one and look again”. You then make a U turn, not going back to the right road, the highway of God, but stopping short of going to God, you keep to the highway “under the Sun”, and return to the exit of ‘madness and folly’.

As Solomon returned to this place, he justified his actions and determined he had pure motives –

II. The Regard for his duty Ecclesiastes 2:12b “For what can the man do that cometh after the king…?”

Because of what he knew and what he had, he felt he had a great responsibility to himself and mankind to search out the meaning of life. The general principle the Lord spoke in Luke 12:48 “…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” motivated Solomon in his service to mankind to give himself wholly to this investigation.
Solomon reported on what he discovered and we may read in the next few verses –

III. The result of his investigation Ecclesiastes 2:13-26

A. The difference between wisdom and folly is great. Ecclesiastes 2:13, 14a
Even men without God who work in the daylight have a great advantage over those of the night.

1. They perceive good opportunities and can direct their way.
2. They are protected from danger. God’s natural order in creation reveals this. It is no mistake that man should be safe in his house when dark replaces the light and the dangerous animals begin to roam at night!
Psalms 104:20-24 Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
God reveals that danger is in darkness –
Proverbs 4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

B. The disappointment. Ecclesiastes 2:14b-17

Solomon was broken when he came to the conclusion that the great and the ordinary come to the same end. And who is going to remember the ordinary any more than the great. Have you ever heard of the British cruise ship Titanic? The ship had hundreds of men deep in the belly of the ship shoveling coal into the boilers to keep the ship alive. Also, the crew consisted of brilliant and respected men and women. The captain, the engineers, the navigators, the physicians. All the best that could be chosen to guide this super luxury ship to its destination. One night, it struck an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean. It was on its first voyage. It sank into the depths of the ocean taking the wise and the unwise to their deaths. Because of the fame of the ship, people remember some of them, but in time they will all be forgotten. The rich and famous, the poor and unknown. Death brought them to the same place – no return and no remembrance.
“Therefore I hated life…”

C. The despairing king. Ecclesiastes 2:18-23

2:19 “…wherein I have labored…”
2:21 “…to a man that hath no labored…”

Time Inc., Money stated from their survey – Indeed, 70% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and a stunning 90% by the third, according to the Williams Group wealth consultancy.
Solomon was despondent! He was going to be dead and not able to do anything about the waste of all that he had accumulated. What he thought would bring him happiness had turned into an evil burden on his life.

D. The decision from this report. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 “There is nothing better…”

Man may as well enjoy what he has worked for now. We learn from this that God has supplied all with the creation to manage, to supply needs, and to enjoy.

We have seen many people who have come to this conclusion –
Driving down the highway we see a large motorhome coming up beside us. We look over and there is an older couple enjoying the drive. They wave at us and pass on ahead. We say to one another “That is a good way to spend your retirement years. It looks like they are really enjoying life.” As they pass on, we read a sign that they had posted on the back of the motorhome. It said “We are spending our children’s inheritance”! This is what Solomon is saying in 2:24. If we live in this world and are of this world, and all that we have is “under the Sun”, we may as well spend it all. It is the only enjoyment we will have!
The important need for man to realize is that God did not provide his creation to man to satisfy nor sanctify himself. The creation is to declare the greatness and God.

Psalms 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

All of the world will not satisfy you or make you happy! Wisdom is a great advantage to man “eyes in his head”, as much as light over dark, but in the end we meet Death – the great equalizer.

But, we thank the Lord that life is not only “under the sun”! Death is coming,

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: But –
Death is not the end of all things. If man has believed God and trusted Him through faith in His Son, The Lord Jesus Christ, he will immediately go into the presence of God to live with Him forever. If man has not believed in God, he will immediately to hell and be separated from God forever.

Have you trusted the Lord as your Saviour?

Are you living for Him every day as your Lord?

Are you witnessing to others of Him as their only Hope?

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Preaching outline for the Book of Ecclesiastes message 2

Posted on January 7, 2017 by sjbjburke

Text: Ecclesiastes 1:14 – 2:11
Solomon reviewed his plan and how he was going to approach his search for purpose in life. After discussing his purpose we note three things that immediately caught his attention: Prestigious Institutions, Pleasurable Experiences, and Private Estates.

I. Proposed course of action. Ecclesiastes 1:14-16
Solomon’s desire was to discover the way for mankind to live in peace and happiness in himself and with others. He witnessed man’s frustrations daily as they sought to accomplish the impossible. Solomon described attempts as trying to –

A. Straighten the thing that is crooked.
B. Sum that which is unknown. It is impossible to add unknown quantities, yet man sets himself to know the unknown.

Continuing with the theme we set forth in the introduction, traveling the highway of life, we will describe what Solomon saw and how he determined to use his wisdom to gain knowledge and then through that knowledge, apply wisdom which would result, he believed, in having peace and happiness.
He looked first to –

II. Prestigious institutions – higher learning, research and development. Ecclesiastes 1:17,18

A. He sought answers through knowledge – academic achievement. 1:17a

He concluded that knowledge is a wonderful thing, and that used wisely could be a great benefit to people, but in itself, it does not satisfy. Notice the words he used: vexation of spirit, grief, sorrow. These words do not portray peace or happiness. Knowledge is wonderful, but we must know that it reveals to us how much we do not know and how much there is still to learn. The goals that are reached are temporary, like arriving at a point on the horizon and then looking beyond, another horizon is in sight and we begin our journey toward it. Grief and sorrow are the results unless wisdom and knowledge are based in Godly contentment in our hearts.

Failing to find the answers-

B. He sought, as so many others do in the universities of the world, answers through rebellious activities. 1:17b,18

If those of the past had no answers, then everything from the past must be challenged. Many of the rebellions against society have been born in the institutions of higher learning. Again, this was vanity.
Disappointed with this discovery, Solomon turned to –

III. Pleasurable experiences – what we might call today an integrated resort. Ecclesiastes 2:1-3

It is interesting to note that as Solomon stated “There is nothing new under the sun…”, these new titles simply described old practices. People are looking for relief from their ordinary experiences in life, they are looking for happiness and believe they may find it here. He checked in and sought answers in –

A. Entertainment Ecclesiastes 2:1,2

1. He sought relief in the comedy club, listening to all of the jokes and stories. “mirth”
2. He sought relief in the shows which fed his lustful thoughts. “pleasure”
3. He sought for relief, but found no satisfaction. All that he experienced was a few hours of diversion which did not bring him any peace or happiness. 2:2

B. Escape through wine and strong drink. Ecclesiastes 2:3

He determined to continue his search for the source of happiness, but would relieve himself from the stress of his investigation through drinking.

The term ‘happy hour’ has been traced to a number of sources without any conclusive statement as to when it actually began.
If you want my opinion, it has always been and Solomon spoke of it much in the same context as those of today –
One investigation came up with this conclusion – “Eventually, the ideas merged, and people began using the phrase frequently to refer to a jolly time had when drinking with friends during the late-afternoon and early-evening hours.
It only makes sense that such a time would be revered. You’ve just completed a hard day’s work and aren’t quite ready to head home or to weigh yourself down with a meal. But you need to shake off the day and kick up those heels. What can possibly be better than going into the perfect establishment to partake of cocktails and convivial chatter?”

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Realizing that he had not found the answer to his quest in these things, he turned to solitude through –

IV. Private estates. The attempt to re-create an Eden for himself – the perfect environment. Ecclesiastes 2:4-11

Notice in these few verses how many times Solomon referred to himself. All of this work was for his benefit. He was going to be Adam in his own creation of the Garden of Eden. Creating it according to his own plan and having dominion through his own power.
People are seeking peace and happiness today through protection and privacy from the world. We know that we can live more securely in a private estate, but is peace and happiness only available for those that have the opportunity to live in these places. Are the billions of people who will never be able to live in this kind of estate denied any possibility of happiness?
Solomon’s conclusion was that none of these searches gave him the solution that he was seeking. None of the places he tried brought him peace. The advertisements promised great things, but none of them were true.
Again, Solomon has posted warning signs that will help us to know that what we are seeking is not found in any of these things. Joy, peace, and happiness are from God, not from those things of the world.
Are you trusting in the Lord today?

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Preaching Outline for the Book of Ecclesiastes Introduction

Posted on December 29, 2016 by sjbjburke

1 Samuel 13:14 “…the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people…”

Psalm 78:70-71 He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
Solomon knew that the Lord had chosen his father, David, to be king over Israel and established his throne over Israel forever. Solomon was born into privilege but he learned that this does not solve man’s problems or bring happiness or contentment. Two of his brothers had been killed, one was murdered by Absolom and then Absolom was killed in a rebellious war against his father, David. Solomon was forced to execute his brother and his cousin due to their rebellious acts against his position as king. He knew very well the difficulty involved in families. Solomon became king at the age of 40 years old. His eldest son, Rehoboam was born just before his ascension to the throne. Solomon may have known the struggles that parents faced in raising their children. In the book of Proverbs, he gives advice to “My Son” more than twenty times. We know that when Rehoboam took the throne following his father’s death, he was self-absorbed and sought only the good of himself and his friends. Solomon must have noted his son’s rebellious attitude and that of the friends he surrounded himself with. Most parents seek answers of how to bring their children up to love the Lord and bring glory to Him in their lives. I do not believe that Solomon was any different.
Facing the tremendous problems of leading the nation, judging the people, and guiding his own family, he may have determined to find the way to peace and happiness. His discoveries are recorded in this book – Ecclesiastes.

Introduction. In this book, Solomon the King seeks to discover the purpose of life. Solomon determined to utilize all of his vast resources – wisdom, power, finances that God had blessed him with – to discover and reveal the purpose of life and answer the question – how can a person be happy and satisfied. He thought that if he could not answer the question, no one could. One very important statement must be noted in order to understand the truth that the Holy Spirit led Solomon to write down. Remember that this book is the inspired Word of God, absolutely accurate in every detail, but we need to know that Solomon did not seek God’s wisdom in this search. Please mark this statement in your Bibles and refer to it as you read the book ; Ecclesiastes 1:16 “I communed with mine own heart…”. Solomon did not seek God’s wisdom, he used the ability that God gave him, but this still only amounts to man’s wisdom
To illustrate what we will see, let’s imagine Solomon driving down the highway of life, going before us. He began his journey with God as his guide, but soon he took a turn away from the direction that God was leading and he went his own way. He was still blessed with his position, his power, his wisdom, and his wealth but now he was without his guide, Jehovah. What he discovered was a highway littered with wrecked, frustrated, discontented, discouraged lives. He recorded this journey and provided warning signs for those who were following him. We are preaching through this book with a theme that Solomon has blessed us in warning us of what is ahead. The Lord is helping us to avoid the dangers along this road of life and to truly know how to have a pleasant journey, reaching our destination with joy in our hearts.

He opened the book setting forth His –

I. Perception. 1:1-9

As we read Solomon’s introduction to this book, we should remember that as the King and judge of Israel, he was faced each day with the problems that his subjects brought before him to answer. Due to his reputation for great wisdom, he also received those coming from outside his kingdom to seek an audience with him. He would become familiar with the troubles of the great leaders and the ordinary citizens. It would soon become apparent to Solomon that the problems only differed in the amount of people affected: family, community, state, country… Essentially the problems are the same.

He noted that the problems of life brought on emotional feelings –

A. Resentment. 1:1-3 Life is frustrating. The word that Solomon used is ‘vanity’. It means that is seen as worthless, quickly changing, as smoke or vapour. Where is the profit in this life, for it all seems –

B. Repetitive. 1:4-9 Another word can be used to describe his feeling – it is monotonous! It just goes on and on and on and on…

1. The evidence from the natural world. 1:4-7

a. The Earth
b. The Sun
c. The Wind
d. The Rain

That which the generations of old experienced, we also experience today and those coming after will experience the same. Man comes and goes, but the natural world continues.

2. The evidence from human experience. 1:8,9

Man struggles day after day to provide for himself and his family. His senses instruct him that he must go forth day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year and then he dies and is put into the earth which continues on its path throughout the ages. The earth does not slow even for a moment to acknowledge a man’s passing.

Because of what life seems to be to him, he reveals his –

II. Perplexity. 1:10,11

He sees it but he does not understand it. Have you seen something that you know means something, you KNOW it means something, but you do not know what that something is?

When I was 18 years old, I was driving my car to go into the city of Washington. I had to go through a city on the outside of Washington to get to the bridge to cross the river. This city was always changing, new buildings, new roads, old roads rebuilt. I knew my route and was driving quite fast when I saw a warning sign. On this sign were three letters – D I P. I thought to myself what in the world does D I P stand for? While in the process of wondering, my car dropped out from under me and then flew up into the air. I hit the ground hard and it was all I could do to stay on the road and not wreck the car or hit someone else. Then I realized, the letters – D I P – did not stand for anything. They spelled out a word – DIP. While working on the roads, a large dip had formed and they put up a warning sign. Guess what? It did not help me – I did not understand what I was being warned about. Now I learned from that time on when I saw a sign that warned of a DIP, I put on the brakes and slowed down. But since that time, there have been thousands of other roads and multitudes of other warning signs that I saw. Some I understood and obeyed. Some I saw and did not understand, paying the consequences. Some I thought I understood and tried to get by, for example – speed camera ahead. Is there really a speed camera or are they bluffing? You know how all of this works in so many aspects of life.
Life just seems to keep pushing us back day after day. We know the past but we very seldom learn from it. We just keep repeating our mistakes. We do not know the future, but we do know that it will be no different from now. We may have gotten a past problem, but it is still there, waiting for the next person to come along. We will be facing one that someone has faced going before us. Remember what World War One was called? The war to end all wars. It was so terrible that the world believed no one would go to war again. Yet in less than 20 years the world was at it again with World War Two.

What is the point? Where is the profit in all of this life?

These thoughts led Solomon to His stated –

III. Purpose. 1:12,13 Can life be worthwhile?

If there are any good and meaningful reasons for man’s existence, Solomon determined to discover them.

A. He would find it. “…seek…”

B. He would investigate that which he found. “…search out…”

He would use all the resources that he had to discover the meaning of life.
“I just want to be happy”. Is this possible? To what extent and how long with it last? Each step of the way through this book we will discover through Solomon that there is a recurring theme – The meaning of life is God and we come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Have you believed in Him yet?

While the man without God just sees days come and go, a repetition, a rat race, the man who has his trust in God see the same days come but each one brings the blessings of God –

Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

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Rules are a good thing

Posted on December 2, 2016 by sjbjburke

As I was considering the wonderful love of God for us and the blessing of commemorating His birth this month, I thought again about He patience and longsuffering with me in life.
Psalm 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

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We started out in Fairfax, Virginia, with $70.00 each. Tom and I were going on an adventure for the Summer. We had Trailways bus tickets and would ride from coast to coast and from Montana to San Diego. Both of us had worked after school and saved up the money. Our parents told us that if we saved up our travel money, they would purchase our tickets. They also supplied us with some of the travel gear that we would need. We each had a duffle bag which contained a sleeping bag, a few changes of clothes, and a travel shaving kit. I would not need to use my shaving kit for another 6 years, but anyone that knows my mother knows that she believes in having what you need in case you need it. We also each had a cooler (plaid vinyl) that held 6 cold drinks along with…

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Second Corinthians Complete Preaching Outline

Posted on November 26, 2016 by sjbjburke

The Bible, God’s Word, is an amazing library stocked with historical accounts, doctrinal instruction, practical instruction, defense of the faith, social ethics and so on.  It is incredible in the truth and knowledge it contains and every day it is fresh and powerful – instructing, guiding, correcting, blessing, building those that study its volumes. 

We are beginning a study, preaching through the Second letter of Paul to the Corinthians.  This letter would be found in the library under the heading of Biographical work.  It is a letter written by Paul to defend his life’s work.  It is sad that on occasion one is forced into this position.  We would hope that the evidence of our lives would not be tampered with by jealous or ignorant men, but sin is seeking to have its way in the lives of men and slanderous accusations of wrongdoing are to be expected.  The Lord warned of this when He spoke these words to the disciples –

Matthew 10:24  The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 

The Lord ever served and pleased His Father, going about doing good, and yet men fabricated false evidence in order to disparage His person, destroy His work, and deliver Him to be executed.

We will preach this letter with this in mind, a biographical treatise with the subheading of ‘The Defense of the Faithful’.

Introduction: 2 Corinthians 1:1,2

  A.  The writer – The identification of the writer, his authority, and his associate.

  1. The Writer – Paul, the founding missionary preacher of the church

at Corinth.

  • The authority – an Apostle of Jesus Christ, called into this ministry

 by God.

    3.  The associate – Timothy, the missionary preacher and associate of

          Paul. (Well known to the Corinthians)

Acts 19:21-22  After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

1 Corinthians 16:10-11  Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

  B.  The recipients. 

    1.  The church at Corinth primarily.

    2.  The saints in Achaia.

         The letter was to be circulated to include the church in Cencherae,

         to the east of Corinth, and churches and saints northward to

         Macedonia including Athens.

    3.  The slanderous lies, rumours and gossip were centered in Corinth

         but would spread quickly as people traveled and told the things

         that they had heard – (without verification)

Solomon spoke of the Results of these destroyers –

Proverbs 26:22  The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

And the Recommendation –

Proverbs 22:10  Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

Proverbs 26:20  Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

  C.  The reality of  his love for them.

    1.  The expression of goodwill.  2 Corinthians 1:2

        Note that Paul expressed this same love for other churches –

Romans 1:7  To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:2;  Colossians 1:2;  1 Thessalonians 5:28; 

2 Thessalonians 1:2 

These churches seemed to hold the apostle in great regard, loving him and the ministry of the Word of God. 

It is a time of rejoicing in one’s heart to tell someone you love them and pray for the Lord’s blessings on them when they return that love to you, but what about when they are questioning your motives and your ministry.  At the very beginning of this letter, Paul manifested the love of the Lord in his care for them. 

    2.  The experience of God’s blessings through the Lord Jesus Christ is

         drawn upon in Paul’s desire for the Corinthians.

John 1:14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philippians 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

   3.  The expectation of Paul.

  1. The saints to listen, believe, and accept the truth.

        1).  Grace and peace do not come through Paul, they come through

               the Lord!

        2).  Grace and peace are manifested in the life of Paul, but are not

               produced by him.

      b.  The saints to accept Paul simply for who he is –

       1).  A man saved by the wonderful grace of God.

       2).  A man called by God as an Apostle to preach the gospel.

1 Corinthians 3:5  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

       3).  A man sent forth by God to establish churches.

1 Corinthians 3:9-11  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

    4).  A man given by God to teach the church, growing to maturity –

Ephesians 4:11-13  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

And in all of these things we will see in the letter, we will see that which has been repeated often – we will see Paul as a man, flesh and blood, emotional, strong, weak, filled with joy and also sometimes filled with anger.  He is a man and the point is that the ministry is about the Lord working through a man that is willing to keep on through wonderful blessings and incredible hardships.  He was a man and we will see that he desired that they would know him as a man that loved God and through Him, loved them.  He cared for their souls and the ministry of the Lord and so he put himself in the position to write this letter.  He could have just walked away – it would have been easier, but he did not.  He wanted to see them right with God.  He wanted to see the church in one accord in the doctrine of God reaching out to the unbelieving world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

I.  The Explanation of his actions.  2 Corinthians 1:3-2:17

Paul was not one that sought trouble and had no desire to be a martyr.  Trouble faced him and followed him everywhere because of his testimony for the Lord and the preaching of the truth.  This trouble was not unique to Paul.  We are told about the threats and the beatings that Peter and John endured.  The death of the deacon Stephen, even with the approval of Saul, and later the murder of the Apostle James, brother to John. 

We also read of the danger faced by the believers in the the churches of Thessalonica –

1 Thessalonians 3:2-4  And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

– and individuals such as Aquila and Priscilla who it is said that they laid their lives on the line for the ministry – “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks…”

The Comforter of Paul was the Comforter of all these, and they were blessed together by God.

He continued in his letter to them by reminding them that it is of God that they are all in this together facing danger in the world and receiving blessings from God.  Here Paul is –

  A.  Rejoicing in the blessings of God.   2 Corinthians 1:3-72

  1. The comfort is of God.  2 Corinthians 1:3 

He is “The Comforter”!

John 14:16-17  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Colossians 1:11  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Ephesians 2:14   “For he is our peace…”    –

  • The comfort is sufficient.  2 Corinthians 1:4a  “…all our

tribulation…”

As believers we share many blessings that come only through the relationship with God –

      a.  We share in salvation.

           Hearing the Word of God – the only means of salvation. 

            Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by

            the word of God.

      b.  Conviction: The work of the Holy Spirit –

John 16:7-11  Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

      c.  Repentance and confession of sin –

1 Thessalonians 1:9  For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

      d.  Calling upon the Lord for salvation –

Romans 10:13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

We are all the same in this. 

We share the blessings of God, not because of who we are, but because of who he is!

Ephesians 2:8-9  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.

We share in service –

Ephesians 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We share in provision –

Philippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

We share in protection.  This does not mean that we are not going to be hurt, injured, or die, but that God is with us through all of these things, His grace being sufficient and we will reach our promised destination – eternal life in His presence, serving Him in Heaven.

Matthew 28:20  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.

    3.  The comfort is shared.  2 Corinthians 1:4b-7   

Derivatives of the word ‘consolation’ are used eleven times in five verses.  We have the privilege of being blessed together.  Paul has been sharing that he, along with all of the other believers, has been blessed above measure by the Lord.   We have this blessing ourselves   To receive these blessings of God, you must be saved – be a child of God.  Have you trusted Him?

  B.  Rescued from danger by God.  2 Corinthians 1:8-11  (the prayers of the saints)

While some spoke evil of him, Paul knew that some of the members loved him and prayed for him.  He was addressing both groups – those that loved him and those that spread lies about him.  He had already told them that he rejoiced in the blessings of God and revealed that he loved and cared for them.  He then began to inform them that he had been in great danger and he told them how he was rescued and was being kept safe.

We will use the simple formula that reporters follow when they are investigating a news story – What, who, and why.

    1.  What had happened? –  2 Corinthians 1:8,9

Paul shared with them that they had been in such danger that they thought they were as good as dead, there was no way that they would survive.  He told them that the only way that they came through the danger with their lives was that God intervened and saved them.  It was wholly of God that they were alive!  Paul had faced death many times and he had lived.  This instance he was speaking of to them was most likely the trouble he faced in Ephesus, causing him to change his plans and leave the city earlier than he had planned.

Acts 19:26-28  Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

    2.  Who was involved?  2 Corinthians 1:10

Paul testified in his life to the mercy of God in protecting him.  We will look at just three examples of God’s protection –

  1. Prior to being attacked – His escape from Damascus, let down

from a window in a basket.

  • In the midst of an attack – when he was stoned to death and God

 revived him at Lystra.

      c.  Following an attack – being beaten and imprisoned in Philipi.

      In all of this he gave glory to God.  God will keep us from danger,

      keep us in danger, and keep us following danger.  We are the Lord’s!

    3.  Why was he kept safe?  2 Corinthians 1:11

  1. The prayers of the people –

 “Ye also helping together by prayer for us…”

      b.  The will of God.  

1 John 5:14  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

           God’s will was being worked out through Paul and the people had

           a part in this work –  a partnership!        

