Matthew 26:31-35 -Christ foretells Peter’s denial
John 18:15-27 -Peter denies Christ
Luke 22:54-62 -Peter denies Christ, then weeps
Peter’s Teaching on Denying Christ
Acts 3:11-26 -The Jews had denies the Holy One (Christ)
I Peter 3:13-17 -Sanctify Christ in your heart, be ready to give an answer
II Peter 2:1-17 -False teachers, denying the Lord
Denying Christ in Word
Matthew 10:32-33 -Whoever denies Christ, Christ will deny
Romans 10:8-13 -With the mouth, one confesses unto salvation
Denying Christ in Action
Titus 1:15-16 -Deny God through works
Jude 3-19 -Ungodly men who deny God and Christ
I Timothy 5:3-8 -Those who don’t provide for family deny the faith
I John 2:18-23 -Antichrists deny the Father and Son
Showing posts with label Sin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sin. Show all posts
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Run Away! - 11/15/09pm
I Timothy 6:6-11 -Flee these things
II Timothy 2:22 -Flee youthful lusts
I Corinthians 6:18-20 -Flee sexual immorality
Sometimes Christians do not flee sin. Perhaps it is because they assume that this is strictly something to be done mentally (which is sometimes the case). But it is also something that must be done physically. When you find yourself in a situation or around people that brings temptation, run away! Literally! Even better, think ahead and as much as possible do not allow yourself to be placed in that situation or around those people.
If you find yourself tempted by people to speak foul language, gossip, or tell obscene jokes, get away from them! If you find yourself tempted by the people you around to drink, get away from them! Or, as in the example that we are about to look at, if you are tempted towards fornication, run away! Remove yourself far from the temptation.
Genesis 39:1-23 -Joseph and Potipher’s wife
Genesis 41:1-57 -Joseph released and promoted
Genesis 42:1-7 -Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt for food
Genesis 46:1-7 -Israel moves to Egypt
It’s worth noting that because Joseph chose to flee from sin, salvation was obtained. In this case, literal salvation for his family. When we choose to flee from sin, salvation is there.
But when you flee, where do you go?
Hebrews 6:17-20 -Flee to God for refuge
II Timothy 2:22 -Flee youthful lusts
I Corinthians 6:18-20 -Flee sexual immorality
Sometimes Christians do not flee sin. Perhaps it is because they assume that this is strictly something to be done mentally (which is sometimes the case). But it is also something that must be done physically. When you find yourself in a situation or around people that brings temptation, run away! Literally! Even better, think ahead and as much as possible do not allow yourself to be placed in that situation or around those people.
If you find yourself tempted by people to speak foul language, gossip, or tell obscene jokes, get away from them! If you find yourself tempted by the people you around to drink, get away from them! Or, as in the example that we are about to look at, if you are tempted towards fornication, run away! Remove yourself far from the temptation.
Genesis 39:1-23 -Joseph and Potipher’s wife
Genesis 41:1-57 -Joseph released and promoted
Genesis 42:1-7 -Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt for food
Genesis 46:1-7 -Israel moves to Egypt
It’s worth noting that because Joseph chose to flee from sin, salvation was obtained. In this case, literal salvation for his family. When we choose to flee from sin, salvation is there.
But when you flee, where do you go?
Hebrews 6:17-20 -Flee to God for refuge
Saturday, November 7, 2009
You've Got to Crucify Somebody - 11/8/09pm
Matthew 27:15-50 -Christ’s crucifixion
We are all familiar with the crucifixion of our Lord, and of what it means to us. We are aware of the pain and agony and of the burden Christ bore that we might be forgiven of our sins and have the hope of eternal life. As we will see, there are two options available to us. Either we can crucify Christ, or we can crucify self.
Crucifying the Son of God
Acts 2:14-41 -Peter’s sermon on Pentecost
Acts 3:12-26 -Sermon to the Jews, convicting them of crucifying Christ
Hebrews 6:4-6 -They crucify for themselves the Son of God
If we choose to sin, we choose to crucify Christ, for we have made it necessary. When you sin, you crucify and shame the Son of God.
Crucifying Self
If we do not wish to crucify Christ, we must instead crucify self. We must put our own desires, self-will, and sin to death and shame, and live as a new man, alive to Christ.
Galatians 2:20 -Crucified with Christ
Galatians 5:19-25 -Crucified the flesh with its passions and desires
Romans 6:5-14 -The old man is crucified, dead to sin, alive to Christ
We are all familiar with the crucifixion of our Lord, and of what it means to us. We are aware of the pain and agony and of the burden Christ bore that we might be forgiven of our sins and have the hope of eternal life. As we will see, there are two options available to us. Either we can crucify Christ, or we can crucify self.
Crucifying the Son of God
Acts 2:14-41 -Peter’s sermon on Pentecost
Acts 3:12-26 -Sermon to the Jews, convicting them of crucifying Christ
Hebrews 6:4-6 -They crucify for themselves the Son of God
If we choose to sin, we choose to crucify Christ, for we have made it necessary. When you sin, you crucify and shame the Son of God.
Crucifying Self
If we do not wish to crucify Christ, we must instead crucify self. We must put our own desires, self-will, and sin to death and shame, and live as a new man, alive to Christ.
Galatians 2:20 -Crucified with Christ
Galatians 5:19-25 -Crucified the flesh with its passions and desires
Romans 6:5-14 -The old man is crucified, dead to sin, alive to Christ
Friday, October 2, 2009
Two Kings' Pride - 9/27/09pm
Proverbs 11:2 -Pride brings disgrace, humility brings wisdom
Proverbs 16:18 -Pride goes before a fall
Nebuchadnezzar
Daniel 4:1-37 -Nebuchadnezzar is full of pride, but is humbled
Belshazzar
Daniel 5:1-31 -Belshazzar is proud, and does not humble himself
James 4:6-10 -Humble yourself
I Peter 5:1-9 -Humble yourself
Proverbs 16:18 -Pride goes before a fall
Nebuchadnezzar
Daniel 4:1-37 -Nebuchadnezzar is full of pride, but is humbled
Belshazzar
Daniel 5:1-31 -Belshazzar is proud, and does not humble himself
James 4:6-10 -Humble yourself
I Peter 5:1-9 -Humble yourself
The Prince of this World - 9/27/09am
John 16:5-11 -The prince of this world stands condemned
These three passages speak of the prince of this world in relation to Christ’s crucifixion. It is at this time that prince of this world will be defeated. And the fulfillment of the first prophecy of Christ will be fulfilled (Genesis 3:15).
II Corinthians 4:3-6 -The god of this age has blinded unbelievers’
Minds
Satan is not only the prince of this world, but its god. It is he that so many follow, even without realizing it. We must be aware of what it means to make Satan your king.
What can we learn about Satan from scripture?
It is easy to follow him
It is easy to follow Satan. All you have to do is…nothing. Do whatever you want, whatever seems good to you, and you are following him. He doesn’t ask anything of you, except that you do what it easiest, and ignore whether it is right or wrong. You don’t have to actively follow him, you can passively serve him if you choose.
Romans 6:12-23 -Slave to sin = serve sin = serve Satan
James 4:17 -Not doing the good you should be doing is sin
I John 3:8 -He who does what is sinful is of the devil
He constantly seeks new subjects
Satan is always on the lookout for more people to serve under him. He’s always looking for people to convert to his banner.
I Peter 5:8 -Like a roaring lion, seeking who he can devour
-He is always prowling, looking for someone new
Luke 4:2 -Satan even tempted the Christ
-If he was tempted God‘s Son, he’ll tempt us
Luke 8:12 -Takes the word from their hearts
-He will do what it takes to make people ignore
the word of God
He is crafty
While he is looking for new subjects, he is crafty and deceptive. He will lie and disguise himself, doing whatever it takes to gain followers.
