1 Timothy 6:3-6 “True Contentment” Part 1
This passage gives us 2 reasons why people lack contentment. Lack of truth and love of money.
This week we are going to talk about truth and we will talk about love of money next week.
What is contentment? Satisfaction…ease of mind
I preached for 20 weeks “Restless Series” on discontentment
In our quest for contentment. We want to explain things…It bothers us not to be able to have an answer for everything. It causes us to be discontent. So we all desire truth so we can have answers
“Thoroughly worldly people never understand even the world; they rely altogether on a few cynical maxims which are not true” GK Chesterton Orthodoxy
The false teachers in Timothy’s day were making up their own truth, don’t eat this, don’t marry, work your way to heaven, give us money.
So we pick up in Vrs 3 A different doctrine
“sound Words of Jesus” are Truth
What does Jesus say about truth? Jesus & Truth
-Grace and truth come through Jesus John 1:17
-I tell you the truth John 8:45
-The truth shall set you free John 8:32
-Set apart in the truth…Your Word is truth John 17:17
-I am the truth John 14:6 GOSPEL
True contentment will never be achieved if you don’t know Jesus…Truth
Notice I did not say “you cannot be content”
I would agree that many things in our lives can bring contentment for periods of time. But w/o a relationship with Jesus you can never feel True Contentment
Specifically for the Christian…
“Teaching that accords with Godliness”
My quote “Good theology gets you through tough times” We have to fill our hearts and minds with solid Biblical teaching. This will lead to Godliness.
Based on the next passage I want to give you another quote that is related to my first.
“Bad theology creates tough times”
Vrs4-5 We can’t be content without the truth and when we try to make up our own truth we cause discontentment in others.
Here are some false teachings we deal with today…
-If there is a God…why is there suffering.
-We are here by chance (evolution)
-The Christian faith does not use reason and logic
-As long as what you do makes you happy
-You can work your way to heaven
-There is more then one way to God
“Instead of his teaching edifying the hearer, it produces spiritual sickness” Donald Norbie
You will never be content if you do not know truth you will be spiritually sick
Paul then goes on to describe the symptoms of Spiritual sickness that is found in the teachers Vrs 4a list
The teachers of “bad theology”
-Puffed up 3 John 1:9-11 Diotrephes “likes to put himself first”
-Understands nothing (your worldview is messed up)
-Unhealthy craving for controversy and quarrels (why we see Atheists going nuts about people celebrating Christmas)
What this results in for people
believing “bad theology” produces Vrs 4b-5a
-Envy - You can have more or be more. Biblical Christianity teaches us to be content in every situation Phil 4:11
-Dissention- Oppose those who claim truth. Biblical Christianity teaches us to live at peace with others
-Slander - Defame those who claim truth or those we do not like. Biblical Christianity teaches us not to use are words to defame others.
-Evil suspicion- Question authority. Biblical Christianity teaches us to trust Jesus
-Constant friction- With inner peace it is nearly impossible to live at peace with others. Biblical Christianity teaches us to be at peace with the help of the Lord through prayer and relationship. Phil 4:6 1 Peter 5:7 Cast cares
Why? Because they are sinners (depraved mind) in need of truth (deprived of truth) The false teachers are not teaching truth so it keeps the believers of bad theology in a unspiritual and unhealthy cycle.
The point here is this Paul is saying unredeemed sinners are not going to be able to effectively work out their problems and fulfill their need for contentment because they do not believe the truth.
Faith in Jesus Christ (Good Theology) is what gives us power to be content and actually see change in our lives
You will not be content if you don’t know the truth…Jesus
The big “what if” question. Based on 5b “godliness is a means of gain.” What if I am a Christian and I am not content?
You may feel like you have no purpose, things are not going well, you feel empty, and a lack of direction, looking for more answers
I know people who have gone through terrible things in life but they content. What is wrong with them? How can they be content?
2 Cor. 12:8-10 Paul spells it out loud and clear, unlike the puffed up false teachers who think they no it all. “True Contentment” is reliance on the Lord.
Vrs 6 A reminder “ There is Gain in Godliness when it accompanied by contentment”
If you are not content in the situations that God allows to come your way you are missing out on His blessings, what He is teaching you, how you can help others and how He wants to shape you to be more like Him
First step to “True Contentment” is..
