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January-June 2003 Sermons
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A Review of Romans 030105
Romans 1:8-16
We come back to Romans after almost a month of Christmas sermons. This is a good time to review the first half of this great letter and prepare to move on
through the rest in the weeks ahead. Too many Christians are not aware of the powerful message of this book. This is a statement of the Apostle Paul's "gospel", or his teaching. Here we find everything expounded
that is necessary to our understanding of salvation.
I. The Theme of the Book
A. Not ashamed of the gospel.
2 Tim 1:8-14
B. The power of God. 2 Cor. 10:3-5
C. To everyone who believes. 3:21-23
II. All mankind are guilty before God. 3:9
A. All are descended from Adam.
5:15-17
B. None are righteous in themselves. Isa 64:6
C. Resulting in death. 5:18-21
III. Believers are one with Christ. 6:3,4
A. As in Adam, so in Christ.
B. He has saved us from wrath. 5:8-11
C. We are free from condemnation. 8:1
This glorious book should give assurance of salvation. Not for someone else but for yourself. Only God and the individual can know about their salvation. We
who believe have been removed from the family of Adam and entered into the linage of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are now children of God who can call the Father be the endearing word, "Daddy" or "Abba". Praise God we
are in Him and He is in us and we are protected.
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No Comparison 030112
Romans 8:18-23
Often a young mother will refer to her time of labor as having been hard. Yet it still cannot be compared to the joy of holding her child in her arms.
Sometimes a successful businessman will speak of the hard years building the business but then state that it was all worth it. In the same manner, the glory that is to eternally come to those who have been called of
God cannot be compared with the sufferings of this present age.
I. There is no life without some suffering.
A. Jesus said we would.
John 16:33
B. Paul certainly suffered. 2 Cor. 6:3-10
C. We also will suffer in this life.
II. Suffering serves a purpose.
A. This is temporary.
2 Cor. 4:16-18
B. When we suffer as Christians we can rejoice. 1 Pet 4:12-19
C. This develops Christian character in us. Rom. 5:3-5
III. The whole creation suffers with us.
A. Fallen with man.
Gen. 3:17-19
B. Will be restored. Rev. 21:1
C. Even as our bodies will be restored. 1 John 3:2
We are too much of this world. The poet Wordsworth said it: "The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers." We
need to remember the words of the old country song, "This world is not my home, I'm just a-passing through, my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue." When life gets hard we must remember that this is not
the end. In fact, it is hardly the beginning. An eternity of glory awaits those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ.
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Waiting Eagerly for Our Final Salvation 030119
Romans 8:18-25
Most Christians think very little about the future grace that God has for us in the glorification of our bodies. One day we will be like Him. This is an
amazing thing when we remember that we were born sons and daughters of Adam and Eve. Because of the work of Christ in our lives we now are Children of God. We are saved. We are being saved. We will be saved. We
eagerly await "being saved".
I. True Christianity focuses on future grace.
A.
We are already there in God's eyes. Eph 2:4-7
B. He has prepared us for future grace. Col 2:9-14
C.
We are to focus on Him (not this world). Heb 12:1, 2
II. Having tasted salvation we are eagerly patient.
A.
The first-fruit of the Spirit is ours. Eph 1:13, 14
B. We do groan (more or less). 2 Cor 5:2-5
C. We press forward. Phil 3:13,14
III. In hope we have been saved.
A.
Hope that protects us. 1 Thess 5:8
B. Living by faith – in hope. 2 Cor 5:6-8
C. With eager anticipation. Phil 3:18-20
We must remember who we are and to what we have been called. We have been crucified with Christ. We have died with Him. We have been buried with Him. We have
risen with Him. We are seated with Him in heavenly places. We are done with the law. We are dead to sin. We are new in Christ. We are alive unto God. We can set our affection on the future grace of glory with
Christ. Praise God!
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God Works for Those Who are His 030126
Romans 8:26-30
Many Christians, truly born again, have never understood the way God works for them. They struggle on, day by day, in the mistaken notion that all depends on
them and their abilities. Someone once said, "The only ability God is looking for in His people is 'avail-ability'. He will do the rest". If we could just grasp how the power of God works for us we could relax and
enjoy the journey.
