THE PEOPLE OF GOD
Table of Contents
Page Lesson Title
2 Introduction
3 People of Distinction
God's Person should be:
5 Distinct in Doctrine
6 Steadfast in Faith
7 Pure in Life
9 Devoted in Worship
10 Mature in Mind
12 Happy in Heart
14 Patient with Problems
16 Submissive in Suffering
17 Secure in Hope
19 Energetic in Evangelism
20 Paradoxical in Personality, Part 1
21 Paradoxical in Personality, Part 2
22 Excited about Eternity
TITLE: Theme: The People of God
TEXT: Theme: 2 Peter 3:11
PROPOSITION: Theme: God has a people who are distinctly His.
QUESTION: Theme: Who?
KEY WORD: Theme: Qualities
Introduction
"Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" (1 Peter 3:11)
What manner of people should we be? The people of God are expected to adhere to a higher standard. Those who claim to be God's people should illustrate qualities of God.
At the beginning of each lesson I have given a "Proposition"; "Question"; and "Key Word". An explaination might be helpful. As I prepare a sermon, there are three things I do FIRST.
I write, in one sentence, what the sermon should teach. The "Proposition" is a one sentence summary of the major idea, theme, concept, principle or truth which I want to communicate. All matherial in the class or sermon must lead to establishing this truth and impressing it upon the mind.
The "Question" and "Key Word" go together. I use them as tools to help me design a sermon which fits together. The question is one of the basics. "Who, What, When, Where, Why, How, Which" are most often used.
The "Key Word" is a special word that ties the entire lesson together. It gives it direction and unity. The key word will always fit the following criteria:
A. A noun, noun form of a verb or an adjective.
B. It will always be plural. It can not be singular because it must harmonize each of the main points.
C. Each major point in the lesson will answer the question and key word. Each main point can be introduced by using the key word in the singular.
For example, a lesson on maturity (see page 9) will ask "What Characteristics?" Each of the main points will be a characteristic of a mature Christian. I do this for all sermons preached. It facilitates the unity, direction and flow of the sermon. I hope you will find it helpful in your study of this material.
TITLE: People of Distinction
TEXT: 2 Peter 3:9-13
PROPOSITION: God has stressed in all ages that He has a people who are distincly His.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Principles
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. In both the Old and New Testaments - God has always had a distinct people.
2. In this introductory lesson we want to notice the principles involved.
1. Old Testament
Deut. 26:18 A peculiar people to keep the commandments
Judges 20:2 The people of God assembled
Psalm 100:3 We are His people, sheep of His pasture
NOTE: God always saved a remnant to carry on His work.
Noah Sodom Wilderness Babylonian Cap.
2. New Testament
Heb. 4:9 Rest remains for people of God
1 Pet. 2:10 We are now the people of God
Heb. 11:25 Suffer affliction with the people of God
3. Two important Scriptures
A. 2 Chron. 7:14 my people, called by my name
B. 2 Tim. 2:19 everyone that names the name of Christ
4. God's people bear a distinct relationship to His name.
Psalm 8:1 How excellent is thy name
John 17:6 Jesus manifested His name
John 1:12 Power to become sons of God, believe on name
Luke 24:47 Repentance and rem. of sins preached
Acts 4:12 Salvation in no other name
5. Things to do in Christ's name.
Matt. 10:22 - be hated for His name's sake
Matt. 18:5 - receive little children
Matt. 18:20 - 2 or 3 gather together
Matt. 19:29 - forsake all
Mark 13:6 - alert for false claims
Mark 9:41 - give a cup of cold water
John 14:13 - ask (pray)