Accepting the Truth
The truth is that we live in a world wrought with sin and we are sinners and Jesus came to set us free with His death burial and resurrection. Right now we are only experiencing some of that freedom that Jesus brings and we will have that in fullness when we pass to the next life.
Only through accepting the truth can we start to experience contentment.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Entrusted "In and Under Authority"
1 Timothy 5:17-6:2
Currently there are 4 Atheistic groups taking out ads and billboards to undermine Biblical Christianity.
American Atheists have a billboard by the Lincoln Tunnel that says this…
The Catholic League answered back…but their statement was “the atheists want to get Christians to doubt their faith” I don’t think that is it.
I think that atheists in general have a problem with authority. They want to be the authority and can’t handle that there just may be something greater then their ideas and their concepts.
The main issue is that people do not want to admit Jesus has authority in their lives. If there is an authority and that authority has standards if we don’t keep those standards there is a problem.
All authority is given to Jesus. When we humble ourselves under that authority God raises us up. GOSPEL
Tonight we will look at the concept of authority. How we should respond if we are in an authority position and how we respond being under authority. .
There are many different types of Authority..
-Civil Authority-police, judges
Authority within the workplace- boss, manager
Authority with in the family-parents
Authority within the school- teachers, administration
Spiritual Authority within the church- This passage is going to address the spiritual authority issue and I believe if we have that right the other areas of life will fall into place.
Define Authority-the right to command.
Society sometimes says things like “Question Authority” , “Authority is corrupt” “we are all in Authority, what gives you the right to have authority,
“If you're going to kick authority in the teeth, you might as well use two feet.”Keith Richards Rolling Stones
Authority is unfair and you will loose
We defined the role of spiritual authority in the church as (1 Tim 2:8-15) – Guarding, upholding and making decisions based on Biblical truth in the local fellowship.
The Bible tells us 1 Peter 2:13-17 The Godly submit to authority &
2 Peter 2:10 tell us the ungodly despise authority.
1 Timothy 5:17-6:2 speaks about 3 issues what to expect when in authority, calling people to authority and
In Authority
Vrs 17-18 - Compensation- for the time that those in authority put in. This is why Pastors get paid
Side not of Christian business owners ethics…take care of your employees (Arthur Guinness)
Vrs 19- Give them the benefit of the doubt - “Innocent until proven guilty” many times because people bristle at authority they are “guilty until proven innocent” and that type thinking damages the reputation of those in leadership and authority roles
Vrs 20- They are held to a higher standard- Public authority bears public consequences. (Hebrews 13:17 tells us that leaders give account for the people they are in charge of)
Vrs 21- Fair - in dealings with the people they are in charge of , There is no special treatment when it comes to sin. Also leads well
Dwight D. Eisenhower Said “You do not lead by hitting people of the head…that’s assault, not leadership”
Calling people to authority positions
-Slowly- Be slow to put people in authority
Vrs 22- Be slow to put people into leadership and quick to take them out. One of the biggest problems in the church in general is that people who are not ready or qualified end up in positions of leadership that they should not be in. It is bad for them and bad for the people they are in charge of.
When the wrong people are in leadership the wrong things happen.
Vrs 23 Wine for stomach. In light of the asceticism of the false teachers Paul may be providing a qualification to the call for purity in clarifying that there would be nothing wrong with Timothy using a little wine, emphasizing here its usefulness for the sake of his health
-Investigate before
Vrs 24-25 The importance in assessing people before they are in leadership roles. The reason for this is simple. It is so much easier to say “no, now is not the time” then to let someone serve and in some cases serve well then have to ask them to step down from that position.
How do you judge if people want to be in or use authority for personal gain or power…the verse tells us to look at their life example.
Living under authority in any situation
Vrs 1 A Testimony issue
Vrs 2 -Hinders the work of Jesus. Hebrews 13:17
In a healthy situation spiritual leaders are praying for guidance on how to lead and what to do with the people entrusted to their flock. So if a leader leads you into the things of the Lord and you do not follow then what you are saying is “that is just his opinion” or “I don’t need that”
On a personal note that is why I am very careful about what I promote from the pulpit and anywhere for that matter.
