Month: March 2010

THE HOLINESS OF GOD–EXODUS 15:11

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THE HOLINESS OF GOD

Exodus 15:11, “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”
Introduction:
Holiness is purity or integrity of moral character; freedom from sin. The Hebrew word translated “holiness” means “consecrated” or “dedicated,” “to be set apart.”
The psalmist says that God’s name is “Holy,” “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.” Psalm 111:9. In Job 6:10 Job said, “Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.”
God’s power makes Him mighty, His holiness makes Him glorious. His holiness consists in His perfect love of righteousness and abhorrence of evil. God is “of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity:” Habakkuk 1:13a.
I. GOD IS INFINITELY HOLY

A. Sin is an unclean thing to Him; it is hyperbolically evil, Romans 1:23, “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.”
B. Sin is an abomination to God, Deuteronomy 7:25, “The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God.”
II. HOLINESS IS GOD’S GLORY

A. God’s holiness is an affront, John 7:7, “The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.”
B. God will cast out those that scoff at His holiness as he cast out Ishmael from Abraham’s household, Genesis 21:9-10, “And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. 10- Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.”
III. GOD CALLS FOR HOLINESS FROM HIS PEOPLE

A. We are commanded to be holy, 1 Peter 1:16, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

1. Holiness of equality, Exodus 15:11, “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” This is God’s holiness that man cannot attain to.

2. Holiness of similitude, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”

a. We are to conform to the image of God’s Son, Romans 8:29, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

b. God’s purpose is to make us like His Son, 1 John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

1) We were called, Romans 1:6, “Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:” Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

2) We were justified, Romans 3:24, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” Romans 5:1, 9, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 9- Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

3) We shall be glorified, Romans 8:17, “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.”

B. We are to be partakers of the divine nature, 2 Peter 1:4, “Whereby are given [bestowed or endowed] unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

C. We are to be pictures of God in holy living.

1. In meekness, Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

2. In mercifulness, Luke 6:36, “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”

3. In faithfulness, 1 Corinthians 4:17, “For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.”

D. Our holiness consists in our subjection to the will of God, Acts 13:22, “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”
CONCLUSION
We have only touched the hem of the garment of God’s holiness. It is a vast subject that we will continue at the next opportunity.

THE GRACE OF GOD

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THE GRACE OF GOD
Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”

Introduction:

In the New Testament the word “grace” comes from two Greek words: charis is used to denote ‘forgiveness,’ human as well as divine; eleos has the meaning of ‘mercy;’ this form is not used much and occurs largely in passages based in the Old Testament.

Grace involves subjects as forgiveness, salvation, regeneration, repentance and the love of God. In the Old Testament grace is looked at more in the form of mercy. The Old Testament prophetic writings had repentance as their chief point of interest while the Law was in sharp opposition to grace.

I. GRACE CAME BY JESUS CHRIST, John 1:17, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
A. The grace of God has appeared to all men, Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,”

B. The grace of God sent Jesus Christ to the Cross, Hebrews 2:9, But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

C. The grace of God causes man to be justified through Jesus Christ, Romans 3:24, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” See also Romans 5:16-19.

II. GRACE WAS BEFORE THE LAW.

A. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, Genesis 6:8, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”

1. Here we see grace relating to “mercy,” Genesis 39:21, “But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”

2. Here we see also the idea of “favor,” Proverbs 3:4, “So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”

B. Joseph finds “favor” in Potiphar’s sight, Genesis 39:4, “And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.”

III. GRACE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, Ephesians 2:1-10.

A. The Prodigal Son was welcomed by his father in a way he did not deserve, Luke 15:20-24.

B. Repentance is stressed as a condition of salvation, Mark 1:15, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

C. Faith is the human response to God’s grace, Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

IV. THE BELIEVER’S POSITION IN GRACE EXPLAINED.

A. It is not by anything in himself, Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

B. It is by the will of God, Galatians 1:4, “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:”

1. God’s call to salvation checks human independence and self-righteousness, 2 Timothy 1:9, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.”

2. It shows that in bestowing favor God is perfectly free, Ephesians 1:1-6.

3. It shows that every step in the process of the Christian life is due to God’s grace:

a. The call, Galatians 1:15, “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace.”

b. Repentance, 2 Timothy 2:25, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
c. Faith, Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9-Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

CONCLUSION
There is a lot more to be said about the grace of God, however, we have touched on the basis of the doctrine. God’s grace is a marvelous thing in our lives and because He chose to save us should move us to win others to His marvelous grace also.

THE GLORY OF GOD

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THE GLORY OF GOD

Glory is given by God, Psalm 84:11-12, For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12- O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Glory is given by Christ, John 17:22-23, And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23- 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.