I. God guides our prayer life.
A. He seeks people to strengthen.
2 Chron 16:9
B. The Helper was promised to us. Jn 14:16
C. Our prayer is to be Spirit guided. Eph 6:18
II. God works in everything for the Called.
A. In everything.
2 Cor 6:1-10
B. For our good. James 1:2-4
C. He is faithful for the called. 1 Cor 1:9
III. He works in the called continually.
A. Based on His knowledge.
2 Tim 1:8, 9
B. He predestined to be. Eph 1:3-5
C. He justifies and glorifies. 1 Cor 6:11; Jn 17:22-24
Isaiah tells us "… from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits
for Him." (Isaiah 64:4)
We should rejoice that God has chosen us. If you are not sure of your calling follow the words of Peter, "…be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing
you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;" 2 Peter 1:10
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God is for Us 030202
Romans 8:31-39
Paul has just told us that God causes all things to work together for those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose. He has predestined,
called, justified and glorified. If He will do all that certainly He has demonstrated that He is for us. So when Paul asks, "If God is for us", he has already established that He is for us. Therefore we can rejoice
that, though many may seem to be against us, no one can really prevail against us. Look what He has done for us.
I. He did not spare His Own Son.
A. He sent His Son that we might live through Him.
I Jn 4:9
B. He sent His Son to be our propitiation. 1 Jn 4:10
C. He was the offering for us. Eph 5:2; Heb 9:11-14
II. God has chosen a people.
A. Having been chosen we are to live.
Col 3:12-17
B. We must endure for the others 2 Tim 2:8-10
C. We are the new family of God. 1 Pet 2:9, 10
III. He will protect His people.
A. God is near to us.
Isa 50:8
B. God will uphold us. Isa 41:10
C. He intercedes for us eternally. Heb 7:23-25
Praise God. He is for us and will continually provide for us in all things. Nothing comes into our lives that do not pass His judgment. If He gave His Son for
us He will give us all that we ever need. Would He hold back anything from the people He has chosen? No, a thousand times no.
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No Separation 030209
Romans 8:35-39
This passage brings us to the end of Paul's teaching on salvation. The next two chapters deal with the Jews and the last five chapters present a practical
application of the first eight chapters. So we are now about halfway but the second half will go faster. The Apostle here states that our salvation is as secure as God is. We can rest in the One who provided for us
through His death.
I. Who will separate us from Christ's love?
A. Will trouble? Paul understood.
2 Cor 1:8, 9; 7:5
B. Jesus promised trouble. Jn 16:33
C. Throughout history, the church has suffered.
II. We are conquerors.
A. Jesus came to help us. Heb 2:14-18
B. Our faith overcomes the world. 1 Jn 5:4
C. He who is in us gives the victory. 1 Jn 4:4; 1 Cor 15:57
III. We should be convinced.
A. Jesus promised.
Jn 6:37-40; 10:25-31
B. He has given us His life. Gal 2:20
C. He is our hope and life. Col 1:27
Remember: NO condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus. And: Nothing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus
our Lord! Those He foreknew He predestined and those He predestined, He called; and those He called, He justified; and those He justified, He also glorified. Our security is in His hands.
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Israel: separated from the promise 030216
Romans 9:1-33
In this passage we go with the Apostle Paul to look at Israel. Israel – from whom the scriptures came. Israel — from whom came Christ. Israel – from
whom came Paul. These were his people and they were rejecting His Lord. Israel was being bypassed by God in the process of establishing His kingdom. Paul's heart was breaking as he considered his people as separate
from.
I. Grief over his people.
A. Just as Moses – Paul was willing to be accursed.
Ex 32:30-32
B. Paul lived under the burden of people. 2 Cor 11:28
C. This grief was for the people of God. Deut 7:6
II. Israel had it all.
A. The adopted ones. Ex 4:22
B. The glory of God. Heb 9:3-5
C. The Christ. Mat 1:1-16
III. It was not enough.
A. Not all are really Israel.
John 8:37-42
B. Only the promise counts. Gal 3:26-29
C. The choice depends on God – not man. Rom 9:19-33
The righteousness of God is His gift to His people. It cannot be attained by work or by law. It is always, only, by grace through faith. God has a new people.
We are the people of God (1 Peter 2:9) We are the ones who are chosen. We are the kingdom. No wonder there is "no condemnation" for those in Christ. No wonder there is no separation for those in Christ.
Praise His Holy Name!