The Christian should love and thrive under authority of Godly people and cannot expect to have any type of authority unless they can be under authority.
The what if question? Authority asks you to disobey God?
Acts 5:29 Peter and the Apostles are ordered to stop preaching about Jesus and they replied “we must obey God rather then men”
When those in authority are in the wrong it is our first call to follow Jesus.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer the Christian theologian and pastor spoke out against Hitler and Nazism publicly three days after Hitler rose to power and said that Germany was heading toward Idolatry.
He preached for the rights of Jews and Nazi Germany
He was a Christian who went against godless authority April 9, 1945 he was executed by hanging in the Flossenburg concentration camp.
A Christian realizes the Authority of Jesus should rule their lives.
Currently there are 4 Atheistic groups taking out ads and billboards to undermine Biblical Christianity.
American Atheists have a billboard by the Lincoln Tunnel that says this…
The Catholic League answered back…but their statement was “the atheists want to get Christians to doubt their faith” I don’t think that is it.
I think that atheists in general have a problem with authority. They want to be the authority and can’t handle that there just may be something greater then their ideas and their concepts.
The main issue is that people do not want to admit Jesus has authority in their lives. If there is an authority and that authority has standards if we don’t keep those standards there is a problem.
All authority is given to Jesus. When we humble ourselves under that authority God raises us up. GOSPEL
Tonight we will look at the concept of authority. How we should respond if we are in an authority position and how we respond being under authority. .
There are many different types of Authority..
-Civil Authority-police, judges
Authority within the workplace- boss, manager
Authority with in the family-parents
Authority within the school- teachers, administration
Spiritual Authority within the church- This passage is going to address the spiritual authority issue and I believe if we have that right the other areas of life will fall into place.
Define Authority-the right to command.
Society sometimes says things like “Question Authority” , “Authority is corrupt” “we are all in Authority, what gives you the right to have authority,
“If you're going to kick authority in the teeth, you might as well use two feet.”Keith Richards Rolling Stones
Authority is unfair and you will loose
We defined the role of spiritual authority in the church as (1 Tim 2:8-15) – Guarding, upholding and making decisions based on Biblical truth in the local fellowship.
The Bible tells us 1 Peter 2:13-17 The Godly submit to authority &
2 Peter 2:10 tell us the ungodly despise authority.
1 Timothy 5:17-6:2 speaks about 3 issues what to expect when in authority, calling people to authority and
In Authority
Vrs 17-18 - Compensation- for the time that those in authority put in. This is why Pastors get paid
Side not of Christian business owners ethics…take care of your employees (Arthur Guinness)
Vrs 19- Give them the benefit of the doubt - “Innocent until proven guilty” many times because people bristle at authority they are “guilty until proven innocent” and that type thinking damages the reputation of those in leadership and authority roles
Vrs 20- They are held to a higher standard- Public authority bears public consequences. (Hebrews 13:17 tells us that leaders give account for the people they are in charge of)
Vrs 21- Fair - in dealings with the people they are in charge of , There is no special treatment when it comes to sin. Also leads well
Dwight D. Eisenhower Said “You do not lead by hitting people of the head…that’s assault, not leadership”
Calling people to authority positions
-Slowly- Be slow to put people in authority
Vrs 22- Be slow to put people into leadership and quick to take them out. One of the biggest problems in the church in general is that people who are not ready or qualified end up in positions of leadership that they should not be in. It is bad for them and bad for the people they are in charge of.
When the wrong people are in leadership the wrong things happen.
Vrs 23 Wine for stomach. In light of the asceticism of the false teachers Paul may be providing a qualification to the call for purity in clarifying that there would be nothing wrong with Timothy using a little wine, emphasizing here its usefulness for the sake of his health
-Investigate before
Vrs 24-25 The importance in assessing people before they are in leadership roles. The reason for this is simple. It is so much easier to say “no, now is not the time” then to let someone serve and in some cases serve well then have to ask them to step down from that position.
How do you judge if people want to be in or use authority for personal gain or power…the verse tells us to look at their life example.