        1).  Paul followed the Lord’s commission –

Acts 9:15  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Acts 26:18  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Acts 26:22  Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

Romans 15:24  Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

        2).  Paul followed the Lord’s directions.  Sometimes his ministry

              took him into the presence of danger and at other times into

              times in which they enjoyed the fulness of blessings, for

              instance the missionaries were blessed by the reception of the

              gospel in Philipi and then arrested and put in prison not long

              after in the same city.  They were blessed in Berea and then

              were forced to leave by an angry group that had pursued

              them from Thessalonica.  The Lord protected Paul and those

              preachers that traveled with him, but we see that he understood

              the need for the power of the Lord in the preaching of the

              Gospel –

2 Thessalonians 3:1  Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

              -and the protection of the Lord as they ministered His Word to

              the people.

2 Thessalonians 3:2   And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

        3).  Paul thanked the people for their prayers brought forth by love

              for God and for him in the work of God –

“…that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.”

He sent a message of encouragement to those that cared for him – he knew that not all of the church had turned against him and he thanked them for their faithfulness.

He sent a message of exhortation to those that opposed him – they should know that God was blessing and keeping him – he was in the center of God’s will and they should repent of their deeds and support the ministry of the Word in truth!

There is no perfect person except the Lord.

There is no perfect church because it is made up of imperfect people – but we should determine in our hearts and minds to know God’s will and do it. 

2 Timothy 2:15-16  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

C.  Refuting the accusations.  2 Corinthianfu1:12-24

Paul states that he was honest and steadfast in –

  1. His conscience.  1:12-14  It is no mistake that he began with

conscience.  He identified himself with everyone of them – as all men have consciences and are influenced by them.  Paul stated how his conscience had been approving his life and this statement may be used to challenge the readers of their own state of mind – can you say the same?

      a.  What is the ‘conscience’?

        A simple definition offered by Dr. Roy Zuck is that it is  “the inner

        knowledge or awareness of, and sensitivity to, some moral

        standard.”  That standard may differ with each individual ….. but

        even so the conscience is the faculty of man by which he has an

        awareness of some standard

God tells us in His Word that every man has a conscience –

           2 Corinthians 4:2  “commending ourselves to every man’s

           conscience in the sight of God.”

      c.  What does the conscience do?

        1).  As defined by the world.

It is often said that one should let their conscience be their guide, or follow your conscience.  This was often termed the “new morality” and it stressed the thought that each person is free to determine for themselves the standards of their conduct. By following “the dictates of one’s conscience” the person can justify whatever conduct they may desire, for if a person is persuaded that a thing is right, then for him it cannot be wrong. This is simply the old immorality of man’s sinful nature which was defined in the book of Judges as “every man did that which was right in his own eyes”

Many organizations that claim to be churches follow this philosophy!  They do not hold that the Word of God should determine their attitudes or actions – it is conscience that controls!  This is religion operating on the authority of the slogan “if it feels good, do it”!

        2).  As defined by the Word –

          a).  A man’s conscience can be trained by the will of the flesh (sin)

            (1).  The defiled conscience.  This involves the rejection of

                    known truth until the truth is no longer accepted as the

                    guide in the right way.

Titus 1:15  Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Defiled means that it has been soiled or stained and can no longer be of use.  Remember the Lord’s words in –

Isaiah 64:6  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.        

            (2).  The evil conscience.

Hebrews 10:22  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

                    The natural guide of man does not direct to righteousness.

                    The value has been changed, reset to the approval of the

                    flesh.

Illustration: Our GPS would continuously notify us “Please maintain speed limit”.  She was like our conscience trying to convince us to stay at 70 miles per hour.  Our choice was to either keep our speed at 70 or change the settings.  This is what we do with our conscience.  This is what Paul wrote of in Romans –

Romans 1:21-23  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

            (3).  The seared conscience. 

1 Timothy 4:2  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

            They have hardened their hearts against the truth of God.

Romans 1:25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Romans 1:28  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

          b).  A man’s conscience can be transformed by the Word of God.

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.

Since he had turned to the Lord for salvation, Paul had learned of Him and lived in such a way that he could depend upon the judgment of his conscience as taught by God –

Romans 9:1  I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

Conclusion: What can we do to have this testimony that we may honestly share with others –

Study:

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.

Meditate:

Colossians 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Live:

Philippians 2:12-13  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Paul stated that he was also honest and steadfast in –

    2.  His confidence.  2 Corinthians 1:15,16

         What was he referring to that he would have confidence in?

         Note that he wrote –     “…that we are your rejoicing…”

Paul sincerely believed that the people appreciated the Lord’s ministry to them through him!  Their lives had been changed because of his preaching and teaching.  He was not boasting in pride – he was rejoicing in the change in their lives wrought by God through His Word.  It was this confidence that we see –

  1. His pleasure.  To visit them again and preach the truth again.
  2. Corinthians 1:15

              Note his zeal in the calling of God to him as the apostle to the

              Gentiles.

Romans 1:10-12  Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

God had given him, the Apostle to the Gentiles, to them and he was excited to preach to them –

Ephesians 2:20-22  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

  • His plan.   Corinthians 2:16  His initial travel plan was to visit

them from Ephesus, then continue on into Macedonia.  He changed these plans for reasons we will come to later.  The                  important thing that he wanted them to know is that he counted them as close to his heart and he had reasons for the changes in his plans.

     Paul stated that he was also honest and steadfast in –

    3.  His convictions.  2 Corinthians 1:17-2:4

The turmoil in the church caused Paul to consider carefully the outcome of an immediate visit.

      a.  His consideration.  1:17

Paul declared that when he changed his mind about visiting them, the decision was not made lightly, without good reason.  The word he used “lightness” means levity (not being serious) or double minded.  The decision was not based on his own convenience, making life easier on himself.  He made the decision carefully, in accordance with –

b. His character.  1:18-21  Paul sets forth that he was steadfast due

to the character of –

        1).  God the Father.    1:18    He is truth and in Him is no falsehood.

        2).  God the Son.  1:19,20     He is truth and without falsehood.

        3).  God and Father and God the Son gave them the ministry of

              truth.  1:21

        4).  God the Spirit ministered the truth in them.  1:22

1 John 2:27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

The unity of the truth as spoken of by Paul is testified of by the Lord Jesus Christ –

John 16:13-15  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

      c.  His concern.  1:23,24

           Paul had no intention of being the conscience of the church.  He

           had no desire to take the place of God in their lives!  His desire

           was to direct them in the truth, the Word of God, and encourage

           them to submit to the Lord and walk worthy of Him. 

           Paul was a truth teller.  He told the truth and acted accordingly.

           We, as believers, are also to be truth tellers and have this

           testimony for the Lord in the world.  The world system operates

           upon a lie –

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.

We are to be truth, a light, in this world of darkness.  Jesus has commanded us so –

“Ye are the light of the world…”  We are to reflect Him that He might draw men to Him for salvation –

John 1:1-14  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Paul’s desire was not to command them, but to direct them to their Lord and that they would confess and turn to Him for restoration of fellowship –

1 John 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  

He wanted them to walk according to the Word of God and had given them time to read, study, believe, and become what God would have them be.

We have seen that Paul had written to the church explaining his concern that if he visited them before the divisive issues had been settled, the rift would only increase.  His desire was that each member would submit to God and walk in the truth!  Unity in the church would be manifested by their unity in the Lord!  In this second chapter, Paul continues to deal with them about unity.

  D.  Reasoning with the church to be united.  2 Corinthians 2:1-11

The church is to be founded on the Lord Jesus Christ and built up in His Word.  Each church is the body of Christ and should be able to be recognized as such by both believers and by the world.  The church in Corinth had become a confusing mass of activity which was not recognized by believers and confusing to the world.

Ephesians 4:11-16  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

    1.Resolve their issues with him.  2 Corinthians 2:1-4 

Refer to 2:4 –

         Paul set forth his feelings for them in the strongest terms –

      a.  “…anguish…”  Root of ‘angina’ a pain in his heart

      b.  “…tears…”  His emotional outpouring of his –

      c.  “…love…”  His love for them seeks unity in the Lord.

    2.  Resolve their issues with one another. 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

One of the issues that revealed deep divisions in the church was that of the hesitation of some to discipline the member that had sinned.  He had sinned in such a way that even unbelievers in the community were shocked.  Some members of the church were defending the man because of their ties to him.  He was of their group and they would rather ignore his sin instead of confronting him.  Paul instructed them that they, the entire church,  needed to be right in their actions by following God’s Word and confront him with the desire for him to  repent, and if he refused to repent, remove him from the church.  The instructions had been followed and the man had been removed from the church, but the divisions had remained. Now it seems that those who agreed with Paul  were holding a hard line, hesitating to forgive the offender!  Paul instructed them to forgive and restore the man which is in accord with the will of God revealed through the Word of God.

These issues are with us today and trace back all the way to Cain and Able who disagreed about God’s will in worship.  This disagreement escalated into division among brethren and ended in a murderous rage.  It is a dangerous situation in the church and the way is opened for Satan to scatter the church or keep the church from its purpose.  It simply becomes a religious meeting.

  E.  Related his desire to visit them.  2 Corinthians 2:12-13

       Paul’s desire to hear a report about them from Titus prompted him to

       travel toward them and intercept Titus along the way.

  F.  Reminded them of the results of the preaching.   

  • Corinthians 2:14-17

 1. Paul used the triumphal entry of Roman legions as they led their

captives into the city.

         Incense would be lighted to give an aroma as they entered the city.

         2:14-16

  1. The victors would smell the incense burning and prepare for their

victory celebration.

  • The captives would smell the incense burning and prepare for

 their execution.

          Throughout history, the gospel is sweet to those who believe but it

          is bitter to those who reject it.  It is, as Jesus is to unbelievers, an

          offense. 

1 Corinthians 1:18  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Peter 2:7-8  Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

And to the pretenders –

Matthew 13:21  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

  • Paul shared another well known illustration declaring his honesty

in preaching the Word of God.   2 Corinthians 2:17

  1. The ‘many’.  ‘They’ as those dishonest salesmen in the market

 who put good products over the bad, deceiving their customers.

  • Paul and the missionaries were honest in their preaching of the

Word of God.

The Word of God had been preached in power and truth and the evidence was seen in their own lives.  They needed to come together in truth and commit themselves wholly to the work that God had prepared them for –

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.

Now we turn to –

II.  The Exhortation to understanding.  2 Corinthians 3:1-7:4

  A.  The influence of the Word of God.  2 Corinthians 3:1-18

The difference in the message of those troubling the church was in the Judaizer’s teaching of grace + law.  Paul reminds them of God’s working through him to them in grace which led to liberty.  He spoke to them of the influence he had on them which revealed itself in their lives.

The ministry of Paul was questioned, yet the proof of the ministry was in their own selves.  Their testimony of salvation was the testimony of Paul’s ministry!  The message for us today is seen in these three things –

  1. Our influence on others is a reflection of who we are! 

2 Corinthians 3:1-3

      a.  Influence for good.  For example – Andrew

John 1:40-42  One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

      b.  Influence for evil.

        1).  The power of evil.

Genesis 3:1  Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

        2).  The practice of evil.

2 Samuel 13:3,4  But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.  And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king’s son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.

2 Samuel 13:32-33  And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king’s sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar. Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king’s sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.

  • Our relationship with God is the basis of who we are – law or

 grace.    2 Corinthians 3:4-16

We are not saved by the Law!  The law was never designed to save, it was designed to convict of the need to be saved –

Galatians 3:24-25  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

This group that had come into the church in Corinth was trying to influence them to deny grace and embrace the law – saved by grace/kept by law.  The law was good in that it informed man that –

  1. We are lost and under condemnation – we cannot keep the whole

 law.

  • We are loved in that God gave His Son that we might have eternal

life!

John 3:16-18  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Not because they did not keep the law, but because of their unbelief!   –

Ephesians 2:8-9  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.

    3.  Our reflection should be that of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

         2 Corinthians 3:17,18

Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

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.

         His working inwardly will be revealed outwardly – Does the image

         of Jesus Christ reflect law or grace?

    4.Our response is manifested in our service unto the Lord. 

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

         Paul, in his own defense and under the influence of God –

 Ephesians 5:18  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

– declared that he had determined above all things to rely on God for the following things –

      a.  Courage.  4:1  “…faint not…”

        1).  The definition of the word used.  “to give in, to lose courage”

        2).  The desire was to be strengthened by the mercy of God to not

              lose heart!

Paul encouraged the Hebrews as to how to keep their courage and not to faint, not to get discouraged and quit.  He was able to encourage them through the power of God working in his life –

Hebrews 12:1-3  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.

b. Commitment to truth.  The results of ministry belong to God are

not to be forced.     4:2

         Today we are involved in the culture of success.  We put pressure

         on ourselves to meet standards set by the world and sometimes are

         inclined to use less than honest methods to reach those goals.

         While Paul declared that he could speak to all men of all cultures

         and standings about the gospel, he did not modify the truth to make

         it more attractive to them.  He was not involved in ‘seeker

         sensitive ministry’.

        1).  Are numbers of those saved, baptized, and instructed important

              to God?  Yes!

        2).  Are numbers of those saved, baptized, and instructed the

              measure of success?  No!

              Notice that Paul never mentioned congregation size or building

              programs.  He commended the churches for their faith, their

              hope and their love!

1 Thessalonians 1:7-8  So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

  • Consistency   4:3-6

           Paul’s ministry was the preaching of the Word of God.  He was

           convinced that the –

          1).  Opposition was spiritually conceived.  4:3,4

Remember how Satan had contemplated how he could destroy the testimony of Job?  This is his pattern, to know all about the person he plans to destroy.  We see this same plan in Satan’s temptation of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 4: 3-9  – each suggestion was carefully presented to appeal to Jesus. 

            a).  The lust of the flesh    Matthew 4:3         food

                  Passion

            b).  The lust of pride         Matthew 4:5,    to be ministered unto,

                  Position

                   (Note that Satan used Scripture – Psalm 91:11,12.  Refer to –

                   2 Corinthians 11:14  And no marvel; for Satan himself is

                   transformed into an angel of light.

                   He was not tempting Jesus to destroy His life, but to prove

                   His deity before the priest)

            c).  The lust of the eyes     Matthew 4:8,9         kingdoms,

                  Possessions

          2).  Overcoming the spiritual blindness is the work of the Spirit of

                God and cannot be accomplished by physical means.  We refer

                to Paul’s letters to other churches –

Romans 1:15-16  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Romans 10:13,14,17  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? …..So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

1 Corinthians 1:17-21  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

          3).  Obedience to the Lord is the testimony of the Lord in His

                 servants.  4:5a,6

                They presented Jesus Christ and then themselves, the servants

                of Jesus Christ.  Note his testimony to Timothy –

1 Timothy 1:15-16  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Our family and friends see a difference in our lives –

1 Peter 4:4  Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

Do they see a difference in our lives? 

Do we present the message of the Gospel in word and in deed?

2 Peter 3:3-4  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

B.  The Influence of the Work of God.  2 Corinthians 4:7-17

    1.  The power of God working in man.  2 Corinthians 4:7-10

  1. The declaration.  4:7

           Paul reminded the church that men are just vessels of clay.  When

           one inspects a vase that they believe may be valuable, they look

           for the maker’s mark.  It is not the clay, it is the talent of the

           Maker that sets it apart.  Another important aspect of the vessel is

           how useful it is.  The value is based on that which the vessel

           contains.  Paul testified that they were vessels of clay, but that

           their strength was in that they were filled with God.

b. The demonstration.  4:8-10

           The children of God have the same troubles and trials as all men

           deal with, but the believer’s have the advantage – the power of

           God working in them for God’s glory!

    2.  The purpose of God.  2 Corinthians 4:11-15  (vs. 15 – His glory)

Paul informed them that the dangers and life threatening situations that he and the other missionaries faced were similar to those that Jesus faced in His ministry on earth.  They were encouraged by the Lord’s example –

      a.  The Lord’s warning.  4:11,12

            “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his

            lord.”

Luke 4:27-30  And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them went his way,

John 8:59  Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

John 10:38-39  But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,

John 19:16-18  Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

They were not only encouraged by the Lord’s example, they were enabled by the Lord.  They were not living in their own power, but through the Lord’s power –

      b.  The Lord’s witness in their lives.  4:13-15

        1).  The Preaching.  4:13

          a).  Believing God involves hearing His Word, and the Holy Spirit

                working that Word into our hearts and minds, mixing it with

                faith, resulting in a new life, a living spirit, a new creature in

                Christ Jesus!

Hebrews 4:2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Romans 10:14  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

          b).  Believing God involves speaking.

            (1).  God’s Word is not seed to be kept in the storehouse, it is to

                    be broadcast out into the world.

            (2).  God’s Word is not dead, it is living and struggles to get out

                    and accomplish its purpose!

Jeremiah 20:9  Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.

        2).  The Presentation.  4:14 

               Paul was looking forward to a glorious time as we stand

               together before our wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

               To see Him, face to face!

Colossians 1:27-28  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

        3).  The Proclamation.  4:15

               As these vessels are used as service pieces unto the Lord, they

               may be chipped, cracked, broken, old and fragile, but

               throughout it all, they reveal their contents – filled with the

               blessed Holy Spirit and bringing forth glory unto God!

               The worst thing is not to be broken in His service, it is to be set

               on the shelf and deemed unusable.

               Not only did the life of Jesus Christ bring glory to God, but

               also His suffering and death –

Luke 23:47  Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

    3.  The Praise unto God.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18   Refer to 4:1

Paul completed his thoughts as he began them – “For which cause we faint not…”

All that is now is temporary and will soon pass away.  We must keep our eyes on all of that which is everlasting – the glory of God and the souls of men.

Colossians 3:1-4  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

    4.  The Promise of God.  2 Corinthians 5:1-10    “…we have…”

Paul declared that he was able to serve the Lord with his whole being according to the working of God in him and through the promise of God to him, and to all that believe.  We can be encouraged by those things that we know ‘we have’ through the Lord. 

      a.  Review of that which we have solely by the grace of God  –

        1).  We have redemption.  It is all of the Lord.

          a).  We are sinners in need of the Saviour.   “For all have sinned…”

          b).  We have no hope of ourselves.  “…and come short of the glory

                of God.”

          c).  Nothing in us pleases God. 

Isaiah 64:6  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

          d).  The common statement of our day is “you deserve it”.  What

                do we really deserve –  “For the wages of sin is death…”

          e).  We are redeemed from death unto life only because God loves

                 us and gave Himself for us!   “…but the gift of God is eternal

                 life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Ephesians 1:7  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Colossians 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Romans 5:1,2  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

1 John 3:14  We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

1 Corinthians 2:12  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

        f).  He ransomed us from the bondage of sin and death by the only

              payment that is accepted – His life!

1 Timothy 2:3-6  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

        2).  We have direction.  It is from the Lord.  We are saved from

              death and we are saved to life!  If we are to live, we must have

              directions, which the Lord gives us through His Word and

              actuated through His Spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

2 Peter 1:19  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:

        3).  We have consolation in the Lord.  This life is not easy.  We are

              emotional creations and we need comfort and consolation.

Hebrews 4:14-15  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 6:19  Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

Ephesians 3:12  In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

1 John 2:1  My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

1 John 5:14-15  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

        4).  We have a ministry unto the Lord.  Having received His gift

              and being directed by Him, we have a responsibility to

              be witnesses.  Every believer has a ministry to tell and show

              others the Good News of  Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:1  Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 Corinthians 4:7  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

1 John 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Paul was reminding the Corinthian church and those others in the area that He was saved by grace, guided by the Lord, and giving them the good news of God, not only for salvation but also for living.  Now, they had a responsibility to believe and do.  If they were divided in their loyalties, they would not accomplish the will of God.  They needed to know the truth of God (Doctrine), adhere to it, and share it.

One of the main questions submitted to Christians is this “If you are right, why are there so many denominations (kinds of churches).  The answer is quite simple.  Because many do not think that doctrine is important, that the Bible is the standard of our life and directs us into truth.  This is why we must know and do God’s Word.  We need to be good witnesses unto the Lord –

“And ye shall be my witnesses…” 

Paul has defended himself and the missionaries against the accusations from a group trying to gain control of the church.  He has explained the truth and exhorted them to consider and understand how God works in them manifesting His power, revealing His purpose, and is worthy of praise.  Paul then taught the believers to understand the preeminence of God in their lives.   Read 4:18

To speak for Paul, we may say that he was saying “You say that I am weak, my health is bad, my body is broken, my speech is poor.   You say the truth and that is okay because this ministry is not about me!  It is the Lord who reveals His strength in my weakness!  I look forward to the day that this weakness of this body is put off and the new body from above is put on.  I look forward to that day, but now there is work to be done, service to be rendered and a day of reckoning to face – so I will keep on and proclaim –

    4.  The Preeminence of God.  2 Corinthians 5:1-10   as seen in –

      a.  Our Person.  5:1-4

The influence of the work of God.  We recognize that our being, body-soul-spirit, are of God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

When we understand this truth, knowing that God has the preeminence – we bow to him in humility and submission and we echo the words of –

         Nathanael –   “…Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King

         of Israel.”

         Peter –  Luke 5:8  “…he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart

         from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

         Martha –  “Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of

         God, which should come into the world.”

         Thomas – “My Lord and My God”.

When is the last time that you just thought about Jesus our Lord and praised Him?  Not in church, not in prayer time, not in a time you have set apart to think about Him, but just a time that you thought about how wonderful He is!

          1).  We serve Him in these temporary bodies. He has the

                preeminence!

Hebrews 12:1-3  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.

          2).  We look forward to serving Him into eternity – what we will

                 be.

Revelation 22:3  And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

The preeminence of God as seen in –

      b.  His Presence.  5:5-9

Acts 4:13  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

        1).  We are conscious of spiritual truth – whether we can see it or

               not.

               “… given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.”

             The Lord has given us Himself in order that we may know those

             things which we could not know otherwise!

1 Corinthians 2:12-14  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

        2).  We are confident that we are accepted in Him.

               “…that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of

               him.”

              We are His, not of ourselves, but of Him.  Life or death, we are

              His!

Ephesians 1:6-7  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

The preeminence of God as seen in –

      c.  The Proof – our lives.  5:10 – 16    

        1).  Our standing before God.  5:10

Do we look forward to the judgment day?

The day is coming when we will answer for our actions, but not only for our actions – we will answer for our motives, the reason for the actions.  Paul told them that he lived his life and ministered unto the Lord with this truth before him – the Judge of all things is keeping records of how we lived – not only what we did, but why.  He is going to judge accordingly – some for evil, some for good.

          a).  An example of the evil works – Seeking to have preeminence. 

2 Timothy 4:10   For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica

Demas made his choice, but we should take no pleasure in his judgment.  If he did not repent and confess, getting his life right with the Lord, it will be a terrible time for him as he stands before the judge and gives an account –

1 Corinthians 3:13-15  Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

          b).  An example of good works – Seeking the glory of God.

2 Timothy 4:7-8  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Conclusion:  The Lord has commanded us to know His will and to do it “…teaching them to observe all things which I have commanded you…”  We have been instructed in the Word.  The question is, will we stand before the Lord at this time and ask Him to examine our lives and reveal to us our condition? 