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How Can They Be Saved? 030223
Romans 10:1-21
Paul's heart was breaking as he considered his people as separate from God. He has just said he would be willing to be cut off from salvation for the
salvation of Israel. Now he reaffirms his heart's desire that his people be saved. He did more than desire their salvation. He prayed to God for their salvation. Yet he knows how to be saved and as he thinks of
Israel he talks about the process of salvation.
I. Not by zeal and not by law.
A. Israel had sufficient zeal.
B. Israel lived by the law. 2 Cor 3:4-18
C. Christ is the end of all that. Gal 2:15-21
II. The word is near.
A. Confess "Jesus is Lord." Phil 2:5-11
B. Believe He was raised. 1 Pet 1:17-21
C. Salvation is God's gift. Eph 2:8-10
III. How can they believe?
A. They must hear. Gal 3:1-5
B. The gospel must come to them.
C. All who hear with faith will be saved. Heb 3:12-4:2
Israel may be saved. It will never happen by zeal or law. It will only happen by grace through faith. That is true of all people. Those who are called by the
foreknowledge of God are justified by His grace. Praise God that you might be in that group. He is our salvation.
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God has not Rejected His People. 030309
Romans 11:1-6
Paul's pain at the rejection of Jesus by the Jews caused him to raise a question. God has not rejected His people – has He? NO, if that were true Paul would
have been rejected also since he was a Hebrew of the Hebrews. This letter began with the statement that "the gospel is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first
and also to the Greek." As he considers the falling away of Jews he has to ask if the promise is real. The answer is "Yes". The promise holds.
I. Did God reject Israel?
A. Paul was an Israelite.
Philp 3:4-6;
B. Paul had gone beyond in zeal. 2 Cor. 11:22-28
C. Elijah had thought Israel was rejected. 1 Kings 19:11-18
II. There is a remnant who are saved.
A. Paul is an example of those.
Acts 9:1-9
B. Salvation is by grace and grace is irresistible. Eph 2:1-5
C. If it is by grace it is not of works. Eph 2:8-10
God chooses those who are saved. The spiritually dead do not rise up and seek life. Life reaches out to give life to the dead. All men and women who come to
God come because of His irresistible call. Jews first, yes, but also the Gentiles. The new Israel of God are those who by the gift of faith have responded to the Grace of almighty God. Praise His Holy Name to be
counted in that number!
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The Kindness and Severity of God 030316
Romans 11:17-22
As we consider the fact that God passed over the Jews we should be careful to remember that we too can be passed by. If He would reject those who did not
believe among the Jews He will reject those of us who do not believe. That is not to say that a person who has genuine faith will lose it. It is to say that many who think they have faith will fall away.
I. The Kindness of God
A.
He took us as wild branches and grafted us in. Eph 2:11-22
B. He made us a part of the kingdom of God. 1 Pet 2:4, 5
C.
He receives all those who hear and believe. Acts 15:6-11
II. The Severity of God
A. He cut off the natural branches.
Acts 13:44-47
B. They died without God. Heb 3:12-4:2
C. Rejecting God's love is the greatest insult. Heb 10:28-31
The love of God is so great it is the source of our repentance. (Rom 2:4) His goodness is so great. We deserve death and hell but He, having chosen us,
brings us to repentance. This is so wonderful that it is beyond our imagination. God is good. All the time. We should never be surprised by that truth.
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To Him be the Glory 030323
Romans 11:33-36
After having mourned the loss of many of his people, the Apostle brings us to the powerful truth that everything is centered in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Remember, God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.
I. The depth of the riches.
A. We should grow in knowledge of.
Eph 1:18, 19
B. His riches are immeasurable. Eph 3:8
C. The riches are found in Christ. Col 1;27
II. He is the Source and the Object of all things.
A.
Who knows God's mind? The Spirit. 1 Cor 2:14-16
B. He created and owns all things. Ps 50:7-12
C. He is the fulfillment of all for us. 1 Cor 8:6
Having come to know the Lord we have received much more than we will ever fully know. He has met the needs of our life. He will supply all our need according
to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:19) He is the Substance and Source of all things for His people. Praise His Holy Name!
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Prove What the Will of God is 030330
Romans 12:1-2
The Apostle comes to a great transition in this magnificent book. Remember, when we come to a "therefore" we need to stop and ask what "therefore" is there
for. Looking back to the previous passage we see the wonderful proclamation of the riches of both the wisdom and knowledge of God! The fact that from Him and through Him and to Him are all things! Everything centers
on Jesus. He is the Source and Sum of the creation.