Living under authority in any situation
Vrs 1 A Testimony issue
Vrs 2 -Hinders the work of Jesus. Hebrews 13:17
In a healthy situation spiritual leaders are praying for guidance on how to lead and what to do with the people entrusted to their flock. So if a leader leads you into the things of the Lord and you do not follow then what you are saying is “that is just his opinion” or “I don’t need that”
On a personal note that is why I am very careful about what I promote from the pulpit and anywhere for that matter.
The Christian should love and thrive under authority of Godly people and cannot expect to have any type of authority unless they can be under authority.
The what if question? Authority asks you to disobey God?
Acts 5:29 Peter and the Apostles are ordered to stop preaching about Jesus and they replied “we must obey God rather then men”
When those in authority are in the wrong it is our first call to follow Jesus.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer the Christian theologian and pastor spoke out against Hitler and Nazism publicly three days after Hitler rose to power and said that Germany was heading toward Idolatry.
He preached for the rights of Jews and Nazi Germany
He was a Christian who went against godless authority April 9, 1945 he was executed by hanging in the Flossenburg concentration camp.
A Christian realizes the Authority of Jesus should rule their lives.
Monday, November 29, 2010
"My Brothers Keeper"
Entrustedweek11 “My Brothers Keeper”
1 Timothy 5:1-16
A believers responsibility to the family of God should mirror our responsibility to our biological family.
Treat the family of God like your biological family.
This is not the best illustration for us in America because generally speaking family loyalty is not the highest degree, we are a very independent people
Biblically speaking we see a high regard placed on our parents, enough so that obedience to them made #5 of the top 10, with a promise
We see from early on Genesis 4 there is a breakdown in the first sibling relationship Cain and Able (tell account)
“Am I my brothers keeper” the answer is YES
Vrs 1-2 In our dealings with those inside the church. Treat them “like family”
Vrs 3-16 Paul was dealing with specific issues in regards to widows in the churches that Timothy was dealing with, but we can glean principles from these directives in how we relate to the family of God.
You will find as you are in the church there are people that it is a pleasure to help because they work hard, serve well, love others and don’t ask for handouts. When they are in need it is a true blessing to help them. There are others who only show up when they are looking for the handout.
The difference between inside the church and outside the church 1 Cor 5 we judge inside.
If we tax resources on people who do not need we have none for those who do. So what we are going to do is look at the treatment of these widows and use it as a springboard for how we should behave “In the Family”
Vrs 3-5 the Godly widow - * Spiritually disciplined (within the fellowship of believers, you should be an example to the Christians around you) HOW shows Godliness to own household – hope in God – prayer warrior
Vrs 6 -the worldly widow – *Avoid Selfishness -selfish is like walking dead…we should not live only for ourselves
Vrs 7 Command to keep above reproach * Have Accountability
Vrs 8-10 An example of a Godly widow *Care for one another. John 19:26-27
Even unbelievers do that
-Christians should take care of their biological family “worse then” the concept here is that even non-believing know it is right to care for the family. If you as believer don’t care for your own what kind of testimony are sharing with those around you.
It is a testimony to them and to those around you.
GOSPEL
Vrs 11-13 The ungodly widows – *Flee sinful passions- In the heat of passion people say and do things that they regret. Harsh words etc
Vrs 14-15 *Learn from roles in biological family- The role that marriage and child bearing plays is keeping focus on the Lord – Being a part of a family helps you focus your attention on the Lord
(sanctification process)
Vrs 16 Biological family has the first responsibility – *The biological family comes before the church.
They have the first responsibility and they are the first responsibility
-The Godly will be taken care of. I spoke with a Godly individual who is out of work and his reply was “through all this I see that God is good”
-The sentiment in this passage is “take care of the Godly” God’s family is much larger then our biological family. So if you have a pressing need in your biological family be assured that another member of God’s family can take care of the member that is suffering.
Challenge from now until Christmas
1. Is there a person in your biological family that you need to work out a difficulty with?
2. Is there a person in God’s family that you need to work out a difficulty with?
1 Timothy 5:1-16
A believers responsibility to the family of God should mirror our responsibility to our biological family.
Treat the family of God like your biological family.