        2).  Our standing before men.  5:11-21  He is an example of God’s

              workmanship and so he –

          a).  Set forth his priorities.  5:11-16

            (1).  Purity.  5:11

              (a).  He preached with urgency.  5:11a

         Hebrews 10:31  It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the

         living God.

              (b).  He preached with consistency. 5:11b

                [1].  He knew that God knew his heart – the reason he

                        proclaimed the gospel.

                [2].  He hoped that the people knew his heart. 

            (2).  Passion.  5:12,13  He had given them all of himself, not just

                   an outward performance.

            Paul had the pure motives and the passion of the Lord Jesus

            Christ and was accused of not acting rationally. People who do

            not care for the souls of men often rebuke those who do by

            accusing them of trying to focus attention on themselves, to feel

            self-important by claiming they have “the truth”! 

Acts 26:24-25  And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

Paul was an example of the servant who followed His Lord!

1 John 2:5-6  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Mark 3:21  And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

Paul stated that he was the messenger presenting the promise from the Messiah.  He was not ashamed of this service –

Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

            (3).  Principle.  5:14-16

Paul set forth the purpose he woke up to each day.  It was not about self exaltation or personal achievement, it was about the love of God and His purpose.  He set forth his reason for living in these simple statements –

              (a).  Christ died for all and all need to be saved.  5:14a

              (b).  All men are dead and in need of the Saviour.   5:14b

              (c).  The saved are not only sons but servants.   5:15

Romans 10:14  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

              (d).  The servants are not self-seeking, but they are soul

                      seeking!  5:16

  “…though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.”

He was known to them as Jesus of Nazareth, the carpenter’s son.  His mother was Mary and his brothers and sisters were among them.  He is known like that no more!

There were some in Corinth who sought to elevate themselves through claims of having been with Jesus Christ while He ministered in the flesh.  While this would be a blessing, it was only an advantage if they knew Him in the Spirit.  It is those who know Him in the Spirit that are blessed.  Judas Iscariot and Pontius Pilate spoke with Him in the flesh and how does that fact help them now? 

Judas Iscariot, a Jew

Pilate, a Gentile 

Judas Iscariot an ordinary man of Israel

Pontius Pilate, a powerful governor of Rome over Israel

They both knew Jesus of Nazareth after the flesh

They are both sharing a place of torment in Hell.

What good would it do to know them after the flesh?

Impressed by their standing in the world?  All that they had is gone.  Even their names are detestable!

What good did their knowing Jesus only after the flesh do them?

Paul determined to speak to all men equally without fear or favour.  Their person, power, or position did not change the face that they were sinners in need of a Saviour!

Paul had declared the preeminence of God in his own life and the expectation of God for all His children.  He set forth the believer’s priorities and then he –

          b).  Set forth believer’s position.   5:17-21  The wonderful truth to

                the praise of God!              

                We are  –

            (1).  Redeemed – a new relationship in Christ  5:17a

                   “… Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new

                   creature:…”

The preeminence of God is seen in that we are saved, not of ourselves, but of Him!  He paid the price for our sin, death, and provides salvation to whosoever will come to Him in faith –

Romans 5:6-9  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Titus 2:14  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Peter 1:18-19  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

                    We are –

            (2).  Renewed.  5:17b  

                    “…he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold,

                     all things are become new.”

God did not just promise to save us when we die and get to Heaven.  He did not say “Do the best you can and when you die, look me up and I will see what I can do for you”.  He completely changed us now at the moment of salvation.  The believer is not becoming a new creature, he has been made a new creature!  Have the old things of your life passed away?  Have the things of God replaced them? 

Ephesians 4:24  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

                    We are –

            (3).  Reconciled.  5:18a    “to bring together”

                    “…who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ…”

God did not make peace with man through a treaty of compromise!  God did not change – man must change (repent) and surrender unconditionally. 

Colossians 1:20-22  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

God has accepted our surrender in Jesus Christ –

Romans 10:13  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

                    We are –

            (4).  Representatives.  5:18b-20       As ambassadors, we must

                    remember –

              (a). Who we are representing – the Lord.  This may sound very

                     basic, but it seems that it is an easy thing to forget!

              (b).  Why we are representing the Lord.  People are lost,

                      condemned to eternal separation from God in Hell.

              (c).  How we are to be representing Him –

                      proclaiming the Gospel that they might be reconciled to God.

                    We are –

            (5).  Righteous.  5:21

                   We did not become righteous.  God has made us righteous in

                   Him.  This is the message of the ambassador of Christ – the

                   same that Paul declared in  –

Romans 1:15-17  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

C.  The Influence of the Will of God.  2 Corinthians 6:1,2.

        Read  2 Timothy 2:2

Paul exhorted Timothy and Titus as pastors of churches to instruct the churches in this ministry.  We need to know God’s Word and be able to share the truth of it, being able to share the application of it.  Paul exhorted Titus to teach the people how to be examples for each other (Titus 2:1-7).  We need to know how to live the life God has given us. We are Ambassadors – it is OUR ministry!  Let’s look closely at this verse today and see what Paul is teaching us.

  1. We have a ministry of learning.  “…and the things that thou hast

heard of me among many witnesses…”

      a.  This ministry begins with believing.

      b.  Believing develops into caring – to be concerned.

      c.  Care leads to studying.

        1).  We know very little when we first believed.

        2).  Even after study, the knowledge needs to be applied or it will

              be lost to us.

  • We have the ministry of knowing.  “…the same commit thou to

 faithful men…”

      In order to commit, there must be trust!

      a.  there must be a relationship among the brethren.

      b.  there must be fellowship as friends.

      c.  There must be knowledge of one another as fellow-labourers. 

           2 Corinthians 5:17-20.             Note especially vs. 19

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.

  • We have the ministry of willing service.  “…who shall be able to

 teach others also.”

      a.  Willing to know doctrine.  This is truth.  What it is. 

1 Timothy 4:6  If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

1 Timothy 4:13  Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

1 Timothy 4:16  Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

b. Willing to teach doctrine.  This is the application of truth.  What it

 means.

2 Timothy 2:24-25  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

This leads to the following exhortation in 2 Corinthians 6 which we will look to next week.  Today we want to assure ourselves that we desire to do the will of God.  We must follow the pattern of the Lord –

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.

        We all have a ministry that begins with salvation.  Everyone has a

        part in serving the Lord.

We  have learned from Paul’s exhortation to us, through his letters to the Corinthians and to Timothy, that we have a ministry and we are to apply ourselves to this ministry with all that we are.  This is the nature of Paul as he noted in his letters to the church in Rome –

Romans 1:15-16  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

We are to be willing servants of the Lord and apply our service knowing the Truth (what it is), teaching the Truth (what it means), and living the Truth, (how it works).

We must look to God’s Word and learn from this portion of Scripture what is involved in living the will of God.  We understand that there is a difference between knowing and doing.  We also understand that some do not ‘do’ because of what they know!  There are times that being a child of God comes with a cost, and we must be willing to bear that cost for the glory of God. You may never be called upon to suffer as a Christian and we honestly pray that suffering will never be necessary in your life, but if it comes we must be prepared to face it.

In 2 Corinthians 6:1,2 we are told that we have received a ministry and a mandate.  We must not waste that which the Lord has given.  Paul’s defense of faithful service is threefold, using the words ‘in’, ‘as’, and ‘by’. 

c. Willing to live doctrine.  This is the method to use the knowledge.                                               

How it works

        1).  Steadfast in the Lord.  6:3-10. As examples, Paul set forth –

          a).  Their honesty.  6:3, 4a.  “…giving no offence…approving

                ourselves…”

                As in every area of life, ministry requires that we reject those

                negative aspects of our nature and manifest the positive.  Paul

                spoke in detail to this issue in  Colossians 3:1-17 and also

                Peter exhorts us –

1 Peter 5:1-3  The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

          b).  Their endurance.  6:4b,5        “in”

Paul was writing with twofold authority in this case which the Corinthians were well aware of – the leadership of God and Paul along with the missionaries with him had personal experience “in” all of these things.  Note some examples recorded by Luke in the book of Acts –

Acts 13:45, 50  But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming……

But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

Acts 14:19-20  And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Acts 16:19-24  And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

If they did not love the Lord, the saints, and the lost, would they continue “in” these troubles to preach the gospel and to teach the truth?  They could keep on because of –

          c).  Their empowerment.  6:6,7   “by”    By God’s power

                The grace of God was working in their lives.  He gave them

                both –

            (1).  Their motives.  6:6a  We may refer back to Paul’s statement

                    to remember the attitude which drove their actions – read

                    2 Corinthians 4:15-18

            (2).  Their might.  6:6b,7

              (a).  The preparation.  6:6b,7a   No accusation can stand or

                      reproach attach itself –

Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

              (b).  The power.  6:7b  Refer to Ephesians 6:10-18

          d).  Their example.  6:8-10   “as”.     House built upon the Rock.

Referring back to the opening statement –

2 Corinthians 6:3-4  Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God…  ‘

Paul declared the steadfastness of their love –

            (1).  Whether applauded or derided

            (2).  Whether afflicted or protected

            (3).  Whether affluent or impoverished

Philippians 4:11-13  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.

Paul had learned to set his heart on those things that were of eternal importance.  His motive for preaching and teaching was pure, not seeking to promote himself but seeking to glorify the Lord.  He and the other missionaries had learned from the Lord that which is truly important in life

Matthew 6:19-21  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The Lord’s will was the delight of his life.  We see the influence of the will of God in action in this letter.  What about you?  Do you see yourself reflected

Now we see the exhortation to be –

        2).  Separated unto the Lord.  6:11-1

          (a).  Their attitudes.  6:11-13

Why did Paul turn to this theme following his declaration of being steadfast in the Lord?  What was he instructing the believers to do? 

First, he told them that they should love him as a father in the ministry of God.  He told them that he had loved them and that he had said and done all that he could do to convince them of that love –

2 Corinthians 6:11  O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

            (1).  Their love was due him.

Paul loved the Lord and loved the souls of Corinth.  He traveled to the city and preached the good news of salvation to them.  He followed in the foot steps of Jesus and now looked for the believers to return that love.  They were to love the Lord –

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

…and they were to love the Lord’s servants –

Hebrews 13:7  Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Paul then told them that he was not keeping them from showing him love.  He was not doing anything to keep them away from him.  They were the ones who were not offering their love to him.

1 John 4:21  And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

            (2).  Their love was not being stopped by him.

2 Corinthians 6:12  Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

           (3).  Their love should have been given to him as he had given his love to them.

2 Corinthians 6:13  Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

          (b).  Their actions.  Right actions are based on right attitudes.

                  6:14-18

Here Paul took them back to the opening statement in this chapter – “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.”  Paul instructed them by God’s grace –

            (1).  Do not listen to false accusations.  Paul loved them and they

                    should love him.

            (2).  Do not live according to false teaching.  

We must understand that truth and lies do not mix.  They are opposed to each other.  The poison of a lie is obvious.  If you take a lie and add truth to it, it is still a lie.  If you take truth and add a lie to it, it becomes a lie.  Truth cannot be mixed with anything but truth!          

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.

When we get saved, God cleanses us from all unrighteousness. While we are still in these bodies of flesh and will commit sin, we are no longer sinners by nature.  We have a new nature which is guided by the Spirit of God.  Before we were saved, we thought just as the demons thought – notice what they said when they faced Jesus – Matthew 8:29 “…they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus thou Son of God?”   When we get saved, our cry to God changes.  Note –

Romans 8:14-15  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.                

God has given us grace that we may be able to live for Him. 

Therefore we are to be –

Separated together in right thinking and actions –

              [a].  Separated from unrighteousness.  6:14-16   The practice of

                     the world.

                     As we learn what we should do, we should then just do it!

                     This involves a twofold commitment –

                [1].  Putting old things away.  (Putting them behind us)

                [2].  Keeping old things put away.  (Not going back to the old

                        things)

Hebrews 12:1-2  “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…”

              [b].  Separated unto righteousness       6:17,18    The presence of

                      the Lord.

“…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.”

Conclusion:

Ephesians 5:6-8  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Are you a child of God having trusted in Him by faith through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ?

        3).  Sanctified unto the Lord.  7:1

2 Corinthians 7:1  Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

          a).  Righteousness of man is unacceptable to God.

Isaiah 64:6  But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

But, God has provided –

          b).  Righteousness of Jesus satisfied the just demands of God.

            (1).  His active obedience.  Absolute obedience and holiness.

Romans 5:19  For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

            (2).  His passive obedience.  He yielded Himself to the death on

                    the cross.

1 Peter 3:18  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

He has made each believer holy before God.

Hebrews 10:5-10  Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

This is our position – we are “…in Christ…”

This being stated – what does Hebrews 12:14 refer to? 

Hebrews 12:14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Our responsibility!

It cannot refer to positional holiness – it must refer to practical holiness!

The problem – we immediately begin to make excuses because we now know God’s expectation – “Do you mean that God expects me to live a holy life”?  The answer is YES, and we go all negative as we imagine the list of prohibitions that face us now.  Do not get hysterical – let’s look at this holiness.

          c).  Righteousness of the believer brings glory to God. 

            (1).  The believer is a new creature.  2 Corinthians 5:17

                    (Positional)

            (2).  The believer is equipped by God to live a holy life.

                    (Practical)

1 Corinthians 1:2  Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

1 Thessalonians 4:7  For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

            (3).  The believer is educated by God and enabled to live this life. 

John 14:15-17  If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 16:13-14  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Titus 2:11-12  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

            d).  Righteousness of the believer is commanded.  It is required

                  for –

              (1).  Fellowship with God.

Ephesians 1:12-15  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,       (Negative)

Psalms 66:18  If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

            (2).  Personal well-being.

Hebrews 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

1 Corinthians 11:30  For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

            (3).  Effective service.

2 Timothy 2:21  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

Ephesians 4:30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.   (Negative)

            (4).  Assurance of salvation.  Galations 5:22,23

1 John 3:3  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Romans 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Is there evidence of practical holiness in my life.  Remember

Matthew 7:21-23

III.  The Earnest Desire for Unity.  2 Corinthians 7:2-16

Following his explanation in chapters 1 and 2 and exhortation in chapters 3 through 6, Paul revealed that he had received information from Titus that they were improving – that for the most part, they loved Paul and they had treated Titus with respect, caring for him as they should care for the man of God.

An interesting and valuable lesson we have from Paul here is the pattern he used in dealing with a very difficult situation.  The pattern is simple – negative and then positive.  He dealt with their loss of confidence in him and then he referred positively to the information that Titus had delivered to him. The false teachers were still in the church and divisions remained, but Paul would deal with them more specifically in the latter part of this letter.  For now, he had defended himself and the ministry and was preparing to challenge the church to fulfill their responsibility in serving the Lord.

He had reminded them of their foundation, the Lord Jesus Christ, and restored his authority in order to exhort them to their faithful service unto the Lord.  In chapter seven, he reinforced his love and appreciation for them and exhorted them to be single minded in their purpose. 

  A.  The Confession of his undying love for them. 2 Corinthians 7:2,3

  1. The declaration of his actions.  7:2  He had been honest with no

other intention than to instruct them in how to know and do God’s will.

    2.  The declaration of his care for them.  7:3

Care is placed in the heart of God’s men for those He sends them to.  I think of the English missionary David Livingstone.  He arrived in Africa in 1840 and served the Lord faithfully until his death there in 1873.  He had been requested many times by those in England to return and retire, to teach and lecture.  He was told that it was too much of a sacrifice to spend his life in Africa, to which he replied –

“For my own part, I have never ceased to rejoice that God has appointed me to such an office. People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? Away with the word sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger, now and then, with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause, and cause the spirit to waver, and the soul to sink; but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice.”

The men of Africa of who served the Lord alongside him knew where his love was placed.  When he died, they wrapped his body and carried it to the coast to be returned and buried in England – but before they prepared his body, they took his heart and they buried it in African soil.  They said that is where it belonged. 

The Spirit that was in Paul is in each of us who are saved and we have the privilege of submitting to God as Paul did, and as David Livingstone did, and as millions of other faithful saints of God have whose names we do not know.

David Livingstone spoke of times of wavering, the soul being troubled.  Paul had experienced those things, but he also experienced  –

  B.  The Comfort of the Lord to overcome.  2 Corinthians 7:4-7

    1.  The resolve to press forward.  7:4,5

Note the words that Paul used to describe the difficulties that they faced: “Tribulations, troubles, fightings, fears”.  He was attacked physically and emotionally, yet he refused to allow these things to overcome him and stop him.  He trusted the Lord and kept on. He depended on the Lord –

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.

    2.  The reunion with Titus.  7:6

It is a wonderful thing to be used of God to encourage others.  I have spoken many times of this most important ministry of faithfulness.  Is this your ministry?  Is God using you to be an encouragement to others?

    3.  The rejoicing in the good report.  7:7

Proverbs 25:25  As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

  C.  The Confidence in his actions toward them.  2 Corinthians 7:8-11 

  1. The charge brought against them.  7:8 

         Not just an accusation, but making them aware of their sin with the

         purpose of repentance.

As the children of God, we should not enjoy charging someone with wrongdoing.  It is painful to see those you love grieve in guilt and shame over their sin.  It must have been terrible for God to listen to the cries of David, the man after His own heart, as he cried out in desperation over his sin. 

Psalm 32:3-5  When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.

God kept His correcting hand upon David until David confessed his sin.

The Lord has told us, as a father chastens his child, there is no pleasure in this correcting –

Proverbs 19:18  Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

Often a parent will cry over the correction of the child, but the parent must not relent because it is for the good of the child.  Paul had thoughts of being too harsh, maybe he could have corrected them another way, “…though I did repent…”,  but he knew in his heart the correction was needed.

    2.  The challenge to repent and do right.   7:9

They had been confronted with their sin after a Godly manner – prayerfully and forcefully.  God had been involved, convicting them of their sin –

John 16:8  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

The people were sorry, some that they had been caught, but most, that they had been wrong –

    3.  The choice they could make.  7:10    They could –

      a.  Reject the truth in anger.

      b.  Receive the truth and repent.

Paul thanked the Lord for their choice and commended them for –

    4.  The change brought about through repentance.  7:11 

A change in attitude and action had taken place.  Through the confrontation of God’s Word and conviction of God’s Spirit, they had changed from being –

      a.  Unrighteous in their pride

1 Corinthians 5:2  And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

1 Corinthians 5:6  Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

To being –

      b.  Righteous in their humility and submission to the Lord.

The church had followed a determined course of action: changing their attitudes, confessing their sin, and correcting their actions.  In doing this, they were restored to their fellowship with the Lord and with the Apostle Paul. 

  D.  The Commendation for their submission.  7:12-16

    1.  The desire for them to repent, understanding his purpose.  7:12

The actions of the family, the sinful relationship that Paul rebuked them of in 1 Corinthians 5, had consequences for the church.  Paul did not single out the offended or the offender, but he wrote to the entire church to reprove them and exhort them to repent, discipline the offending member, and restore the unity in the Lord.  Paul had already instructed them in the importance of every member of the church and how the actions of one will effect the whole.   Refer to 1 Corinthians 12:14-27

Note the illustration of how one person’s rebellious acts effected the whole nation of Israel. 

      a.  The instructions given to the people –

           Joshua 6:18, 19, 24.

b.The Inhabitants were being judged due to their rebellion against

 the Lord and their wealth was confiscated, dedicated to the use of

 the Lord. 

Leviticus 18:24-25  Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.

      c.  The iniquity of individuals visited by the Lord.

        1).  His judgment of mercy was bestowed on Rahab and her family

              members because of their belief and trust in God.

        2).  His judgment of death upon Achan and his family because of

              their sin.  Read Joshua 7:1,10,19-26       Note that Achan had

              options –

          a).  He concealed his sin.

       His iniquity was known by his family and possibly by others

       involved in the battle who chose not to accuse him.  The items that

       he took could be concealed, but not easily.  The silver would be

       about the size of a 6 inch cube, the gold a three inch ball, and the

       cloth would be easily noticed being so different from what the

       Israelites had been wearing for the past 40 years of wandering in the

       wilderness!  It was not from that region and would be easy to

       identify as different from what they had!  He took things that he had

       to conceal from others and would not be able to use, bringing forth

       only guilt and eventually, condemnation.

          b).  He could have repented and taken the silver, gold, and

                garment to the collection point and told them that he had found

                these items and was bringing to the storehouse.

They found that sin affected everyone!  Paul knew this and instructed the church to deal with the sin!

    2.  The delight in their reaction.  7:13-15

         Titus brought a report of their repentance.

  1. Callous to caring.  7:13

           If you will read 1 Corinthians, you will see the changes needed.

           Now they are no longer hard hearted and self-serving, divided.

           They had turned from –

        1).  Rebellious to repentant.

        2).  Hateful to harmonious.

        3).  Suspicious to supporting.

        4).  Accusing to accepting.

        5).  Selfish to sharing. 

Titus came with rejoicing and encouraged Paul and the missionaries when they saw “…the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.”  Titus had seen that the church, for the most part, desired to glorify God in all that they did.  He brought with him a –

      b.  Confirmation of Paul’s expectations.  7:14,15

Paul had shared with Titus prayerful anticipation of the condition of the church.  He had established the church through the preaching of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and spent a year and a half teaching them the Word of God.  He was confident that they knew the truth, they just needed to submit to the truth!

        1).  They had been instructed in the Word of God, not only in

              theoretical doctrine, but in practical application, even in how to

              care for the men of God.

1 Corinthians 16:10-11  Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren

.

Now –

        2).  They had applied the Word of God to their lives through their

              actions and gained the heart of Titus and his desire to give a

              good report of them.

3.The decision that they were ready to take part in the offering for

the saints.  7:16

The church had been informed of the offering, but Paul wanted to be sure that they were prepared spiritually to give.  All that is involved in salvation and service is a privilege, the gift of God to man. Paul was rejoicing that the church that had been serving itself for so long was now prepared to serve God for His glory and honour.

Ephesians 3:20-21  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

IV.  The Encouragement in giving.  2 Corinthians 8:1 – 9:15

  A.  Introduction in Giving.

We need to introduce this portion of Paul’s letter  by defining the categories of Giving. We know of ourselves that there are different motives for giving.  The Lord has identified for us some of these motives and it will be a help to us if we study and understand them.  We will look at 4 motives today which have to do with this portion of Scripture –

    1. The principles of  giving.

  1. Tithing.  Paul is not instructing them in tithing here, but we

 should be familiar with what tithing is.  It is giving ten percent of that which God has prospered us with.  This tithe belongs to God and so it is not actually our giving it to Him as it is returning it to Him.  God has always kept back for Himself of His own.  In Eden, He kept a tree for Himself.  Abraham gave a tithe to priest Melchizedek, Jacob promised to give God a tenth, the tithe, of all that God prospered him with.  The Law set forth the tithes of the people, where and how they would be collected.  The New Testament says little about the tithe, but that does not mean it has been done away with.  It was before the Law, during the Law, and following the Law.  We are to continue to bring the tithes to the place where God has designated them to be collected, the storehouse – the church.

  • Sacrificial.  8:3a  “…for to their power…”.  

