Author: Art Davison

OUR RESURRECTION GUARANTEED–II CORINTHIANS 4:11-18

Art Davison II CORINTHIANS 0 Comment
OUR RESURRECTION GUARANTEED

II CORINTHIANS 4:11-18

2 Corinthians 4:14, “Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

Introduction:

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the doctrine that makes or breaks Christianity. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” The resurrection is our hope for a better life in the future. The Believer yearns for the day when that takes place.

I. IF OUR EARTHLY HOUSE BE DISOLVED

A. We have a building of God, 2 Corinthians 5:1-4, “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2- For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3- If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4- For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.”

1. A house not made with hands, Hebrews 9:11, “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;”

2. An inheritance incorruptible, 1 Peter 1:4, “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,”

B. We desire to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven, v. 2, “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:”

1. We desire to be delivered from this body of death, Romans 7:24-25a, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

2. We are waiting for the adoption, Romans 8:23, “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”

3. We are waiting for the quickening of our mortal bodies, Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

II. THE BELIEVER NEVER DIES

John 11:25-26, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”

A. The Son gives life, John 5:21, “For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.”

1. He is the Life, John 1:4, “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.”

2. Because He lives, we shall live, John 14:19, “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.”

B. Do you believe that?

1. Job believed it, Job 19:25-27.

a. My Redeemer lives, v. 25, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:”

b. “Yet in my flesh shall I see God,” vs. 26-27, “And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 27Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.”

2. The Apostle Paul believed it, 1 Corinthians 6:14, “And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.”

a. Paul says that Christ is the first fruits of the resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:20, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”

b. The Lord will bring those who have died trusting Christ, 1 Thessalonians 4:14, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”

C. The Lord Jesus will present every Believer faultless to the Father, Jude 24, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,”

1. He is able to keep you from falling, Ephesians 3:20, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”

2. He will present us without sin to the Father, Colossians 1:21-22, 28, “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:”

CONCLUSION

The Lord is coming back to get His people. Those that have died in the Lord will be resurrected first and then those who remain alive will be raptured out to meet the Lord together in the air. And we will be with the Lord throughout eternity.

 

OUR HOPE–I CORINTHIANS 15:1-8, 12-19

Art Davison I CORINTHIANS 0 Comment
OUR HOPE

I CORINTHIANS 15:1-8, 12-19
Introduction:

Hope is an expectation that is accompanied with a belief that what is hoped for is obtainable. Paul described it thus, “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” Romans 8:24-25.

But what is that “HOPE” built upon? The GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, especially the RESURRECTION of Christ.

I. OUR HOPE IS NOT BASED ONLY IN THE THINGS OF THIS LIFE.

A. Not in this life ONLY, 1 Corinthians 15:19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”

1. In this life we believe the report about Christ as the Saviour, Romans 10:16-17, “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

2. In this life we trust Him as the LIFE GIVER, John 11:25, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

3. In this life we receive Him as the only way to heaven, John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

B. We trust in God’s preparation for us before this life.

1. God began His preparation for your salvation before He created this world, Revelation 13:8, And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

2. When Adam sinned before God, the Lord was ready with His plan of redemption, Genesis 3:21, “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”

3. The Lord clothed Adam and Eve in His Righteousness, Isaiah 61:10, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”

II. OUR HOPE IS BASED IN THE THINGS THAT GOD HAS PREPARED.

A. It is based on the PROMISES of the WORD of God.

1. Hearing His word, John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

a. Hearing is not sufficient unless you add “believing.”

b. Then the Promise of God “everlasting life.”

2. Continuing in His word, John 8:31-32, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

a. Belief “on Him” comes first.

b. Then “continuing” is not difficult at all.

c. You continue willingly because you have been set “free” from the penalty of sin.

B. Our hope is based on what He has done.

1. He is preparing a place for us, John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

a. There is “a place,” a mansion, for us, “And if I go and prepare a place for you,”

b. A place where we will be with Him, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

2. We cannot even imagine what wonderful things God has prepared for us, 1 Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

CONCLUSION
What is your hope based on? I hope it not your works such as giving to the poor, being a good American, or being a member of this church or some other. If it is, you are going to be sadly disappointed.

Your hope must be in Jesus Christ and Him alone! If you have not trusted Him as your Saviour, you need to do that right now!

MORE THAN CONQUERORS–ROMANS 8:37

Art Davison ROMANS 0 Comment
MORE THAN CONQUERORS
ROMANS 8:37
Introduction:
God having manifested his love in giving his own Son for us, and not hesitating at that, can we imagine that any thing else should divert or dissolve that love? In this we are more than conquerors in Christ. He has left us assurances such as the witness of the Spirit of God in our hearts; His Word to show us the way until He returns. Yes, we are more than conquerors.
I. WE HAVE THE VICTORY
A. We are the victors, 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1. Our faith is not destroyed, 1 John 5:4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
2. Our love is not diminished, 1 John 4:19, “We love him, because he first loved us.”
3. Our hope is not destroyed, Psalm 31:24, Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”
B. It is more than simple triumph, Psalm 47:1, “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”
1. It augments our faith, 2 Peter 1:5, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;”
2. It increases our strength, Psalm 105:24, “And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.”
3. It expands our love to Christ, 1 John 4:17, “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.”
II. WE ARE MORE THAN JUST CONQUERORS
A. It is the LORD who gives us the victory, 2 Corinthians 2:14, “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”
1. We haven’t accomplished this ourselves, 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2. The glory belongs to our Savior, Hebrews 1:3, “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”
B. Our great enemy is swallowed up in victory, 1 Corinthians 15:54, “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”
III. WE ARE CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US
A. God loved us first, 1 John 4:19, “We love him, because he first loved us.”
1. He gave us His only begotten Son, John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
2. He is the propitiation [that which made us favorable to God] for our sins, 1 John 4:10, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
B. Through His love we have overcome the world, 1 John 5:5, “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”
1. Our faith in Jesus Christ has overcome the world, 1 John 5:4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
2. It is Christ that lives in us that enables us to get the victory, Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
3. He has washed us in His own blood, Revelation 1:5, “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,”
C. For this reason Christ will present us faultless before God’s throne, Jude 1:24, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,”
1. Our victory is that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
2. Because of His victory on the Cross we will stand with great joy before our heavenly Father, 1 Peter 1:8, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”
CONCLUSION
The victory is His because we were lost and undone when He found us. 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE–PHILIPPIANS 3