Matthew 13:37-39 -Satan places his followers among the good
Ephesians 6:11 -The devil schemes
Matthew 4:1-11 -Satan twists the word of God to his own ends
Genesis 3 -Adam, Eve, the serpent, and the fruit
He is deceptive
Satan is a liar. He lies about what it means to serve him, he lies about what is good and righteous, he lies about eternity, he lies about who is saved and who is not. Those who follow him are deceived, and we must be careful to not be so deceived!
II Corinthians 11:14-15 -Satan disguises himself as an angel of light
John 8:44 -He is a liar and the father of lies
II Timothy 3:12-14 -Evil men and imposters deceive and are
Deceived
He is limited in power
For a prince, a king, he is limited in power. He does not possess the power and might of the Lord God, but is hampered in what he does. He is not omnipotent, omniscient, or omnipresent. Would you want to serve a king who is so weakened?
Job 1-2 -Satan is limited in what harm he can cause
The reward for following him will be to spend eternity with him
We are promised that if we live according to what he wants, if we serve him in this life, if we follow him as our king, that we will be rewarded with spending eternity with him, in the place prepared for him.
Revelation 20:10-15 -Those not written in the book of life are thrown
into the lake of fire
Matthew 25:41-43 -Those who sinned through omission sent to the
eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels
These three passages speak of the prince of this world in relation to Christ’s crucifixion. It is at this time that prince of this world will be defeated. And the fulfillment of the first prophecy of Christ will be fulfilled (Genesis 3:15).
II Corinthians 4:3-6 -The god of this age has blinded unbelievers’
Minds
Satan is not only the prince of this world, but its god. It is he that so many follow, even without realizing it. We must be aware of what it means to make Satan your king.
What can we learn about Satan from scripture?
It is easy to follow him
It is easy to follow Satan. All you have to do is…nothing. Do whatever you want, whatever seems good to you, and you are following him. He doesn’t ask anything of you, except that you do what it easiest, and ignore whether it is right or wrong. You don’t have to actively follow him, you can passively serve him if you choose.
Romans 6:12-23 -Slave to sin = serve sin = serve Satan
James 4:17 -Not doing the good you should be doing is sin
I John 3:8 -He who does what is sinful is of the devil
He constantly seeks new subjects
Satan is always on the lookout for more people to serve under him. He’s always looking for people to convert to his banner.
I Peter 5:8 -Like a roaring lion, seeking who he can devour
-He is always prowling, looking for someone new
Luke 4:2 -Satan even tempted the Christ
-If he was tempted God‘s Son, he’ll tempt us
Luke 8:12 -Takes the word from their hearts
-He will do what it takes to make people ignore
the word of God
He is crafty
While he is looking for new subjects, he is crafty and deceptive. He will lie and disguise himself, doing whatever it takes to gain followers.
Matthew 13:37-39 -Satan places his followers among the good
Ephesians 6:11 -The devil schemes
Matthew 4:1-11 -Satan twists the word of God to his own ends
Genesis 3 -Adam, Eve, the serpent, and the fruit
He is deceptive
Satan is a liar. He lies about what it means to serve him, he lies about what is good and righteous, he lies about eternity, he lies about who is saved and who is not. Those who follow him are deceived, and we must be careful to not be so deceived!
II Corinthians 11:14-15 -Satan disguises himself as an angel of light
John 8:44 -He is a liar and the father of lies
II Timothy 3:12-14 -Evil men and imposters deceive and are
Deceived
He is limited in power
For a prince, a king, he is limited in power. He does not possess the power and might of the Lord God, but is hampered in what he does. He is not omnipotent, omniscient, or omnipresent. Would you want to serve a king who is so weakened?
Job 1-2 -Satan is limited in what harm he can cause
The reward for following him will be to spend eternity with him
We are promised that if we live according to what he wants, if we serve him in this life, if we follow him as our king, that we will be rewarded with spending eternity with him, in the place prepared for him.
Revelation 20:10-15 -Those not written in the book of life are thrown
into the lake of fire
Matthew 25:41-43 -Those who sinned through omission sent to the
eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels
Sunday, June 21, 2009
"There is no God" - 6/21/09pm
Psalm 53: 1 -The fool says in his heart, there is no God, and so sin
Psalm 14:1 -The fool says in his heart, there is no God, and so sin
The psalmist begins both of these psalms by detailing a group of people: those who say that there is no God. And in this foolishness, disregarding the Lord, they choose to sin.
Psalm 19:1-3 -Creation tells of the glory of God
Romans 1:18-23 -Creation teaches of the divine nature
I Corinthians 1:17-25 -The wisdom of the gospel
Psalm 53:2-3 -The Lord looks for someone seeking Him, and finds none
Psalm 14:2-3 -The Lord looks for someone seeking Him, and finds none
These verses consider that the Lord is unable to find people seeking Him. This is not to say that no one was serving the Lord, but only that it was a small minority.
Genesis 18:16-33 -The Lord cannot find 10 faithful men in Sodom
Hebrews 11:6 -The Lord rewards those who seek Him
Psalm 53:4 -Don’t evil doers see God’s judgments?
Psalm 14:4 -Don’t evil doers see God’s judgments?
Those who have turned from God, even to the point of denying Him, do not see His judgments and works. Much like the Israelites in the time of Moses, they choose to ignore the great things that God has done, and the warnings that god has given.
Numbers 14:1-9 -The Israelites, ignoring God’s actions, rebel against Him
Psalm 53:5 -An unnecessary fear
Psalm 14:5 -And unnecessary fear
The unrighteous often have a fear of things in their life. Going beyond concern and crossing into fear, there is great worry about the things in this life. There is also often a fear of death. Someone following the Lord does not have these fears, trusting in the Lord.
I John 4:7-5:2 -Perfect love casts out fear
Psalm 14:6 -Evildoers compared with those who find refuge in God
In this verse, those who do not follow the Lord are compared with those who do. The unbeliever does not listen to the believer, scorning the word of God. The believer, in turn, finds refuge in the Lord.
Acts 7:51-60 -Steven is not heeded, finds refuge in the Lord
Psalm 53:6 -Prayer that the Lord will save His people
Psalm 14:7 -Prayer that the Lord will save His people
David calls to the Lord to save His people at the end of this psalm. We too should have such a focus: of seeking the Lord’s approval and of trusting in the Lord’s salvation. That is, of finding refuge in the Lord.
Matthew 1:18-23 -Jesus, who will save the people from their sins
I Peter 1:3-9 -The salvation of your souls
Psalm 14:1 -The fool says in his heart, there is no God, and so sin
The psalmist begins both of these psalms by detailing a group of people: those who say that there is no God. And in this foolishness, disregarding the Lord, they choose to sin.
Psalm 19:1-3 -Creation tells of the glory of God
Romans 1:18-23 -Creation teaches of the divine nature
I Corinthians 1:17-25 -The wisdom of the gospel
Psalm 53:2-3 -The Lord looks for someone seeking Him, and finds none
Psalm 14:2-3 -The Lord looks for someone seeking Him, and finds none
These verses consider that the Lord is unable to find people seeking Him. This is not to say that no one was serving the Lord, but only that it was a small minority.
Genesis 18:16-33 -The Lord cannot find 10 faithful men in Sodom
Hebrews 11:6 -The Lord rewards those who seek Him
Psalm 53:4 -Don’t evil doers see God’s judgments?
Psalm 14:4 -Don’t evil doers see God’s judgments?
