THE FOUNDATIONS BE DESTROYED, WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO?
PSALM 11:3; ISAIAH 58:12-14
Introduction:
Today the foundations of Christianity are being tested by those around us. They are looking to see what you and I are going to do. Some Christians will cave in to the pressures of society. Some already have. While other believers will be strengthened in their resolve to server the Lord. The Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 6:13, “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.” In the verses following he lists the array of equipment available to the believer.
Are we up to the task? Yes, with the help of God. Let us examine what the Scriptures say about what is happening and what we should do for the glory of God.
I. IF THE FOUNDATIONS BE DESTROYED
A. Some concerning the truth have erred, 2 Tim. 2:16-18, “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17-And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18-Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”
B. Some will not understand because they walk in darkness, Psalm 82:5, “They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.”
1. They are workers of iniquity who have no knowledge of the Lord, Psalm 53:4-5, “Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God. 5-There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.”
2. They walk in the darkness of unbelief, Proverbs 2:13-15, “Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; 14-Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; 15-Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:” [froward = stubbornly contrary and disobedient]
C. Some will have their faith overthrown, 1 John 2:19, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”
1. This is not to say that they are lost, but deceived by “deceitful workers,” 2 Cor. 11:13-14, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14-And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”
2. It is because of a lack of knowledge of the Word of God that they are led astray, 2 Tim. 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
a. They fell to an example of unbelief [disobedience], Hebrews 4:11, “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”
b. “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure,” 2 Peter 1:10, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”
II. “WHAT CAN THE RIGHTEOUS DO?”
A. Serve the Lord: Colossians 3:23-24, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24-Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ”
1. With gladness, Psalm 100:2, “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
2. Serve the LORD with fear, Psalm 2:11, “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.”
B. Trust the Lord,
1. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, Psalm 4:5, “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.”
2. Do good, Psalm 37:3, “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.”
3. Delight thyself also in the LORD, Psalm 37:4, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
4. Commit thy way unto the LORD, Psalm 37:5, “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
a. Cast your burden upon the LORD, Psalm 55:22, “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
b. Your take His burden, Matthew 11:29-30, “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. 30-For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
c. He will establish you thoughts, Proverbs 16:3, “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
CONCLUSION
While the foundations of our faith are being challenged they will never be destroyed. We have the promise of the Word of God, 1 Peter 1:24-25, “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25-But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”