Acts 9:15 - bear his name to others
Acts 9:16 - suffer in his name
Matt. 28:19-20 - baptise in his name
Rev. 3:8 - not deny his name
Col. 3:17 - do all in the name of the Lord
6. How has God dealt with His people?
Luke 1:68 Visited
2 Chron. 32:14-15 Delivered
Psalm 135:14 Judged
2 Chron. 2:11 Loved
2 chron. 31:10 Blessed
Isaiah 5:25 Wrath
Psalm 105:24 Increased
Luke 1:68 Redeemed
1 Chron. 23:25 Gave rest
Romans 11:1-2 Not cast away
7. Christ's mission was the same.
Matt. 1:21 Save his people
Rom. 9:25-26 Open to others (Gentiles)
1 Pet. 2:10 Now the people of God
Acts 18:10 I have many people in this city
8. Primary challenge to God's people.
2 Pet. 3:11 - what manner of person ought you to be?
2 Pet. 1:4 - partake of the divine nature
1 Cor. 11:1 - keep the traditions as delivered
1 John 3:2 - have confidence, we are God's people
Conclusion:
1. All of this takes time. "Holiness is a growth, not a gift."
2. 2 Cor. 7:1 - perfecting holiness in the fear of God
TITLE: Disctinct in Doctrine
TEXT: 2 Timothy 4:1-4
PROPOSITION: Christians must continue in the Apostle's doctrine to remain the people of God.
QUESTION: How?
KEY WORD: Demands
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. Doctrine is important.
2. We must learn the demands of pure doctrine.
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
1. Doctrine - That which is taught; a principle, or body of principles, in any branch of knowledge; a tenet; dogma; principle of faith.
2. Tenet - a belief or principle help to be true by members of an organization.
3. Doctrine and doctrines are used about 56 times in the Bible. The primary Greek word means "the act of teaching, instructing."
THE NATURE OF JESUS' DOCTRINE:
1. Matt. 22:33 So distinct it astonished
2. John 7:16-17 Authoritative
3. John 18:19-21 Presented boldly and publicly
4. Mark 16:15-16 Unique and exclusive
5. Matt. 15:8-9 Unauthorized doctrine is vain
CHRISTIANS AND THE APOSTLES' DOCTRINE:
1. Acts 2:42 Continue in it
2. Acts 5:28 Fill Jerusalem with it
3. Rom. 6:17 Obey form of it.
4. Rom. 16:17 Mark those contrary to it
5. Eph. 4:14 Avoid being drawn away from it
6. 1 Tim. 1:3, 10 Teach no other doctrine
7. 1 Tim. 4:16 Take heed; continue in it
8. 1 Tim. 5:17 Support elders who labor in it
9. 1 Tim. 6:1-4 Not blaspheme God's doctrine
10. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 Bible - profitable for doctrine
11. 2 Tim. 4:1-4 Endure sound doctrine
12. Titus 1:9 Convict those in error
13. Heb. 6:1-2 Build on it; Go beyond the basics
14. 2 John 9-11 Do not support false doctrine
15. Rev. 2:14-24 Not imitate those holding wrong doc.
TITLE: Steadfast in Faith
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
PROPOSITION: God's people must be steadfast in their faith.
QUESTION: How?
KEY WORD: Functions
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. Faith and Steadfast - go together.
2. Notice how faith functions to produce steadfastness.
1. Definitions.
A. Faith - "trust, fidelity, firmness of conviction
B. Steadfast - "firm, secure, seated, fixed
2. Scripture combines "Faith" and "Steadfastness"
A. 1 Pet. 5:9 Withstand the adversary
B. Col. 2:5 Steadfastness of your faith
C. Acts 2:36-42 Continued steadfastly
D. 1 Cor. 15:58 Be steadfast, unmoveable
E. Heb. 3:14 Not have evil heart of unbelief
F. 2 Pet. 3:17 Ignorant twist the Scriptures
3. How can Faith function in our lives to promote steadfastness?
Study the chapter on faith - Hebrews 11
Verse Who Faith Functions
1-3 World about us, origin, how we got here
4-5 Worship acceptably
5-6 Close personal relationship with God
7 Victory over scoffers
8-10 Hold to convictions when tempted
11-12 Turn unbelieveable, unlikely into reality
23-27 See value of eternal over present pleasures
32-40 Victory over suffering
TITLE: Pure in Life
TEXT: Romans 6:11-14
PROPOSITION: God presents truths about purity.
QUESTION: Which?
KEY WORD: Tests
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. Many verses dealing with purity of life.