Once the tithe has been given, then we may give another offering out of that which we have.  We look at our finances and we determine that, while I could use this money, I am going to give it to the use of others. I am sacrificing my use so that another may use it to meet a need.  Many years ago, the             missionary Bob Hughes, who ministered in Cebu, Philippines, was preaching at a church in Texas.  He was speaking about giving.  He said that the pastor told him that he had done some figuring on the amount the people spent each month on cigarettes and snuff, coming up with a thousand dollars a month!  “Can you imagine, a thousand dollars going up every month in spit and smoke”.  The people could give up something to give more!

      c.  Faith.    8:3b  “… and beyond their power they were willing of

           themselves.” 

           Have you ever done all that you could do, you had reached the

           end of your resources and to do more, you had to reach out to

           others for help?  I was watching a television show called

           “funniest videos” some years ago.  I suppose that they may be

           thought to be funny afterwards, but not so much in the moment!

           A young man had set up a weight bench in his room,

           prepared the weights, and set up a camera to document his

           achievement.  He settled himself on the bench, looked at the

           camera, and then concentrated on the weights upon him on the

           bar.  He carefully took hold and lifted them off the frame and

           tried to lift them straight above him.  He struggled for a moment

           and then the weight pressed down on him.  He was trying with all

           his strength to lift the bar but could not.  He continued for a

           moment and then knew he had done all that he could do.  He

           cried out “Mum!  Mum! MUM!  He had given all he could

           according to his power, and now he needed help to go beyond his

           power.

          Our situation is not dealing with a physical situation, but the

          principle is the same. When we desire to give by faith, we need to

          cry out to God, “Lord please help me to give more”  Lord please

          provide that I may give”.  How often do these words come

          forth out of  our hearts unto the Lord? “Beyond their power –

          giving by faith!

  •   Abundance.  Another category of giving is out of our abundance.

 You may be financially well off.  You tithe and you give offerings cheerfully, but you have enough that you do not need to give up anything that you need or want – to give sacrificially.  You have enough that you never come to the point of needing help to give more.  How are you to give through the grace of God?  A couple of weeks ago in the youth class, we spoke of Jesus commending the widow woman for giving her two coins in the offering. He also spoke of the wealthy giving much in the offering.  Note carefully that Jesus did not condemn the wealthy for giving much.  He was speaking to his disciples and sharing that the widow had given more than the wealthy – she gave all that she had while they gave and still had wealth in abundance. He was commending her trust in God.  The wealthy can give out of their abundance, knowing that they will not be exalted by how much they give, but with how much they love!

  • The practice of giving. 

We will examine the practice of giving and the results that                   follow through the accounts of an honest man and a dishonest couple as recorded in Acts chapters 4 and 5.

      a.  The Honest givers.  Acts 4:36,37

        1).  The purpose.  Acts 4:34a    Members of the church had needs,

              as well as others in the community. 

        2).  The practice.  Acts 4:34b,35  Sharing what they had with

              others.

        3).  The Praise.   Acts 4:36  The love for God and for the people is

              seen through the actions of Barnabas. 

      b.  The Dishonest givers.  Acts 5:1-11

        1).  The purpose.  To receive the praise of the people.

        2).  The presumption.  They lied to the church about the offering.

        3).  The punishment.  They lied to God when they lied to the

              church.  They were punished accordingly!

        4).  The Principle. 

               “…Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was

               sold, was it not in thine own power”?

               The money belonged to Annanias and Saphira.  God promotes

               private property and the opportunities of ownership.  He did

               not make a demand upon them.  They desired the praise of the

               people and determined a price they were willing to pay for

               it.  God did not judge them because they did not give.  He

               judged them because they lied about giving. 

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

We can understand the instruction that Paul gave to the church, as we will see more of as we continue through this letter, that offerings that acceptable to God begin in your hearts and develop into actions.  God looks at the reason that you give to determine whether the offering is acceptable or not.

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.

Thought – how is your heart?  I pray that each one of us will serve the Lord with a pure heart and that we give ourselves unto Him completely.  When He has us, He has all that we are and all that we have.

B.  The Example of grace giving.  2 Corinthians 8:1-5

    1.  The condition of the churches.  2 Corinthians 8:2a

      a.  They were planted in adversity.

Acts 17:4-5  And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

      b.  They produced faith in affliction.

1 Thessalonians 1:5-7  For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

      c.  They prospered in the grace of God. 

1 Thessalonians 3:2-6  And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

    2.  The conviction of the churches to give.  2 Corinthians 8:2b,3

      a.  They were encouraged in spite of their poverty.

      b.  They were encouraged in spite of their position in the community

           –  looked down on.

      c.  They were encouraged by the grace of God in their lives!

Based on this encouragement, they made their demand and put forth –

  • The claim of the churches as to their right to give. 

2 Corinthians 8:4

         “… Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the

         gift…”

“Who are you to tell us that we cannot take part in this fellowship of ministry”!

    4.  The consecration of the churches unto the Lord.  2 Corinthians 8:5

      a.  Dedicated to the Lord. 

Romans 12:1  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.

      b.  Directed by His Word. 

Romans 12:2  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.

        1).  Convinced of the principle of giving. 

James 2:15-17  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

        2).  Committed to the principle of providing. 

God ordained that man would work for his provisions.  Even when God supernaturally provided the Manna in the wilderness, men had to go forth each day and collect it, enough only for each day!  The people in these churches trusted the Lord in giving what they had, and in seeking more from the Lord to give, determining to work each day for the provision of God.  They asked God to bless the work of their hands and provide abundantly.  Remember God’s promise of provision in –

Leviticus 25:19-22  And the land shall yield her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety. And if ye shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase: Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years. And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in ye shall eat of the old store.

They were to trust God to bless their work by being obedient to Him.  They would not just sit back and expect God to pick up the check.  They would enter into the fields and serve Him though their labour.  The Macedonian churches had learned this principle and trusted God accordingly.  Gave through the grace of God.

The grace of God is not to be presumed upon, it is to be planned for, seeking the leadership of God.

Philippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

    5.The conclusion to be drawn from their participation. 

2 Corinthians 8:1 

  1. God’s grace is sufficient for all of their needs and for their desires

 to fellowship in the work of the Lord.

      b.  God’s grace is often unused through lack of faith.

The Macedonian churches took advantage of the wonderful grace of God and did not want to leave anything behind.

  C.  The Encouragement to grace giving.  2 Corinthians 8:6-10

The Macedonian churches were manifesting the blessings of God that Paul testified of in his letter to the church in Thessalonica at a later date –

2 Thessalonians 1:2-4  Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

He trusted that the grace of God and the peace of God that had already been working in them would continue to abound.  He praised the Lord for their growing faith and their enduring love for one another, even through persecutions and tribulations.  This is the soil in which the seed of the Word of God had grown in them and their example had –

    1.  Created an urgency to act.  2 Corinthians 8:6  

         Titus had been involved in organizing the offering in Corinth. Paul

         urged Titus to return, challenging them by the faith of the

         Macedonian churches to complete the offering that they had

         promised to collect, not as they had begun, simply through a

         desire to help, but now to give according to the grace of God.

         Titus was to encourage them that their giving should be –

  • Consistent with the grace of God in every area of their lives. 

2 Corinthians 8:7

God desires to have the whole person and to bless accordingly.  He perfects the believer in correct proportions that He may build His church to glorify Him.

Ephesians 1:22-23  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

The Lord is concerned how He is manifested to the world!

Ephesians 4:15-16  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

They had everything they needed, yet they had been holding back in this area of giving.

Paul was encouraging them by –

    3.  Coaching, not commanding.  2 Corinthians 8:8 

         Paul had provided them with the opportunity to give, not by

         commandment, but because of their love for the Lord and His

         people – to have the same mind as the Lord, united in their service,

         which includes giving.   “…let this mind be in you which was also

         in Christ Jesus…”  

         Why, because the Lord gave Himself, committing all to the will of

          the Father.  We need to be –

    4.  Committed.  2 Corinthians 8:9 

         The Lord proved the commitment of His love in that He did not

         hold back anything, but gave Himself wholly unto the will of the

         Father and for the salvation of man.

      a.  Serving without love is simply an exercise in religion.

Isaiah 29:13  Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

      b.  Serving with love is the expectation of the Lord.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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.

Conclusion:

Let’s use Peter as an illustration of the people in Corinth and believers today  – Prove the sincerity of your love –

  Sinking in the sea  – I was distracted by the storm

  Drawing his sword in the garden – I was confused

  Denying the Lord in the courtyard – I was afraid

  Forsaking the ministry for fishing – I was discouraged

Jesus did not command Him, He challenged the sincerity of Peter’s love!

John 21:15  So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

No more excuses!  Commit yourself to the Lord and His will!

The church in Corinth needed to stop making excuses for the failure and commit themselves to the Lord in love!

D.  The Explanation of grace giving.  2 Corinthians 8:11-15 

  1. Paul exhorted them to trust the grace of God, to have right attitudes

which would result in right actions.  2 Corinthians 8:11,12  

They were to –

      a.  Reject excuses for not carrying out their previous promises. 

           Refer to 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

      b.  Rely on the grace of God to begin again.

    2.  Paul explained to them that this was not redistribution of wealth. 

         2 Corinthians 8:13,14

         The church should not look at this as communalism but as mutual

         love!

There is a twofold explanation made –

      a.  The churches collecting –

        1).  The gift should not be collected with the poor in the church

              expecting the wealthy to bear the entire collection.

        2).  The gift should not be collected by the wealthy in the church to

               the exclusion of the poor.  The poor should have a part in the

               service to the Lord.

      b.  The churches receiving –  2 Corinthians 8:15

           The gift to the believers in Judah was not a yearly commitment,

           but a help to get them out of difficult circumstances!  They would

           come to the place to help others in turn.

The ministry and grace of God places everyone on an equal position before the Lord. Remember the blessing of God’s provision when Israel was in the wilderness –

The wealthy could not be purchased, the manna was provided each day and the poor as well as the wealthy could take as much as they needed.  All were on equal ground each morning!

Lamentations 3:22-24  It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

God’s plan provides all with the opportunity to be involved.  The attitude He promotes removes selfishness, pride, manipulation and bargaining for gain.  He replaces these worldly attitudes with love, and joy, and peace.  These are the fruit of the working of God in us!

  E.  The Enterprise of grace giving.  2 Corinthians 8:16,17

        This ministry of Titus to the Corinthian church was –

    1.  Initiated by God.  2 Corinthians 8:16

    2.  Immediately accepted by Titus.  2 Corinthians 8:17

         What made the difference in Titus’ willing acceptance?   He was –

    3.  Inclined to serve the Lord. 

  1. Titus had already determined that he would serve the Lord and he

 did not set conditions on what that service would be!  NOT “I will serve you here, but I will not serve you”! 

      b.  Titus had learned from his teacher, Paul –

           (He had ideas about where he wanted to go, but he willingly

           followed the instructions of God)

Galatians 1:15-17  But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

Acts 16:10  And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Titus learned from His teacher Paul and they both learned from their Master, the Lord Jesus Christ!

John 6:38  For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Now we come to the testimony of –

  F.  The Engagement of honest men in grace giving.

       2 Corinthians 8:18-24.

Remember that Paul had been accused of wrongdoing and here he is protecting his reputation through the wise choice and recommendation of honest men to safely see the offering to Jerusalem.

Acts 20:4   And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

These men had good testimonies as honest and reliable men who served the Lord.  They were willing to leave their homes and venture out on a dangerous journey –

Acts 20:3  And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

– carrying cash to the needy saints in Judea, to insure the good testimony of the church. They testify to us today that like as Titus, they were inclined to serve the Lord as He led them.

  G.  The Earnest desire for their willing participation.  2 Corinthians 9:1-16

    1.  The Reminder.  2 Corinthians 9:1-5

We all understand the necessity of being reminded to do things.  We create ‘to do’ lists. The company that makes ‘post it’ has built a profitable business on our need to be reminded.  We write ourselves notes, make ourselves recordings, tie strings around our fingers, put bands on our wrists…on and on, because we have a need to be reminded!  God reveals our inclination to forget in His Word:  He shows us that we need to be reminded by giving us –

      a.  Monuments:  things that we see –

Joshua 4:5-7  And Joshua said unto them, Pass over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the children of Israel: That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.

Joshua 22:34  And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.

      b.  Exhortations:  things that we hear –

Psalm 119:11  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

1 Timothy 4:6  If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

Paul reminded the church in Corinth of their promise to give.  It is one of those situations again that we are familiar with: He told them that he really did not need to remind them, but – just in case – he was going to anyway.  Why –

Because he knew their (and our) nature.  We simply forget to follow the instructions that the Lord gave us to help us in this life as His children.  Most do not intend this to happen.  We get ourselves so burdened down that we are not able to do those things that we know we should.  God instructs us in how to make it easy on ourselves. –

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.

2 Timothy 2:4  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Hebrews 12:1-2  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.

Romans 6:4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Colossians 3:1-3  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Luke 16:13  No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

How did Paul accomplish this in his life –

Philippians 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

Clean out our lives!  Get rid of all of the things that we have collected that we are no longer going to use in the life for the Lord.  If we are going to forget anything, let us forget those things that the Lord saved us out of!

      c.   Ordinances: things that we do –

        1).  The Old Testament -Passover:

Deuteronomy 16:3  Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that thou mayest remember the day when thou camest forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of thy life.

        2).  The New Testament – Baptist and the Lord’s Supper.

These are ordinances the Lord gave to His church, giving them authority to carry out His will in the lives of those that He saves. 

          a).  Baptism – this ordinance is what can be described as the door

                to membership in the church.  Baptism does not carry with it

                saving grace or sacramental power.  Note Paul’s statement to

                the Corinthian church –

1 Corinthians 1:14-15  I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

            (1).  The Ordinance commanded.  Matthew 28:18-20

            (2).  The Ordinance defined.  Romans 6:3-6

            (3).  The Ordinance performed. 

Acts 8:35-39  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

The second ordinance is a repeating ordinance.  The Lord did not set certain times to observe it, but left it to the church to set its own schedule. 

          b).  Lord’s Supper

Luke 22:19  And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

1 Corinthians 11:24-25  And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

As Paul reminded the church in Corinth about the offering, we learn that we need to be reminded about our daily walk with the Lord and His will for our lives.  In order to accomplish this, we need to be obedient to His commands in His ordinances and His instructions –  “…teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”

    2.  The Reward in giving.  2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Dr. Howard Kelly was a distinguished physician who also loved the Lord. In 1895, founded the Johns Hopkins Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Johns Hopkins University. According to Dr. Kelly’s biographer, Audrey Davis, the doctor was on a walking trip through Northern Pennsylvania one spring day when he stopped by a farm house for a drink of water. A little girl answered his knock at the door and instead of water, brought him a glass of fresh milk. He visited with her briefly, then went his way. Sometime after that, the little girl came to him as a patient and needed surgery. After the surgery, the bill was brought to her room and on it were the words, “Paid in full with one glass of milk.”

We never know how the rewards are going to come – but know this, the Lord is keeping the records!

Living a bountiful life –

  1. The Principle.  9:6

The intention here is that the believer, who is blessed as the child of God, should give in such a manner as to be a blessing and in turn, he will be blessed.  He is living in the environment of blessing!  This means much more than just giving in order to receive from the Lord.   It is about being a blessing to others.  Remember what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus about getting and giving –

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.

It is about the believer’s motive and attitude about being a part of something much larger than himself – being in a partnership with God.

Make no mistake – God requires us to plan with purpose for the care of our households –

1 Timothy 5:8  But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

But we are to seek His guidance in the use of that which He blesses us with!

Notice Jesus’ condemnation of pride and selfishness in the parable recorded in                         Luke 12:16-21

          1).  The Lord Provided.  Luke 12:16

          2).  The Lord Provoked.  Luke 12:17-21

            a).  God’s knowledge.  He knew how big the man’s barns were.

            b).  God’s blessing.  He gave bountifully to the man.

              (1).  Enough to fill his barns.

              (2).  Enough to share with others in need.

           c).  God’s condemnation.  “…thou fool…”  Why did God call the

                 man this?

Psalm 53:1  The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

The man received the blessings of God and yet never asked how they should be used!  He never thanked God nor sought His instruction!  He actually denied God in his life!

The Principle is that God is investing in our lives, this partnership, and we must do our part! We are then instructed in –

      b.  The Practice.  Read 9:7

        1).  The intention in giving.  “…as he purposeth in his heart…”

               The believer should give –

          a).  With purpose.  To be a help.

          b).  With praise  ‘cheerful’.

        2).  The illustrations of giving.

               Living a bountiful life is not the same thing as living an

               extravagant life!  It is about using your abundance as led by the

               Lord.  Refer to the Biblical examples of this bountiful life –

          a).  Abraham.    Bountiful provision for strangers (travelers)

          b).  Boaz.  Bountiful provision for community.  (reapers in his

                fields)

          c).  Barnabas     Bountiful provision for brethren.  Selling property

                and giving.

        3).  The importance of spiritual dedication in giving. 

               A bountiful life does not mean that we will have a trouble free

               life!  Lessons from Job, a spiritual man who lived bountifully –

        a).  His testimony.  Job 1:3; 4:2-5

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.

Job 4:2-5  If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking? Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.

        b).  His trial. 

Job 6:8-9  Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!

It was not about loss, it was about confusion!  Why is this happening to me?

        Job 9:33  Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay

        his hand upon us both.

        c).  His triumph.  Job 42:1-6, 10   Many give up too soon!

Job’s trust in God saw him through his loss of all things of this world, with God blessing him abundantly and being a testimony for all who will listen for almost 4,000 years.  This is living bountifully – by the measure of God, not man.

Wait on the Lord, trust Him!  With this trust comes – 

  • The Promise.  9:8-11  “… which causeth through us thanksgiving

 to God.”

Living in the middle of God’s blessing, whether little or much, will cause us to be thankful to God and this testimony will be seen by others to the glory of God!

God supplies enough for the poor.  How, by giving overabundance to His children who then may share with others in need.  Living in the middle of God’s blessing, whether little or much, will cause us to be thankful to God and this testimony will be seen by others to the glory of God!

This was an extremely important opportunity in the early days of the churches to show their love for one another and especially their unity in the Lord.  The Apostle Paul had been and would continue to teach the truth that there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile in the mind or heart of God in relation to His church. 

Romans 1:16-17  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 10:12  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Galatians 3:28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

The Jews had resisted God’s love for the Gentiles and the Lord instructed them through the working out of His Word through the lives of His people.  Remember the difficulties that they had already faced –

Peter and the Cornelius –

Acts 11:1-3  And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

Peter and Barnabas in Galatia –

Galatians 2:11-13  But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

The churches that were mostly Gentile memberships were now proving their love for the Jewish believers in Jerusalem.  They were involved in breaking down the walls that had divided them.  The Lord had commanded –

“Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature…”

The churches needed to see the world, not according to cultural identity, but as all people being separated from God through sin and in need of being saved!

“…there is none righteous, no, not one.”  “For all have come short of the glory of God.”

The Gentiles were sending a message to the Jewish believers – “We love God, we love you, and we want to help.”  Through this we see –

    3.  The Result in giving.  2 Corinthians 9:12-15

Through their obedience to God, we note these blessings –

      a.  Provided for their needs.  9:12

           It is a blessing to note that the phrase ‘supplieth the want’ literally

           means ‘completely filling up the deficiencies’…  Anything that

           was needed was provided!

        1).  They were blessed physically.  “…supplieth the want of the

              saints…”

        2).  They were blessed spiritually!  “…is abundant also by many

               thanksgivings unto God”

      b.  Proved their love.    9:14

        1).  They said that they loved God. 

               “…their professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ…”

        2). They showed that they loved God! 

1 John 3:17-19  But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.

      c.  Prayer was lifted up for them.  9:15

Sometimes I believe we do not take this as seriously as we should.  Look at how the Son of  God and His people in those days spoke of prayer –

Mark 1:35  And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Acts 12:5  Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

1 Thessalonians 5:17, 25  Pray without ceasing.    Brethren, pray for us.

      d.  Praise unto God was manifested.  9:16  He is Worthy!

The hymn writer said it well as he considered the Love of God –

The love of God is greater far

         Than tongue or pen can ever tell.

It goes beyond the highest star

         And reaches to the lowest hell.

The guilty pair, bowed down with care,

         God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled

         And pardoned from his sin.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,

          And were the skies of parchment made;

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

          And every man a scribe by trade;

To write the love of God above

          Would drain the ocean dry;

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

         Though stretched from sky to sky.

The wonderful result of living unto the Lord and giving as He directs is to realize that God is using each one of us for His glory and we can sing praises unto Him!

Have you been living so as you are praising God for your life each day?

Have you been looking unto Him for His will to be done in your life?

V.   The Evaluation of his authority.  2 Corinthians 10:1-11:4

Paul returned to his defense of the faithful in the remainder of this letter.  The theme is followed from chapter 10, verse 1 to chapter 13, verse 10.  This morning we will note his introduction, which is a warning to the men who have made false accusations against him in order for them to secure positions of leadership in the church.

 Paul gave them warnings.

He warned them –

  A.  Not to underestimate him.  2 Corinthians 10:1-18

        He had confidence, not in himself, but in the Lord.  He knew to

        whom he belonged and who he served –

1 Corinthians 6:19-20  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

He set forth in these first six verses his intentions toward the false teachers and those in the church who followed them.

He wrote of the authority and approach he would take in this defense by defining his power. It was a –

    1.  Superior power.  2 Corinthians 10:1a   “…meekness and gentleness

         of Christ…”

        “…beseech…”  He called their attention to notice –

  1. His attitude.  He was relying on the Lord who, even in judgment,

 offered grace and mercy to those who would repent.

Luke 5:32  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 15:7  I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth…

      b.  His advice.  He learned, gave, and followed his own advice –

2 Timothy 2:24-26  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Paul would not compromise doctrine, but would confront with the sincere desire of  repentance and restoration.

    2.  Sensitive power.  2 Corinthians 10:1b-2

Paul made a request of them, asking them to consider his position (which they had put him in), and submit themselves to God in all humility so that he would not have to confront them in judgment, but would forgive them. He told them that –

      a.  He was prepared to confront.  “…I think to be bold…”

      b.  He would prefer to forgive.  “…that I may not be bold…”

Could Paul be bold when necessary?  We do not know what information they had, but we know he would confront –

        1).  The adversaries of the Gospel. 

Acts 13:8-11  But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

He did not limit his confrontations to the enemies of God.  He also dealt with –

        2).  The actions of friends that affected the preaching and practice

              of the Gospel.

          a).  Barnabas.  Acts 13:37-39   His desire to bring Mark on the

                missions journey.

          b).  Peter.  Galations  2:11-14   His fear of the Jews at the church

                in Antioch.

Paul boldly confronted any that did wrong, but he would rather that they would repent and submit themselves to the Lord and one another in unity, serving the Lord.  While this was his great desire, he wanted those rebellious leaders to know that he had the power necessary to withstand them.  He had –

    3.  Sufficient power.  2 Corinthians 10:3-6

      a.  It is Spiritual power.  2 Corinthians 10:3,4 

           Not found in man’s strength. Paul told Timothy –

1 Timothy 4:8  For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

True power is from God –

Zechariah 4:6  “…Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Paul was introduced to this power in the preaching of the deacon Stephen.  The could kill Stephen’s body, but not his message because the message was the Word of God.  This message continued to convict Paul.  God’s Word is a –

    b.  It is Subduing power.  2 Corinthians 10:5

God’s power worked long after the flesh was dead, because the Lord is ever-living. 