This is not the best illustration for us in America because generally speaking family loyalty is not the highest degree, we are a very independent people
Biblically speaking we see a high regard placed on our parents, enough so that obedience to them made #5 of the top 10, with a promise
We see from early on Genesis 4 there is a breakdown in the first sibling relationship Cain and Able (tell account)
“Am I my brothers keeper” the answer is YES
Vrs 1-2 In our dealings with those inside the church. Treat them “like family”
Vrs 3-16 Paul was dealing with specific issues in regards to widows in the churches that Timothy was dealing with, but we can glean principles from these directives in how we relate to the family of God.
You will find as you are in the church there are people that it is a pleasure to help because they work hard, serve well, love others and don’t ask for handouts. When they are in need it is a true blessing to help them. There are others who only show up when they are looking for the handout.
The difference between inside the church and outside the church 1 Cor 5 we judge inside.
If we tax resources on people who do not need we have none for those who do. So what we are going to do is look at the treatment of these widows and use it as a springboard for how we should behave “In the Family”
Vrs 3-5 the Godly widow - * Spiritually disciplined (within the fellowship of believers, you should be an example to the Christians around you) HOW shows Godliness to own household – hope in God – prayer warrior
Vrs 6 -the worldly widow – *Avoid Selfishness -selfish is like walking dead…we should not live only for ourselves
Vrs 7 Command to keep above reproach * Have Accountability
Vrs 8-10 An example of a Godly widow *Care for one another. John 19:26-27
Even unbelievers do that
-Christians should take care of their biological family “worse then” the concept here is that even non-believing know it is right to care for the family. If you as believer don’t care for your own what kind of testimony are sharing with those around you.
It is a testimony to them and to those around you.
GOSPEL
Vrs 11-13 The ungodly widows – *Flee sinful passions- In the heat of passion people say and do things that they regret. Harsh words etc
Vrs 14-15 *Learn from roles in biological family- The role that marriage and child bearing plays is keeping focus on the Lord – Being a part of a family helps you focus your attention on the Lord
(sanctification process)
Vrs 16 Biological family has the first responsibility – *The biological family comes before the church.
They have the first responsibility and they are the first responsibility
-The Godly will be taken care of. I spoke with a Godly individual who is out of work and his reply was “through all this I see that God is good”
-The sentiment in this passage is “take care of the Godly” God’s family is much larger then our biological family. So if you have a pressing need in your biological family be assured that another member of God’s family can take care of the member that is suffering.
Challenge from now until Christmas
1. Is there a person in your biological family that you need to work out a difficulty with?
2. Is there a person in God’s family that you need to work out a difficulty with?
Saturday, November 27, 2010
"Jacked For Jesus"
Godliness/Godly men is the way to fight against the “two nasty “L” words”
Vs 6-7 “These things” “you will be a good servant”
-Trained in Words of Faith
-Trained in good Doctrine
-Does not waste time (irreverent and silly myths)
-Training in Godliness
Paul gives an illustration
Vrs 8 shows us the “physical exercise” only has value here
The concept here is not to speak out against physical exercise as mush as it is to remind us that putting much time into that only benefits this life not the next.
I believe this is very pertinent in our culture. We spend much money and time not only to be healthy but…look good.
The idea here is everyone knows in order to be in top physical shape it takes a lot of training, the same is true for Godliness. The question that Paul answers is, what is more important? The answer is what benefits this life and the next?
The concept of this life and the next life is a recurring theme in the Scriptures.
Vrs 9 “trustworthy” you will not be let down if you pursue Godliness
Vrs 10 It is work to follow the Lord…it hurts sometimes, it is not a cake walk but we focus on Jesus look at what He endured…the cross GOSPEL.
Savior to all men “especially” “Savior of all” To preserve (sotar) Possibly “Common Grace” Rain - Possibly positional in regards to all people.
“Especially those who believe” Special or Saving Grace Result in Salvation Jesus’ offer is open but only some will take hold…like the wedding banquet
Vrs 11 Timothy’s call and our call as well we continue to pass this down to our children. (For Timothy 11-14 Preach the Word)
Vrs 12 don’t get hung up on age. I know old fools and I know young fools. But age does not dictate Godliness.