2. Examine four tests about God's body.
1. What do you THINK OF IT?
A. Eph. 5:29 - nourish and cherish
B. Romans 12:3 - not to think too highly, soberly
C. 1 Corinthians 4:6 - not above what is written
2. What do you DO WITH IT?
A. Romans 6:1-2; 12-13 - not live in sin
B. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 - not defile the temple
C. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - glorify God in your body
3. What do you ADORN IT WITH?
A. 1 Timothy 2:9 - with modest apparel
B. 1 Peter 3:3-4 - not with outward adorning
C. The Christian's Dress:
2 Cor. 7:1 Clean
James 2:1-9; 1 Tim. 2:9 Not exaggerated
Matt. 5:27-28 Not indecent
Gen. 2:25; 3:7, 21 Avoid nakedness
1 Cor. 10:32 Not harm influence
Romans 14; 1 Cor. 8 Avoid stumbling block
1 Tim. 4:16 Enhance your image
Romans 14 Respect personal choices
1 Cor. 11 Male/female disctinctions
4. What do you PUT INTO YOUR BODY?
A. Rom. 12:1-2 Renew your mind
B. Dan. 1:3-15 Reject "kings danties"
C. 2 Cor. 7:1 Things that are wholesome
5. QUESTIONS TO ASK:
A. Does it harm one's body? others?
Rom. 12:1-3 1 Cor. 3:16-17
B. Does it harm one's influence?
1 Cor. 8 Matt. 5:16
C. Does it violate one's conscience?
Rom. 14:23 1 John 3:20-21
D. Does it form habits which are difficult to break?
1 Cor. 6:12 2 Cor. 7:1
E. Does it place one in the position of violating the Golden Rule by its harm or offensivenesss to others?
Matt. 7:12
"AND SUCH LIKE"
Galatians 5:19-26
Works of Flesh And Such Like Fruit of Spirit
Adultery _____________ Love
Fornication _____________ Joy
Uncleanness _____________ Peace
Lasciviousness _____________ Longsuffering
Idolatry _____________ Gentleness
Witchcraft _____________ Goodness
Hatred _____________ Faith
Variance _____________ Meekness
Emulations _____________ Temperance
Wrath _____________
Strife _____________ Study the list
in each column.
Seditions _____________ Now write the
item you have
Heresies _____________ to make a
decision about
Envyings _____________ in one of the
blanks in the
Murders _____________ center. In
light of the
Drunkenness _____________ passage, with
which list is
Revelings _____________ it more easily
identified?
TITLE: Devoted in Worship
TEXT: Psalm 1
PROPOSITION: God's people worship Him.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Attributes
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. What good is accomplished in worship? Why worship?
2. What can worship do for me?
1. Psalm 15
A. 2-3 Keeps us upright
B. 4 Keeps us honest
C. 5 Stablizes our lives
2. Psalm 84
A. 1-2 Satisfies hungers
B. 7 Strengthens the soul
C. 8 Helps us pray
D. 9 Shields us from harm
E. 10 Sharpens our ability to choose good
F. 11 Forerunner of deeper blessings
3. Psalm 1:1-2 NOTICE THE NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE:
Negative Positive
Walk with ungodly Delight in God's law
Stand with sinners Meditate day and night
Sit with scornful
4. Pslam 15:1-5
Negative Positive
Not backbite Walk uprightly
Not do evil to neighbor Work righteousness
Not take up reproach Speak truth
Not be usurious Honor them who fear God
5. QUESTIONS FOR THOUGHT:
1. What donditions make worship unacceptable to God?
Acceptable worship to God depends upon one's:
Purpose Preparation Performance
2. What external forces hinder our worship?
Tired Sin Personal problems
3. What causes Christians to neglect the assembly?
Sin in their life Lack of faith Weakness
4. Must one attend ALL services of the church?
Why would they consider otherwise?
Conclusion:
1. Worship to God is affected by how we treat others.
2. Worship is affected by our relationship to God.
TITLE: Mature in Mind
TEXT: Ephesians 4:11-15
PROPOSITION: God demands that His people grow up.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Characteristics
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. Mature - Qualities desirable well-adjusted humans.