Acts 9:5  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

This power not only subdues, but it  –

    4.  Secures.  2 Corinthians 10:6   It is continuous.  It is ready to deal

         with any sin which rises up again.

Note Peter’s recognition of the power of God and His longsuffering mercy –

1 Peter 3:20  Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

God’s power is real and ready – but in mercy he gives time for people to repent.  Paul reminded the Corinthians of this fact!

We also need to realize that God’s power is a separating power –

When received – it keeps us safe in Him.

When rejected – it keeps us separated – forever from God in Hell.

Paul desired that the church realized this truth.  God directed Paul to write this so that we might realize this truth. 

Beginning in verse 7, he wrote that his authority was founded upon a –

    5.  Sanctifying power.  2 Corinthians 10:7-18

God had set Paul apart to –

      a.  His position.  10:7-12   His authority was given by God.

Acts 9:15  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

1 Timothy 1:12  And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

        1).  Authority was invested by God in Paul’s preaching, teaching,

              and writing!

        2).  Authority was invested by God in Paul’s person as His servant.

          a).  The wise servant will evaluate himself  according to his

                obedience to God’s will for his life.

2 Corinthians 10:8  For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

          b).  The unwise will evaluate himself according to the abilities and

                actions of others.

                 “…but they measuring themselves by themselves, and

                 comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

        3).  Authority was invested by God in the offices that He

              established for His church.

          a).  The requirement of the children of God – To know and respect

                the offices as noted in –

Ephesians 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Only two offices exist in our day – evangelists, pastors and teachers.  Believers are commanded to submit to the authority of these officers –

Hebrews 13:7  Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Hebrews 13:17  Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

          b).  The requirement of the called of God: to love –

1 Peter 5:2-4  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

            (1).  To love God.  “…the Chief Shepherd…”

            (2).  To love God’s people   “…feed the flock…”

            (3).  To lead   “…being ensamples to the flock…”

God had set Paul apart to –

      b.  His place of service.  10:13-18 

           His authority was based in the direct guidance of God.

Paul was not interested in staying in Corinth and taking up the office of the pastor.  He was not trying to move these false teachers out of their positions in order that he might have assumed it.  He was trying to get the church to understand their mission – the mission that Jesus Christ has set forth for His church :

Mark 16:15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

The church could not carry out the mission of God until they had the mind of God – the right leadership.  The church had not be planted to provide preaching opportunities for others.  It had been planted at the direction of the Lord for His glory to reach out to Corinth and from Corinth to the world with the Gospel.  Paul was correcting the church by reprimanding the false teachers and educating the members. 

He revealed their motive –

        1).  The ministry of the false teachers was directed by convenience.

               There’s was an –

          a).  Easy ministry.   10:15  “… of other men’s labours…”  An office

                not an opportunity

          b).  Exalted place. 

3 John 9  I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

Galatians 5:26  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

          c).  Envious of God’s servants.

                They preach louder and longer to overpower the simple

                preaching of the truth!

         Philippians 1:15  “…Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and

         strife…”

        2).  The ministry of Paul was directed by God.

Acts 16:6-10  Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

          a).  God had directed Paul to Achia with its cities of Corinth and

                Cencrea.

          b).  God was directing Paul to preach at Rome.

Acts 23:11  And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

         c).  God was directing Paul to preach beyond Corinth, beyond

               Rome, and unto Spain.

                “…to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you…”

Romans 15:24  Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

Paul explained that the ministry was about God, not about him. 

2 Corinthians 10:17-18  But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

We must listen to Paul today!  The Lord has given this message to His churches today as well as then –

We may not be in a dangerous situation, dealing with false preachers and teachers.

We may not be in a dangerous situation, dealing with proud and arrogant leadership.

But –

We may be in the dangerous situation of forgetting our first love, the Lord Jesus Christ!

We may be in the dangerous situation of ignoring our responsibility – “Preach the Gospel to every creature”!

We may be in the dangerous situation of thinking that the church only exists for our pleasure –

         – to help us and encourage us in times of need.        

         – to provide moral teaching in an immoral world.

         – to provide a place of  spiritual enjoyment, thinking we are

           fulfilling our responsibilities to the Lord, yet knowing in our

           hearts that we are empty inside.

            –  to be like those that visited Ezekiel and enjoyed the service –

Ezekiel 33:31-32 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

His purpose in life was to exalt the Lord and finish the work the Lord had given Him.  His purpose was not to build himself a kingdom, but to go forth and preach God’s Kingdom!

And Paul was able to know that, whatever the response of the people, they would know this as Ezekiel knew –

Ezekiel 33:33  And when this cometh to pass, (lo, it will come,) then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.

Because we know the date of the Roman governor’s rule over Achia,  we can determine the approximate time Paul arrived and began preaching, establishing the church in the city of Corinth about 51 ad.  He stayed in the city, teaching them daily, for about one and a half years.  He then departed to another city and left the church to grow in the Word of God.  The time that he is wrote this letter to them was three years afterward,  so the church was about five years old.  Sometime during these three years, some false preachers came and were trying to take over the leadership of the church.  Many of the church members trusted the Apostle Paul and contacted him, letting him know what was happening.  Paul wrote this letter to the church to encourage the faithful and to tell the false teachers that they needed to repent and be right with God.  The false teachers accused Paul of not being a real apostle and that his letters did not mean anything to them.  Paul has written in these chapters, giving them evidence of his authority and telling them to be faithful to God!  In these verses, chapter 10:1 to chapter 11:4, Paul gave them two warnings –

He also warned them –

  B.  Not to be unfaithful.  2 Corinthians 11:1-4

         We really need to understand what Paul told them because it is

          important for us to know these truths today! As he began –

    1.  He asked them to be patient with him.  11:1,2

      a.  He had seen them saved, baptized and taught the Word of God.

      b.  He had seen them start out right.  He had given them instructions

           in righteousness and corrected them when they were wrong.  His

           heart’s desire was for them to be pure for their Lord and Saviour

           Jesus Christ.

Illustration: Imagine how you would feel if you saw your children being influenced by children that did not want to do right and that had no respect for you?  You would speak to your children, tell them that these are not good friends, and trust that they will listen to you.  But, what if they do not?  They tell you these are their friends and that you do not understand. Then you will be more forceful and warn them of the danger they are in and ask them why they are making wrong decisions!  You taught them better than that!  This is what Paul is doing.

  • He advised them of the danger they were facing.  11:3,4

            He warned them that –

      a.  God’s simple plan could be perverted.

         The plan to destroy the work of God has never changed.  Why?

         Because it still works!

         Note Paul’s statement in –

2 Corinthians 11:3  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

        1).  Satan introduced his plan to destroy God’s work –

Genesis 3:4-6  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

        2).  Satan introduces this plan to each generation.

          a).  The way Satan works –

2 Corinthians 11:14  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.     

          b).  The warning given to beware of Satan’s devices –

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.

The church gets caught up in these lies –

            (1).  The lust of the flesh  –  “we want to have the things that the

                    world has”

            (2).  The lust of the eyes  –  That which we see that someone else

                     has and we feel that we have to have it.  We get angry at

                      them because they have something better, do

                      something better, the attention that they receive seems to

                      be better –

               In business there is nothing wrong with creating a better

               product, but with the Lord, there is nothing better!!

            (3).  The pride of life –  “look what we have done…”

John 6:28-29  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

He encouraged them to hold to –

    b.  God’s simple plan as presented.

      1).  Conversion is simple. 

Ephesians 2:8-9  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.

        2).  Commitment is simple. 

          a).  Obedience in baptism.  Acts 8:35-38

Acts 8:35-38  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

          b).  Obedience in knowledge.  2 Timothy 2:15

          c).  Obedience in service.  Ephesians 2:10. 

        3).  Church is simple. 

          a).  Location.  Communities

          b).  Leadership.  Pastoral. One person with three responsibilites:

                Pastor, elder, bishop. 

Acts 20:17  And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Acts 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

        4).  Commission is simple.  Matthew 28:18-20

          a).  Seek the lost in the community.

          b).  Seek the Lord’s direction to reach the world. 

Paul has warned the Corinthians and us that we should not change God’s plan.  Satan will even come to us and suggest “This is too easy,  it cannot be right”!  But, when we see what the Lord has done for us, we see that it has not been easy – He did all of the hard things in order to make it simple for us!

Make sure that you are living out God’s will through the simplicity of His plan!

God did not make a complicated –

         Plan of salvation

         Plan for obedience

         Plan for the church

         Plan for service

VI.  The Evidence of Authority Presented.  2 Corinthians 11:5 – 12:13

Paul built a case for his authority and integrity with the following evidence and arguments and throughout he identified those were falsely accusing him as the deceivers that they were.    He began with the presentation with his –

  A.  Financial accountability.  2 Corinthians 11:5-12    He set forth his –

    1. Position.  2 Corinthians 11:5-7

      a.  His calling as an Apostle was genuine.  11:5

Paul compared himself to the false teachers who claimed to be ‘the best of the apostles, above even them’. He mocked their claim and contended he was only less than them in their own minds!

Paul had the confidence of the Apostles and the leaders of the church in Jerusalem –

Galatians 2:9  And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

      b.  His communication of God’s Word was complete.  11:6

1 Corinthians 2:3-4  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

Paul used every method of speaking he could to teach the people the Word of God that they might know the will of God – to be saved, baptized, and taught.

Acts 18:4  And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

He preached to them –

Acts 18:8  And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

He taught them –

Acts 18:11  And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

      c.  His conduct among them was blameless.  11:7

1 Peter 5:2  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

He set forth his –

    2.  Practice.  2 Corinthians 11:8,9

Paul had not demanded that his provision be supplied by the Corinthians.  His depended upon the Lord to meet his needs –

      a.  Through his own labour.

        1).  His work in Corinth. 

Acts 18:2-3  And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

        2).  His work in Ephesus.

Acts 20:31  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Acts 20:33-34  I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

  • Through the support of churches. “…the brethren which came

from Macedonia supplied…”

As the churches were established, they began to send money to the missionaries to supply their needs and give them more time for the work of the ministry of the Word of God.

He set forth his –

    3.  Plan.  2 Corinthians 11:10-12

Paul had determined that he had been faithful in his service unto the Lord and he would not change just to please men!  He challenged the false teachers to serve God as he and the other missionaries were serving!

In conclusion, we should note –

4.The Pattern that is set forth in God’s Word is that which we follow

 today.

      a.  The Churches Serving – reaching and teaching their cities.

      b.  The Call of God in His churches Sending – responding to the call

           of God.

  • The Cooperation of His churches Supplying – relying on God and

 one another.

Therefore according to the commands of God – Matthew 28:18-20;

Mark 16:15

Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ clearly and simply to the lost.

Praying for the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon their lives that they may ask “What must I do to be saved”?     Once they are saved –

Present the step of obedience to the Lord in baptism, being introduced into the membership of the church

Provide them with the Word of God, preaching and teaching, that they may learn and do all that the Lord commands us to do.  Sunday preaching service, Sunday School, Bible Study, Prayer meetings …

Protecting them with the truths of the Bible that they may know the difference between the truth and a lie!

Has God called you to serve Him?  You may say to yourself – “I am serving God here in this church”.  Just remember that God does not call a man to send Him out from a church who is not already serving in his church”!

Acts 13:2-3  As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

  B.  False Apostles exposed.  2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Paul wrote of Satan’s evil work in chapter 11, verse 3.  The importance of this deception is brought out by Paul mentioning Satan’s work again in these few verses.  He wanted the church to know who was directing the teaching of these false apostles.  The terrible thing is that these men may not have even known that they were wrong in what they were doing.  Many times men believe the lies they tell.  We can understand this though, because God tells us that Satan blinds the minds of those that do not believe, so that they believe a lie. 

2 Corinthians 4:3-4  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.

He then uses them to keep the unbelieving blind and keep the believing confused.  We must be aware and know that this is what Paul is trying to help us to understand –  Satan’s servants present themselves in the same way that he does.  Remember how he tempted Eve in the beginning?  Genesis 3:1-8

        Read and remember – take note of –

    1.  His careful approach.  Genesis 3:1a     

         He was called ‘subtil’.  He did not do anything to frighten Eve

         when he came to talk to her.

    2.  His concern for her welfare.  Genesis 3:1b 

         He talked about what she could not have – did she have enough to

         satisfy her needs?

    3.  His challenge to God’s Word.  Genesis 3:4 

         God did not mean what He had said.  How could she possibly be

         separated from God?

         “God would never cast you away – He created you and put you

         here”!

    4.  His charge against God’s purpose.  Genesis 3:5

         God simply did not want them to know what He knew.  He was

         jealous and did not want His own creation to know all the He

        knows, His perfect knowledge.

Eve was deceived because she had not prepared her heart to resist temptation. 

When anyone tells you that God does not mean what He says, or they say that they do not need to do God’s work God’s way – according to His Word – walk away immediately!

Do not be too shy to ask them what they believe about Jesus.

2 John 10-11  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine (the doctrine of Christ), receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

After warning them about the false teachers, Paul asked the people to listen and consider what he had to say about his ministry unto the Lord –

  C.  Fair hearing requested.  2 Corinthians 11:16-21

He asked the church to have patience with him as he presented his case to them.  He admitted that he was humbling himself, acting in a way that Jesus never did –

1 Peter 2:23  Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

But Paul believed that it was necessary at this time for the good of the church.  If the church members were so willing to believe those false teachers that did not really love them,

2 Corinthians 11:19-20  For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.

 – would they at least listen to him and think about what he said?   Paul then began to tell them what he was going through, what he willingly faced, because of his love for God and for them.  He wrote about how he

  D.  Faced adversity.  2 Corinthians 11:22-33 

Today I want to make sure that we are prepared to recognize false teaching and false teachers.  Paul’s love for them was so great that he begged them to listen to him, it is the least thing that we should do is also take time and listen to him. 

Conclusion:

How do we know that men are false teachers?

1 John 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

How do we “try the spirits whether they are of God…”?

Know His Word –

1 Peter 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Know His will –  Stay close and seek His leadership –

James 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

We are given very clear instruction from the Lord through the writings of Paul to the church at Ephesus in Ephesians 6:13-18

How do we know God’s will for our lives? 

Be doing everything that you know you should without even praying about it.  Then, seek His direction through prayer and seeking direction through His Word.

VII. The Evaluation of his purpose. 2 Corinthians 12:11-13:10


Paul summarized his purpose as he began the conclusion to this letter. He repeated that he was disappointed that he was forced to defend himself and the missionaries with him. He stated that –


  A. He should have been Respected. 2 Corinthians 12:11-13
       He had performed the ministry of an apostle among them.

    1. The power of God was seen through Paul’s ministry.
    2. The provision of God was seen through Paul’s labour. (not lazy)

  B. He should have been Received. 2 Corinthians 12:14


Paul loved the people that God had sent him to – and not only this church but all of them. Note how he referred to himself in relation to them –

  1. A parent. 2 Corinthians 12:14 “…the parents for the children.” Provision
  2.  A Father. Instruction

1 Thessalonians 2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,


    3. A Nurse. Care

1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

As Paul exhorted us to have the mind of Christ –

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

We know that he displayed the mind of Christ in his own life through ministering to the Lord’s children –

Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: (Tender Care!)

4. A Brother. Note how Paul speaks of this relationship –

  1. My Brother.


2 Corinthians 2:13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

  • The Brother.


2 Corinthians 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;


      c. Our Brother.


2 Corinthians 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.


It is a wonderful thing to know that while he had authority over them as an apostle, he had fellowship with them as brothers in Christ. He was one of them!


Romans 8:14-16 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:


    C. He should have been Rewarded. 2 Corinthians 12:16-21

Paul should have been rewarded by their submission to God and faithful lives, being a good testimony unto the Lord. Instead of rewarding him, they had become suspicious of him through the accusations of the false teachers. He wrote that his ministry among them had not been to gain –


    1. Possessions. 2 Corinthians 12:16


The teachers had claimed that Paul did not accept support from them, deceiving them into trusting him so he could ask for large amounts of money for special projects, which they would willingly give, and he would keep the money for himself.

  1. He rebuked their claim. 12:16,17 The sarcastic reply “I tricked you – really”?


Paul rejected deceitfulness – It was not his practice before he reached Corinth –


1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:


When he was in Corinth –


2 Corinthians 4:2 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.


Or after he departed –


1 Timothy 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.


      b. He required of them proof. 12:18

    2. Position. 12:19 He was seeking to build their faith in God.
    3. Power. 12:20,21 He did not want to be forced to correct them

         publicly.

Paul desired that they would all come together in unity. He prayed for repentance and restoration to a right relationship with God and among themselves.

This has been the theme of his writing to them throughout this letter. To know and to do the will of God. This is the theme for each one of us and we should search our own hearts to know that we are in the center of God’s will. If so, we should encourage others by sharing God’s Word with them.

  D. He will be Returning. 2 Corinthians 13:1-10

  1. His Confidence. 2 Corinthians 13:1


Paul was confident that they should believe the evidence that had been presented to them. He had more than enough witnesses that would testify of his integrity, even more than the Law demanded –


Deuteronomy 19:15 “…at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.”


He had witnesses from the membership of the church at Corinth – the household of Chloe, the household of Stephanas, along with Fortunatas and Achaicus. He also had witnesses from the other churches – Aquila and Priscilla who were now at the church in Ephesus. And also others that were traveling to take the offerings to Jerusalem. His ministry was well known.


    2. His Challenge. 2 Corinthians 13:2-6


Notice that he is challenging the false teachers, those that have believed them, and the silent majority – those that stood by and let the false teachers divide the church.


“…I write to them that which heretofore have sinned, and to all other…”
Paul challenged them to examine their own faith. If they knew that they were saved, then they must realize that their salvation came through Paul’s preaching.

“Since ye seek a proof of Christ … Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” When they proved their faith, they would be proving Paul’s ministry among them!


John the Apostle taught of this identification in the faith –


1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.


    3. His Concern for them. 2 Corinthians 13:7-9


Paul has written this letter in defense of his faithfulness to God in order to refute the accusations of the false apostles. In doing this, he has said much about himself, but he wanted the church to know that his concern for himself has been because of his identification with God’s truth. Paul has no desire to exalt himself and has been careful to represent himself as what he truly believed himself to be, a servant of Christ. He told them that his personal testimony must be reflected in their lives, as members of the church in Corinth, because they must all be seen to walk in the same truth –


“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.”


    4. His Care. 2 Corinthians 13:10-12


He reminded them of his care for them and his concern that when they meet, they would be able to rejoice with one another in truth and the authority invested in him as an apostle would be used for their edification – building up in the truth, and not to their destruction.

Conclusion –  2 Corinthians 13:13-14


As much as Paul desired that they had their lives right with God when he returned, it was not about him but about his Lord, Jesus Christ. It was not so much Paul’s return to them that was so important. It was having them prepared for the Lord’s return that was burdening his heart!
Note the promises recorded about the return of Jesus Christ –

John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.


1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.


For praise of God among men –


Colossians 1:27-29 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:


For presentation unto the Lord –


Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
As we arrive at the conclusion of this letter we want to ask –
Are you ready to meet the Lord today? “…Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…”

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Moses – learning to lead

Posted on April 2, 2016 by sjbjburke

Moses – learning to lead

Called to serve. Exodus 2-6 The preparation of Moses, the servant of God.
Read the following Psalms about Moses. Try to learn about his nature, character, and service. Psalms 77:20; 90; 99:6; 103:7; 105; 106

1. Birth and adoption. 2:1-10

a. Parents 2:1,2

1). Tribe of Levi. Refer to Exodus 6:20
2). Three children.

a). Miriam Exodus 2:4
b). Aaron. Exodus 7:7
c). Moses.

(1). Born in dangerous time. Male infants were to be executed.
(2). Beautiful and so, saved alive. “…he was a goodly child…” Acts 7:20; Hebrews 11:23

b. Providence. 2:3-10 Refer to Acts 7:21,22

1). Care of Jochebed. 2:3. All seems to have been carefully planned.
2). Compassion of Pharaoh’s daughter. 2:5,6
3). Courage of Miriam. 2:7-10

a). The young girl watching over her baby brother.

The way Miriam is introduced in 2:4 implies that she was not much older than Moses, and this is confirmed by the fact that she was still living in her mother’s house at the time. She was therefore old enough to act responsibly in providing Moses’s own mother to nurse the infant, yet she was not old enough to leave her mother’s household. Furthermore, the relative ease with which Miriam approached Pharaoh’s daughter and the readiness of Pharaoh’s daughter to accept such a suggestion all lead to the conclusion that Miriam was probably in her early to mid-teens. Richard Niessen

b). The young girl boldly approached Pharaoh’s daughter and entourage.
c). The young girl’s courage assisted in God’s plan for her brother, Moses, even though most likely unknown to herself.

Pharaoh planned to deal wisely with the sons of Israel by keeping them in check (1:10). Yet God compelled Pharaoh to give board, lodging, and education to the very man who would accomplish the very thing he was trying to prevent. Pharaoh’s wisdom was turned to foolishness. Out of what Pharaoh intended for evil, God brought great good. Pharaoh paid the bill for an education beyond the means of Amram, but in doing so he gave Moses the training which was indispensable to his ministry. God was preparing Moses for his authorship of the Pentateuch, his leadership of Israel, and his administration of the Mosaic covenant and legal code. The Providence of God William. J. McRae

2. Break with Egypt. 2:11-15 40 years old.

a. Rejected his position. 2:11a. Refer to Hebrews 11:24-29

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:17-18

Moses realized that the allurement of this world would not last. If he enjoyed the world’s pleasures, it would be but for a season. In this he shows us something of his remarkable understanding of human nature and the true character of sin. Had he succumbed to the temptation of worldly preferment, he would have been like many of us today who prefer the luxury of our affluent society to the hardships of living for Christ.
George Romney (1734–1802), the famous British painter, was one of these. On one occasion he heard Sir Joshua Reynolds say that marriage spoiled an artist. Romney deserted his wife and family and went to London to make a name for himself. Toward the end of his life, broken in health and dying, he returned to the wife he had forsaken so many years before. It is to her credit that she took him in and cared for him until his death. In a poem charged with pathos, Tennyson depicts Romney’s wife as she tries to comfort him on his death-bed.
“Take comfort, you have won a painter’s fame!”
And from the bitter depths of his soul Romney replies:
“The best in me that sees the worst in me, and groans to see it, finds not comfort there.”
Like many before and since, Romney sacrificed everything for the sake of this world’s applause. He gambled and lost.
Dr. Paul Carlson had a well-paying surgical practice in suburban Los Angeles. He and his family were happy, and were busy working for the Lord in their church. They seemed to have everything going for them. However, in the early 1960’s Paul Carlson gave up everything to follow the leading of the Lord and serve as a medical missionary at Wasolo in the Congo. A communist-inspired rebellion shook the Congo and, with some other missionaries, Paul Carlson was killed. He faced the test of affluence and position in Los Angeles, and chose to obey the Master and go to the Congo. His obedience and dedication is the subject of Monganga Paul, a biography which has been used of the Lord to challenge other Christian young people for missionary service.
Like Moses, Paul Carlson had his eyes on the eternal. Unlike George Romney, Moses put principle before personal preference, saw things in their correct perspective, and made a decision to suffer hardship with the people of God rather than to enjoy the transient pleasures of sin. He considered the stigma that rests on God’s Anointed greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for his eyes were fixed upon the coming day of reward. He weighed the issues of eternity in his mind and decided that the temporal wealth of Egypt was of far less value to him than the “reproach of the Messiah.” Moses, like Paul many years later, and Dr. Carlson in our own day, considers that what things were gain to him, these he counted loss for Christ. Cyril J. Barber

b. Reacted to cruelty. 2:11b-14. Refer to Acts 7:23-25

1). He killed the Egyptian. 2:11b,12
2). He reproved the Hebrews. 2:13,14a
3). He realized his jeopardy. 2;14b

a). The Israelites rejected him. He was identified with Pharaoh.
Raised in the house of Pharaoh. Note Exodus 2:19 “…an Egyptian…”

b). The Egyptians rejected him. He was identified with the Israelites.
Defended an Israelite by killing an Egyptian.

c. Ran from Pharaoh. 2:15

Moses fought the right battle at the wrong time. They all had to learn when to wield the sword, Exodus 17:8-13, and when not to, Exodus 14:10-14. Refer to John 18:10

3. Biding in Midian. 2:16-22

a. The heritage – Midianites.

