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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

 

 


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