Author: Art Davison

THE JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING–ROMANS 15:1-14

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THE JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING

ROMANS 15:1-14

Key verse: v. 13, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

Introduction:

Paul writes in chapter 14:17, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” So many Christians do not have joy and peace in their life. The Apostle reminds us in verse 13 of our text that God wants us to have these things in our lives as believers.

Consider what the Scripture says about The Joy of God’s Mercy and The Peace of God in Believing.

I. THE JOY OF GOD’S MERCY

A. We were guilty sinners before God, 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.”

B. We were without Christ, Ephesians 2:12, “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:”

1. That means that we were aliens from God’s chosen people, Ephesians 4:18, “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:”

2. We had no hope because we knew not Christ who is the hope of glory, Colossians 1:27, “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:”

3. We were without God, Romans 1:28-32, “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; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

C. But now in Jesus Christ we are made near, Ephesians 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

1. Formerly unbelieving gentiles, Ephesians 2:11, “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;”

2. Formerly far away, Ephesians 2:17, “And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.”

B. Now have been brought near through the blood of Christ, Ephesians 1:7, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

II. THE PEACE OF GOD IN BELIEVING

A. We abound in God’s grace, 2 Corinthians 9:8, “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:”

1. Life has meaning, 2 Corinthians 9:11,“Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”

2. Life has purpose, 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

a. We can be steadfast and unmovable in the work of God, Psalm 62:2, 6, “He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.”

b. We can abound in the work of God, 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13, “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 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.”

B. We are full of God’s GOODNESS, v. 14; Philippians 1:11, “Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”

1. The Lord prunes our lives that we might bring more fruit, John 15:2, 8, 16, “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

2. And bring glory and praise to God, Ephesians 1:12, 14, “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

CONCLUSION

We have joy and peace when we are bringing glory and praise to our Savior. The Palmist said in Psalm 5:11, “But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” Psalm 16:11, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

With that joy comes hope in the Lord, Psalm 30:5, “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

THE GREAT NEED IS NOT TO DO, BUT TO BELIEVE–ROMANS 6:12-23

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THE GREAT NEED IS NOT TO DO, BUT TO BELIEVE
ROMANS 6:12-23
Introduction:

Key verse: vv. 17-18; Ephesians 1:13

Much of Christianity today is based on experience rather than faith in Jesus Christ. That is the basis for the modern day charismatic movement. Emotions play a big part of our lives and those emotions can get in the way of knowing and serving God in a manner that is Scriptural.

Satan is very subtle and uses emotion to accomplish his purposes among mankind. He is no fool, but rather, an accomplished deceiver who knows man’s weaknesses.

I. THE REPEMPTION OF CHRIST IS NOT JUST AN EXPERIENCE

A. It is the Great Work of God, which He has been done through Christ, John 6:29, “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”

1. The Scriptures testify of the work of Jesus Christ, John 5:39, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

2. This the Prophet that Moses spoke of, Deuteronomy 18:18-19, “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.”

3. This is the Beloved Son of God, Matthew 17:5, “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”

4. This is the Christ, the Savior of the world, John 11:27, “She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”

B. I have to build my faith upon God’s work,1 Corinthians 3:10-11, “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. 11- For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

1. Gold, silver and precious stones are the building materials that will stand the test of fire, 1 Corinthians 3:12-14, “Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13- 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. 14- If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”

2. Wood, hay, stubble are materials based on personal experience that will be burnt up, 1 Corinthians 3:15, “If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

C. It requires me to measure every type of experience by our Lord Himself, John 13:15, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

II. IF I CONSTRUCT MY FAITH ON MY EXPERIENCE

A. It produces the most UNSCRIPTURAL type of faith…

1. That DENIES the Word of God, 2 Timothy 3:5, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

a. The works of that person denies the Lord, Titus 1:16, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”

b. They show a reprobate worldly mind, 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;”

2. That makes God a LIAR, 1 John 5:10, “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.”

B. It produces an ISOLATED LIFE,

1. My eyes are fixed on my OWN WHITENESS, Matthew 23:27, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”

2. That IMPLIES salvation by works, Romans 4:2-5, “For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

C. It produces a SECLUDED WASTED LIFE.

1. It is USELESS to God, Jeremiah 13:10, “This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination [stubbornness] of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.”