Art Davison PHILIPPIANS 0 Comment
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

PHILIPPIANS 3

Introduction:

The Apostle Paul opens this third chapter of Philippians with a positive note: “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.” However, right after his opening words he gives a warning: “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.”

Whether you realize it or not, we are in a battle for the truth of the Word of God. We are not fighting men; rather, we are fighting Satan, the enemy of God. Sometimes I wonder if we know who the enemy really is because it seems that we are fighting everyone other than Satan.

We need to look back at Calvary and remember what happened there and what has happened in our lives because of what happened there. Then we need to look to the future forgetting our failures and reach “forth unto those things which are before.”

I. FORGETTING THOSE THINGS, WHICH ARE BEHIND.

A. Past victories cannot be all there is.

1. Some were glorious victories that lifted our spirits.

2. Others were learning opportunities that enabled us to do better for the Lord.

B. Past failures are but history from which we must learn, v. 13, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,”

II. REACHING FORTH UNTO THOSE THINGS, WHICH ARE BEFORE.

A. But I follow after, v. 12, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.”

B. Pressing toward the mark, Philippians 3:13-14, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

III. LET US THEREFORE, AS MANY AS BE PERFECT, BE THUS MINDED.

A. Let us walk by the same rule, Philippians 3:16, “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”

B. For many walk… vs. 18-19,

1. As “the enemies of the cross of Christ… Philippians 3:1-2, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.”

2. Whose end is destruction… those who had been deceived and had not received Christ as Savior.

3. Whose God is their belly… “They minded nothing but their sensual appetites.” Matthew Henry. Romans 16:18, “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

4. Whose glory is in their shame… “They glory in their shame. They not only sinned, but boasted of it and gloried in that of which they ought to have been ashamed.” Matthew Henry.

5. Who mind earthly things.” 1 John 2:15, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

C. Let us mind the same thing, Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

IV. OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN.

A. We are looking for the Lord, v. 20, For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:”

B. We should be seeking “those things which are above,” Colossians 3:1-3, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2-Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3-For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

C. We should be setting our “affection on things above.”

1. The Coming of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

2. The redemption of our “vile bodies.” Philippians 3:21, “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

CONCLUSION

The need of our day is some strong men of faith. Men of courage to stand for the truth and trust God for results. Our example is the Lord Jesus Christ.

LIVING FOR CHRIST–PHILIPPIANS 1:12-26

Art Davison PHILIPPIANS 0 Comment
LIVING FOR CHRIST

PHILIPPIANS 1:12-26

Key verse is v. 21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Introduction:

The life of the Believer in Jesus Christ is a life of peace and joy. It is not without difficulty, but even in those difficulties he finds peace and joy in the Lord.

Paul served the Lord with everything he had. His zeal for the Lord was second to none. He suffered “great things” for the Gospel’s sake, yet he continues to rejoice as he lived for Christ. We can find some encouragement for ourselves in this.

I. FOR ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST

A. Jesus Christ is the principle person of my life.

1. He is the life of the believer, John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

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

a. That is the promise of the Lord, John 14:19-20, “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.”

b. Thus, Christ is the principal influence in my life, Ephesians 2:1, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”

B. Christ is the end of my life, Romans 14:8, “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”

C. Christ is the joy of the Believer’s life, Psalm 43:4, “Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.”

1. The Believer sings unto the Lord, Psalm 71:23, “My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.”

2. He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, Isaiah 61:10, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”

3. Even in difficulty the Believer rejoices in the Lord, Habakkuk 3:17-18, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
II. AND TO DIE IS GAIN

A. To the Believer death is great gain.

1. He gains freedom for the burden of a sin nature that always dogs him down, Psalm 31:10, “For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.”

2. Believers at death gain the glorious sight of God.

a. They shall behold Jesus, as He is, 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.”

b. There they will realize the “fullness of joy,” 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.”

2. Not only will the Believer enjoy the sight of God, but they will enjoy His love also.

a. There will be no veil over the eyes, 1 Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

b. We will speak to Him as a man speaks to his friend.

1) As He spoke with Moses, Exodus 33:11a, “And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.”

2) The Believer is the Lord’s friend when he does what God has commanded, John 15:13-14, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

3. The Believer gains his Celestial home.

a. This home is not made with hands, 2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

b. It is their Father’s house, not the landlord’s, John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

4. It will be a good neighborhood. Only saints live there with the Lord, John 17:24, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”

CONCLUSION

This is not the end of the story. There are many things that were not mentioned here. There is great joy in living for the Lord and on the other side of this life is greater joy.