2. God wants his people to be mature.
3. We will examine some characteristics of maturity.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MATURITY:
1. Control anger and settle differences without violence.
Gen. 13:1-12 Acts 15:36-40
2. Patience, pass up immediate for the long term gain.
Heb. 11:24-27 Phil. 3:4-14
3. Perseverance, sweating out in spite of setbacks.
1 Cor. 15:58 Gal. 6:9
4. Unselfishness, responding to the needs of others.
Matt. 16:24 Phil. 2:4-10
5. Face unpleasantness without bitterness.
Gen. 13 Phil. 1:12-18
6. Humility.
James 4:10 1 Pet. 5:6
7. Dependability, integrity, keep one's word.
James 5:12 Psalm 15:4
8. Live in peace with what we can not change.
1 Cor. 7:17-24 Phil. 4:10
REQUIREMENTS FOR MATURITY:
1. 2 Pet. 2:14; Acts 24:16 Conscientious desire.
2. 1 Cor. 14:20 Tolerance and patience.
3. Heb. 5:14 Time and experience.
4. Heb. 12:11 A proper value system.
5. Phil. 4:5-13; 2 Cor. 12:7-10 Able to accept reality.
TITLE: Happy in Heart
TEXT: 1 Peter 1:4-9
PROPOSITION: God's people should be happy people.
QUESTION: How?
KEY WORD: Instructions
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. God wants His people to be happy.
2. Our problem is learning how to be happy.
1. Survey.
A. "How happy are you?"
B. "What would make you happier?"
2. Results.
A. 60% - generally happy
B. 23% - moderately happy
C. 2% - generally unhappy
D. 2% - miserable about all the time
WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU HAPPIER?
Youth Adults
Nothing! Less daily pressure
More money More help from family
Do better in school More family time together
People friendlier to me More patience with family
No war, peace Mate to be more devoted
New car, clothes Help children make right decisions
3. Question: IS HAPPINESS A PART OF THE "RESTORATION PLEA"?
John 13:17 Know these things, happy if you do them
John 15:11 That your joy may be full
Matt. 25:21 Enter in Joy of the Lord
Acts 8:39 Went on way rejoicing
Acts 5:41 Rejoiced - worthy to suffer
Acts 16:34 Jailer rejoiced
Heb. 12:2 Joy set before him
Phil. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always
1 Pet. 1:6, 8-9 Rejoice greatly, joy unspeakable
4. Comparison.
A. The first century Christians were happy.
B. Their happiness was not dependent on:
1. Externals.
2. Purity in government.
3. Absence of social problems.
4. Popular acceptance by the world.
5. Economic prosperity.
5. HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN:
A. NOT in achieving of wealth, or great power, or vast knoweldge, or unlimited physical, sensual enjoyment.
B. Simple things.
C. Doing worthwhile work well.
D. The PURSUIT more than in the ATTAINMENT.
E. Concern for other's more than self.
F. The ultimate sense, at the spiritual level.
6. Rules.
A. Prov. 16:20 Trust in the Lord
B. John 13:17 If you do them
C. Acts 28:2 To speak for myself
D. 1 Per. 4:14 If reproached
E. James 5:11 Endure
TITLE: Patient with Problems
TEXT: 2 Timothy 3:10-14
PROPOSITION: God's people will face problems with patience.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Understandings
READING: Same
1. Attitudes one should have toward problems.
A. It is realistic to expect problems as a part of life.
Job 5:7 - born to trouble
Job 14:1 - few days and full of trouble
John 16:35 - in world will have tribulation
B. Problems are not pleasant, but they are not necessarily bad.
Rom. 5:3 - will work patience
2 Cor. 1:4 - help us comfort others
Rev. 7:14-17 - prepare us for heaven
2. Identifying sources of problems.
A. Some problems come because one will not do wrong.
2 Cor. 1:8-9 - Paul faced death in Asia
1 Cor. 7:28 - trouble in the flesh
Mark 13:8-9 - sorrows for "my sake"
Gal. 1:7 - some trouble you
2 Thess. 1:6-9 - troubled will have rest
B. Some problems come because one will not do right.
Is. 57:20-21 - no peace for the wicked
1 Kings 18:17-18 - Elijah was a troubler
Matt. 2:3 - Herod, at birth of Jesus
2 Tim. 2:9 - As if an eveldoer
Neh. 9:32-35 - been faithful, they were wicked
C. Some problems are the result of misdirected emotions.
Luke 10:41 - Martha, troubled with many things
1 Thess. 4:13-18 - state of the dead
Prov. 15:27 - greedy of gain
Dan. 5:6-10 - Belshazzar's panic
Dan. 4:19 - thoughts can trouble us
Job 22:10 - sudden fear of trouble
3. Suggestions on how to cope with problems.
1. Talk it out.
2. Escape for a while.
3. Work off your anger.
4. Give in occasionally.
5. Do something for others.
6. Take one thing at a time.
7. Shun the Superman urge.
8. Go easy with criticism.
9. Give the other fellow a break.
10. Make yourself "available".
11. Schedule your recreation.
TITLE: Submissive in Suffering
TEXT: 1 Peter 4:12-16
PROPOSITION: God's people understand suffering.
