Weekly Sermon

This sermon is a companion to a previous sermon:  Rich in the Realm of Faith (Part 1) - James 2:5 

James 2:5 reads, “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”

James 2:5 indicate that those from the poor class in relation to this world who place their trust in Christ as Savior are chosen by God to be rich in relation to His kingdom.  Regardless of their poor status in the realm of this world, they possess an abundantly rich status in the realm of faith.  Indeed, every one of us who are the children of God through faith in Christ is spiritually rich in the realm of faith.  These spiritual riches may be considered from two perspectives.  First, we may consider our spiritual riches in the realm of faith in relation to our eternal salvation.  Second, we may consider our spiritual riches in the realm of faith in relation to our daily walk.  Already in first part of the message, we considered the first of these truths.  Now, in this second part of the message, let us consider the second of these truths.

Weekly Sermon

James 1:12 reads, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

As we have previously noted, the third paragraph of the epistle begins in verse 12 by pronouncing a sure blessing upon those who endure the trials of life aright.  Grammatically, this verse is a compound sentence.  The first independent clause of this compound sentence presents an expression of a blessed position -- “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation.”  Then the second independent clause of this compound sentence provides an explanation of this blessed position -- “For when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”  Furthermore, the second independent clause itself can be divided grammatically into three parts.  First, there is the conditional prospect of the adverb clause -- “When he is tried.”  Second, there is the certain provision of the main clause -- “He shall receive the crown of life.”  Finally, there is the confident promise of the adjective clause -- “Which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

Weekly Sermon

This sermon is a companion to a previous sermon:  Unmoved, A Steadfast Man of God (Part 1) - Acts 20:22-24

Acts 20:17-24 reads, “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.  And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.  And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” 

In this passage of Scripture, we pick up the life of the apostle Paul at the end of His third missionary journey.  While going about the areas of Galatia, Asia, and Macedonia, establishing and confirming churches in the faith, Paul collected money for the financially destitute church of Jerusalem.  Here we find Paul in Miletus for a few days, as the ship on which he had booked passage is resupplied and outfitted for the journey.  The apostle Paul, never one to waste time, takes this opportunity to send for the elders of the church at Ephesus, (Ephesus being approximately thirty miles distant).  Now, as the New Testament Scriptures often use the term “elder” as a reference for the official leadership of churches, we recognize these men in our common terminology as the pastors of the church at Ephesus. 

Unto these pastors the apostle Paul spends the whole of Acts 20:18-35 in a farewell address.  Contextually, this address can be divided into four parts.  First, in verses 18-21 there is Paul’s recollection of His past ministry with these men.  Second, in verses 22-24 there is Paul’s intention to follow the Spirit’s leading.  Third, in verses 25-31 there is Paul’s exhortation to these pastors concerning their ministry.  Fourth, in verses 32-35 there is Paul’s commendation of these pastors unto God.  In this message let us consider the second of these matters – Paul’s intention to follow the Spirit’s leading.  In the three verses of Acts 20:22-24, the phrase with which verse 24 begins stands out with great strength and emphasis – “But none of these things move me.”  The apostle Paul was like an unmovable rock.  Regardless of how the storms might blow, he remained a steadfast man of God.  Yet there are two questions that come to mind – By what things was Paul not moved, and from what things was Paul not moved?  So then, in this second part of the message, let us consider the answer to the second of these two questions – From what things was the apostle Paul unmoved as a man of God?  Furthermore, through Paul’s example let us consider how we also as men and women of God may also be unmoved in our spiritual walk with the Lord.

Weekly Sermon

Acts 20:22-24 reads, “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.  And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.  And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” 

In this passage of Scripture, we pick up the life of the apostle Paul at the end of His third missionary journey.  While going about the areas of Galatia, Asia, and Macedonia, establishing and confirming churches in the faith, Paul collected money for the financially destitute church of Jerusalem.  Here we find Paul in Miletus for a few days, as the ship on which he had booked passage is resupplied and outfitted for the journey.  The apostle Paul, never one to waste time, takes this opportunity to send for the elders of the church at Ephesus, (Ephesus being approximately thirty miles distant).  Now, as the New Testament Scriptures often use the term “elder” as a reference for the official leadership of churches, we recognize these men in our common terminology as the pastors of the church at Ephesus. 