I. Present your bodies Rom 6:12-19
A.
A living and holy sacrifice. 1 Cor 6:13-20
B. Acceptable to God. 1 Pet 2:1-5
C. Your spiritual service. Heb 13:15
II. Not conformed – transformed!
A. Not to this world.
Gal 1:3, 5
B. Renewing your mind. Eph 4:20-24
C. Good, acceptable and perfect. 1 Pet 5:10; 1 Thess 5:23, 24
If we will keep our bodies as temples of Holy Spirit and allow God to transform us through the renewal of our minds, we will know the will of God for us. He
will do the work. For our joy and peace we must cooperate with God in this work. He is involved with us for our good.
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The Hope of the Resurrection 030406
1 Corinthians 15: 12-19
When we consider Easter we have to face the fact that the world has taken it away from us. The very name "Easter" was not a Christian word in the beginning.
It appears in the Bible, in the King James Version at Acts 12:4 to translate the word which other wise is translated "Passover". Because of its use in that way it came into common use. Today it has become "Bunny
Day" and is rapidly being commercialized in a world that wants no religious conflicts. The only hope that we have is in the resurrection from the dead. There is no other power sufficient to bring us from death to
life If there is no resurrection we are most miserable.
I. Some say there is no resurrection.
A. Some disdain the idea.
Acts 17:32
B. Some have a religious objection. Acts 23:8
C. Some claim only the past resurrection of Christ. 2 Tim 2:18
II. If there is no resurrection then Christ was not raised.
A. His death was for our transgressions.
Rom. 5:6-11
B. His resurrection was for our justification. Rom 4:25; 5:18
C. Without His work for us we are beyond hope.
Jesus came that we might have life. That life does not come to us because of our goodness. It comes through His choice and is made effective through the power
that raised Jesus from the dead. Without the empty tomb Christianity would be just one more religion with no power to transform people.
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The Promise of the Resurrection 030413
Job 19:23-27
Job leads us to a sense of profound faith in the resurrection. Without a Bible, without known prophets, without anything beyond his personal faith in the
Living God he speaks of salvation beyond this life. His hope is in a salvation that includes the resurrection of a body that has decayed and turned to dust. Job knew beyond question that he would see his redeemer
face to face. He knew it was not his goodness but God's grace that would make it happen.
I. A personal Redeemer.
A. Related to the one needing redemption.
Heb 2:14-18
B. Willing to pay the price of redemption. Luke 22:39-46
C. Able to pay the price of redemption. 2 Cor 5:21
II. His life assures our resurrection.
A. Jesus gave His life that we might live.
Rom 6:8-11
B. We will see Him 1 Cor 13:8-12
C. Life in Christ is eternal. John 6:37-40
Job could see by faith what would be revealed to us in Christ. He could see that resurrection unto life is part of the promise of God to His people. As we
look ahead to Easter we need to remember that the hope of life eternal has always been part of the Christian heritage.
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The Power of the Resurrection 030420
Philippians 3:7-16
The Apostle Paul, writing to his beloved friends in Philippi, spoke of his desire to "know" Christ "and the power of His resurrection". This reveals to us a
part of the uniqueness of Christianity. We serve a risen Savior. Not a past example but a present, powerful Lord who lives in our lives and has the power to make us live in Him with His righteousness.
I. Knowing Christ changes our life.
A. The knowledge of Christ gives us power.
2 Pet 1:2-4
B. We are born again to a living hope through this power. 1 Pet 1:3-5
C. Eternal life is bound up in knowing Christ. John 17:3
II. Knowing Resurrection Power.
A. He bore our sins so we could die to them.
1 Pet 2:24
B. When He rose from death we rose with Him. Col 3:1
C. With He we are seated in heaven by His power. Eph 2:1-10
The power of God that raised Christ from the dead comes to us at salvation. This power is Holy Spirit and enables us to live lives that glorify Him. We need
to cast our cares upon Him because He ever cares for us. He empowers us with the same power that raised Him from death.
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One Body in Christ 030427
Romans 12:1-8
As the Apostle begins the application of the magnificent teaching, revealed in chapters 1-8, he focuses on the work of the Spirit in the church. The Spirit
always brings unity. It is the flesh that brings division. First, we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. Then we are not to be too proud of ourselves. As a result we will see the work of the Spirit
making us one body and releasing His gifts among His people to do His work.