QUESTION: Why?
KEY WORD: Explainations
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. Suffering is a major hurdle to our faith.
2. How can a good God allow such misery and suffering?
1. Scriptures to consider.
Job 5:7, 19 - born unto trouble, seven-fold
Job 14:1 - few days and full of trouble
1 Peter 2:19-21 - suffer for your faults
Hebrews 5:8-9 - learned obedience
1 Peter 5:10 - make you perfect, stablish, strengthen
Romans 8:18 - not compare with what is ahead of us
2 Cor. 1:5-6 - our suffering will help others
1 Peter 4:12-16 - glorify God on this behalf (name)
2. Explanations offered.
A. It is an illusion. John 16:33
B. It is a result of sin. Luke 13:1-5; John 9:1-4
C. Is is punishment from God. James 1:12-15
3. Biblical viewpoint.
A. God respects His own laws. Rom. 14:7
B. Suffering can work patience. James 1:3, 12
C. Suffering can draw the impenitent closer to God.
Rom. 8:28 Psalm 119:71
D. Suffering reminds us of God's love and presence.
Heb. 12:6-11
E. Suffeirng builds character and strength.
Phil. 4:11 1 Peter 5:10
F. Suffering opens doors of opportunity.
Phil. 1:11-19
G. Suffering encourages obedience.
1 Kings 17:8-24
TITLE: Secure in Hope
TEXT: Romans 8:22-25
PROPOSITION: Christians can have security in hope.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Promises
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. Two teachings of the Bible confuse many.
A. Warn against apostasy, falling away.
B. Assurance and security in salvation.
2. Many Christians are unsure of their hope because of the dual messages they read in the Bible.
3. Hope is the outgrowth of desire and expectation.
A. Desire alone is a wish.
B. Expectation alone is a dread.
1. There is some confusion about the promises of our hope.
A. Some feel a "tug of war" between guilt and grace.
B. Many good Christians do not feel secure in their hope. Why? Many read passages that warn against apostasy and compare them with passages that give assurance. They assume they contradict each other, so they choose the more comforting selections.
C. When studied and compared carefully, one can see that both sets are correct and teach vital truths.
Warnings Assurances
1 Cor. 8:11 John 10:27-28
1 Cor. 10:12 Rom. 8:35
1 Cor. 9:27 1 Cor. 3:11-15
Gal. 5:4 1 John 3:9
1 John 1:7-9 1 John 1:7-9 (Cited by both groups.)
1 Tim. 1:19-20 1 John 2:25; 5:11-12
John 15:1-4 1 Peter 1:3-5
1 Peter 1:5-10 Romans 8:24-25
Matt. 13:41-43 Titus 1:2; 2:13
2. Hope is promised to Christians.
Romans 8:24 Saved by hope
1 Cor. 9:10 Partakers of hope
1 Cor. 13:13 Faith, hope and love.
1 Cor. 15:19 Not for this life only
2 Cor. 1:7 Hope is steadfast
Gal. 5:5 We wait for hope
Eph. 2:12 Out of Christ, no hope
Col. 1:5, 23 Hope laid up for you
1 Thes. 4:13 Sorrow not as those who have no hope
Titus 2:13 Christians look for that blessed hope
1 Pet. 1:3 Hope is lively, unfading
1 Pet. 3:15 Give a reason for your hope
3. Can we know that we are saved? If, YES, why are so many unsure and content to remain in uncertainty?
A. Rely on the precious promises of God.
1 John 2:3 We know that we know him
Rom. 8:16 Holy Spirit bears witness
1 John 1:7-10 If we walk in the light
2 Pet. 1:5-10 Make your election sure
Rom. 8:1-8, 11-13 Indwelling of the Spirit
B. Quit relying on unreliable practices: misplaced confidence, ignorance, reluctance to face reality, our own feelings, pride, rejection of truth.