Those who have turned from God, even to the point of denying Him, do not see His judgments and works. Much like the Israelites in the time of Moses, they choose to ignore the great things that God has done, and the warnings that god has given.
Numbers 14:1-9 -The Israelites, ignoring God’s actions, rebel against Him
Psalm 53:5 -An unnecessary fear
Psalm 14:5 -And unnecessary fear
The unrighteous often have a fear of things in their life. Going beyond concern and crossing into fear, there is great worry about the things in this life. There is also often a fear of death. Someone following the Lord does not have these fears, trusting in the Lord.
I John 4:7-5:2 -Perfect love casts out fear
Psalm 14:6 -Evildoers compared with those who find refuge in God
In this verse, those who do not follow the Lord are compared with those who do. The unbeliever does not listen to the believer, scorning the word of God. The believer, in turn, finds refuge in the Lord.
Acts 7:51-60 -Steven is not heeded, finds refuge in the Lord
Psalm 53:6 -Prayer that the Lord will save His people
Psalm 14:7 -Prayer that the Lord will save His people
David calls to the Lord to save His people at the end of this psalm. We too should have such a focus: of seeking the Lord’s approval and of trusting in the Lord’s salvation. That is, of finding refuge in the Lord.
Matthew 1:18-23 -Jesus, who will save the people from their sins
I Peter 1:3-9 -The salvation of your souls
Monday, April 6, 2009
Saul's Hypocrisy - 4/5/09pm
I Samuel 28:3-6 -Saul inquires of God, who does not answer
I Samuel 28:7-10 -Saul consults a medium, regardless of forbidding it
I Samuel 28:11-25 -Samuel appears, tells Saul the outcome of battle
Saul, having outlawed mediums as he should have, goes and consults one. Instead of following what he had rightly said, he plays the hypocrite when it is more convenient. We must cautious not to do the same!
James 3:13-18 -Wisdom from above is without hypocrisy
I Peter 1:22-2:3 -Rid yourself of hypocrisy
Christ upbraided many for their hypocrisy. We see a number of specific occasions which Christ condemned as hypocritical. We must be careful not to fall into the same path.
Matthew 6:1-7 -Hypocritical charity and praying
Matthew 6:16-18 -Hypocritical fasting
Matthew 23:13 -Hypocritically shutting the kingdom against men
Matthew 23:14 -Hypocritical religion of pretense
Matthew 23:15 -Hypocritically seek others
Matthew 23:23-24 -Hypocritically keeping the measurable parts of law
Matthew 23:25-28 -Hypocritically appear clean, with internal uncleanness
Matthew 23:29-30 -Hypocritically ignore lessons
Colossians 3:17 -In word or deed to all in the name of the Lord
One of the issues of hypocrisy is that it is not just an action. As with other things, it comes from the heart. Perhaps we are deliberately working to make others think we are better than we are. Perhaps we are deceiving ourselves that our hypocritical actions are acceptable. Perhaps we do as Saul did, and act different from what we teach when it is convenient. Each time, it speaks of what is truly in our heart.
Matthew 5:8 -Blessed are the pure in heart
Matthew 15:10-20 -What comes out of man, from the heard, defiles him
We know that we will be judged by our actions in the last day. That does not mean that those actions can be hypocritically done, however. Our hearts must be in line with serving the Lord, as well as our deeds.
Psalm 7:9-17 -The Lord justly judges hearts
I Samuel 28:7-10 -Saul consults a medium, regardless of forbidding it
I Samuel 28:11-25 -Samuel appears, tells Saul the outcome of battle
Saul, having outlawed mediums as he should have, goes and consults one. Instead of following what he had rightly said, he plays the hypocrite when it is more convenient. We must cautious not to do the same!
James 3:13-18 -Wisdom from above is without hypocrisy
I Peter 1:22-2:3 -Rid yourself of hypocrisy
Christ upbraided many for their hypocrisy. We see a number of specific occasions which Christ condemned as hypocritical. We must be careful not to fall into the same path.
Matthew 6:1-7 -Hypocritical charity and praying
Matthew 6:16-18 -Hypocritical fasting
Matthew 23:13 -Hypocritically shutting the kingdom against men
Matthew 23:14 -Hypocritical religion of pretense
Matthew 23:15 -Hypocritically seek others
Matthew 23:23-24 -Hypocritically keeping the measurable parts of law
Matthew 23:25-28 -Hypocritically appear clean, with internal uncleanness
Matthew 23:29-30 -Hypocritically ignore lessons
Colossians 3:17 -In word or deed to all in the name of the Lord
One of the issues of hypocrisy is that it is not just an action. As with other things, it comes from the heart. Perhaps we are deliberately working to make others think we are better than we are. Perhaps we are deceiving ourselves that our hypocritical actions are acceptable. Perhaps we do as Saul did, and act different from what we teach when it is convenient. Each time, it speaks of what is truly in our heart.
Matthew 5:8 -Blessed are the pure in heart
Matthew 15:10-20 -What comes out of man, from the heard, defiles him
We know that we will be judged by our actions in the last day. That does not mean that those actions can be hypocritically done, however. Our hearts must be in line with serving the Lord, as well as our deeds.
Psalm 7:9-17 -The Lord justly judges hearts
Innocence, Sin, and Turning Back - 4/5/09am
We often look at salvation. Usually we look at what God has done and what we must do. We consider the necessity of it. Today I would like to spend a few minutes examining salvation as a timeline. Beginning with when we are born, and ending when, hopefully, we pass from this life having faithfully served the Lord.
Innocence
When we are born, we are sinless and pure. This state continues until, knowing sin, we choose to transgress.
Ecclesiastes 7:29 -Man is created upright
Ezekiel 18:17-20 -No inherited sin: the soul who sins shall die
Matthew 18:1-6 -You must be converted and be like little children
Matthew 19:13-15 -The kingdom belongs to those like children
Genesis 2:15-17 -Man not to eat of the tree in the center of the garden
Genesis 3:1-13 -Knowledge of good and evil, sin
Sin
We have all sinned. We have all chosen to turn against the Lord and follow our own wills at some point, and so separated ourselves from God.
Romans 3:23 -All have sinned and fallen short
I John 3:4-9 -Sin is transgression of the law
James 4:17 -Sin of omission
I John 2:15-17 -Love for the things of this world
Isaiah 59:1-2 -Your sins have separated you from God
Genesis 3:14-24 -Adam and Eve driven from paradise in punishment
Turning Back
We each have opportunity in our lives to return to God and have our sins washed away. We must choose to do so.
II Corinthians 7:8-11 -Godly sorrow produces repentance
Luke 15:3-10 -Rejoice over repentant sinners
James 2:14-26 -Not only faith, but obedient works are required
Colossians 2:9-14 -Buried in Christ through baptism
Have you taken this step of turning back to God? Or are you content to stop in the second stage of life, with the guilt of sin? Will you not repent? If you have done so, are you continuing in it?
Matthew 24:13 -The one who endures to the end shall be saved
II Timothy 4:6-8 -I have fought the good fight, finished the course
Innocence
When we are born, we are sinless and pure. This state continues until, knowing sin, we choose to transgress.
Ecclesiastes 7:29 -Man is created upright
Ezekiel 18:17-20 -No inherited sin: the soul who sins shall die
Matthew 18:1-6 -You must be converted and be like little children
Matthew 19:13-15 -The kingdom belongs to those like children
Genesis 2:15-17 -Man not to eat of the tree in the center of the garden
Genesis 3:1-13 -Knowledge of good and evil, sin
Sin
We have all sinned. We have all chosen to turn against the Lord and follow our own wills at some point, and so separated ourselves from God.