A race dwelling S and E of Palestine, in the desert N of the Arabian peninsula. There are no trustworthy accounts of Midian outside the Bible. In Scripture, Midian appears in connection with (1) Abraham, (2) Joseph, (3) Moses, (4) Balaam, and (5) Gideon.

1. In Gen 25:1-2 Midian is the fourth son of Abraham by Keturah, and evidently one of those who were sent away into the east country with gifts by Abraham during his lifetime (v. 6). According to the Arab account, “Medyen are the offspring of Shu’eyb, and are the offspring of Medyan (Midian), son of Abraham, and their mother was Kantoor Ga, the daughter of Yukt Aan (Joktan) the Canaanite.” “Medyen is the city of the people of Shu’eyb,” who is “generally supposed to be the same as Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses,” though some deny it.

2. In the time of Joseph we find the Midianites associated with the Ishmaelites so closely that it is hard to define their relationship; perhaps there was a company of Midianite merchantmen in the Ishmaelite caravan (Gen 37:25,27-28,36). In all likelihood the descendants of Ishmael, and Midian, as well as of other exiled children of Abraham, had intermarried. In Judg 8:24 the Midianites seem to be called Ishmaelites. But this latter term may have come to be applied generally to traders of that particular kind, such as Canaanite (which see), which came to mean merchant.

3. In the early life of Moses (Ex 2:15) after killing the Egyptian he fled for refuge to the land of Midian. Here he married the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian, whose sheep he kept for forty years (2:16-21; 3:1; 7:29). At the time of his call he was at Horeb, in the peninsula of Sinai (Ex 3:1). As the Midianites were mostly nomads, this peninsula can have been only a temporary station for pasturage, unless, as is quite possible, it was then more fertile than now. But, according to the Arabians and Greeks, the city of Midian was on the Arabian side of the Arabian Gulf, where in all probability lay the true land of Midian.
(From The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary. Originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright (c) 1988.)

b. The helper. 2:16-20
c. The home. 2:21,22

1). Moses the shepherd.
2). Moses the son-in-law. He married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro.

Note: Was Zipporah the woman mentioned in Numbers 12:1 or did Moses marry again?

And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

…the wife of Moses, whose marriage to him provided an occasion for Miriam and Aaron to criticize their brother (Num 12:1). This problematic text suggests that the woman was either Zipporah, the daughter of the Midianite priest (Exod 2:21), or a second, otherwise unknown wife. If the former is the case, then the Midianites (or at least Jethro) were also considered Cushites. But there is no evidence in the Old Testament or elsewhere to support this equation. A second option is that this is an altogether different woman, Zipporah perhaps having died. The Cushite wife, then, could be truly a Cushite (as the text emphasizes), one whose origins could be traced to the land south of Egypt. The reaction of Miriam and Aaron to this relationship might have a racist motivation—they found racial intermarriage to be abhorrent—or at least they used this as a pretext for challenging Moses’ authority.
The third and best interpretation, however, seems to be that “Cushite” here refers not to the African Cush but to the area of Cushan. This region, as the parallel lines of Habakkuk 3:7 make clear, was essentially identical to Midian. In other words a Cush(an)ite was a Midianite. The quarrel between Moses and his siblings therefore had nothing to do with interracial but only interethnic marriage, one outside the covenant community. The reason Miriam and Aaron had never made it an issue before was that they had never before challenged their younger brother’s leadership. The Peoples of the Old Testament according to Genesis 10 Eugene H. Merrill

4. Behest to serve. 2:23 – 4:31 80 years old.

a. The cry of Israel. 2:23-25
b. The call to Moses. 3:1-4:23

1). God’s revelation of His will.

And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed (3:2).
What a unique phenomenon this is. It is more than a mere vision. It is more than a shrub with brilliant blossoms. It is more than sunset light falling full on a thorn bush and producing the effect of flames. All of these have been suggested. None of them, however, complement the text of Scripture.
It is clear from the text that Moses saw a bush, a humble acacia or thorn bush of the desert; it was on fire, but it did not burn. John J. Davis, in his excellent commentary on Exodus, tells of being amused and amazed at being shown in one “holy place” some of the original ashes from Moses’ burning bush!
What a remarkable symbol of the nation of Israel is this burning bush. As Arthur Pink observes, it is not in a majestic tree of the forest that God appeared to Moses, but in a humble acacia bush—fittingly representing the lowly origin of the Hebrew people (Deut. 26:5). Rather than fruit, the people have borne thorns and fallen under the chastening hand of God. For more than two centuries they have been suffering in “the iron furnace of Egypt”(Deut. 4:20). Fiercely the flames have burned against them, yet they are not consumed. And why? Is it not because the Lord Himself is with them?
When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush, and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God (3:4–6).
And so, from the midst of the burning bush, “the Angel of the Lord” speaks to Moses. Here is one of those rare theophanies of the Old Testament—a pre-incarnate appearance of the second person of the Godhead.
Following the instruction of the Lord, his shoes are removed from his feet. He is standing on holy ground. In response to the self-revelation of God Moses hides his face. He is afraid to look at God. Here is an important lesson for every servant of God. The One with whom we have to do, the One whom we serve, is a holy God, Who is to be feared above all men. Realizing this checks the lightness and levity of the flesh.
With feet bared, with face hidden before his holy God, Moses is now ready for his commission. William J. McRae

2). Moses’ objections to serve. 3:11-4:23

a). He needed assurance in himself. 3:11,12 Depend upon God!
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

“…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20

b). He needed authority to stand upon. 3:13,14
“…Who made thee a prince and a judge over us?” He had heard this before.
c). He needed encouragement that the people would believe. 4:1-9
Why would they believe – He had “been there and done that” before.
d). He needed ability to speak eloquently. 4:10-12
Serving God is not based on ability, it is based on availability! 2 Corinthians 10:10
e). He needed another person to go instead of him. 4:13-17
Moses just did not want to go. He had tried and failed.

(1). A time to learn in the desert.
(2). A time to leave the desert. Obedience is the key.

c. The commitment of Moses. 4:18-23

1). He requested a leave from Jethro. 4:18-20
2). He received a warning from God. 4:21-23

…from the outset Pharaoh was an obstinate rebel whom Yahweh kept alive so that He might reveal His greatness through humiliating and defeating him. Six times Yahweh gave Pharaoh a window of opportunity by issuing a demand and warning, but each time Pharoah closed it. In the middle of this process, he even hardened his own heart. When he closed these windows, he placed himself in a position to be hardened. His first refusal (5:2 ) brought two rounds of divine hardening (7:13, 22 ), his second refusal (8:1–4 ) brought two as well (8:15, 19 ), his third and fourth refusals
(8:20–23 ; 9:1–5 ) brought one (9:12 ), his fifth refusal (9:13–14 ) brought one (9:35 ). The sixth refusal (10:1–11 ) brought three rounds of divine hardening (10:20, 27 ; 14:8 ). Yahweh was more than patient with him.
Second, though Pharaoh did harden himself (8:32 ; 9:7 ), it is not correct to say he initiated the hardening process. Yahweh was the first to harden him (in response to his autonomous rejection of Yahweh) and this hardening activity continued throughout the narrative in response to Pharaoh’s rejection of Yahweh’s command. Nine times the hardening prevented Pharaoh from responding positively to a sign or plague. There is a rhetorical shift as the story unfolds. Early on, the writer observed that Pharaoh’s heart was hard “as the Lord had said.”Later, the hardening was attributed directly to Yahweh. In 4:21 and 7:3 God, the divine “Puppeteer,”announced the program; in the early stages of the narrative one barely sees the puppet’s strings, but by the end of the narrative the curtain covering the platform is pulled aside to reveal the Puppeteer in action.
Third, divine hardening was a form of judgment, which on five occasions even went so far as to reverse a seemingly positive response by Pharaoh. An initial act of refusal precluded repentance later. Any move toward repentance was aborted by God. But four of these “reversals”(in which Yahweh hardened a yielding Pharaoh) came after the king’s fifth refusal, and three reversals came after the sixth refusal. Once more Yahweh’s patience is apparent. Also Yahweh’s hardening activity ironically forced Pharaoh to act in accord with his deep-seated nature. Any yielding on Pharaoh’s part was born out of expedience and panic, not a genuine fear of Yahweh (cf. 9:30 , the truth of which is validated by 10:1–12 ). Divine Hardening in the Old Testament Robert B. Chisholm, Jr

d. The conditions of service. 4:24-26

1). Partial obedience is disobedience.
2). Complete obedience brought peace.

a). With God. “…he let him go…”
b). Not with man. Zipporah returned to her home with their children.

Obedience to God does not often bring peace with man unless they are united in the Lord.

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3:3

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. Luke 12:51-53

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Pride goeth before destruction… the story of Ahab

Posted on April 2, 2016 by sjbjburke

Ahab – Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

I. Ahab’s pride. 1 Kings 20:1-43

A. Ben-Hadad’s threat and the prophet’s word. 1 Kings 20:1-21

1. The appeasement of the aggressors. 20:1-4
2. The anger at the arrogant demand. 20:5-11
3. The assistance of God delivering Israel from danger. 20:12-22

a. The prophet – from persecution to power.

The submissive man of God. We would think he would have acted the same way as Jonah and refuse to deliver the message to his former enemy. His presence brought forth a powerful message from God – MERCY!

Isaiah would proclaim at a later time that which Ahab must have felt then –

Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

b. The promise. 20:13,14 Required trust of those that had turned their backs on God.
c. The power – 20:15-21 The defeat of the enemy was begun by 232 soldiers.
The victory was the Lord’s!
d. The preparation. 20:22
Ahab is not left to relax and revel in this victory – The enemy will return. God gave warning to Ahab.

B. Ben-Hadad’s boast and the prophet’s word. 1 Kings 20:23-30
The servants of Ben-Hadad realized that they were not defeated by the power of Israel’s army, but by the power of Israel’s God. They were right about His power but they were wrong about the extent of His power!

Psalm 102:25 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.

1. The pride of Ben-Hadad set him up for defeat. 20:23-27
2. The power of God gave Ahab the victory. 20:28-30

C. Ben-Hadad befriended and Ahab condemned. 1 Kings 20:31-43

II. Ahab’s greed. 1 Kings 21:1-29

A. Ahab’s desire – to obtain Naboth’s vineyard. 1 Kings 21:1-4

B. Jezebel’s plot – to have Naboth killed and his vineyard confiscated. 1 Kings 21:5-16

1. The chagrin of Jezebel. 1 Kings 21:5-7 She was upset at Ahab’s response.
2. The charge against Naboth. 1 Kings 21:8-10

3. The complicity of the leaders at Jezreel. 1 Kings 21:11-14

The witnesses may have given false witness by misrepresenting the words that Naboth spoke – “And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.”

Leviticus 24:15-16 And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.

Exodus 22:28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.

Naboth would not have been able to deny that he had spoken of God and refused to honour the king.

4. The complete destruction of Naboth’s family 1 Kings 21:15,16

To insure no claim remained on the land by his heirs –

2 Kings 9:26 Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, saith the LORD; and I will requite thee in this plat, saith the LORD. Now therefore take and cast him into the plat of ground, according to the word of the LORD.

C. Ahab rebuked – Elijah confronted Ahab with his sin. 1 Kings 21:17-24
D. Ahab repented – God postponed judgment on his house. 1 Kings 21:25-29
He did not repent in faith, he repented in fear! Refer to –

Micah 6:16 For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.

III.. Ahab’s downfall. 1 Kings 22:1-40

A. Allied with Judah to attack Syria. 1 Kings 22:1-14
B. Warned of defeat. 1 Kings 22:15-28
C. Wounded and died in battle. 1 Kings 22:29-40

The Word of Prophecy fulfilled –

1 Kings 21:19 And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

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Ruth – the portrait of devotion

Posted on April 2, 2016 by sjbjburke

Ruth – a portrait of devotion
I. The decision. 1:1-22
A. Ruth’s marriage. 1:1-5
1. The family History
a. Elimelech, Naomi, Mahlon, and Chilion, of the tribe of Judah and the town of Bethlehem
b. Daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, from the land of Moab.
2. The family relocated to Moab due to a famine in their homeland.
3. The family tragedy. The father and both sons died leaving only the mother in a new country with her daughters-in-law.
B. Ruth’s decision. 1:6-18
1. Naomi decided to return to Judah. 1:6,7
2. Naomi encouraged the daughters-in-law to remain in Moab. 1:8-13
3. Naomi could not discourage Ruth from accompanying her to Judah. 1:14-18
Ruth’s trust in God “..thy God my God:”
C. Ruth’s testimony. 1:19-22
1. Her decision was not for personal gain. 1:20,21
2. Her decision was based on her good character. refer to 2:11 and 3:11
“…for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”
II. The dedication. 2:1-23
Ruth trusted in God and she submitted to His Word! She became part of His people!
A. She worked the field that was at hand. 2:1-3
Gleaning: Refer to Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 10:17-19; 24:19
B. She worked with diligence that gained notice. 2:4-16
1. Boaz noticed her presence. 2:4,5
2. Boaz noticed her perseverance. 2:6-9
3. Boaz noticed her humility. 2:10-13
Note verse 13: Boaz was a respecter of righteousness, not of persons!
4. Boaz provided for her abundantly. 2:14-17 He went much futher than the law required!
C. She worked and shared with Naomi. 2:18-23
III. The desire. 3:1-18
A. The advice from Naomi. 3:1-5
B. The approach of Ruth. 3:6,7
Ruth, still yet a stranger (not a Hebrew, but a proselyte Jew) living among the people, trusted in truth, righteousness, and virtue, and that her actions would not be misinterpreted –
Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
C. The approval of Boaz. 3:8-18
1. The proposal. 3:8,9 (From Ruth)
2. The privilege. 3:10-13 (belongs to another) Deuteronomy 25:6,7
3. The propriety. 3:14-18
a. The discreet departure. 3:14
b. The disclosure of events. 3:15-18
IV. The dividends. 4:1-22
A. Redemption of the land. 4:1-8
B. Ruth taken in marriage. 4:9-12 Ruth: a foreigner (Leah and Rachel) a widow (Tamar)
C. Restoration of a good name. 4:13-17
1. Naomi: she is called ‘Pleasant”.
2. Mara: she is called ‘Bitter’.
3. She is called ‘Blessed’.
D. Record of the family. 4:18-22
Ruth the Moabitess-
Put behind her the influences of the false gods worshipped by the Moabites.
Looked beyond the struggles in Israel due to famine in the land.
Saw a future with and married a young man of Israel.
Refused to be discouraged upon the death of her husband.
Dedicated herself to her mother in law.
Devoted herself to the God of Israel, even though Naomi could only speak bitterly of Him.
Diligent in her labour to provide for their needs.
Followed the instruction of Naomi trusting that her actions would not be misinterpreted.

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Elijah – A study in humanity

Posted on April 2, 2016 by sjbjburke

Elijah – a study in humanity

I. Elijah’s confrontation with Ahab. 1 Kings 17:1- 18:46

(1). The promise of no rain. 1 Kings 17:1-7 Note that this is a direct confrontation to the worshippers of Baal. Will they be able to overcome
the power of Jehovah? The answer, of course, is no. They will receive a three year long object lesson.

The Ugaritic myths depict Baal as a mighty warrior-king who controls the elements of the storm.
As the controller of the storm, Baal was responsible for agricultural blessing. According to the Legend of Kirtu, Baal provided rain and, consequently, food for all:

(2). The provision for the prophet. 1 Kings 17:8-24
(3). The proof of God’s sovereignty. 1 Kings 18:1-46

(a). Elijah’s challenge to Ahab. 1 Kings 18:1-16
(b). Elijah’s confidence in God. 1 Kings 18:17-40
(c). Elijah’s cry unto God. 1 Kings 18:41-46

James 5:17-18 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

II. Elijah’s courage failed. 1 Kings 19:1-21

(1). Dejection. 1 Kings 19:1-4

(a). Crying alone in the desert.

[1]. He became concerned over his personal safety.
[2]. He fled and sought safety in solitude. It seems that he was not a social person.

(b). Contributing factors to his state of mind.

[1]. Decisions because of a completed task. What would he do next?
[2]. Deprivation. He had been living on the edge for years.
[3]. Disappointed.

[a]. Ahab had not repented.
[b]. Jezebel had increased her vehemence.

[4]. Drained. He was exhausted from his activities.

(2). Demonstration of care. 1 Kings 19:5-8

(a). Sleep.
[1]. Rest for the body.
[2]. Peace for the mind.

(b). Food.

[1]. Relaxation in taking food.
[2]. Replenishment of energy.

(c). Encouragement. Go spend time with God.

(3). Deliberation. 1 Kings 19:9-14

(a). Elijah’s self-examination. What were his motives. 1 Kings 19:9,10
(b). Elijah’s object lesson from God. 1 Kings 19:11-13
(c). Elijah’s honest and natural question – why go on? 1 Kings 19:14

(4). Direction. There is work to do if you will do it.

(a). The plan set forth. 1 Kings 19:15-17
(b). The plain truth – a soft rebuke. I kings 19:18

(5). Devotion. 1 Kings 19:19-21

(a). Out of seven thousand faithful servants, God had chosen
Elijah to do this work.
(b). God’s love and care are shown in that He took time to
rebuild this man instead of setting him aside and choosing another.

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Complete Preaching Outline of the Book of James

Posted on November 1, 2015 by sjbjburke

Note from (1978). Bibliotheca Sacra, 135(539), 224 on theme of James –
“His purpose is practical, to present a series of tests whereby his readers can determine the genuineness of their own faith. “The testing of your faith” (1:3) seems to be the key which James left hanging at the front door, intended to unlock the contents of the book. ”

I. Introduction 1:1

II. Instruction on temptation. 1:2-27

A. Response to temptation. 1:2-12

1. Understand the result. 1:2-4 (What may be achieved through the trial)

a. The Proper attitude. 1:2 The believer’s goal. –

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

With the proper attitude, we will see –

b. The purpose achieved. 1:3,4

1). The ‘trying’ can be good as well as evil.

a). Moses did not believe that he could serve God according to God’s will.

Exodus 3:11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

b). Moses stepped out in fear and he grew in faith.

We see this also in the example of the Bible Institute student. The difficulty of the subject seems overwhelming at the beginning of the semester, but faith and patience exercise one another and in due course the fruit of the Spirit increase in the believer.

2). The trial (whether good or evil) is understood to be not a test of self will, but a submission to God’s will, not stoic endurance but spritual dependence. Refer to –

Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

And so by the knowledge of His might and submission to His will –

a). The believer may exchange the frustration and sorrow of the world for the joy of the Lord encouraging one another.

1 Peter 2:20-21 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

b). The believers may exalt the Lord, united in bringing glory to Him!

Romans 15:5-6 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3). The trial can aid in accomplishing God’s will – “the perfect man”.

Romans 5:2-5 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Faith and patience result in a tension that increase each other Just like physical exercise, temptation will exercise us in areas that nothing else will. In modern vernacular we call this ‘cross training’.

When we carefully consider this exhortation from James, we are overwhelmed – “what do I do, where do I begin”? I do not know how, but I do desire to accomplish God’s purpose in my life.

James directs us in the second step in our response, having the proper attitude, we must –

2. Use the resources that God provides. 1:5-8 How to meet the need!
The believer should be –

a. Convinced – God will instruct him. Go does have the answer. 1:5
b. Confident – have faith, trusting God’s promise. 1:6a
c. Consistent – expect to follow God’s leadership. 1:6b-8 “…help mine unbelief…”
Do not have a contingency plan prepared if things seem to be too difficult. Do not plan to fail!

Understanding the result of temptation – the right result “…growing unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” –
Using the resources that God provides –
Will we look at the trials of our lives with a new perspective –
To increase our faith,
To rejoice in the Lord.

3. Uplifted in spirit. 1:9-12 The right attitude – Refer to Proverbs 30:8,9

a. Our standing before God is not based on social position 1:9-11

1). The poor man – “I do not have anything to offer but myself”.
2). The wealthy man – “I have much to offer, but God does not want me because of my wealth, He wants me”!

“After the wealth is gone, I will continue on. I am glad that it was me that God wanted and not those things that fade away.”

3). The wonderful truth – God is no respector of persons –

Ephesians 6:7-9 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

b. Our standing is based on love and a reward is following. 1:12

Some may say “Ask God? He is the one who put me in this situation”! We must remember that the Lord may try us for good, but He will NEVER tempt us will evil”!
Therefore, we need to know the –

B. Reason for temptation. 1:13-18
Why am I facing these troubles? The often asked question.

1. The reason is sin. 1:13

a. Constant fight for control in the believer’s life.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

We should remember God’s warning to Cain –

Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Sin is described as a beast waiting at the door to overpower, to conquer and control Cain. We should note that Cain was not ignorant of this danger. The results of sin would be evident in the lives of his parents and in the relationship that they had with each other. Adam and Eve entered into a struggle with one another when they disobeyed God and the warning given is similar to this warning Cain received –

Genesis 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

The desire of the woman now was to have the rule over the man and the responsibility of the man was to rule over the woman. Sin destroyed the cooperation of the husband and wife and resulted in competition between them.

Cain did not heed God’s warning even though he knew the reality of it, and he was subject to the consequences of sin controlling his life.

We are involved in a battle – an renewed battle every day. We should remember that the Lord Jesus Christ has won the war already and we have the victory in Him, but the individual battles continue until He comes again. There is a constant fight for control.

b. Contentment is like a vapour that disappears quickly.

1). Eve had position, the immediate creation of God who was in partnership with Adam to have dominion over all of the earth. – it was not enough. She desired to be as God and Adam approved of their actions.
2). Lot had possessions – they were not enough, as they kept him separated from the world.
3). David had power – it was not enough. (Bathsheba, I want her and so I will have her)
4). Solomon had respect – it was not enough.
(He could judge every situation except his own)

2. The result is death. 1:14,15
3. The response is submission to the Truth. 1:16-18

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

a. Avoid excuses. 1:13
b. Admit responsibility. 1:14
c. Agree with God and embrace the truth. 1:15-18

1). Reject sin. 1:15,16

1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 John 2:15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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.