2. It is a life blind to truth, Acts 7:51, “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did , so do ye.”

III. IF I CONSTRUCT MY FAITH ON WHAT GOD HAS DONE

A. We believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, John 1:12, “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:”

1. The Philippian jailer believed and was saved, Acts 16:30-31, “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

2. John the Baptist’s preaching of Jesus caused many to believe, John 10:40-42, “And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. 41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. 42 And many believed on him there.”

B. We trust in His Word, 2 Corinthians 1:9, “But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:”

1. They are blessed, Psalm 2:12, “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.”

2. They remember the name of the Lord, Psalm 20:7, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”

3. They have put their trust in the Lord, Psalm 56:4, “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”

CONCLUSION

THE GRACE OF OUR LORD–I TIMOTHY 1:12-17

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THE GRACE OF OUR LORD
I TIMOTHY 1:12-17

Introduction:

The Grace of our Lord has done so much for us. In these verses addressed to the young preacher Timothy, the Apostle Paul shows the exceedingly abundant grace of God in his own life. He writes to admonish Timothy to trust and rely on God’s grace.

The life of the Apostle Paul is a demonstration of how he depended completely on God’s grace. He suffered many things in his missionary journeys at the hands of unbelievers while trusting God’s grace to get him through.

I. WAS EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANT WITH MERCY IN CHRIST JESUS

A. The Apostle Paul looks at his past, v. 13.

1. He was a blasphemer, Acts 26:9-11, “Verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10- Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11-And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.”

2. He was a persecutor of God’s people, Galatians 1:13, “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:”

3. Paul was injurious to the Lord’s church, Acts 22:4, “And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.”

4. Paul did all of this in ignorant unbelief.

a. Ignorance is not an excuse, Numbers 15:30, “But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.”

b. Unbelief was the problem, Hebrews 3:17-19, “But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”

B. Paul had trusted Christ as his Savior and secured his future, 2 Timothy 1:12, “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

II. WAS EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANT WITH FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS

A. By Faith Paul had the forgiveness of sins, Ephesians 1:7-8, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8- Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;”

B. Paul considered himself the chief of sinners, v. 15.

1. He needed an abundance of grace, Romans 5:19-20, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20-Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:”

2. Christ came into the world to save sinners, Matthew 9:13, “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

III. WAS EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANT WITH LOVE IN CHRIST JESUS

A. The Love that God had for Paul changed his life, 1 John 3:16, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

B. God’s love changed Paul’s heart as well as his attitude, Ephesians 5:2, “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

1. God’s love makes a dedicated servant, 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. God’s love makes it easy to love one another, 1 John 4:11, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

C. It takes the Grace of God to save a soul that God might have the glory of it, 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

Now the Lord offers that same Grace to you for your spiritual needs today. Trust in His grace right now.

THE FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING–I CORINTHIANS 1:17:25