Glory is the work of the Holy Spirit, 2 Corinthians 3:18, But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Eternal Glory is obtained by Christ, Hebrews 2:10, For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
The glory and joy of the pastor, 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20- For ye are our glory and joy.
The Glory of the gospel exceeds that of the law, 2 Corinthians 3:9-11, For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10- For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11- For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
The Glory of God is exhibited in Christ, 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.
God’s glory is described as great, Psalm 138:5, Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.
God’s glory is rich, Ephesians 3:16, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
God’s works declare His glory, Psalm 19:1, The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalm 111:3, His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth forever.
God’s holiness is glorious, Exodus 15:11, Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
God is jealous of His glory, Isaiah 42:8, I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
The earth is full of the Glory of God, Isaiah 6:3, And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

The knowledge of God’s glory shall fill the earth, Habakkuk 2:14, For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

A STUDY OF THE FIRST ESPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE JOHN

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A STUDY OF THE FIRST ESPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE JOHN

Introduction:

The Author: The Epistles of John were written by the Apostle John. There are three epistles in this series. John also wrote the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation. These three epistles (letters) complement each other and give us a full picture of the Christian life.
The Gospel of John                          Christ died for us
The Epistles of John                         Christ lives in us
The Revelation of John                    Christ comes for us
Emphasis on Salvation                      The Word made flesh
Emphasis on Sanctification              The Word made real in us    
Emphasis on Glorification                The Word conquering

Aim: John stated five purposes for the writing of his first epistle:

A. That we might have fellowship, 1:3.

“Fellowship” is the key theme of the first two chapters (see 1:3, 6–7). Fellowship has to do with our communion with Christ, not our union with Christ, which is sonship. Our daily fellowship changes; our sonship remains the same.

B. That we might have joy, 1:4.

The word “joy” is used only here, but the blessing of joy is seen throughout the entire letter. Joy is the result of a close fellowship with Christ.

C. That we might not sin, 2:1–2.

The penalty of sin is taken care of when the sinner trusts Christ, but the power of sin over the daily life is another matter. First John explains how we may have victory over sin and how to get forgiveness when we do sin.

D. That we might overcome error, 2:26.

John was facing the false teaching of his day just as we face false teachers today, 2 Peter 2. The false teachers in John’s day were claiming…

1.  that matter was evil, therefore Christ did not come in the flesh;
2. that Christ only appeared to be a real man;
3. that knowledge of truth is more important than living the truth; and
4. that only a “spiritual few” could understand spiritual truths.

As you read 1 John, you will see that John emphasizes:

(1) that matter is not evil, but man’s nature is sinful;
(2) that Jesus Christ had a real body and experienced a real death;
(3) that it is not enough “to say” what we believe, we must practice it; and
(4) All Christians have an unction (anointing) from God and can know His truth.

E. That we might have assurance, 5:13.

a. In his Gospel, John tells us how to be saved (John 20:31).
b. But in this epistle, he tells us how to be sure we are saved.
F. The letter is a series of “tests” that Christians may use to examine…

a. Their fellowship (chaps. 1–2).

b. Their sonship (chaps. 3–5).

G. Note that the emphasis in chapters 3–5 is on being born of God (3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18).

THE DOCTRINE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH–MEMORY VERSE: ISA.7:14

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THE DOCTRINE OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH
MEMORY VERSE: ISA.7:14

I. THE VIRGIN BIRTH PROMISED.

A. It Was Promised In Prophecy.

1. Christ to be the seed of the woman. (a)-1 Gen. 3:15

2. Christ to be born of a virgin. (b)-1 Isa. 7:14
3. “A new thing…a woman shall compass a man.” Jer. 31:22

B. The Virgin Birth Implied In Prophecy.

1. All the families of the earth to be blessed. Gen. 12:3

2. David’s throne to be established forever. II Sam. 7:16
3. To rule on David’s throne forever and to do many other things prophesied, reveal
 that only a supernatural One could fulfill this prophecy. Isa. 9:6,7
II. THE VIRGIN BIRTH PROVIDED.

A. The Virginity Of Mary Stated.

1. Mary was espoused (promised in marriage), but not married to Joseph. (b)-2 Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:27; 2:5

2. Joseph and Mary had not come together. (b)-2 Matt. 1:18
3. He “knew her not” till she had brought forth her firstborn son. (b)-2 Matt. 1:25
4. Mary states her virginity. Luke 1:34

B. His Virgin Birth Was Affirmed.

1. Conceived by the Holy Ghost. (b)-3 Luke 1:35; Matt. 1:18,20

2. The O.T. Scriptures fulfilled. Matt. 1:22,23
3. The Word was made flesh. (b)-5 John 1:14
4. He was begotten by God. (b)-6; Psa. 2:7; John 3:16He was born at the right time. (b)-7 Gal. 4:4; Dan. 9:25
5. He was born at the right place. Micah 5:2
III. WITNESSES TO THE VIRGIN BIRTH.

A. New Testament Writers Affirm His Virgin Birth.

1. Matthew affirms it. Matt.1:18-25

2. Mark affirms it. “Jesus Christ the Son of God” Mark 1:1. This affirms His divine paternity. See also Mark 1:11; 9:7.
3. Luke affirms it. Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-7
4. John affirms it. John 1:1,14

a. John refers to Jesus as God’s “only begotten Son”. John 1:14,18; 3:16,18

b. John records the stupendous claims that Jesus made for Himself. John 8:58; 17:5; 10:30; 10:17,18; 20:31
5. Paul affirms the Virgin Birth. Phil. 2:6; (c)-2 I Cor. 15:47
B. The New Testament Miracles Confirm The Virgin Birth. He raised the dead, gave sight to the blind, made the deaf to hear, etc. Only the supernatural Son of God could do this.
IV. THINGS DEPENDENT UPON THE VIRGIN BIRTH.

A. The Deity Of Christ.

B. The Lordship Of Christ.

C. The Saviourhood Of Christ.

D. The Bodily Resurrection Of Christ.

E. The Second Coming Of Christ.

F. The New Birth Of The Believer.

G. The Sons Relationship To The Father.