Romans 3:23 -All have sinned and fallen short
I John 3:4-9 -Sin is transgression of the law
James 4:17 -Sin of omission
I John 2:15-17 -Love for the things of this world
Isaiah 59:1-2 -Your sins have separated you from God
Genesis 3:14-24 -Adam and Eve driven from paradise in punishment
Turning Back
We each have opportunity in our lives to return to God and have our sins washed away. We must choose to do so.
II Corinthians 7:8-11 -Godly sorrow produces repentance
Luke 15:3-10 -Rejoice over repentant sinners
James 2:14-26 -Not only faith, but obedient works are required
Colossians 2:9-14 -Buried in Christ through baptism
Have you taken this step of turning back to God? Or are you content to stop in the second stage of life, with the guilt of sin? Will you not repent? If you have done so, are you continuing in it?
Matthew 24:13 -The one who endures to the end shall be saved
II Timothy 4:6-8 -I have fought the good fight, finished the course
Saturday, January 10, 2009
The Temptation of Christ: Spotting Sin for What It Is - 1/11/09am
Luke 4:1-4 -Man does not live by bread alone
In this temptation, Satan presents Christ with a suggestion: that He turn rocks into bread. On the surface, it seems a reasonable suggestion, as there’s certainly nothing wrong with eating bread. Yet, had Christ given in, it would have been sin. It would have been a misuse of His divine power, and it would have been following the wrong priority.
Deuteronomy 8:1-5 -Man does not live by bread alone
Matthew 6:19-33 -Seek first the kingdom
Luke 4:5-8 -Worship the Lord your God
In this next temptation, Satan offers Christ a great deal, and all He has to do is worship the devil! Christ refuses. Was the world Satan’s to give? Of course not. Sin often appears to offer us more than it can actually give. It often seems more beneficial than it is in truth.
Deuteronomy 6:13-15 -Fear the Lord your God and serve Him only
Daniel 4:24-32 -The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men
Hebrews 11:24-26 -”The passing pleasures of sin”
Luke 4:9-12 -Do not tempt the Lord your God
In this third temptation, Satan tells Christ to throw himself off the temple, because God will save Him. He even quotes scripture to encourage Him. Christ refuses. We see (at least) two things here about sin. It can come along with misused scripture. And it is putting God to the test: it is a challenge against the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1-16 -Satan’s quoted verses: God’s protection of the faithful
Deuteronomy 6:16-19 -To not put the Lord your God to the test
Exodus 17:1-7 -Israel tempts God at Meribah
Luke 4:13 -Left until an opportune time
Mark 1:4-11 -Jesus’ baptism immediately before fasting in desert
We see that Satan is good at what he does. He waited to tempt Christ until he was sure Christ was hungry. When he was rebuffed, he left “for a season” and awaited further opportunities. We also see that this temptation comes immediately after Christ’s baptism. Just as he did for the Lord, he does for us: awaiting times when we are weak, looking for opportune times, and expending special effort after we flee him and obey Christ.
Genesis 4:7 -Sin is crouching at the door
I Corinthians 10:12-13 -Take heed, lest we fall
In this temptation, Satan presents Christ with a suggestion: that He turn rocks into bread. On the surface, it seems a reasonable suggestion, as there’s certainly nothing wrong with eating bread. Yet, had Christ given in, it would have been sin. It would have been a misuse of His divine power, and it would have been following the wrong priority.
Deuteronomy 8:1-5 -Man does not live by bread alone
Matthew 6:19-33 -Seek first the kingdom
Luke 4:5-8 -Worship the Lord your God
In this next temptation, Satan offers Christ a great deal, and all He has to do is worship the devil! Christ refuses. Was the world Satan’s to give? Of course not. Sin often appears to offer us more than it can actually give. It often seems more beneficial than it is in truth.
Deuteronomy 6:13-15 -Fear the Lord your God and serve Him only
Daniel 4:24-32 -The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men
Hebrews 11:24-26 -”The passing pleasures of sin”
Luke 4:9-12 -Do not tempt the Lord your God
In this third temptation, Satan tells Christ to throw himself off the temple, because God will save Him. He even quotes scripture to encourage Him. Christ refuses. We see (at least) two things here about sin. It can come along with misused scripture. And it is putting God to the test: it is a challenge against the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1-16 -Satan’s quoted verses: God’s protection of the faithful
Deuteronomy 6:16-19 -To not put the Lord your God to the test
Exodus 17:1-7 -Israel tempts God at Meribah
Luke 4:13 -Left until an opportune time
Mark 1:4-11 -Jesus’ baptism immediately before fasting in desert
We see that Satan is good at what he does. He waited to tempt Christ until he was sure Christ was hungry. When he was rebuffed, he left “for a season” and awaited further opportunities. We also see that this temptation comes immediately after Christ’s baptism. Just as he did for the Lord, he does for us: awaiting times when we are weak, looking for opportune times, and expending special effort after we flee him and obey Christ.
Genesis 4:7 -Sin is crouching at the door
I Corinthians 10:12-13 -Take heed, lest we fall
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Gluttony - 11/23/08pm
Matthew 11:6 -”Give us our daily bread”
In Christ’s example prayer, we see an example of what we should want: our daily bread. He is focused on what we need, and no more. As is reiterated in other passages (Proverbs 30:8-9), we should be willing to limit ourselves, our consumption, and our appetites. Anything else is gluttony.
Gluttony is obviously a part of our daily culture, and is something we encounter almost every day of our lives. It is something we see often, and I’m afraid we have grown so used to it that it no longer bothers us, and we often engage in it freely. We usually think of gluttony only in dealing with food. But it is entirely possible to be gluttonous in other aspects of life. As will see, the concept of gluttony can easy apply to a wide variety of things. It is well worth our time to see what the Bible has to say about gluttony, then compare it with our own lives.
1. Gluttony is opposed by God
A. Under the Old Law
Deuteronomy 21:20 -Stoning of gluttonous children
Exodus 16:15-21 -Gathering too much manna
B. Under the New Law
I Corinthians 10:31 -”Eating” and give glory to God
Colossians 3:1-17 -Guidelines for Christian living
I Peter 2:11-12 -Desires of the flesh
I Peter 4:3-5 -Drinking and feasting
Galatians 5:19-21 -Works of the flesh - feasting/banqueting
If Gluttony is not something that God wants, then obviously it is something we should avoid. We see consistency throughout the Bible regarding gluttony. Now, since we have the blanket statement condemning gluttony, why else is gluttony wrong?
2. Gluttony shows a lack of self control
I Timothy 3:1-5 -Elders to have self control
Titus 2:11-14 -Elders to have self control
II Peter 1:5-9 -Add self control
Galatians 5:22-26 -Fruit of the spirit is self control
Gluttony knows no bounds. People give into gluttony because they lack the will power and self control to stop themselves. We show our godly self control by not becoming gluttons.
3. Gluttony is idolatry
Colossians 3:5 -Greed is idolatry
Philippians 3:18-19 -Their god is their stomach
Anything that comes before God on a person’s priority list becomes an idol. If we give into gluttony, we make our stomach, our appetites, our god. We give power to that god, and we allow that god to guide out lives. Are we really so foolish to let our appetites be what we worship?
4. Gluttony shows a focus on worldly things
Proverbs 23:1-3 -Don’t have a strong desire for food
Proverbs 23:21 -Lovers of feasting come to be needy
Proverbs 28:7 -Company of feasters brings shame to fathers
I Corinthians 6:12-13 -Food for the body, and worldly desires should be less important than serving God
Philippians 4:19 -God will provide what you need
Matthew 6:25-34 -Take no thought for tomorrow
Romans 8:5-8 -Mind on the flesh
A glutton is focused on the things of this world: what he wants now. By giving into the temptation, we remove our sight from God. This is another dangerous aspect of gluttony: by removing our focus from where it should be, it makes it easier to give in to other sins.