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THE FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING
I CORINTHIANS 1:17:25
Zechariah 4:6 “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Introduction:
Today almost no one puts importance on the preaching of the Word of the GOD. Many times when we preach there are people making fun, thinking that our message is equal to others who preach cures and riches, i.e., a social gospel.
The Apostle Paul found that even among the believers in the Church at Corinth, some played down the preaching of the Word. Let us examine what the Apostle says in defense of the preaching of the truth.
I. THE PREACHING OF THE TRUTH
A. Paul was sent to “preach the gospel.”
1. No one is saved by the word of a preacher. “not with wisdom of words,” Today we have a multitude of “preachers of miracles and cures” and the world continues sick, lost, and heading for hell!!
2. It is not by human strength, Zechariah 4:6. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
a. During more than twelve hundred years the established religion of Europe tried to force other believers to conform to their religion. More than 50 million people died in Europe at the hands of those fanatical religionist because the Baptist did not believe their false preaching. Much of this is registered in the history books for the world to read. However, the victims were called “heretics.”
b. Our preaching is by the power of the Holy Spirit, v. 21, “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”
1) “But we preach Christ crucified,” v. 23 We preach the truth!! Jesus died on the cross to save man from his sins!!!
2) “But unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” v. 18. We know what the LORD did in our lives!
a) He saved us from perdition.
b) Hell has no power over those who are in Christ.
II. THE RESULTS OF THE PREACHING OF THE TRUTH.
John 10:27-30
A. The first result is ETERNAL LIFE, v. 28 “And I give unto them eternal life.”
B. The second result is ETERNAL SECURITY, v. 28, “and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
C. The third result is a CONFIRMATION from the Father, v. 30, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:”
III. THE PURPOSE OF THE PREACHING OF THE TRUTH – TO BRING GLORY TO GOD,
1 Corinthians 1:29-31.
A. “That no flesh should glory in his presence.” v. 29. It is for this reason that man cannot save himself. Psalms 3:8, “Salvation belongeth unto the LORD.”
B. The believer can glory in the LORD, v. 31, “That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
1. Our glorying is not in men, I Corinthians 3:21, “Therefore let no man glory in men.”
2. Even preachers have nothing in themselves to glory in, I Corinthians 9:16, “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”
3. Our glory is in our Lord, 2 Corinthians 10:17, “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
4. Our glory is in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, Galatians 6:14, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
CONCLUSION
Thank the LORD that our salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ to the honor and glory of God.
Our salvation does not depend on some religion, but on Christ.
Our salvation is in the hands of Jesus and He is in the hands of our heavenly Father. Everything is perfectly secure!!!!

THE DEMONSTRATION OF YOUR CONSECRATION–ROMANS 12:3-8

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THE DEMONSTRATION OF YOUR CONSECRATION

ROMANS 12:3-8

Introduction:

We as Christians are sometimes all talk and no substance when it comes to serving the Lord. The Apostle Paul speaks with the authority of God here as he admonishes us to demonstrate what we say that we have in Christ.

He is saying that we need to have the right attitude about ourselves and others in order to glorify our Lord in our lives. He gives us good counsel in relation to others and how we can be used by the Lord for His glory.

I. A JUST ESTIMATE OF YOUR GIFT

A. We are what we are by the Grace of God, 1 Corinthians 15:10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

1. Jesus died for us by the Grace of God, 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.”

2. Our rejoicing is by the Grace of God, 2 Corinthians 1:12, “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.”

B. Our Gifts or abilities are given to us for God’s glory, 1 Corinthians 14:12, “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”

C. Paul spoke of a more excellent gift, the gift of love, 1 Corinthians 12:31, “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

1. Without love we are just noise, 1 Corinthians 13:1, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

2. Even if we might have great knowledge and have all faith, without love we are nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:2, “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

D. Paul counsels us not to be intoxicated with conceit, Romans 12:3, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

1. Paul is saying here that Pride has no place in the Lord’s work, Romans 3:27,“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.”

2. Paul illustrates this fact, Romans 11:18-21, “Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.”

3. Therefore every Christian should have a proper sense of humility, Proverbs 18:12, “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.”

a. Paul’s attitude in serving the Lord, Acts 20:18-19, “And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:”

b. Peter admonishes us to be clothed in humility, 1 Peter 5:5-6, “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”

CONCLUSION

God has blessed each of us with gifts and abilities with which we can honor and glorify our Saviour. Each believer is special to the Lord. Each has a place in the Lord’s work where he or she can contribute one way or another to build a strong church. We need to use those gifts for his honor and glory.