I. Our life is to be all of grace.
A. Not of the flesh but of the Spirit.
Rom 7:18; Gal 6:8
B. The flesh leads to pride. James 4:5-7
C. God gives grace to enable us. Eph 4:7
II. The Grace of God causes unity.
A. We are one body.
1 Cor 12:20-27
B. We are all gifted to serve. 1 Peter 4:10
C. The purpose is unity. 1 Peter 4:11
We are one in Christ. Not just in this congregation but all who are called by God are part of the body. God assigns us to this local expression of the body.
We are God's gift to one another. As we allow the grace of God that gave us salvation to be expressed through us His work will be done in our world.
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The Motive of Our Lives 030504
Romans 12:9-13
The Apostle has begun this chapter by urging that we present our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice. That we not be conformed to the world but be
transformed by the power of God. That we not be conceited because we are all a part of the body of Christ, As such, we are gifted and enabled to serve one another. Now he comes to the motive for our actions. He
tells us that we are to love one another in Christ. For some this is a very hard command.
I. Love one another. John 13:34, 35
A. "Without hypocrisy". This grows from understanding.
1 Tim. 1:5
B. Rejecting evil and clinging to good. 1 Thess 5:12-21
C. Devoted to one another. (This is a family-love)
D.
Work hard at lifting others up. Philippians 2:3, 4
II. Practice the Christian life.
A. Rejoicing in hope. Rom 5:1, 2
B. Patiently suffering. Rom 5:3-5
C. Consistent in prayer. Philippians 4:6, 7
D. Taking care of one another.
1 Peter 4:8, 9; Heb 13:2
Remember that our love grows out of the love of God in Christ Jesus. He loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son. Whoever believes in Him will have
eternal life. That life is His implanted life in us that day by day changes us into the image of Jesus Himself.
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A Mother's Legacy 030511
2 Timothy 1:3-7
Timothy was Paul's son in the faith. The apostle had invested in Timothy's life with guidance and instruction. He expected that Timothy would be one of the
channels through whom God would continue the influence of Paul. Timothy did not come to Paul without the groundwork having been laid by God himself through two previous generations of faith. The powerful influence
of Timothy's mother and grandmother had prepared the way for God to move in his life.
I. The influence of mother starts early and stays late.
A. Susanna Wesley is an amazing example.
B. The scriptures teach a pattern of influence. 1 Tim. 5:14; Titus 2:3
C. A mother's prayers influence us.
D.
We may need to adopt a mother who is godly.
II. The spiritual legacy we receive is passed on.
A. Timothy had been grounded in the word.
Acts 16:1-5
B. Mother's faithfulness led to witness.
Moses, Samuel and Solomon (for example)
III. The virtuous woman of scripture. Pro. 31:10-31
A.
She influences her husband.
B. She influences her children.
C. She influences the greater world.
As we honor mothers we honor scripture. "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you. "
Exodus 20:12 Not just a longer life but a fuller life is ours when, by faith, we lift up the memory of godly mothers.
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The Method of Our Lives 030518
Romans 12:14-21
Being transformed by the renewing of our minds results in a new way of living. We have a new motive for our lives. We are to love one another, obeying the
command of our Lord Christ. We are to have a method of living that is different from the world around us. We are a people, in fact, who must react the opposite of the world's way.
I. There are hard things to do in Christ.
A. Bless the persecutors.
1. "Bless" means "to speak well of".
2. Jesus' example. Luke 23:33-34
3. Jesus' command. Luke 6:28
4. Paul's example. 1 Cor 4:11-13
B. Never take revenge. Pro 20:22
C. Do good to your enemies. Mat 5:43-48
II. There are easier things to do in Christ.
A. Share joy and pain with others.
Heb 13:1-3
B. Be loving with all people. 1 Pet 3:8, 9
C. Live at peace with all. Heb 12:14
Having been justified by God's grace we are delivered from our sin and set free from the ways of the world. We can now, in His power alone, live lives that
are remarkably different from the world around us. He is our power and strength. (1 Thess 5:23, 24)
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Submission to Authority 030525
Romans 13:1-7
From the very beginning of the Christian church submission to government authority has been part of the struggle to live the Christian life. The approach
taken by some is to let the government (whatever it may be) dictate their life. Others have followed the Jewish pattern of the days of the New Testament. That pattern says it is a sin to allow an unbeliever to rule
over you. Certainly unbelievers directed the government of Rome. Yet Paul called for submission to the very authority that had caused him to be beaten and imprisoned unjustly.