5. We should hunger for spiritual food instead!
John 4:27-38
Our focus should be spiritual food, not on the things of this world! If we hunger first and foremost for spiritual food, then it is far easier to withstand the temptations of this life. Instead of weakening, we will find ourselves strengthened. And instead of only being filled for a short time, we will be filled for eternity.
In Christ’s example prayer, we see an example of what we should want: our daily bread. He is focused on what we need, and no more. As is reiterated in other passages (Proverbs 30:8-9), we should be willing to limit ourselves, our consumption, and our appetites. Anything else is gluttony.
Gluttony is obviously a part of our daily culture, and is something we encounter almost every day of our lives. It is something we see often, and I’m afraid we have grown so used to it that it no longer bothers us, and we often engage in it freely. We usually think of gluttony only in dealing with food. But it is entirely possible to be gluttonous in other aspects of life. As will see, the concept of gluttony can easy apply to a wide variety of things. It is well worth our time to see what the Bible has to say about gluttony, then compare it with our own lives.
1. Gluttony is opposed by God
A. Under the Old Law
Deuteronomy 21:20 -Stoning of gluttonous children
Exodus 16:15-21 -Gathering too much manna
B. Under the New Law
I Corinthians 10:31 -”Eating” and give glory to God
Colossians 3:1-17 -Guidelines for Christian living
I Peter 2:11-12 -Desires of the flesh
I Peter 4:3-5 -Drinking and feasting
Galatians 5:19-21 -Works of the flesh - feasting/banqueting
If Gluttony is not something that God wants, then obviously it is something we should avoid. We see consistency throughout the Bible regarding gluttony. Now, since we have the blanket statement condemning gluttony, why else is gluttony wrong?
2. Gluttony shows a lack of self control
I Timothy 3:1-5 -Elders to have self control
Titus 2:11-14 -Elders to have self control
II Peter 1:5-9 -Add self control
Galatians 5:22-26 -Fruit of the spirit is self control
Gluttony knows no bounds. People give into gluttony because they lack the will power and self control to stop themselves. We show our godly self control by not becoming gluttons.
3. Gluttony is idolatry
Colossians 3:5 -Greed is idolatry
Philippians 3:18-19 -Their god is their stomach
Anything that comes before God on a person’s priority list becomes an idol. If we give into gluttony, we make our stomach, our appetites, our god. We give power to that god, and we allow that god to guide out lives. Are we really so foolish to let our appetites be what we worship?
4. Gluttony shows a focus on worldly things
Proverbs 23:1-3 -Don’t have a strong desire for food
Proverbs 23:21 -Lovers of feasting come to be needy
Proverbs 28:7 -Company of feasters brings shame to fathers
I Corinthians 6:12-13 -Food for the body, and worldly desires should be less important than serving God
Philippians 4:19 -God will provide what you need
Matthew 6:25-34 -Take no thought for tomorrow
Romans 8:5-8 -Mind on the flesh
A glutton is focused on the things of this world: what he wants now. By giving into the temptation, we remove our sight from God. This is another dangerous aspect of gluttony: by removing our focus from where it should be, it makes it easier to give in to other sins.
5. We should hunger for spiritual food instead!
John 4:27-38
Our focus should be spiritual food, not on the things of this world! If we hunger first and foremost for spiritual food, then it is far easier to withstand the temptations of this life. Instead of weakening, we will find ourselves strengthened. And instead of only being filled for a short time, we will be filled for eternity.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sin Is - 10/26/08pm
Genesis 3:1-24 -Sin of Adam and Eve
-Broke God’s law
-Followed the devil
-Were in bondage to that sin
-Were separated from God by that sin
-Were punished for that sin
We often talk about sin. But what is sin? What does sin do? What are the consequences of sin? Let us look to the Bible, that we may better understand why we must avoid sin, and serve righteousness!
Sin is…Breaking God’s Law
I John 3:4 -Sin is lawlessness
James 4:17 -Failure to do what is good is sin
Sin is…of the Devil
I John 3:7-10 -Those who sin are of the Devil
John 8:37-47 -Those opposing Christ were sons of the Devil
Sin is…Slavery
John 8:34 -Sinners are the servants of sin
Romans 6:12-23 -Slaves to sin
Sin is…Separation from God
Isaiah 59:1-4 -Iniquity has separated them from God
II Corinthians 6:14-15 -What does righteousness and lawlessness have in common?
Amos 3:3 -How can two walk together unless they are agreed?
I John 1:7, 2:6 -Walking in the light, walking with Him
Sin is…Going to Be Punished
Romans 6:23 -Wages of sin is death
I Thessalonians 4:3-6 -The Lord will punish men for such sins
II Thessalonians 1:1-10 -Punishment of sinners
Sin is…Forgivable
I Timothy 1:15 -Christ came to save sinners
James 5:20 -Convert a sinner, save a soul
Acts 2:38 -Baptism for forgiveness of sins
Acts 8:22 -After baptism, pray for forgiveness
-Broke God’s law
-Followed the devil
-Were in bondage to that sin
-Were separated from God by that sin
-Were punished for that sin
We often talk about sin. But what is sin? What does sin do? What are the consequences of sin? Let us look to the Bible, that we may better understand why we must avoid sin, and serve righteousness!
Sin is…Breaking God’s Law
I John 3:4 -Sin is lawlessness
James 4:17 -Failure to do what is good is sin
Sin is…of the Devil
I John 3:7-10 -Those who sin are of the Devil
John 8:37-47 -Those opposing Christ were sons of the Devil
Sin is…Slavery
John 8:34 -Sinners are the servants of sin
Romans 6:12-23 -Slaves to sin
Sin is…Separation from God
Isaiah 59:1-4 -Iniquity has separated them from God
II Corinthians 6:14-15 -What does righteousness and lawlessness have in common?
Amos 3:3 -How can two walk together unless they are agreed?
I John 1:7, 2:6 -Walking in the light, walking with Him
Sin is…Going to Be Punished
Romans 6:23 -Wages of sin is death
I Thessalonians 4:3-6 -The Lord will punish men for such sins
II Thessalonians 1:1-10 -Punishment of sinners
Sin is…Forgivable
I Timothy 1:15 -Christ came to save sinners
James 5:20 -Convert a sinner, save a soul
Acts 2:38 -Baptism for forgiveness of sins
Acts 8:22 -After baptism, pray for forgiveness
Monday, October 6, 2008
First Principles of the World - 10/5/08pm
Hebrews 5:12-6:3
We’ve talked before about the first principles of Christ. We’ve studied the things listed here, and learned of what the Bible had to say on them. Today, let us consider the first principles of the world. Let us look at what they are and where they lead.
Colossians 2:8-10 -Cheated through empty words and basic principles
-Not according to Christ
Human Tradition
We must not allow human traditions, great or small, to be our guide in this life.
Matthew 15:1-9 -Christ condemns replacing God’s word with tradition
Hollow Philosophy
How many “good sounding” philosophies are there in this world? How many intelligent men have come up with ideas which people hold to and follow because they sound good?
I Corinthians 1:20-25 -Where is the philosopher? God’s wisdom is greater
Colossians 2:11-17 -Directed at Christians who have put on Christ
Colossians 2:18-19 -Do not let yourself be cheated by:
Worship of Angels
There is only one we are to worship: God.