Unto these pastors the apostle Paul spends the whole of Acts 20:18-35 in a farewell address.  Contextually, this address can be divided into four parts.  First, in verses 18-21 there is Paul’s recollection of His past ministry with these men.  Second, in verses 22-24 there is Paul’s intention to follow the Spirit’s leading.  Third, in verses 25-31 there is Paul’s exhortation to these pastors concerning their ministry.  Fourth, in verses 32-35 there is Paul’s commendation of these pastors unto God.  In this message let us consider the second of these matters – Paul’s intention to follow the Spirit’s leading.  In the three verses of Acts 20:22-24, the phrase with which verse 24 begins stands out with great strength and emphasis – “But none of these things move me.”  The apostle Paul was like an unmovable rock.  Regardless of how the storms might blow, he remained a steadfast man of God.  Yet there are two questions that come to mind – By what things was Paul not moved, and from what things was Paul not moved?  So then, in this first part of the message, let us consider the answer to the first of these two questions – By what things was the apostle Paul unmoved as a man of God?  Furthermore, through Paul’s example let us consider how we also as men and women of God may also be unmoved in our spiritual walk with the Lord.

Weekly Sermon

Acts 20:17-21 reads, “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.  And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

In this passage of Scripture, we pick up the life of the apostle Paul at the end of His third missionary journey.  While going about the areas of Galatia, Asia, and Macedonia, establishing and confirming churches in the faith, Paul collected money for the financially destitute church of Jerusalem.  Here we find Paul in Miletus for a few days, as the ship on which he had booked passage is resupplied and outfitted for the journey.  The apostle Paul, never one to waste time, takes this opportunity to send for the elders of the church at Ephesus, (Ephesus being approximately thirty miles distant).  Now, as the New Testament Scriptures often use the term “elder” as a reference for the official leadership of churches, we recognize these men in our common terminology as the pastors of the church at Ephesus. 

Unto these pastors the apostle Paul spends the whole of Acts 20:18-35 in a farewell address.  Contextually, this address can be divided into four parts.  First, in verses 18-21 there is Paul’s recollection of His past ministry with these men.  Second, in verses 22-24 there is Paul’s intention to follow the Spirit’s leading.  Third, in verses 25-31 there is Paul’s exhortation to these pastors concerning their ministry.  Fourth, in verses 32-35 there is Paul’s commendation of these pastors unto God.  In this message we shall consider the first of these matters – Paul’s recollection of His past ministry with these men.  Apparently there were those in Ephesus, as was so often the case at other places in the apostle’s ministry, who were slandering His character and ministry.  Thus the apostle Paul began this farewell address with a reminder to these pastors concerning their personal knowledge of and experience with his godly character and behavior.  In so doing the apostle Paul, by the example of his own life and ministry, reveals to us the reputation of a man of God.  Even so, if we desire to be men and women of God, then we must seek these same characteristics as a part of our reputation.  So then, from Acts 20:18-21 let us consider five characteristics for the reputation of a man of God.

Weekly Sermon

In Psalm 119:22-23 the psalmist, this faithful servant of the Lord, stated, “Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.  Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.”

As a whole, the theme of Psalm 119 is – The desire of the Lord’s suffering servant to seek the Lord through His holy Word.  In Psalm 119:22-23 the psalmist speaks for the first time concerning the affliction and reproach under which he was suffering.  Indeed, he was suffering reproach and contempt.  He was being slandered.  Many were speaking against him.  Yet the psalmist, as a faithful servant of the Lord, also presented his response unto that affliction and reproach.  In the closing portion of Psalm 119:23, he declared, “But thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.”  Even so, with a study throughout Psalm 119, we may learn how a faithful servant of the Lord responds in the face of affliction and reproach.

Weekly Sermon

Psalm 119:23-24 reads, “Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.  Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.”

In Psalm 119:17-24 the psalmist referred to himself as a servant of the Lord twice.  In Psalm 119:17 he prayed unto the Lord, saying, “Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.”  Again in Psalm 119:23 he expressed his commitment unto the Lord, saying, “Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.”  Indeed, the psalmist presented himself as a faithful servant of the Lord who had committed himself to walk in a right relationship with God’s Word.  Furthermore, the psalmist presented himself as a faithful servant of the Lord in contrast to the proud of this world, who walked in disobedience to God’s Word.  In Psalm 119:21-22 he revealed this contrast, saying, “Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.  Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.”  Finally, the psalmist presented himself as a faithful servant of the Lord who was suffering reproach and was responding aright to that reproach.  In Psalm 119:23 he indicated this response, saying, “Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.”  Even so, throughout this passage this faithful servant of the Lord revealed four ingredients whereby we also might walk as faithful servants of the Lord.  