I. There is responsibility to honor rulers and God. Mat 22:15-22
A. Was
it lawful to submit to Rome? The Jews thought it was sinful. Deut 17:15
B. Jesus divided the secular from the sacred.
C. Paul and Peter taught submission.
Titus 3:1,2; 1 Pet 2:13-17
II. Submission does not equal agreement.
A. The disciples saw the difference.
Acts 4: 19
B. Neither does obedience to God lead to rebellion.
C. Submission led Paul and Peter to their death.
III. We are to honor all.
A. Human authorities.
B. Church relationships. Heb 13:7
C. God as head of all in Christ. Col 1:15-20
Many have had to make the choice to suffer, or even to die, in obedience to Christ. Not in rebellion against the world but in following the gentle Christ who
Himself died at the hand of the world's government. We can praise God that we live in a country where we may exercise our faith in freedom. We must encourage and support those who do have such freedom.
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The Heart of the Law 030608
Romans 13:8-10
From the beginning of Christianity there has been a struggle to understand what role the law of Moses would play in the practice of the faith. In this passage
the Apostle brings us to the heart of the law and how to relate to it as Christians.
I. How do we love our neighbor?
A. Barnabas' example.
Acts 4:36; 11:23
B. The golden rule. Matt 7:12
C. Do no wrong V. 11
II. The human side of the law.
A. These keep us from harming others.
Adultery; Murder; Stealing; Coveting
III. Love is the fulfillment of the law.
A. Jesus' command.
John 13:34, 35
B. The hinges of the law. Matt 22:34-40
C. We care for one another. Gal 6:2
Acting in love is the royal law of Christ. He has empowered us to love one another. We have a responsibility to act in love toward the world in witness and
toward Christians as burden bearers. We can fulfill the law by the power of Christ in us.
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Christian Behavior in Light of the Times 1 030615
Romans 13:11-12
While there are no works that will earn salvation there are many works that grow out of salvation. Nowhere is there a comprehensive list of those works. It
would never be complete. We are guided instead by princiles we find in the word of God. Here we see some of the basic principles of behavior. Today is Father's Day. There can be no greater theme than how a Christian
father should behave in life.
I. We need to observe the times and see our role.
A. We need people like th emen of Issachar
1 Chron 12:32
B. There is coming a day when all will be destroyed. 2 Peter 3:8-13
C. We need to awaken and act. Eph 5:6-21
ll. Lay aside the deeds of darkness.
A. Don't participate in them.
1 Cor 5:9-13
B. Work to expose them. 1 Tim 5:20
C. Lay aside the old man. Eph 4:17-22
lll. Put on the armor of light
A. We have powerful weapons.
2 Cor 10:3-6
B. We are to use our armor. Eph 6:11-13
C. We are to be alert. 1 Thess 5:1-11
As Christians, and especially as Christian fathers, we need to be sure that the example of our lives bring glory to our Lord Jesus. Those who look
to us for guidance will follow our example even if it is wrong. Those we are responsible for need to know we are satisfied in Christ. He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.
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Christian Behavior in Light of the Times 2 030629
Romans 13:11-14
While there are no works that will earn salvation there are many works that grow out of salvation. Nowhere is there a comprehensive list of those works. It
would never be complete. We are guided instead by principles we find in the word of God. Here we see some of the basic principles of behavior.
I. Lay aside the deeds of darkness.
A. Don't participate in them.
1 Cor 5:9-13
B. Work to expose them. 1 Tim 5:20
C. Lay aside the old man. Eph 4:17-22
II. Put on the armor of light
A. We have powerful weapons.
2 Cor 10:3-6
B. We are to use our armor. Eph 6:11-13
C. We are to be alert. 1 Thess 5:1-11
III. We are to consciously put on the Lord Jesus Christ.
A.
This is part of our becoming a Christian. Gal 3:26, 27
B. We become new people we must act it. Eph 4:20-24
C.
We are to change our behavior toward others. Col 3:12-17
As Christians we need to be sure that the example of our lives brings glory to our Lord Jesus. Those who look to us for guidance will follow our example even
if it is wrong. Those we are responsible for need to know we are satisfied in Christ. He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.
See also:
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