Revelation 22:8-9 -John told by the angel who gave the vision to only worship God
Exodus 20:3-6 -No other gods
Intruding into things he has not seen
In zeal, many people make declarations about things they do not understand, whether small or great. Let us each remember there are bounds on what we know.
Romans 10:2 -Zeal not in accordance with knowledge
Proverbs 19:2 -Zeal without knowledge is not good
Job 26:5-14 -Who can understand the fringes of God’s power?
Not holding fast to the head
Christ is the head. If we do not hold to Him, then we are lost and not part of the body.
Hebrews 3:15 -We must hold fast to be of His house
Colossians 2:20-23 -As Christians, should be dead to the basic principles of the world
”Do not touch/taste/handle”
Some things are forbidden by God. Yet many would add things that they think should be avoided.
I Timothy 4:3-5 -Forbid to marry and to eat certain foods
Appearance of Wisdom
There are many things that seem wise, yet are contrary to what God says. Which shall we hold to? The simple, foolish things of Christ? Or the “wisdom” of men?
I Corinthians 1:26-31 -God chose the “foolish things”
Self-imposed Religion
Who should choose what is worship? The one being worshipped? Or the worshiper? The answer is clear: the one who is worshipped. Let us not decide on our own what the Lord wants!
John 4:24 -Worship in spirit and in truth
Isaiah 1:10-17 -Improper worship
False Humility
Have you ever seen people make a pretence of their humility? “Why, everyone should be as humble as me! I’m the most humble person I know!”
Matthew 23:23-28 -Hypocrisy of the Pharisees
Neglect of the Body
There are those, throughout history, who have decided that the best way to worship God was through self abuse and making a show of it.
Matthew 6:16-18 -Improper fasting
Indulgence of the Flesh
The elementary teachings of the world are of no use in helping us not indulge in the things of the flesh. Let us instead hold to those things which will help us!
Galatians 5:19-21 -Works of the flesh
I Peter 4:2-4 -In our past we…
Galatians 4:3-9 -”elements of the world” lead to bondage
We’ve talked before about the first principles of Christ. We’ve studied the things listed here, and learned of what the Bible had to say on them. Today, let us consider the first principles of the world. Let us look at what they are and where they lead.
Colossians 2:8-10 -Cheated through empty words and basic principles
-Not according to Christ
Human Tradition
We must not allow human traditions, great or small, to be our guide in this life.
Matthew 15:1-9 -Christ condemns replacing God’s word with tradition
Hollow Philosophy
How many “good sounding” philosophies are there in this world? How many intelligent men have come up with ideas which people hold to and follow because they sound good?
I Corinthians 1:20-25 -Where is the philosopher? God’s wisdom is greater
Colossians 2:11-17 -Directed at Christians who have put on Christ
Colossians 2:18-19 -Do not let yourself be cheated by:
Worship of Angels
There is only one we are to worship: God.
Revelation 22:8-9 -John told by the angel who gave the vision to only worship God
Exodus 20:3-6 -No other gods
Intruding into things he has not seen
In zeal, many people make declarations about things they do not understand, whether small or great. Let us each remember there are bounds on what we know.
Romans 10:2 -Zeal not in accordance with knowledge
Proverbs 19:2 -Zeal without knowledge is not good
Job 26:5-14 -Who can understand the fringes of God’s power?
Not holding fast to the head
Christ is the head. If we do not hold to Him, then we are lost and not part of the body.
Hebrews 3:15 -We must hold fast to be of His house
Colossians 2:20-23 -As Christians, should be dead to the basic principles of the world
”Do not touch/taste/handle”
Some things are forbidden by God. Yet many would add things that they think should be avoided.
I Timothy 4:3-5 -Forbid to marry and to eat certain foods
Appearance of Wisdom
There are many things that seem wise, yet are contrary to what God says. Which shall we hold to? The simple, foolish things of Christ? Or the “wisdom” of men?
I Corinthians 1:26-31 -God chose the “foolish things”
Self-imposed Religion
Who should choose what is worship? The one being worshipped? Or the worshiper? The answer is clear: the one who is worshipped. Let us not decide on our own what the Lord wants!
John 4:24 -Worship in spirit and in truth
Isaiah 1:10-17 -Improper worship
False Humility
Have you ever seen people make a pretence of their humility? “Why, everyone should be as humble as me! I’m the most humble person I know!”
Matthew 23:23-28 -Hypocrisy of the Pharisees
Neglect of the Body
There are those, throughout history, who have decided that the best way to worship God was through self abuse and making a show of it.
Matthew 6:16-18 -Improper fasting
Indulgence of the Flesh
The elementary teachings of the world are of no use in helping us not indulge in the things of the flesh. Let us instead hold to those things which will help us!
Galatians 5:19-21 -Works of the flesh
I Peter 4:2-4 -In our past we…
Galatians 4:3-9 -”elements of the world” lead to bondage
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Pharisees' Leaven - 8/28/08am
Luke 12:1 -Which is hypocrisy
Leaven
Galatians 5:9 -A little leaven leavens the whole lump
I Corinthians 5:6-8 -Purge the old leaven (including hypocrisy)
Luke 13:20-21 -The kingdom is like leaven, and should fill us (no room for other leaven)
The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees
Matthew 23:1-3 -The Pharisees taught properly, acted wrongly
Matthew 23:4 -They teach to do, but do not do themselves
Matthew 23:5-12 -Doing things to be seen of men
Matthew 23:13 -They shut the kingdom against men
Matthew 23:14 -Devour widows’ houses
-Make a pretence of prayer
Matthew 23:15 -Travel to teach others, turning them to wrong way
Matthew 23:16-22 -Wrongful oaths to avoid fulfillment
Matthew 23:23-24 -Keep the parts that are clearly seen, ignore the others
Matthew 23:25-28 -Cleanse the outside, not the inside
Matthew 23:29-30 -”We wouldn’t do something like that!”
Matthew 23:31-36 -They are warned, taught, and for not repenting, they are condemned
Its Effect:
Matthew 23:13 -Shuts the kingdom against men
It prevents our own entry
I Peter 2:1-3 -Lay aside hypocrisy
Job 13:13-16 -A hypocrite can not stand before Him
Job 27:8-10 -What hope does a hypocrite have?
It prevents others from entering
Galatians 2:11-13 -Peter’s hypocrisy leads others astray
I Peter 2:11-12 -Let your works be good so others may glorify God
Leaven
Galatians 5:9 -A little leaven leavens the whole lump
I Corinthians 5:6-8 -Purge the old leaven (including hypocrisy)
Luke 13:20-21 -The kingdom is like leaven, and should fill us (no room for other leaven)
The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees
Matthew 23:1-3 -The Pharisees taught properly, acted wrongly
Matthew 23:4 -They teach to do, but do not do themselves
Matthew 23:5-12 -Doing things to be seen of men
Matthew 23:13 -They shut the kingdom against men
Matthew 23:14 -Devour widows’ houses
-Make a pretence of prayer
Matthew 23:15 -Travel to teach others, turning them to wrong way
Matthew 23:16-22 -Wrongful oaths to avoid fulfillment
Matthew 23:23-24 -Keep the parts that are clearly seen, ignore the others
Matthew 23:25-28 -Cleanse the outside, not the inside
Matthew 23:29-30 -”We wouldn’t do something like that!”
Matthew 23:31-36 -They are warned, taught, and for not repenting, they are condemned
Its Effect:
Matthew 23:13 -Shuts the kingdom against men
It prevents our own entry
I Peter 2:1-3 -Lay aside hypocrisy
Job 13:13-16 -A hypocrite can not stand before Him
Job 27:8-10 -What hope does a hypocrite have?