Vrs 13-15a Godliness The workout program to be “Jacked for Jesus”
-devotion to the Scriptures
-willing to exhort-to urge or advise or caution, (in this case yourself) others (use what the Scriptures say)
-teaches good theology (with your life and words)
-uses spiritual gifts
-practices spiritual disciplines
-immerse (this should be your life)
Vrs 15b It is good for others to notice your progress. You will “glow” of the Lord Pastor Conan ill
It is only a bad thing if we personally take the credit. So he goes onto verse 16
Vrs 16 don’t let it get to your head
“Watch yourself” Pride goes before the fall, also in this context “keep focused”
“persist” Problem is with people in life is they grow and excel they get some encouragement then they say “ok I am good at this let me stop excelling”
Kelly Slater…always pushing to the next level
Vrs 16b If you continue in Godliness your life will be more abundant and you will be effective in the lives of others for the work of the Lord.
Vs 6-7 “These things” “you will be a good servant”
-Trained in Words of Faith
-Trained in good Doctrine
-Does not waste time (irreverent and silly myths)
-Training in Godliness
Paul gives an illustration
Vrs 8 shows us the “physical exercise” only has value here
The concept here is not to speak out against physical exercise as mush as it is to remind us that putting much time into that only benefits this life not the next.
I believe this is very pertinent in our culture. We spend much money and time not only to be healthy but…look good.
The idea here is everyone knows in order to be in top physical shape it takes a lot of training, the same is true for Godliness. The question that Paul answers is, what is more important? The answer is what benefits this life and the next?
The concept of this life and the next life is a recurring theme in the Scriptures.
Vrs 9 “trustworthy” you will not be let down if you pursue Godliness
Vrs 10 It is work to follow the Lord…it hurts sometimes, it is not a cake walk but we focus on Jesus look at what He endured…the cross GOSPEL.
Savior to all men “especially” “Savior of all” To preserve (sotar) Possibly “Common Grace” Rain - Possibly positional in regards to all people.
“Especially those who believe” Special or Saving Grace Result in Salvation Jesus’ offer is open but only some will take hold…like the wedding banquet
Vrs 11 Timothy’s call and our call as well we continue to pass this down to our children. (For Timothy 11-14 Preach the Word)
Vrs 12 don’t get hung up on age. I know old fools and I know young fools. But age does not dictate Godliness.
Vrs 13-15a Godliness The workout program to be “Jacked for Jesus”
-devotion to the Scriptures
-willing to exhort-to urge or advise or caution, (in this case yourself) others (use what the Scriptures say)
-teaches good theology (with your life and words)
-uses spiritual gifts
-practices spiritual disciplines
-immerse (this should be your life)
Vrs 15b It is good for others to notice your progress. You will “glow” of the Lord Pastor Conan ill
It is only a bad thing if we personally take the credit. So he goes onto verse 16
Vrs 16 don’t let it get to your head
“Watch yourself” Pride goes before the fall, also in this context “keep focused”
“persist” Problem is with people in life is they grow and excel they get some encouragement then they say “ok I am good at this let me stop excelling”
Kelly Slater…always pushing to the next level
Vrs 16b If you continue in Godliness your life will be more abundant and you will be effective in the lives of others for the work of the Lord.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Entusted "Two nasty "L" Words"
Vrs 1 “fall away”
Spirit says Matt 24 and Passages in Revelation
Paul is dealing with the believers in the church that are falling toward asceticism (Religion that is man centered and created)
Preference-I choose not to
Example: Watching shows that are about solving crimes.
But because I feel this way and my preference is that for me based on
Phil 4. I now have the liberty as a pastor to help you think about those things.
Questions: why do I watch this? How does it make me feel? If Jesus came over to hang out would I watch this with Him?
On the other hand if I were to say this is wrong…you should not do this because I do not do this.
Conviction-I feel like this is a sin for me. Romans 14 tells us who have a conviction like that not to pass it to others and those who do not have the conviction not to force those who do into something they feel is sin.
Absolute-This is biblically wrong
Why tell you this??? Because the two nasty “L” words hinge on the abuse of these concepts
The first nasty “L” word is Legalism
-Legalism is not keeping the law it is adding to the law.
The legalist thinks by adding to the law they are being more righteous and God is more pleased, they make preferences and convictions = absolutes
Jesus spoke out against these guys “twice the son of hell”
How to be a legalist…
-take verses out of context
-impose your preferences or convictions on others
-make your rules the ones you part company over
-try to convince others to agree (particularly the leadership of the church) organize a witch hunt (this person is always running around complain about what is wrong with everyone and everything.