2). Rejoice in Truth. 1:17,18

Are you rejoicing in the truth today?
Have you confessed to the Lord that you are a sinner in need of His forgiveness, asking Him to save you?
Are you saved and obeying that which you know God wants you to do?

C. Readiness to face temptation. 1:19-27

Our hearts and minds are like a simmering cauldron which can be stirred up to a boil and flow over either through the passionate flames of the love and glory of God or the vengeful flames of hatred burning like a furnace in our soul. We are warned against ourselves of this temptation that is seeking a voice to be expressed from the depravity of our hearts – which are so deceitful!

Hosea 7:4-7 They are all adulterers, as an oven heated by the baker, who ceaseth from raising after he hath kneaded the dough, until it be leavened. In the day of our king the princes have made him sick with bottles of wine; he stretched out his hand with scorners. For they have made ready their heart like an oven, whiles they lie in wait: their baker sleepeth all the night; in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire. They are all hot as an oven, and have devoured their judges; all their kings are fallen: there is none among them that calleth unto me.

Since temptation comes from within, we must prepare our hearts and minds to overcome it. We cannot accomplish this of ourselves.

Psalms 19:12-13 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

If we are going to be prepared to face temptation, we must yield ourselves to God. Note what James instructs us about –

1. Counsel for victory over temptation. 1:19-21
We are to reflect the righteousness of God in our –

a. Reasoning. 1:19a “…swift to hear…”

Psalms 123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

Ready to hear, desiring to have instruction from God!

b. Response. 1:19b,20 “…slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

This exhortation is not only directed at situations that arise at home or work, but also in church and in the ministry of God. We can destroy spiritual work through our carelessness! People get offended in spiritual matters and, through anger, guilt, or fear strike out at others.

Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Ephesians 4:26-27 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. –
Trying us, tempting us, watching carefully. Remember Job 1:8-11

The exhortation is not only to refrain from sleeping on your wrath, allowing it to grow out of proportion and take control of your emotions, but also this was the beginning of the Jewish day, upon sunset – do not begin a new day in wrath! Sleep in the grace of God and begin the day in the blessings of God –

Psalms 63:3-8 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

Lamentations 3:22-24 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

c. Respect for Him in our testimony. 1:21

1). Reject evil. 1:21a
2). Regard for His Word. 1:21b

To be ready for temptation, we must be –

2. Careful in complete obedience. 1:22-25

a. We are tempted to be –

1). Divided in our loyalty. 1:22a
2). Deceiving ourselves. 1:22b-24

2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

But, if we are to glorify God through our temptations –

b. We are trusted to be – 1:25

1). Devoted to God’s Word. “… Looketh into…”
2). Doer’s of God’s work. “…a doer…”

Do you desire to hear the Word of God?
Do you think about what you hear and consider your response?
Can you be trusted to know God’s Word and do God’s will?

3. Consistent in service. 1:26,27 James defines the difference between –

a. Selfishness. 1:26 Being the focus of attention. “…bridleth not his tongue…”

1). Conceited.

3 John 9-10 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

2). Conniving –

Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; (Forgiven and buried)
but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. (repeated often)

“Spiritual Gossip” such as “Did you hear what she did”? The proper answer is “No, let’s call her and ask her what she did”. That will end a lot of this loose talk. They will wish that they had bridled their tongue!

3). Contradicting the Word of God.

Matthew 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

Isaiah 1:15-18 And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

4). Condemning their own selves. They were self deceived –

John 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

There are those who are just like them today. They need to repent of their sins and turn unto the Lord which will result in –

b. Selflessness. 1:27
The believer needs to be an example to the world –
1 Timothy 4:11-15 These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

1). Caring for others for their good. James 1:27a

a). The connotation of the word “…to visit…”
To visit with a result in mind, a purpose to be achieved.
Note these examples –

Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

Luke 1:68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

Acts 15:14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

Not just to go, but to go and make a difference in their lives!

b). The character of the visitor –

Notice the qualifications of those men in the church who will be dealing with members of the church and especially those in need, such as orphans and widows –

Acts 6:1-3 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

2). Caring for our testimony for God’s glory. James 1:27b

John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

Understanding the purpose of temptation, we are reminded by Peter that submitting to God and seeking His glory, we bring praise to His name and provoke others to follow God and His purpose for their lives –

1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Are you consistent in your love for God and in your service unto Him? James is encouraging us to have faith in God and look after others – God will look after us!

III. Instructions on Faith. James 2:1-26

A. Empty Faith. James 2:1-7

Our faith in Jesus leads us to have a relationship with believers and especially so as members one of another in church. This relationship involves us in fellowship which is based on our faith. We must protect this fellowship from bias – as the Lord did.
The Lord has given us here a method to measure our faith, and with that evidence, we may know our own hearts and minds. Others may measure our faith from the actions manifested out of our hearts.
Do we have empty faith? Partial faith? Full faith?

There is no doubt that we show partiality at times –
Wives/husbands
Family
Friends/colleagues

But partiality should not be shown based on position, economics, popularity.
Let’s look at the warning this morning – how to measure our faith –

1. The conduct of faith. The pattern of conduct is the Lord Jesus Christ. James 2:1

a. The character of God is declared in His Word –

Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

b. The conduct of the child of God is prescribed in His Word –

1). In judgment.

Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

2). In fellowship –

The Lord taught that believer’s should give of themselves without respect of others or expecting a recompense, an equal return.

Luke 14:12-14 Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.

3). In service –

Mark 6:7-10 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place.

The conduct of the believer serving the Lord is not dependent upon material goods or gain. The conduct of the audience, hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ, should not be influenced by material goods or gain! The message is central – what is the message?
Paul set it forth simply –

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 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:

How may we or others described our faith based on our conduct?

2. The conflict between faith and the flesh. James 2:2-5

a. Faith will accept the person – a soul in need of the Saviour.

The sign in front of the church in North Carolina – “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”. Underneath that Scripture was this statement “You catch them, God will clean them”!

b. Flesh applauds the presentation –
The personality, the position, the power.

1 Samuel 16:7 “…for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

c. Faith delights in the will of God. James 2:5
God is no respecter of persons. A man saying that he is “in Christ” cannot be faithful to the Lord and be a respecter of persons. This is contrary to the character of God.

John 6:38-39 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

3. The condemnation of their actions. James 2:6,7
They did not manifest faith in the Lord through their actions.

Conclusion –

The Lord will reward the faithful – the question is –
Do we have faith in His promise?
Do we trust Him for our future?
We know very little about the actual kind of life we will have with the Lord.
Many would rather have a reward now in order that they control results, generally desiring satisfaction or pleasure.

Is our faith empty? Do we trust the Lord that He truly is sufficient in this life and the life to come?
Do we look at our lives and say that we trust the Lord but a little networking for the future does not hurt?
That is EMPTY FAITH!
We should determine today to see people as the Lord sees them. Will we submit to Him in faith?

B. Examined faith. 2:8-13

Wisdom – do we have the wisdom of God or the wisdom of the world? I believe that today’s message will help us to examine ourselves and come to the right conclusion –

Seeking to find a Godly example to follow and encourage us in this life is a good thing. We should not only follow good examples “…follow me as I follow Christ…” But we should seek to be good examples for others.
We must be careful though, to make a difference between looking for an example to follow and looking for a reason to fail!
Too often, we choose to compare ourselves with the imperfect and judge ourselves by a flawed standard and determine that we are okay because we are better or as good as the other people. We are warned that this is not wise –

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

James is speaking to this issue as directed by the Holy Spirit and gives us instruction and warning in these verses that we should examine our faith, not by man’s standard, but by God’s standard –

John 12:47-48 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

James exhorts believers to consider –

1. The Standard has been revealed. James 2:8,9

This declaration makes clear to the believer both the positive and negative results of our actions. We need to remember also that our attitudes and actions come forth from the heart. Some may say that they display good attitudes and actions, but they are simply play acting. We all need to remember that God knows our hearts –

Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Note the standard stated by God by which we should judge ourselves as believers –

a. The standard of righteousness. 2:8
b. The standard of sinfulness. 2:9

If this standard is not clear to all, or if some will argue with God, trying to justify themselves by saying “I showed favour to this man because he is rich – I did not kill anyone! What is the problem?”, we see that James continues to help us understand God’s will –

2. The Standard has been explained. James 2:10,11

a. The Law, the revealed will of God, is the standard by which we will be judged.
b. The Law defines transgressions and penalties.

Let’s look at some principles of law in Exodus 22:1-4

1). The man found guilty of stealing livestock. Exodus 22:1

a). The oxen. The thief shall restore to the owner five oxen for the one that he stole.

(1). The owner not only lost the present use of the ox, but had to replace it
and train it.
(2). The penalty includes not only his present loss, but also his future loss in time finding a replacement and then training it to do the work necessary.

b). The sheep. The thief shall restore to the owner four sheep for the one that he stole.
The owner lost the present use but does not have to train the replacement.

2). The man found breaking into someone’s house. Exodus 22:2-4
This law has two provisions – stealing and self-defense.

a). Stealing. The thief shall restore double for the one he stole if he is caught with the goods that he stole intact or if an animal, alive. Exodus 22:4
(He must repay the fair market value, what he would have paid if he had bought it. The owner receives the original and a new one)

b). Self defense.

(1). In the night time, the home owner can kill the thief to protect his family
and goods.
(2). In the day time, the home owner cannot kill the thief, because he can call
for help and also identify the thief.

We note here the wisdom in the justice system of God! We see that the punishment fits the crime, but no matter how small the crime may seem –

c. The lawbreaker is guilty before God.
The severity of the crime and the penalty does not change the fact that God’s law has been broken and the lawbreaker stands guilty before God!

James was writing to Jewish believers who knew and understood the law, but were justifying themselves by measuring themselves by man’s standard instead of God’s standard.
He is also writing to you and to me to warn us of this same danger – do not think that we will be excused for doing wrong just because other people do the same thing –
3. The Standard should be obeyed. James 2:12
James exhorts believers to live according to the perfect law of liberty –

Matthew 22:37-39 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.

4. The Standard will be upheld. James 2:13

It is a dangerous thing to measure ourselves by our own thinking or the standards that others follow. We are to measure our lives by God’s Word.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

As we stand here before the Lord today submitting to the examination of our lives in the Light of His Standard, His perfect Word, what judgment will we receive –

Will you have –

Just condemnation?
Joyful commendation? “…ye do well”?

There may be some that will hear or read this message and say “You have got to be kidding me! All of this because I showed favour to a rich man over a poor man”?

The answer is YES, all of this because of that – God cares about people – how they feel and how they are treated. We, as His children, have a responsibility to uphold His testimony in all things and especially in this – He is no respecter of persons!

C. Evidence of faith. 2:14-26
James is dealing with mistaken beliefs about faith. We should begin with defining faith according to the Word of God.

1. The Characteristics of Faith

a. Faith in God –
1). Believes in the existence of God
Genesis 3:1-5; Acts 26:27
2). Believes in the power of God
Job 1:7-12
3). Believes in the person of God, the Lord Jesus Christ
Mark 5:7; Luke 4:41; James 2:19
4). Believes in the judgment of God
Luke 16:27-31

This faith is good but as it is, it is just knowledge of which is shared by the unsaved!

b. Faith in God –
1). Believe the testimony of the Word of God – Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah.
John 1:29, John 5:22-24
2). Believe the testimony of the Word of God – I am condemned and in need of salvation
John 3:16-18, 36
3). Believe the Word of God – I will confess Him as Saviour and be saved.
Romans 10:9-13; John 1:12,13

This too is not saving faith unless it is applied – we must act upon the truth that we know!

c. Faith in God –
1). Belief – I am a new creation in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17
2). Belief – I am indwelt and sealed by God the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 1:13,14
3). Belief – I have been saved from death to life, darkness to light
Colossians 1:13; 1 Peter 2:9
4). Belief – I have new life in Christ which leads to living a new life for Christ
2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Hebrews 11:1

This is knowledge of the truth that has been mixed with faith bringing forth salvation!

d. Faith in self –

Exodus 5:2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.
2 Chronicles 32:15-16 Now therefore let not Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you on this manner, neither yet believe him: for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of mine hand? And his servants spake yet more against the LORD God, and against his servant Hezekiah.

Titus 1:15-16 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

This is faith in self, self serving and self deceiving leading to judgment and eternal punishment.

No matter which characteristic of faith you hold, you are identified with it by your actions. Your faith will manifest itself in your conduct!

2. The Consideration of faith. 2:14-17 What is the true relationship of faith and works?

James is asking us to consider specifically the characteristics of saving faith.

a. Is saving faith a living faith? 2:14

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

b. Is saving faith manifested in good works? 2:15,16

1). Faith is not revealed by good intentions. Good intentions do not always produce good actions.
2). Faith produces action!

c. Is saving faith dead? Can a dead man help you: feed you, clothe you, house you?

Some had faith – they believed that Jesus is who He claimed to be, but they did not confess Him as their Saviour. They had faith that he was the Son of God but they did not have saving faith that would change their lives. They did not want their lives to change!

John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

There were others, that in the life time of Jesus that had saving faith in Him, but they kept it secret – they did not let people know they were believers because they were afraid.

John 19:38-39 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.

We note that they had saving faith though, because the love of God for them led them to love Him and that love overcame their fear and they confessed Him as their Lord – by doing good works. Their works revealed their faith!

3. The Challenge of faith. 2:18,19

The challenge to truth may be brought forth by one that says “I am a Christian, I have faith in God”. The reply is simple – “Where is the evidence of your faith”?
Your earnest belief is good, but if that is all that it is, your belief is no different than that of Satan or the demons. They know and believe in God with all of their being, but they are not saved! The have not submitted to Him or obeyed Him.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

4. The Conclusion 2:20

Faith without works is not saving faith! It is simply belief that something is true.

This brings us to the evidence of the case being presented –

5. The Cooperation of faith and works. 2:21-26 Faith and works

Works grow out of faith, revealing the faith to the world. Do you have faith? How do you know? Do those around you know that you have faith?

IV. Accountability of Teachers. James 3:1-18
A. Control (Godly). 3:1-12
To understand the context of these verses, we must remember the foundational truth James stated in chapter one, that trials, when rightly understood and submitted to, will encourage the development of the believer into the perfect man.
Now another characteristic of the perfect man is noted – the ability to control the tongue.
1. The decision to lead must be made in the assurance of God’s will. James 3:1,2
The leader is in a position of blessing –
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

But, we must realize that –

a. The leader is responsible to know God’s will.
b. The leader is responsible to direct in God’s way.
c. The leader is accountable to God.
1 Peter 5:1-4 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
1). He must take his position seriously –
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
2). He must take his preparation seriously –
Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by they words thou shalt be condemned.
2. The dominion of man. 3:3,4
a. God has given man dominion over the earth, to subdue and control –
Genesis 1:26-28 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
b. God has given man the wisdom and ability to fulfill his command.
1). Men have developed ways and means to have dominion over the animals – to train them to serve man. “…we put bits in horses mouths, that they may obey us…”
2). Men have developed ways and means to harness the power of creation itself to accomplish the goals of man. “…yet they are turned about with a very small helm, witheroever the governor listeth.” (desires)
3). Men have developed respect for the limitations involved in each of these endeavors. Sin has reduced man’s ability in the accomplishment of dominion. Creatures and creation may turn on man and destroy him.
Leviticus 26:20-22 And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits. And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins. I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.
4). Men have developed a respect for the person of God through the revelation of His absolute power and authority of both creature and creation.
Luke 8:24-25 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
If we would fulfill the will of God, we must learn to submit to God, then His will shall be accomplished through His working in us and through us.
In order to overcome, we must humble ourselves and submit!
The question is presented forcefully in James 3:3,4 – “Behold….Behold…”, yet we have so little control over the things that we say! The fact is – We are often unconcerned about the condition of our hearts!
3. The danger of lack of control. 3:5-8
Fires of unconcern – in America in the early 1940’s an icon was created to remind people of the danger of forest fires. The destruction caused by major forest and wild fires each year is beyond calculating in monetary value. In 2003 in a forest in southern California, a man who had gotten lost lit a small signal fire, hoping that someone would see the smoke and rescue him. The fire got out of control and eventually destroyed 280,000 acres of forest (twice the size of Singapore). The icon created by the government is Smokey the Bear. His purpose is to constantly remind people of the danger and he has always had one message – “Only you can prevent forest fires”!
This tragedy is an illustration of careless destruction of property, but in reality is no comparison to the emotional and spiritual destruction caused by an untamed heart spewing forth careless words.
4. The difficulty of this control. 3:9-12
Is it possible that while so much effort is invested in dominion over the creatures and creation, we have little desire to control our tongues?
We feel entitled to our opinions and obligated to express them without fear or favour. We must remember that our words can destroy. Our words reflect the condition of our heart?
Are our hearts right with God today?
Are you a child of God, having your faith in Him for salvation through the finished work of His blessed Son, the Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross, was buried, and rose again the third day –
Romans 10:9-13 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Do you have a bitter heart, one that you cannot seem to control – call upon the Lord for His help – Remember the Israelites as they came out of Egypt and needed pure water –
Exodus 15:23-25 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

God can and will make the bitter heart sweet if you call upon Him!

B. Content (Godly). 3:13-18

James now refers back to his initial statement as given in chapter 3, verses 1 and 2. He gave a warning about the leader’s character as it is revealed in his speaking. Now he turns to the leader’s character as revealed through his conduct. James defines the character of two kinds of leaders – The Counterfeit teacher and the Consecrated teacher.

1. The Counterfeit teacher James 3:14-16

a. He has defective impression of self. 3:14
He is told to “…glory not…”, saying that he is not to have pride in his own wisdom!
His told to “…lie not against the truth.”, saying that he is not to justify himself.

As if he was a spiritual doctor, James diagnosed –

1). The condition of the heart. 3:14a “…bitter envy and strife…”

James prescribed –

2). The confession of the truth. 3:14b
He must admit that his wrong thinking is because –

a. He has a deceitful heart –

Psalm 36:1-3 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful. The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.

b. He has defective information. 3:15 Because of defective information –
c. He has defective results. 3:16

A wrong heart readily accepts wrong information which will always result in wrong actions. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for having this attitude –

John 5:41-44 I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

The counterfeit teacher is seeking to be full of self and promote his own image instead of seeking to glorify God and grow into the fulness of the image of His Son Jesus Christ.

We must always endeavour to keep before us the admonition of Paul to the Ephesians –

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

With this exhortation, we turn to –

2. The Consecrated teacher. James 3:13, 17-18

John 17:16-17 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

In chapters one and two, James presented a measure for our faith. Here he is presenting a measure for our motive in our service and conduct – for the glory of the Lord or for the glory of self.

The consecrated teacher –

a. He is consistent in faith and practice. James 3:13

“…let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”

The Lord is telling us through James that we need to be known by our works and that those works should be with “meekness of wisdom”. In order to show “meekness of wisdom”, we must know what it is – we need to define what is being advised.

1). The definition of meekness – ‘humility, submission to God’s will’
2). The definition of wisdom –

a). According to Webster’s dictionary, a concise definition of wisdom is –
“The right use or exercise of knowledge…”
b). According to God’s Word, we are to pursue it –

Proverbs 4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

Roy Zuck in his Theology of the Old Testament lists how we should pursue wisdom –

(1). He is to listen for it. Proverbs 1:33; 2:2
(2). Seek it. Proverbs 8:17.
(3). Acquire it. Proverbs 4:6–7
(4). Love it. Proverbs 4:6; 8:17
(5). Esteem or value it. Proverbs 4:8

c). According to God’s Word, wisdom is to be found in the Lord.

Proverbs 2:4-6 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

The consecrated teacher is to be humble, relying on the Lord (Meekness) and teaching others about the Lord and His will through His Word.

b. He is consistent with the characteristics of Godly faith. James 3:17,18

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1). The fruit of righteousness define his character. James 3:17 Who he is.

a). Pure
b). Peaceable
c). Gentle
d). Easy to be intreated
e). Full of mercy and good fruits
f). Without partiality
g). Without hypocrisy.

2). The fruit of righteousness is manifested in his life. James 3:18 What he does.

Conclusion:

The difference the consecrated teacher makes is bringing people in unity to fulfill the will of God, having a testimony that honours God and glorifies Him through their witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the will of God –

John 17:20-23 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

Today – are you saved and living for the Lord, having this testimony – serving Him in the “meekness of wisdom”?
Do you know that you have done all that God wants you to do up to this point in time? Nothing is left undone.
Are you saved? Have you repented of your sin and called upon the Lord for salvation?

V. Instructions on Humility. James 4:1-5:6

A. Covetousness. James 4:1-10

James addresses the recipients as “my brethren” fifteen times throughout this letter. The Holy Spirit kept them before him, making this intensely personal for James.
You might ask “why is it so important to determine that this letter was written to believers”? It is important because it seems that the exhortation in Chapter Four should be written to the unsaved, not the saved! But is is written to Christians and we need to read it carefully and prayerfully! Do we see ourselves condemned by these words?

1. Revealed the problem. James 4:1a
“Whence come wars and whence come fightings among you”?

We should review these questions as we begin –
Are there times that there is –
Dissension in the church?
Division in the church?
Disturbance in the church?

The answer is certain – yes to each.
Does God condemn this activity in His church? The answer is again – yes!

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us.

2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed.

What do we do if we are that person? or to put it more personally – “What do I do if I am that person”?
We need to identify the cause and then provide the solution. This is what James has done –

2. Recognized the cause. James 4:1-5

James uses two words that are translated ‘lust’ in these five verses. We need to understand that these words can be used in a good as well as bad way depending on the context. ‘Lust’ is also translated ‘desire’ and we see the good use of the word in James 4:5 and in the following verses –

Matthew 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

The word used in its evil context is ‘lust’ translated from the word ‘hedone’ (hay doe nay) which means pleasure or pleasures. Men seeking to please the flesh. The word is used in this connection in James 4:1 and 4:3.

James deals with the cause of the sinful actions of men by revealing –

a. Their Covetousness. 4:1b

1 Timothy 6:10 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.

2 Timothy 4:10 “…For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica…”

b. Their Conflict. 4:1c,2

James rebukes this rebellion against the will of God. Note the contrast between the perfect will of God and the perverted will of man –

1). The perfect will of God.

Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

2 Corinthians 9:8-11 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.

2). The perverted will of man. 4:1c,2

a). They fight among themselves –
“…war in your members…”, “…ye kill and desire to have…”, “…ye fight and war…”

b). They forget the Lord who has purchased them with His own blood.
“…yet ye have not, because ye ask not.”

At times they will remember God’s promise of provision and blessing and their actions in the flesh will simply increase –

c. Their Confusion. 4:3

James charges them that in their frustration and desire to have, they even call upon the Lord in prayer to get what they want! The seek God’s assistance to gain power and prosperity to enhance their own standing, seeking to glorify self. Prayer is –

1). In the name of Jesus according to the will of God –

1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Or –

2). In the name of Jabez?