It prevents others from entering
Galatians 2:11-13 -Peter’s hypocrisy leads others astray
I Peter 2:11-12 -Let your works be good so others may glorify God
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Be Not Deceived - 8/24/08am
Proverbs 13:5 -A righteous man hates falsehood
Proverbs 29:12 -If a king believes lies, his servants become wicked
We do not like it when we are deceived and lied to, do we? Yet how often do we deceive ourselves, or allow ourselves to be deceived so that we may do something that we want to? How often have the words, “Well, it won’t happen to me,” crossed our lips? How often have we thought, “This time, it’ll be different.” The Bible warns us of several things that we may deceive ourselves about. Let us examine these things to see what the Lord has to say!
We Should Not Be Deceived About
Deuteronomy 11:13-17 -Don’t turn away to other gods
Jeremiah 37:6-10 -God’s will cannot be thwarted
Luke 21:8 -Others will come in Christ’s name
Acts 20:25-31 -Men will arise to turn men aside after themselves
I Corinthians 3:18-23 -If someone thinks himself wise, let him become foolish
I Corinthians 1:18-25 -The gospel seems foolish to many
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -These shall not inherit the kingdom of God
I Corinthians 15:33 -Bad company corrupts good morals
I Kings 11:1-13 -Solomon the wise is turned away by companions
Galatians 6:7 -Whatever a man sows, so shall he reap
James 1:16-18 -Every good and perfect gift is from above
James 1:22-25 -Do not merely listen to the word without action
I John 1:8 -If we say we have no sin, the truth is not in us
Romans 3:23 -ALL have sinned and fallen short
II Peter 3:9 -ALL need to repent
What Happens if We Are Deceived?
Genesis 12:10-20 -Pharaoh is deceived and punished by God
I Kings 13:1-25 -The man of God who is deceived by a lie, eats, and is killed by a lion
II Thessalonians 2:5-12 -God will send a strong delusion, and they will be condemned
Proverbs 29:12 -If a king believes lies, his servants become wicked
We do not like it when we are deceived and lied to, do we? Yet how often do we deceive ourselves, or allow ourselves to be deceived so that we may do something that we want to? How often have the words, “Well, it won’t happen to me,” crossed our lips? How often have we thought, “This time, it’ll be different.” The Bible warns us of several things that we may deceive ourselves about. Let us examine these things to see what the Lord has to say!
We Should Not Be Deceived About
Deuteronomy 11:13-17 -Don’t turn away to other gods
Jeremiah 37:6-10 -God’s will cannot be thwarted
Luke 21:8 -Others will come in Christ’s name
Acts 20:25-31 -Men will arise to turn men aside after themselves
I Corinthians 3:18-23 -If someone thinks himself wise, let him become foolish
I Corinthians 1:18-25 -The gospel seems foolish to many
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -These shall not inherit the kingdom of God
I Corinthians 15:33 -Bad company corrupts good morals
I Kings 11:1-13 -Solomon the wise is turned away by companions
Galatians 6:7 -Whatever a man sows, so shall he reap
James 1:16-18 -Every good and perfect gift is from above
James 1:22-25 -Do not merely listen to the word without action
I John 1:8 -If we say we have no sin, the truth is not in us
Romans 3:23 -ALL have sinned and fallen short
II Peter 3:9 -ALL need to repent
What Happens if We Are Deceived?
Genesis 12:10-20 -Pharaoh is deceived and punished by God
I Kings 13:1-25 -The man of God who is deceived by a lie, eats, and is killed by a lion
II Thessalonians 2:5-12 -God will send a strong delusion, and they will be condemned
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
How to be an Abomination to God - 6/15/08am
II Kings 23:12-14 -Josiah tears down idols which are “abominable”
Ashtoreth
Regarded as the consort of to Baal. Worship of Asherah/Ashtoreth involved prostitution and various other lewd rites.
Chemosh
The national god of the Moabites, and closely related to Molech. Child sacrifices were a part of the worship
Milcom/Molech
Means “the reigning one.” Worship of Molech involved the sacrifice of children.
Assuming that none of us wants to go that far to become an abomination to God, let us look and consider what else we can do to make ourselves an abomination to the Lord
Proverbs 6:16
Proverbs 6:17 -A proud look
(James 4:6 -God opposes the proud)
-A lying tongue
(Colossians 3:9 - lie not, having put off the old man)
-Hands that shed innocent blood
(Matthew 5:21-22 -Wrath & murder equated)
Proverbs 6:18 -A heart that devises wicked plans
(Matthew 22:15-22 -Pharisees try to trap Christ in words
Ephesians 4:14-16 -Evil scheming to trick others)
-Feet that are swift in running to evil
(I Peter 4:1-6 -Do nut run in the things you did before)
Proverbs 6:19 -A false witness who speaks lies
-One who sows discord among the brethren
(Romans 16:17-19 -Keep away from those who divide)
Proverbs 11:1 -Dishonest scales
(Titus 1:10-11 -Dishonest gain
Luke 3:14 -Don’t extort money)
Proverbs 15:8 -The sacrifice of the wicked
(Romans 12:1 -A person’s self should be the sacrifice)
Proverbs 15:26 -The thoughts of the wicked
(Hebrews 4:12 - The word will judge thoughts)
Proverbs 11:20 -Those who have a perverse heart
(Matthew 15:17-20 -Out of the heart come evil things)
And of course, to not be an abomination to God, you simply have to put your faith and trust in Him, and obey the things He has commanded.
Ashtoreth
Regarded as the consort of to Baal. Worship of Asherah/Ashtoreth involved prostitution and various other lewd rites.
Chemosh
The national god of the Moabites, and closely related to Molech. Child sacrifices were a part of the worship
Milcom/Molech
Means “the reigning one.” Worship of Molech involved the sacrifice of children.
Assuming that none of us wants to go that far to become an abomination to God, let us look and consider what else we can do to make ourselves an abomination to the Lord
Proverbs 6:16
Proverbs 6:17 -A proud look
(James 4:6 -God opposes the proud)
-A lying tongue
(Colossians 3:9 - lie not, having put off the old man)
-Hands that shed innocent blood
(Matthew 5:21-22 -Wrath & murder equated)
Proverbs 6:18 -A heart that devises wicked plans
(Matthew 22:15-22 -Pharisees try to trap Christ in words
Ephesians 4:14-16 -Evil scheming to trick others)
-Feet that are swift in running to evil
(I Peter 4:1-6 -Do nut run in the things you did before)
Proverbs 6:19 -A false witness who speaks lies
-One who sows discord among the brethren
(Romans 16:17-19 -Keep away from those who divide)
Proverbs 11:1 -Dishonest scales
(Titus 1:10-11 -Dishonest gain
Luke 3:14 -Don’t extort money)
Proverbs 15:8 -The sacrifice of the wicked
(Romans 12:1 -A person’s self should be the sacrifice)
Proverbs 15:26 -The thoughts of the wicked
(Hebrews 4:12 - The word will judge thoughts)
Proverbs 11:20 -Those who have a perverse heart
(Matthew 15:17-20 -Out of the heart come evil things)
And of course, to not be an abomination to God, you simply have to put your faith and trust in Him, and obey the things He has commanded.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Flee and Pursue - 5/18/2008am
II Timothy 2:22
These are two extremes. It’s not possible to straddle a fence. If you’re trying to straddle the fence, you’re already on the wrong side. These are two polar opposites. Anytime we move towards one, we move away from the other.
Luke 16:13 -You cannot serve God and mammon
What we are to flee:
Galatians 5:19-21 -Works of the flesh
Sexual Sin - Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, Lewdness
These include not only sexual relations we have no right to, those outside of marriage, but other sexual sins. Pornography, immodesty, and our general conduct.