Thought for Meditation

Are you one who consistently cares for and is committed to doing the work of the Lord?
Or, are you one who must be constantly convinced and compelled to do the work of the Lord?
Or, are ye one who is contemptuous of and stands contrary to the work of the Lord?

Weekly Sermon

Psalm 119:18-20 reads, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.  I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.  My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.”

Through these three verses, the psalmist, this young man of God, this faithful servant of the Lord, expressed the burden of his heart for the Lord’s guidance in his life.  Even so, in these three verses we find nine characteristics concerning the burden of the Lord’s servant for the Lord’s guidance.  Thus if we would also walk as faithful servants of our Lord, we must also maintain a burden for our Lord’s guidance in our lives.  Yea, we must also maintain these same characteristics in our burden for our Lord’s guidance.

Meditations in Ezekiel

Ezekiel 2:3 – “And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.”

1.  To Confront Them for Their Stubborn Rebellion

Ezekiel 2:4a – “For they are impudent children and stiffhearted.  I do send thee unto them.”

2.  To Uphold the Authority of God’s Holy Word

Ezekiel 2:4b – “And thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.”

3.  To Call Them unto Humble Repentance

Ezekiel 2:5 – “And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.”

4.  To Stand Fearlessly against Their Reproach

Ezekiel 2:6 – “And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.”

5.  To Be Faithful Regardless of Their Response

Ezekiel 2:7 – “And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.”

6.  To Remain Obedient unto God’s Holy Word

Ezekiel 2:8 – “But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.”

            A.  As an example unto them
            B.  As a rebuke unto them
            C.  For your own fellowship with the Lord
            D.  For your own enablement in ministry

Posted in Meditations in Ezekiel, Rebellion against God, Word of God, Godly Ministry, Faithfulness

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Weekly Sermon

This sermon is a companion to a previous sermon:  
                         Taking Heed according to God’s Word (Part 1) – Psalm 119:9-16    

Psalm 119:9-16 reads, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?  By taking heed thereto according to thy word.  With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.  Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.  With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.  I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.  I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.  I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.”

In the opening portion of Psalm 119:9, the psalmist expressed the spiritual concern and burden of his heart with the question, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?”  He desired to know how he himself, as a young man of God, might have his way cleansed and might continue in the cleansed way.  In the closing portion of Psalm 119:9, the answer of God’s Word is delivered – “By taking heed thereto according to thy [God’s] word.”  Through this principle we lean that we may have our way cleansed and may continue in the cleansed way by taking heed to conform our way in accord with the standard of God’s Word.  We must give our attention and our obedience to the Word of God.  Certainly this will require commitment on our part.  It will not just happen.  We must specifically prepare ourselves and commit ourselves every day to the task. 

So then, what is involved in the commitment to take heed unto our way in accord with God’s Word?  Throughout Psalm 119:10-16 the psalmist, this young man of God, presented eight points of commitment that he had made in this matter.  Through his example we learn what is involved in the commitment to take heed according to God’s Word.  Now, the eight points of commitment that the psalmist made may be divided grammatically into two parts.  The psalmist’s first four commitments he presented in the past tense as those commitments that he had already done.  In them we find our responsibility to apply ourselves unto God’s Word.  We must apply ourselves to make our Lord and His Word the governing priority and principle of our hearts.  The psalmist’s second four commitments he presented in the future tense as those commitments that he intended to do.  In them we find our responsibility to apply God’s Word unto ourselves.  We must apply the truth of God’s Word to our daily living so that our daily purposes and pursuits are conformed thereto.

Already in the first part of the message, we considered the first four commitments of the psalmist and our responsibility to apply ourselves unto God’s Word.  Therein we learned first from Psalm 119:10 that we must commit ourselves to seek after our Lord with all our heart, second from Psalm 119:11 that we must commit ourselves to hide God’s Word in our hearts, third from Psalm 119:13 that we must commit ourselves to declare all the wisdom of God’s Word, and fourth from Psalm 119:14 that we must commit ourselves to rejoice in the way of God’s Word. 

In this second part of the message, let us consider the second four commitments of the psalmist and our responsibility to apply God’s Word unto ourselves.

Proverbs for Life

Proverbs 20:6 – “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?”

A proverbial statement might be defined as a short, meaningful saying that expresses a significant, substantial truth for life.  In the book of the Proverbs, a proverb is often constructed with two lines, presenting a comparison or contrast.  Proverbs 20:6 presents a truth of contrast.  Whereas the great majority of men will boldly proclaim their own goodness, a truly faithful man is a quite rare and precious find. 

