TRANSFORMED--ROMANS 12:1-2

TRANSFORMED

ROMANS 12:1-2

Introduction:

We have been changed by trusting Jesus Christ as our Saviour. You as an individual are no longer the same as you were before you received Christ. The Lord said in John 15:19, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” Let’s consider what has happened to us.

I. THE BELIEVER ACTS FROM NEW PRINCIPLES

A. The mind is the acting ruling part of us; so that the renewing of the mind is the renewing of the whole man, Proverbs 4:23-27, “Keep thy heart [MIND; UNDERSTANDING] with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

1. He puts away foul language, Proverbs 4:24, “Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.”

2. His eyes look straight ahead, Proverbs 4:25, “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.”

3. He thinks about where he is going, Proverbs 4:26-27, “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27-Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”

B. He makes progress in Sanctification.

1. This is the transformation, “To change into another form, to transform.” 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.”

2. This is the Lord working in our lives, Ezekiel 11:19-20, “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: 20That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.”

II. THE BELIEVER LIVES BY NEW RULES

A. He is a new man that has been created to follow after righteousness, Ephesians 4:24, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

1. We have been created in Christ Jesus unto good works, Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

2. We have been created to live by the faith of Christ, 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. Whom having not seen, you love, 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:”

b. We are blessed because we love Him, John 20:29, “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”

B. The great enemy of the new man is conformity to the world:

1. In times past we walked in the world, Ephesians 2:2, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:”

2. Christ died to deliver us from this world, 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:”

3. Therefore we are not to love the world, Colossians 3:1-2, “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.”

a. Seek those things which are above, 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.”

b. Set your affection on things above, Matthew 6:20-21, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

CONCLUSION

If we live according to God’s precepts our lives will be greatly blessed and our children will inherit a good name before the Lord who will be honored by our lives. Let’s live by His rules.

THE LOVE OF GOD--ROMANS 5:1-11

THE LOVE OF GOD

ROMANS 5:1-11

Introduction:

The love of Christ is manifested in these verses here in Romans 5. It is a love that was extended to those who were unlovely. It is the Grace of God.

The Apostle Paul shows us the extent of God’s love toward us in the giving of His only Son. It is by His blood that we are justified and reconciled to God.

Look with me as we consider these things.

I. WHILE WE WERE YET SINNERS.

A. Christ died for us, while we were yet sinners, v. 8.

1. The Grace of God manifested to us, Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

2. The Mercy of God is demonstrated to us, Titus 3:4-5, “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not 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. His death demonstrates His great love for mankind, John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”

C. His death was vicarious, i.e., He died in our place.

II. RECONCILED TO GOD.

A. We were enemies of God without Christ.

1. Without God, 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:”

2. We were at times hostile to the truth, Romans 8:7, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”

B. We were reconciled to God.

1. We made peace with God by trusting Jesus as our Savior,

2. We have been made happy and content in Christ,

III. JUSTIFIED BY FAITH.

A. God disregards our guilt.

1. He shows mercy, Ephesians 2:4-5, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

2. The Lord forgives our sin, Psalm 86:4, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”

B. We stand as if acquitted.

1. We are guilty, Romans 3:11-12, “There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

2. BUT we are justified by His blood, v. 9, “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

a. The blood made the atonement, Leviticus 17:11, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”

b. Without blood it is impossible, Hebrews 9:22, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”

C. We are saved from the wrath to come by His blood, v. 9, “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

D. We shall be saved by His life, v. 10, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”

1. Because He was raised from the dead, we shall be raised also, 1 Corinthians 15:19, 22, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

2. Because He lives today, we shall live forever, 1 Corinthians 15:23, “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”

CONCLUSION

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. Jesus has already done this for you. What is left is for you to accept this gift of eternal life that he offers you right now. Faith in Christ as your Savior is all that is necessary for life eternal.

THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST--ROMANS 14:10,

THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

ROMANS 14:10,

“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

Introduction:

Some time in the near future, God’s people who are alive on this earth at the coming of Jesus Christ, will be raptured out of this life and into the presence of God. The dead in Christ will have been resurrected just moments ahead of the rapture. Then what happens?