Matthew 5:27-30 -Looking with lust in your heart
I Corinthians 6:12-20 -United with a harlot, sin against self, the temple
Galatians 5:13 -Allow no opportunity for the flesh
Sin Against God - Idolatry, Sorcery
These, and things like them, are the putting of something ahead of God. They are making something else out to be greater than He, and doing so is obviously wrong. Whether in overtly making an idol (or making something our top priority), or in practicing a religion that denies God’s power, we sin.
II Corinthians 4: 3-6 -The god of this age vs. God
Sin Against Others - Hatred, Contentions, Jealousies, Outbursts of Wrath, Selfish Ambitions, Dissentions, Heresies, Envy, Murders
These are sins we commit against others. Some affect others mostly in this life (hatred, jealousy), and some can have a great effect on people’s souls (dissentions, heresies). We must be sure we are not committing any of these!
Matthew 5:21-24 -Murder & anger
Romans 16:17-18 -Avoid contentious people
Galatians 1:6-9 -Turning away to another gospel
Abuse of Ourselves - Drunkenness, Revelries
God created us. When we commit sins that abuse our bodies as well as our souls, God is displeased. When we partake of something that damages our bodies, we have set out to damage that which God has created for His service.
Proverbs 23:21 -Gluttony and drunkenness
Romans 13:13-14 -Opposite of behaving decently
“And the like.” This list is not all inclusive. Like other lists in scripture detailing what to avoid, it gives a general idea of what is wrong. Things that are similar to what is listed should be avoided! We must flee!
What we are to pursue:
Galatians 5:22-23 -Fruit of the spirit
Love
Matthew 22:34-40 -The greatest commandments
This love is a love that requires action. It is a matter of always putting the good of others ahead of yourself. It is a matter of always putting God’s will first.
Joy
I Thessalonians 5:16 -Rejoice always
Are we truly happy in Christ? Do we rejoice in our salvation and at opportunities to do good? Do people around see our joy in serving Christ?
Peace
Philippians 4:7 -The peace of God
In Christ we can have an internal peace great than any other we can know: the peace of knowing we are secure. We can only have that peace if we follow Him diligently.
Longsuffering
II Peter 3:9 -God’s example of longsuffering towards us
God is patient and longsuffering towards us. We need to exercise the same patience and longsuffering towards others.
Kindness
Galatians 6:10 -Do good to all men
Do we seek out opportunities to help others? There are always people around us who need help, not just physically, by spiritually. We must be kind and caring.
Goodness
Romans 15:14 -Paul recognized the goodness in others
Obviously, the opposite of “badness.” God is the epitome of goodness. We must strive after Him, following His example, and it will be seen by others.
Faithfulness
Revelation 2:10 -Be faithful unto death
We must aim to be faithful. Completely faithful. Not just when it’s easy, but when it’s hard. We must always put our trust in Christ, and keep close to Him.
Gentleness
Titus 3:1-2 -Not brawlers, but gentle and meek
The idea of being gentle is that of carefulness. When someone hands you something fragile and says “be gentle,” we understand that we must take care with how much force and strength we apply.
Self-control
Titus 2:12 -Self control is set opposite to “worldly passions”
We must be self controlled. We must strive to not be ruled by emotions or desires. We must aim to control ourselves that we can better follow Christ.
Each has it’s own outcome. If we pursue youthful lusts and the works of the flesh, the outcome is that we do not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21). Salvation does not lie in that direction. But rather, eternal condemnation. The other direction, pursuing righteousness and the fruits of the spirit leads us to be Christ’s (Galatians 5:24).
Which are you pursuing?
These are two extremes. It’s not possible to straddle a fence. If you’re trying to straddle the fence, you’re already on the wrong side. These are two polar opposites. Anytime we move towards one, we move away from the other.
Luke 16:13 -You cannot serve God and mammon
What we are to flee:
Galatians 5:19-21 -Works of the flesh
Sexual Sin - Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, Lewdness
These include not only sexual relations we have no right to, those outside of marriage, but other sexual sins. Pornography, immodesty, and our general conduct.
Matthew 5:27-30 -Looking with lust in your heart
I Corinthians 6:12-20 -United with a harlot, sin against self, the temple
Galatians 5:13 -Allow no opportunity for the flesh
Sin Against God - Idolatry, Sorcery
These, and things like them, are the putting of something ahead of God. They are making something else out to be greater than He, and doing so is obviously wrong. Whether in overtly making an idol (or making something our top priority), or in practicing a religion that denies God’s power, we sin.
II Corinthians 4: 3-6 -The god of this age vs. God
Sin Against Others - Hatred, Contentions, Jealousies, Outbursts of Wrath, Selfish Ambitions, Dissentions, Heresies, Envy, Murders
These are sins we commit against others. Some affect others mostly in this life (hatred, jealousy), and some can have a great effect on people’s souls (dissentions, heresies). We must be sure we are not committing any of these!
Matthew 5:21-24 -Murder & anger
Romans 16:17-18 -Avoid contentious people
Galatians 1:6-9 -Turning away to another gospel
Abuse of Ourselves - Drunkenness, Revelries
God created us. When we commit sins that abuse our bodies as well as our souls, God is displeased. When we partake of something that damages our bodies, we have set out to damage that which God has created for His service.
Proverbs 23:21 -Gluttony and drunkenness
Romans 13:13-14 -Opposite of behaving decently
“And the like.” This list is not all inclusive. Like other lists in scripture detailing what to avoid, it gives a general idea of what is wrong. Things that are similar to what is listed should be avoided! We must flee!
What we are to pursue:
Galatians 5:22-23 -Fruit of the spirit
Love
Matthew 22:34-40 -The greatest commandments
This love is a love that requires action. It is a matter of always putting the good of others ahead of yourself. It is a matter of always putting God’s will first.
Joy
I Thessalonians 5:16 -Rejoice always
Are we truly happy in Christ? Do we rejoice in our salvation and at opportunities to do good? Do people around see our joy in serving Christ?
Peace
Philippians 4:7 -The peace of God
In Christ we can have an internal peace great than any other we can know: the peace of knowing we are secure. We can only have that peace if we follow Him diligently.
Longsuffering
II Peter 3:9 -God’s example of longsuffering towards us
God is patient and longsuffering towards us. We need to exercise the same patience and longsuffering towards others.
Kindness
Galatians 6:10 -Do good to all men
Do we seek out opportunities to help others? There are always people around us who need help, not just physically, by spiritually. We must be kind and caring.
Goodness
Romans 15:14 -Paul recognized the goodness in others
Obviously, the opposite of “badness.” God is the epitome of goodness. We must strive after Him, following His example, and it will be seen by others.
Faithfulness
Revelation 2:10 -Be faithful unto death
We must aim to be faithful. Completely faithful. Not just when it’s easy, but when it’s hard. We must always put our trust in Christ, and keep close to Him.
Gentleness
Titus 3:1-2 -Not brawlers, but gentle and meek
The idea of being gentle is that of carefulness. When someone hands you something fragile and says “be gentle,” we understand that we must take care with how much force and strength we apply.
Self-control
Titus 2:12 -Self control is set opposite to “worldly passions”
We must be self controlled. We must strive to not be ruled by emotions or desires. We must aim to control ourselves that we can better follow Christ.
Each has it’s own outcome. If we pursue youthful lusts and the works of the flesh, the outcome is that we do not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21). Salvation does not lie in that direction. But rather, eternal condemnation. The other direction, pursuing righteousness and the fruits of the spirit leads us to be Christ’s (Galatians 5:24).
Which are you pursuing?
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