1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

About fifteen years ago a man wrote a book instructing people in how to control God. He promised that if one read his book once each week and prayed this prayer each day, God would give the desires of the person.
The truth is that this prayer was a spontaneous prayer from Jabez to God, not a model prayer for all. Jesus taught the disciples and us how to pray and He did not refer us to Jabez!
People became excited and took up this prayer to enable them to get what they wanted from God, not thinking about what God wanted for them. James is speaking of this kind of prayer – “… Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

d. Their Condemnation. 4:4 “Ye adulterers and adulteresses…” Unfaithful to God!
e. Their Conviction. 4:5

The struggle in the believer between the flesh and the Spirit.

1). The believer should be convinced that he is a child of God.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

2). The believer should be convicted that God’s will is right for his life.

Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

3). The believer should be consistent in his submission to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18-21 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Are you saved? Are you sure?

3. Recommended the solution. James 4:6-10

a. Repent unto the Lord. James 4:6
b. Resist the devil. James 4:7

1). The exhortation to the believer. “…Resist the devil…”

a). The devil is the originator of pride –

Isaiah 14:12-14 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! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

b). The devil is the propagator of pride.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

2). The example of the Lord. “…God resisteth the proud…”

God resists the Devil and He resists all those that are lifted up with pride. We have already been commanded by the Lord through James in chapter one that “the double minded man is unstable in all his ways” Jesus warned allegiance must be given to one master –

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Now we must consider the practical issue – how in the world can I resist the devil? He is more powerful and knowledgeable that I am!
God will always provide that which we need to accomplish His will in our lives!

3). The enabling of the Lord.
We are commanded to ‘…resist the devil…” How? Refer to Ephesians 6:1-18

A positive action must accompany this resistance of the devil –
c. Return to the Lord. James 4:8,9

Proverbs 8:17-18 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.

1). Confession. 4:8

King David, through pride in privilege and position, sinned against God. He was an easy prey for Satan to attack –

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.

David resisted God in his pride and acknowledged his suffering –

Psalm 32:3-4 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer.

He finally sought the Lord, submitted himself to God and confessed his sin –

Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.

2). Contrition. 4:9

When we repent and return, we know the sadness of a broken heart – not only that of our own heart, but of the one that we hurt by our actions. We return in grief of mind and heart. We prepare ourselves to meet the one that we have offended.
Remember the attitude of the prodigal son as recorded in Luke chapter 15, returning home, not as a son, but a servant. His fear of rejection was turned to rejoicing because of the love of his father who was praying for his son to repent and return. This is an illustration of the Lord’s love and mercy for His children to come to Him –

d. Rejoice in the Lord. James 4:10

When we, believers, acknowledge the truth of God that James has stated and act accordingly by humbling ourselves, He will forgive us and restore us to fellowship with Himself.

Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

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.

This is a wonderful promise of God and will bring forth rejoicing in our lives!

This promise of protection and provision of forgiveness is for the saved, those that have trusted in the Lord for salvation.
There is a promise for the unsaved, those lost and held in the bondage of sin –

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

James again helps us to understand humility by warning of the dangers of –
B. Criticism of the brethren. 4:11,12

As we look at this we must remember that discernment and action are responsibilities that God has given to His children. The issue is this – who sets the standard by which judgment is made?

1. The exhortation – 4:11a

Leviticus 19:16-18 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Illustrate – Miriam and Aaron speaking evil of Moses. They must have spoken to each other about Moses and invented a reason to challenge his leadership.

Numbers 12:1-2 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.

The one, whether Miriam or Aaron, who brought up the issue should have been rebuked by the other and both been in submission to the leadership that God established!

2. The explanation – 4:11b,12

a. God instituted the Law and revealed it through His Word.

1). He revealed it through His Word.
2). He judges all things according to His Word.

John 12:47-48 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

b. God instructs man to submit to His Word.

1). We are to judge ourselves according to His Word.

1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

2). We are to judge others according to His Word.
Speak to them, not about them! Refer to Matthew 18:15-17

a). The command to Pastors

(1). To judge themselves –

1 Peter 5:2-3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

(2). To judge the church –

Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

b). The command to people –

(1). Caring for them –

Colossians 3:12-14 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

(2). Correcting them. Refer to how Acquila and Priscilla helped Apollos.

Acts 18:25-27 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

(a). They did not cast him out, they called him in.
(b). They did not teach him as his masters, they explained to him as his mentors.
(c). They did not restrict him, they recommended him. They trusted the Holy Spirit would lead him and that he would follow that leadership!

3. The encouragement
a. Maintain the right relationship –

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.

1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

When we have the right relationship with God and our brethren, we can –

b. Minister with God’s Word

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

We want to consider you in love today and provoke you for your good –
Are you saved? Have you trusted in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross for your salvation?

Pride can raise our estimation of ourselves and our abilities, while we look down on others, we raise our –

C. Confidence in self. 4:13-17

We should be aware that men have the potential to accomplish great things on their own –

Genesis 11:6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

But James warns us of this self confidence that leads to –

1. Predictions of success in our own strength. 4:13

Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

2. Presumptuous attitudes. 4:14,15

a. Man has little control over any of that which he is dependent on for success! 4:14
(health, natural elements, demand for product, public acceptance)
b. Man should rely on the leadership and blessing of God. 4:15 “…ought to say…”

3. Pride. 4:16 “…rejoice in your boastings…”

a. The evil inclination of man-

The religious and government leaders in Israel –

Isaiah 56:10-12 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.

They had no fear of God and no expectation of judgment! Even after God’s judgment fell on them and they were carried away to a strange land by the Chaldeans, many of them refused to repent –

Jeremiah 6:17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

It is amazing how pride can lead one into the depths of depravity “I am worthy to make my own decisions and what right do you have to judge me?”

God has always rebuked man’s pride –

b. Examples from Scripture –

1). Refer to Luke 12 (this man’s greatest failure was his appraisal of his greatest success)

Luke 12:15-20 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

We have examples from two men who loved God which reminds us that any of us are capable of this sin of pride –

2). Hezekiah boasted of God’s blessings on his life and set himself up to fail –

2 Chronicles 32:24-25 In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign. But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

3). Josiah boasted (by his actions) of God’s favour and paid with the loss of his life.

c. Examples from history. Men boast of their achievements

1). The Titanic – the ship that could not sink!
2). The British R101 dirigible disaster in 1930. Flying from England to India, made it to France and crashed with the loss of 48 lives. The R101 was a government project with the intention of impressing the world with British innovation and power.

d. Exhortations to humility.

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Through these instruction on humility dealing with covetousness, criticism, and confidence in self, James brings us to the –

4. Practical application. James 4:17

a. Seek the Lord’s guidance.
b. Submit to the Lord’s guidance.

Remember the consequences that the Israelites endured in their disobedience to God’s will.
Numbers chapter 14

God instructed Israel to cross the Jordan River and claim the land promised to them through the promise to Abraham. The people rebelled against the command of God and were judged accordingly. The people then changed their minds and determined to go in and claim the land but it was too late for them. They would have to suffer the consequences of their rebellion. God leads us for our own good. We need to seek His guidance and submit to it. Our pride can destroy our future – for various reasons we might say that we know better than God. We do not! Trust Him and follow Him through His Word.
James’ warning of these characteristics – covetousness, criticism, confidence in self, concludes with the –

D. Condemnation of the ungodly rich. 5:1-6 (trust in riches) –

Which we will see next week. Today we need to examine ourselves and use the measure provided by James to determine whether we are trusting in God or trusting in self!

Trusting in God – have you trusted in Him through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and His accomplished work at Calvary in satisfying the justice of God through His death on the cross?

Are you saved and yet have not obeyed the Lord in baptism? Baptism does not save us but it is the first step in obedience to God after salvation.

Are you seeking God’s will and serving as He directs you?

James’ warning of these characteristics – covetousness, criticism, confidence in self, concludes with the –

D. Condemnation of the ungodly rich. 5:1-6 (trust in riches)

1. The exhortation to them. James 5:1

We need to know that James is not rebuking church members in particular, but all men in general, including believers, making them aware of the dangers and warning them of the judgment appointed to those who turn from the love of God and their neighbors to the love of power, position, and possessions.
In writing Psalm 73, the psalmist has accurately described the feelings that many of us have had or are having as we consider the prosperity of others, especially the prosperity of those that do not confess faith in God. Read Psalm 73
The Lord is reminding us here again of the danger that the love of wealth can bring into our lives. Even believers can become like unto the lost in the pursuit of wealth and power. As Paul so plainly wrote –

1 Timothy 6:10 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.

Note the testimony of Achan. The men of Israel had been given clear instructions not to take any of the property they came across in battle for the city of Jericho. Achan did not obey the command of God and his sin effected the army of Israel. When brought to trial, he gave this excuse –

Joshua 7:20-21 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

This is the attitude that James is condemning in this portion of his letter. Even though the wealthy people he is speaking to may not have stolen outright, they are robbing God and man through their attitudes and actions.
The pattern is always the same – seeing, coveting, taking.

2. The evidence against them. James 5:2-3b
a). Worthless in the sight of God. 5:2,3a
“…are corrupted…are moth eaten…is cankered…”

b). Evidence of their unrighteousness. 5:3b
“…shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire.”

3. The explanation of their actions. James 5:3c-6

These live a life in the realm of negative behaviour – ‘Never’ being the guiding principle –

a. Never enough! “…heaped treasure together…” 5:3b

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?

b. Never trusting! “…kept back by fraud…” 5:4 The thought –

“If I give it away, how will I regain it.”
“My employees can afford to wait to get paid.”
“If I give my money away and then have a need, they cannot afford to give back to me.” “I will keep what I have for myself and will pay them when I can!”

c. Never in peace! “…lived in pleasure …being wanton…” 5:5

Ecclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

d. Never satisfied! “…condemned and killed the just…” 5:6

People are simply a resource to them to provide what they need and what they want. The people are as expendable as their stock animals in the time of slaughter or the products of the earth.

1). King David disposed of Urijah in order to have his wife.
2). Jezebel killed Naboth in order to give his vineyard to Ahab for a present.
Both of these just men were considered to simply be nuisances to be dealt with.

Conclusion:
James speaks of their ownership which they will not be able to deny as they stand before the Righteous Judge –
“Your riches”
“Your garments”
“Your gold” and being understood –
“Your silver”.
As much as they owned these things, they must accept ownership of the consequences –
“Your miseries”!
What could have been a blessing has become a curse because they rejected humility and embraced pride looking only to the exaltation of self!

We are not a repository of God’s wealth, we are agents of God’s wealth. We are to use and disperse it at His direction. God’s blessings are to flow through us to others!

VI. Instruction on the Coming of the Lord James 5:7-11 God reveals His –

A. Grace – patience to wait on Him. James 5:7,8

Do not be distracted from what is most important!

These believers had grown up under the teaching of the Scriptures. They understood that God’s faithful people looked at the former rain as a promise of the latter rain.

Deuteronomy 11:13-15 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full.

God is reminding them again that His blessing of salvation will come to completion – He has saved them and just as sure as the latter rain followed the former, He is coming for them. His working in them is toward one purpose – He has saved them from the penalty of sin and His coming will save them from the power of sin which will lead to being saved from the presence of sin.

Revelation 21:23-25 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

James instructs the believers to –

1. Present themselves – 5:7a Give your life with all that it involves to the Lord –

Romans 12:1 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.

We are not sitting like patience in a waiting room to be called in to see the doctor – we are serving “…and ye shall be witnesses unto me…” Therefore we are to –

2. Patiently serve – 5:7b

The Lord again illustrates this truth with the example of the farmer who works out God’s plan in his life: prepares the ground, plants the seed, following the rain he tends the plants, after the latter rains the plants mature and the harvest is prepared.
There are times that this work is difficult and slow.

Jeremiah 4:3 For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.
God told the Jews to break up the hard ground so that the seed could be sown. It takes work, patience, and trust in the Lord.

3. Prepare for His coming. James 5:8 “…for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh…”

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

They need to be prepared because in His –

B. Mercy – judgment is waiting. James 5:9
“…lest ye be condemned, the judge standeth befor the door.”

Mercy is God not giving us that which we deserve – He witholds judgment, but He will not forget judgment – He is at hand! He is at the door! The imminent return of the Lord.
We are to remember that the Lord is Judge and that we as believers are to walk worthy of His calling –

Romans 12:19-21 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

C. Justice – Judgment is sure. James 5:10,11

1. The Trial of Job. James 5:11
Remember that this was the earliest book and Job’s testimony was known.

a. His righteousness “Ye have heard of the patience of Job…”

1). The condemnation of the accusers.
2). The confession of Job.

b. His reward. “…Have seen the end of the Lord…”

1). The responsibility of Job to pray for his friends.
2). The restoration to Job of that which he lost.

2. The trust of the prophets. James 5:10 “…and having not seen…”
Their trust was steadfast through their trust and by the example of others.

James encouraged the believers “…be ye patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord…”. The Lord is coming! Many trials are going to be faced. Much forgiveness is going to be needed – in our own lives through repentence and for others through offenses.
Our faith is tested –
Our conduct is tested –
Our humility is tested –
How do we measure up to the standard that God has set?

Psalm 65:10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.

I pray today that God will make our hearts soft and ready to receive His Word, the good seed, and that it will be mixed with faith unto salvation.

He has given us His grace, His mercy, and His justice. He has taught that we should trust Him and serve Him faithfully. Have you trusted Him today?

VII. Instruction on integrity. James 5:12

A. Integrity is required of believers. Refer to Matthew 5:33-37.

We are following Paul’s outline as given to Timothy in to examine the instruction of the Lord as recorded by Matthew

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

1. The reproof. Matthew 5:33

a. The tradition practiced.

1). Do not perjure yourself (swear falsely)
2). Do that which you have sworn unto the Lord to do.

b. The truth – swearing was legitimate only as proscribed by God.

Leviticus 19:12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

Deuteronomy 6:13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

The Pharisees and Scribes had turned the practice of swearing into that which would be to their advantage. If they swore to anything other than by the Lord, they were not constrained to keep the promise. The Lord exposed this practice to all in the presence of the Pharisees and then continued with –

2. The rebuke. Matthew 5:34-36 Refrain from this practice of swearing.
The practice of swearing in daily life led to the practice of swearing in anger – note the response of the High Priest as he interrogate the Lord Jesus –

Matthew 26:63-65 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

Both of these emotional outburst were forbidden by the Law of God but common practice led to contempt for the principles of God!

3. The exhortation Matthew 5:37 – be honest and dependable.
Swearing is not necessary at all. The believer’s word should be enough!

B. Integrity is required of believers at all times in every circumstance. James 5:12
The reinforcement of the truth taught by the Lord.

We should remember that from the beginning of this letter, James had had one purpose –
To instill in the believer this goal. –

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

This man is identified by his faith, he is identified by his conduct, he is identified by his humility, he is identified by his patient service unto the Lord. To all of this is added –
He is identified by his integrity – “… : but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay;…”.
Is it possible that James was listening as Jesus gave these same instructions in Matthew 5:33-37.
I believe that it is also possible that the Lord brought the words of Hosea to James’ mind to help him understand this admonition to his readers –

Their words –

Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
And then their actions as noted by the Lord –

Hosea 6:4 O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

As we noted last week, they were instructed to serve the Lord in patience, knowing the early rains and waiting for the latter rains.

We note from Hosea 6:3 that the spirit was willing, but from Hosea 6:4 the flesh was weak!

James is instructing them to not rely on vows and promises to be trusted of others. He is instructing them to be people of integrity and they would be trusted of others!

Notice the action of Joshua in keeping his word even though he had been tricked by the Gibeonites. He did not say “They deceived me and I am not obligated to keep my word”. He was responsible to seek the Lord’s guidance before giving his word, which he did not do. He was obliged to keep his word in order to keep his integrity.
Joshua 9:16-19

The message is to believers – the children of God and speaks of God’s desire that we reflect Him in our lives through integrity – in every circumstance! We, as Christians individually and as Ipoh Bible Baptist Church corporately need to have the testimony of truth and faithfulness. Is that our testimony today? James has again given us a measure of our lives – how to we measure up to God’s expectations. Are we growing unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ?
The message for unbelievers is that you have an opportunity to come to the Lord for salvation today? Will you give your life to Him?

VII. Instruction on prayer. James 5:13-18 Today we will be looking at verses 13 – 15.

As an introduction to the purpose of this portion of James’ letter we should read Paul’s statement to the church in Ephesus as to their responsibilities to one another –

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Personal spiritual growth is to enhance the corporate spiritual growth of the church. We are to grow strong individually that we may grow strong corporately- “edifying of the body of Christ”.
The believer who is applying the truths that James has presented in his letter will grow strong spiritually. We will be fulfilling Peter’s admonition to begin our spiritual growth nourished in the milk of the Word as an infant and a young child,

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

And Paul’s exhortation to grow strong life through the truths of God’s Word.

Hebrews 5:13-14 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 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.

With spiritual growth comes wisdom and understanding. We know that we do not live unto ourselves – we must rely on God, we must respond to the needs of others and we must restore those that have erred. Let’s look at these three subjects today –

A. The Reliance. James 5:13-15

1. In times of trouble. James 5:13a “… Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.”

Psalm 91:14-15 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Paul and Silas illustrated the work of God in the lives of His children as they went from prayer to praise –

Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

2. In times of rejoicing. James 5:13b “… . Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”
Being thankful for God’s blessings!

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:…
Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:…
You can influence those around you.

3. In times of sickness James 5:14-15

The believer that is ailing is instructed to seek healing from God through this three fold plan He has set forth here –

a. The Pastors “… let him call for the elders of the church…”
The Pastor has been given the responsibility by God for –

1). Counseling in God’s Word.

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

2). Caring for God’s people.
3). Correcting misconceptions and wrong thinking.

1 Thessalonians 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

b. The Prayers. “… and let them pray over him…”

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

c. The Prescription. “… anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord…”

Anointing with oil. In this case, the oil prescribed is olive oil. This is not what is promoted today as a miraculous healing oil. It is simply God’s medicinal oil! God’s Word reveals the history of the use of oils and salves for medicinal purposes –

1). 4,000 years ago –

Genesis 37:25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

2). 2,500 years ago –

Isaiah 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

Jeremiah 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

3). 2,000 years ago.

Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

4). The present time. A medical website lists some of the medicinal uses of olive oil.

Olive oil is used to prevent heart attack and stroke (cardiovascular disease), breast cancer, colorectal cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and migraine headache.

Some people use olive oil to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, blood vessel problems associated with diabetes, and pain associated ear infections, arthritis, and gallbladder disease.

Olive oil is applied to the skin (used topically) ringing ears (tinnitus), pain in the ears, lice, wounds, minor burns, psoriasis, and for protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage after sun exposure.

Conclusion:
Pastors, Prayers, and Prescriptions – God uses this three fold plan to engage His children in caring and helping one another in times of sickness.
As God has provided through James a measure for our faith, our conduct, and our humility, He has given us a pattern of our fellowship and dependence on one another. Are we prepared to minister to one another in any need in life? Do we fulfill the law of God –

1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Let us follow His plan and “edify the body of Christ”.

James presented God’s Word to enable believers to measure their faith, conduct, and humility. He also encourages us in patient service while looking for the imminent return of our Lord. Now, he completes the letter with the test of fellowship through prayer. We have noted the believer’s reliance on God and one another, and this is as it should be. This morning we will finish the messages of the Book of James and complete his thought on the responsibility and opportunity of the brethren to edify one another.

VII. Instruction on prayer. James 5:13-18
A. The Reliance. James 5:13-15
1. In times of trouble. James 5:13a “… Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.”
2. In times of rejoicing. James 5:13b “… . Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”
3. In times of sickness James 5:14-15a

The words used here denote either physical disease or emotional despondency. Either of these conditions can incapacitate a person, leaving them weak, feeling helpless and hopeless. In times like this, the believer is instructed to call for the pastor to come and minister to them as we saw in the last message. This time of compassion being shown, care bestowed, and counsel being given, should be a time of self examination.

B. The Reflection. James 5:15b
“… and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”

The Apostle John repeated the instruction that James gave here in his first letter –

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.

And Matthew recorded the relationship between sickness and sin –

Matthew 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

This man, along with these men, knew that his primary need was of forgiveness. The physical healing was simply an illustration of the spiritual healing!

Matthew 9:6-7 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house.

Upon being restored to good health and especially if one is restored to a right relationship with God, James reminds us that sin against God may have also involved sin against men. Forgiveness needs to be sought from the Lord first, but this should lead to seeking forgiveness from the offended person. Therefore James instructs us in –

C. The Response. James 5:16-18

1. The expectation. James 5:16a
The brother or sister has been shown compassion in the ministry of the church. The pastor has manifested the love of the Lord in his ministry to this person. Now we are instructed to continue in this care for one another through the confession of sins and prayer for one another. We must understand the underlying truth of this instruction – we must have a love for God and for one another that enables, even constrains us to confess our offenses personally and even if necessary, publicly. We do not mind so much to share praises in the congregation or to pray in the congregation, but to confess our faults – that is something different altogether. All of what James has written leads to this point – a necessary component in growing into the stature of the fulness of Christ – being that perfect man. When we have offended – confess it!

Colossians 3:12-14 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Also, We must be prepared to intercede for the brethren. These verses, speaking of the confession and forgiveness of sin, reveal not only the possibility, but the probability of sin being involved and we must be prepared to forgive and pray for the brethren.

2. The earnest desire. James 5:16b

3. The example. James 17,18
The Prophet Elijah as noted in 1 Kings 17:1 and 1 Kings 18:41-44

a. The person: He was of the same nature as other men.
b. The prayer.

1). He prayed for the rain to be held back by the Lord according to God’s instruction.
2). He prayed for the glory of the Lord to be manifested in accepting his offering.
3). He prayed for the rain to be restored to the land, but notice in this case –

c. The persistence.
He prayed seven times for the rain to be restored. Notice that Elijah prayed earnestly, expecting the Lord’s will to be done. We need to learn to be persistent in prayer in the accomplishment of God’s will. Do not stop until you know that what God wants to be done is done!

Not everyone will be submissive to the Lord’s conviction and they will bring judgment upon themselves, but this judgment belongs to the Lord and while we pray for His correction in their lives, we need to be praying for them to submit, confess, and be restored into fellowship with the Lord and His people –

D. The Restoration. James 5:19, 20

1. The interest shown in the brother’s testimony.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2. The intercession to save the brother’s life.

1 John 5:15-16 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

When God judged the sin and declared the penalty to be death, His judgment was righteous and there was no point in interceding for these. A few examples are Korah, Achan, and –

Leviticus 10:1-2 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

But the Lord reveals many instances where He has responded in mercy to the intercession of His children. Remember Abraham, Moses for examples.
Upon repentance with confession, the brother is restored in the fellowship of the church. The unity of the church is maintained and the Lord is glorified.

The instruction in prayer leads to unity of the brethren. James gave us a measure of our prayer life. Do we love one another enough to pray and give of ourselves to one another.
James letter reflects the words of our Lord in summary –

Mark 12:29-31 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Today we ask the question – Do you love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and mind? You cannot love Him unless you have responded to His love for you in repentance and faith, trusting Him as your Saviour. Are you saved?
As you measure your life by His Word that He has led James to write, how do you measure up? How is your faith, your conduct, your humility, your expectation of His return, your fellowship? If there is something that is not right this morning, then settle it with the Lord and if necessary, with one another.

Remember the words of Paul –
Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

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