1 John 5:13 May know that you have eternal life
TITLE: Energetic in Evangelism
TEXT: Acts 2:38-47
PROPOSITION: God's people share the "Good News".
QUESTION: How?
KEY WORD: Techniques
READING: Same
1. Early church was evangelistic.
Acts 2:38-47 Acts 4:4
Acts 4:32 Acts 5:42
Acts 6:7 Acts 8:4
Acts 19:9-10
2. Many things hinder us from doing the same.
Confusion of teaching offered to the world.
Lack of commitment - Apathy - Indifference.
Limited concepts and vision.
Lace of personal involvement.
3. How did they accomplish so much with so little?
1. The were fully converted and committed. 2 Cor. 8:1-5
2. They were unified in love and action. Acts 2
3. They trained workers. 2 Tim. 2:1-2
4. They conducted themselves to merit respect. Acts 2:47
5. The took the initiative. Acts 8:4
6. The kept at it. Acts 5:42
7. They did what was right and needed rather than what was popular and customary. Acts 13:46; Acts 10:34
8. They respected their prospects. Matt. 7:6; Acts 13:43-48
9. They began where they were and spread from there. Acts 1:8; Acts 8:4
10. Their primary goal was to glorify God and win souls. 1 Cor. 2:2; Phil. 1:14-19
TITLE: Paradoxical In Personality, Part 1
TEXT: Luke 9:23-27
PROPOSITION: God's people understand the paradoxes in the life of Christ.
QUESTION: Which?
KEY WORD: Paradoxes
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. Define: Paradox - A tenet contrary to accepted opinion, an assertion or sentiment seemingly contrary to common sense.
2. A paradox is truth standing on its head to attract attention.
3. There are many paradoxes in the life of Christ.
1. He was conservative but also revolutionary.
Matt. 19:2-12 - Rebuked liberalism about divorce.
Matt. 23:23 - Taught obedience to law of tithing.
Rejected traditions, defended adulteresses.
2. He lifted burdens but imposed yokes.
Matt. 11:28-30 - take the yoke, carry the cross
Matt. 23:13-15 - rejected the burdens of hypocrites
3. He was a liberator but also a dictator.
Luke 4:18-19 - set captives free
John 12:48 - strict regard for His Word.
4. He was a servant but also a master.
John 13 - servant who washed feet
John 14:6 - he is the only one to follow
5. He was unselfish yet approved a profit motive.
Luke 14:12 - invite the "unlovely people" to dinner
Mark 10:29-30 - reward of 100 fold
6. He taught that one cannot serve God and Mammon but also to make friends of Mammon.
Matt. 6:24 - cannot serve God and Mammon
Luke 16:9 - make friends of Mammon
7. He said "Take no thought" but also "Count the cost."
Matt. 6:25 - take no thought for tomorrow
Luke 14:28-33 - count the cost first
8. He asked "Why are you fearful" but also said, "Fear Him..."
John 14-1-5 - don't be troubled
Matt. 10:28 - fear Him
9. He said love enemies but hate loved ones.
Matt. 5:43-48 - love your enemies
Luke 14:26 - hate father and mother
10. He stressed peace but also provided a sword.
Matt. 26:52 - put away the sword
Matt. 10:34 - I bring a sword
11. He taught how one could save his life but also to lose it. Luke 9:24
TITLE: Paradoxical in Personality, Part 2
TEXT: 1 Tim. 6:6-8
PROPOSITION: We, as God's people, must understand the paradoxes in the Christian life.
QUESTION: Which?
KEY WORD: Paradoxes
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. There are many paradoxes in the life of Christ.