The Bible gives us information regarding what happens next. The saints of God will be reviewed and rewarded for their service here upon the earth. This event is called the Judgement Seat of Christ and you don’t want to be ignorant about this doctrine. Ignorance is not bliss regarding this event.

This judgement is three-fold and every believer will face it.

I. WE WERE JUDGED IN THE PAST AS SINNERS.

A. 2,000 years ago God took every sin that you have committed or will commit and PLACED THEM ON JESUS CHRIST at Calvary, Isa. 53:6.

1. The JUST suffered for the UNJUST, 1 Peter 3:18.

2. He who knew no sin became sin for us, 2 Cor. 5:21.

B. The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ judged sin and His blood paid for sin so perfectly that God can find nothing for which to condemn us, Rom. 8:1; John 5:24.

II. WE ARE BEING JUDGED PRESENTLY AS SONS.

A. We have the OPTION of judging ourselves during this life, 1 Cor. 11:31-32.

1. This means walking in fellowship with the Lord, 1 John 1:6-7.

2. This means confessing our sins in order to maintain fellowship, 1 John 1:9; Ps. 32:5.

B. When we DO NOT judge ourselves the Lord judges us.

1. He deals with us as sons, Heb. 12:5-7.

2. Chastening is not payment for sin.

a. It is a sign of sonship.

b. It is a means of directing us back to God’s will.

1) Loss of health.

2) Loss of possessions.

3) Loss of joy.

4) Loss of loved ones.

III. WE WILL BE JUDGED PROSPECTIVELY AS SERVANTS AND STEWARDS.

A. No believer will miss this judgement, Romans 14:10b.

B. Christ will examine every son regarding his service to the Lord.

1. This will not be a judicial bench. Salvation is not the issue here. If you are not a Christian your judgement is at the Great White Throne Judgement of Rev. 20:11-15.

2. It is the “Bema” judgement. In the Grecian games, the arena had a raised platform on which the presiding judge sat. From this seat he watched the contestants and awarded all of the winners. This was called the “bema” seat. It was a place of reward. But before the reward came the review.

C. The books will be opened.

1. The book of Revelation – the Bible, Isa. 40:8.

2. The book of Redemption – The Lamb’s Book of Life, Rev. 21:27.

3. The Book of Remembrance, Mal. 3:16.

a. The Lord is not writing down your sins – they are blotted out.

b. He is writing down the little things that no one else knows or things others have overlooked.

1) Bottles of our tears, Ps. 56:8.

2) Our midnight prayers that were uttered when no one else could hear. In the Temple boxes held the burnt up wicks from the lamps in the sanctuary.

3) A cup of water, Matt. 10:42.

D. Every Believer has to GIVE AN ACCOUNT of …

1. His building, 1 Cor. 3:10-15.

2. His body, 2 Cor. 5:10.

a. Our works, 1 Cor. 3:13; Eph. 2:8-10.

b. Our faithfulness, 1 Cor. 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

c. Our motives, 1 Cor. 4:5.

E. Some will receive REWARDS from God, 1 Cor. 3:14. Five crowns are mentioned in the Bible:

1. Incorruptible crown, 1 Cor. 9:25. “Those who conquered in these games were crowned only with the withering leaves or boughs of trees, of olive, bays, or laurel. But Christians have an incorruptible crown in view, a crown of glory that never fadeth away, an inheritance incorruptible, reserved in heaven for them.” Matthew Henry

2. Crown of Rejoicing (a soulwinners crown), 1 Thess. 2:19. These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation.

3. Crown of Glory (Shepherd’s reward), 1 Peter 5:4. These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation.

4. Crown of Life (Sufferer’s reward), James 1:12. The crown of life is promised not only to great and eminent saints, but to all those who have the love of God reigning in their hearts. Every soul that truly loves God shall have its trials in this world fully recompensed in that world above where love is made perfect.

5. Crown of Righteousness (for those who love the appearing of Christ), 2 Tim. 4:8.

F. Some will LOSE rewards, 1 Cor. 3:15. The great day will pluck off all disguises, and make things appear as they are.

CONCLUSION

With great joy we will lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus. Rev. 4:1-4, 10-11.

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

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

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

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.