Weekly Sermon

This sermon is a companion to four previous sermons:  In the Way of This Life - Psalm 119:1    
                                                                                        In the Ways of Our Lord (Part 1) - Psalm 119:3    
                                                                                        In the Ways of Our Lord (Part 2) - Psalm 119:3    
                                                                                        In the Ways of Our Lord (Part 3) - Psalm 119:3    

Psalm 119:1-3 reads, “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.  They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.”

In Psalm 119 we encounter the words “way” and “ways” eighteen times and the word “path” two times, indicating that the pathway of our lives is an important subject of this psalm.  With the phrase “in the way,” Psalm 119:1 introduces us to the first category of truth concerning this subject matter – the way of this life.  Thereby we learn that we all must travel along the pathway of this life, and that we all must deal with the matter of challenges, choices, and consequences in the way of this life. 

With the phrase “in his way,” Psalm 119:3 introduces us to the second category of truth concerning our walk along the pathway of life – the way of our Lord.  Even so, the intention of Psalm 119 is to exhort us and encourage us to choose this particular way, the way of our Lord, as the direction of our daily walk along each step of the way as we face life’s many different challenges.  In addition, Psalm 119:1-3 reveals that the consequence for choosing the way of our Lord as the particular direction for our daily walk is that our Lord’s favor and blessing will be poured out upon our lives.  So then, what is involved for us to follow the way of our Lord step by step in our daily walk?  In the first three parts of this message, we considered the first six of the nine elements that are revealed in Psalm 119.  They were the need for determination, the need for conviction, the need for passion, the need for education, and the need for adoration, and the need for meditation.  In this fourth part of the message, let us consider the final three of these elements.

Weekly Sermon

Psalm 119:1-3 reads, “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.”

Psalm 119 is the longest of the psalms, containing 176 verses.  By the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, these 176 verses are divided into twenty-two sections of eight verses each.  Under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, the psalmist employed the poetic device of an acrostic.  In the Hebrew the first word of each verse of each section begins with the same letter.  This pattern continues throughout the psalm from section to section for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet consecutively. 

Often it has been said that the theme of Psalm 119 is the Word of God, and the Word of God is certainly a significant part of the subject matter throughout the entire psalm.  However, there are a number of other significant subjects that also run throughout the psalm.  First, throughout the psalm the psalmist presents himself as a servant of the Lord who is suffering for the Lord’s sake.  Furthermore, throughout the psalm the psalmist expresses his own right relationship with the truth of God’s Word.  Finally, throughout the psalm the psalmist indicates his desire to walk in fellowship with the Lord Himself through the truth of God’s Word.  Thus the theme of Psalm 119 might be better viewed as – The desire of the Lord’s suffering servant to seek the Lord through His holy Word.

Psalm 119 begins with a pronouncement of the Lord’s blessing.  This pronouncement establishes a foundation for the entire psalm, as the psalmist expresses his desire for the Lord’s blessing upon his life, whether it be the blessing of fellowship, the blessing of guidance, the blessing of deliverance, or the blessing of provision.  Even so, Psalm 119:1-3 pronounces the blessing of the Lord, saying, “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.” 

The opening line of verse 1 reveals that our Lord’s blessing will be poured out upon those who are “undefiled in the way” of their daily walk.  Brethren, we can only expect our Lord’s blessing upon our lives when we walk in spiritual uprightness and blamelessness.  We can only expect our Lord’s blessing upon our lives when we remain spiritually undefiled in our daily walk.  Yet what is required for us to remain spiritually undefiled in our daily walk?  Psalm 119:1-3 answers the question by revealing five ingredients to a spiritually undefiled walk.  All five of these ingredients are necessary in order for us to maintain an undefiled character and conduct in the way of our daily walk.

Weekly Sermon

In 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 the apostle Paul revealed the foundational principle for stewardship, syaing, “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

In its immediate context, the apostle was speaking concerning himself and those who served with him as ministers of God’s truth for Christ’s sake.  He revealed that such ministers are stewards of the truth of God’s Word, responsible to minister gospel truth unto the lost and edification truth unto the saved.  Then the apostle revealed God’s foundational principle for stewardship, saying, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”  Brethren, in stewardship from the Lord our God, faithfulness is required.

Now, although the immediate context of this passage concerns ministers of God’s truth, it is important for us to understand that the foundational principle for stewardship in verse 2 has an application to each and every one of us as the servants of the Lord our God.  Whether or not we have been called as minister of God’s truth, as our Lord’s servants we all have been given some stewardship from the Lord.  Therefore, the foundational principle of stewardship stands for us all – Faithfulness is required.