2. There are also paradoxes for Christians.
1. Be content and restless.
Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:6-8 - be content
2 Cor. 7:5 - flesh had no rest
2. Be peaceful but also militant.
Rom. 12:18 - live at peace with all men
1 Tim. 4:6-8 - fight a good fight
3. Be both tolerant and intolerant.
Rom. 14:1-2 - let each do their own thing
Rom. 16:17 - mark one teaching error
4. Be compromising and uncompromising.
Acts 15:36-41 - Paul and Barnabas
Gal. 2:1 - not for an hour
5. Be both liberal and conservative.
2 Cor. 8, 9 - liberal in giving
1 Cor. 9:12-15 - we have not used this power
6. Be reckless and cautious.
2 Cor. 11:23-33 - disregard own safety to teach others
Rom. 10:1-3 - don't let zeal get out of hand
7. Be unconcerned and concerned.
Gal. 1:10, 16 - no concern for those who might hinder
1 Cor. 8:9 - don't let liberty be stumbling block
8. Christians will be loved and unloved.
Rom. 8:35 - nothing will separate us from love of God
John 16:1-2 - men will seek to kill you
9. Be sensitive and insensitive.
Acts 20:37 - wept for Paul
Acts 20 - kept back nothing profitable for you
TITLE: Excited about Eternity
TEXT: Rev. 21:1-5
PROPOSITION: God's people are anxious and excited about living with God for eternity.
QUESTION: How?
KEY WORD: Questions
READING: Same
1. Jesus taught that we will live forever.
Matt. 10:28 - man an kill body, not soul
Matt. 25:46 - everlasting punishment, eternal life
John 10:27-29 - never perish
John 11:23-27 - never die
2. Eternal life is both in the future and a present reality.
John 3:36 - has everlasting life
John 6:47, 54 - has eternal life
1 John 5:11-13 - has given us eternal life
1 John 2:25 - promised us eternal life
3. We have many questions which will be answered.
1 Cor. 13:12 - now dark, then face to face
Rom. 8:18 - glory shall be revealed in us
2 Cor. 4:17-18 - not seen are eternal
Phil. 3:20-21 - eagerly await, conformed to his glory
1 John 3:2 - we shall see him as he is
4. Some questions and curiosities.
A. What happens when we die?
James 2:26 - spirt and body separate
Ecc. 12:7 - dust returns to earth as it was
1 Thess. 5:23 - Man has 3 parts - body, soul, spirit
B. When does death occur? May we have a living will to prevent heoric measures?
Lev. 17:10-11 - life is in the blood
Blood keeps all cells in the body alive. When that process becomes irreversible, death occurs.
C. Are we conscious after death?
Luke 16:17-31 - rich man "remembered" his brothers
Matt. 7:21-22 - remembered their deeds on earth
Rev. 6:9-11 - remembered how they died
D. Can we see our loved ones on earth? Do we have the ability to influence their lives?
Ecc. 9:4-6 - nothing done under the sun
Luke 16 - Lazarus could not return to earth
2 Cor. 12:1-6 - thing not lawful to relate on earth
E. Is belief in reincarnation reasonable?
Ecc. 9:5 - never anything to do under the sun
John 9:1-5 - no sins from a previous life
2 Cor. 5:10 - deeds done in body - Which body?
F. Do we have the same identity after death?
Luke 16 - rich man knew Lazaraus and Abraham
Matt. 22:32 - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob retain identity
1 Sam. 28 - Samuel still had same identity
Matt. 17 - Moses and Elijah were still the same
Matt. 25:31-46 - we will be reminded of our actions
2 Cor. 5:10 - deeds done in his body
2 Cor. 4:14 - future reunion with them
G. Can I be happy if I know pain is in prgress in hell... and my loved ones are not with me in heaven?
Rev. 21:3-4 - God will make heaven Heaven
We can be happy here, surrounded by pain and suffering.
H. Will there be degrees of punishment?
Luke 12:42-48 - few stripes, many stripes
Matt. 11:21-24 - more tolerable
James 3:1 - greater condemnation
2 Pet. 2:18-22 - better not to know way
Heb. 10:29 - sorer punishment
I. Will there be degrees of reward?
1 Cor. 3:12-16 - work will be examined, did it last?
NOT: degrees of salvation.
BUT: degrees of enjoyment.
Conclusion:
"We wish we knew more about the next life. What we do know is certainly enough to excite us! IF we do not act in the light of what we know, we do not deserve to know more. We know enough now to be saved; the rest will be made known when needed. * 1 John 3:2"
Condemnation
2 Pet. 2:18-22 - better not to know way
Heb. 10:29 - sorer punishment