THE ABIDING REALITY--ROMANS 1:1-16

THE ABIDING REALITY

ROMANS 1:1-16

Romans 1:1, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,”

Introduction:

The most vital need of the Christian worker today is to know what is the most important thing in his life. The one thing that is all-important is that the Gospel of God should be realized as the Abiding Reality.

God has redeemed us from the curse of sin to show forth His Grace in Redemption. How we live our lives is the effect of the redemption that He has brought into our lives.

I. WHAT IS THE ABIDING REALITY IN THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER?

A. Reality is not…

1. Human goodness, Ecclesiastes 7:20, “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”

2. Holiness, Isaiah 35:8, “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.”

3. Heaven, Psalms 14:2, “The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.”

4. Hell, 2 Peter 2:4, “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;”

B. Reality is Redemption, Ephesians 1:7, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

1. Redemption is the only Reality, Titus 2:14, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

2. Personal holiness is an effect of redemption, 1 Corinthians 6:19, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20- For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

a. Paul’s eyes were not on the personal whiteness of his own character, but on Jesus, 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.”

1) As long as our eyes are on self we will never get to the reality of Redemption, Isaiah 31:1, “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!”

2) What is necessary is to “walk in His way,” Deuteronomy 10:12, “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,”

b. Paul did not say he separated himself, Galatians 1:15, “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,”

c. In God own time, Galatians 4:4-5, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

II. LIVING IN THE REALITY OF REDEMPTION

A. To TALK ONLY is a sign that the reality of the Gospel of Christ has NOT reached us, Exodus 32:32, “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.”

B. Paul was UNCONSCIOUS of HIMSELF and separated by God for one purpose, the preaching of the Gospel, Romans 9:3, “For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:”

C. That is the reality of our redemption, to reach people with the Gospel of Christ, Matthew 10:27, “What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.”

1. We can’t hid the light, Luke 11:33, “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.”

2. Wisdom cries out, Proverbs 1:20, “Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:”

3. Understanding puts forth her voice, Proverbs 8:1-5, “Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? 2- She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. 3- She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. 4- Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. 5- O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.”

CONCLUSION

The Apostle Paul knew the reality of the Gospel of Christ. It was in the proclaiming of that Gospel that men might know Jesus Christ is redemption. And that redemption can only be known by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

We must say as the Apostle said, 1 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!”

SIN AND IT’S DEFEAT--ROMANS 5:6-14

SIN AND IT’S DEFEAT

ROMANS 5:6-14

Introduction:

“Sin is a fundamental relationship: it is not WRONGDOING, it is WRONG BEING, deliberate and emphatic independence of God.” (Oswald Chambers).

Sin is a terrible thing. Religion deals with SINS (plural), only the Bible deals with SIN (singular)(the word appears 457 times in Scripture). God deals with the NATURE of sin, the HEREDITY of sin, and He deals with the DEFEAT of sin.

I. THE NATURE OF SIN – TOTAL DEPRAVITY.

A. One whose heart has turned away from God, Deuteronomy 29:18, Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;”

1. One who rejoices to do evil, Proverbs 2:14, “Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness [perversity] of the wicked;”

2. Those without faith, Deuteronomy 32:20, “And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.”

3. Those who are disobedient, Genesis 2:17, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

B. Those whose every desire is sin, Genesis 6:5, “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

II. THE HEREDITY OF SIN – TOTAL.

A. One man brought sin into the world, Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

1. “The sin,”—the sin of unbelief.

2. “The death,” both physical and spiritual death.

B. Death came by this man also, Romans 5:18a, “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation;”

III. THE DEFEAT OF SIN – RECONCILIATION.

A. God sees but two men, Adam and Christ.

1. Note the repetition of the word “one.”

a. In v. 12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

b. In v. 15, ” But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.”

c. In v. 16, “And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

d. In v. 17, “For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”

e. In v. 18, “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.”

f. In v. 19, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

B. This story does not end in tragedy, but in victory, 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

1. The Second Adam who knew no sin became sin for us.

2. In Him we see the victory of man over sin by the quickening power of Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 15:45, “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.”

CONCLUSION

Jesus has dealt defeat to Satan and sin by the offering of Himself as the sacrifice for sin that God required. Now we who have trusted Jesus Christ as our Savior stand justified before the God of Heaven.