-be the extra biblical rules police
*Problem is legalism causes non-Christians to retaliate in attacks considerhumanism.org
The next nasty “L” word is Liberalism
-Free from tradition or authority…no absolutes
This passage does not specifically teach about liberalism but I feel now is an appropriate time to bring this up. To be honest this group here at “The Five” does not struggle with legalism…there are maybe 3 of you who do and guess what you 3 won’t listen anyway because you think your right. I just taught the rest of the people here how to identify you.
Most of you here will struggle with liberalism…why? Because you were brought up in a society that says…abortion is a women’s choice, homosexuality is an alternate lifestyle, living together is a good trial before marriage, don’t trust anyone in authority, love is a feeling not a decision, you can do anything you put your mind to, play games without keeping score so everybody wins, there is no absolute truth, if it feels good do it, as long as it does not hurt anyone, and the list goes on.
And the permeating attitude is…”Who is God to tell me”
I say it to my kids “I am your father”
Romans 9:20 “But who are you O man to answer back to God”?
How to be a liberalist..
-take verses out of context (that does not mean that)
-there are no absolutes
-Part company with people who do have absolutes
-criticize those who believe absolutes
-be the outlaw that brings liberation to the people
What causes these warped views
-demons vrs1
liberalism and legalism they are both demonic and they are both a departure of biblical faith
The pendulum will swing back and forth and have a hard time landing on the truth of the Word because Satan is behind those bad doctrines and interpretations
-seared consciences (seared by lies) vrs 2 Conscience is messed up by the lies of the false teaching.
Liberalist example That is why taking the argument of abortion some can sit back and say “it just does not seem right that a women does not have the right to choose”
Legalist example they personally feel bad about doing something not put forth in the Word by for some odd reason they don’t feel bad in the least about judging others and slandering others for not following what think is correct
-incomplete view of God Vrs 3 God is the giver of good things
Demons are striking at the goodness of God. The created pleasures are designed to point us to God and to thank Him. But taking those things away detracts from praise.
-incomplete view of His creation Vrs 4 Creation is good for us to enjoy
Vrs 4 God’s creation is good but people will always try to use it for sin.
I can have people over and have conversation, eat food and drink wine to the glory of God or I can gossip and slander in conversation be a glutton and get drunk. So do a not have conversation because of gossip and slander do I not have food because of gluttony or have wine because of drunkenness. Is conversation, food and wine evil? No it is the abuse of it that is.
The legalist would say abstain from certain foods or sensual pleasure because it shows we are better.
-ignorance of His Word Vrs 5 Either don’t know His Word or know it but take things out of context.
-No relationship with Jesus (prayer) Vrs 5
This is exactly the reason why you do not recognize the god the legalist and the liberalist worships. That is not the Jesus that I know. 2 Cor. 11:1-7 “another Jesus”
The legalist’s and the liberalist’s god loves death… and our God has conquered death.
Do you hate death? The last few years have validated in my mind that I hate death. That’s why I fight for life the GOSPEL
Spirit says Matt 24 and Passages in Revelation
Paul is dealing with the believers in the church that are falling toward asceticism (Religion that is man centered and created)
Preference-I choose not to
Example: Watching shows that are about solving crimes.
But because I feel this way and my preference is that for me based on
Phil 4. I now have the liberty as a pastor to help you think about those things.
Questions: why do I watch this? How does it make me feel? If Jesus came over to hang out would I watch this with Him?
On the other hand if I were to say this is wrong…you should not do this because I do not do this.
Conviction-I feel like this is a sin for me. Romans 14 tells us who have a conviction like that not to pass it to others and those who do not have the conviction not to force those who do into something they feel is sin.
Absolute-This is biblically wrong
Why tell you this??? Because the two nasty “L” words hinge on the abuse of these concepts
The first nasty “L” word is Legalism
-Legalism is not keeping the law it is adding to the law.
The legalist thinks by adding to the law they are being more righteous and God is more pleased, they make preferences and convictions = absolutes
Jesus spoke out against these guys “twice the son of hell”
How to be a legalist…
-take verses out of context
-impose your preferences or convictions on others
-make your rules the ones you part company over
-try to convince others to agree (particularly the leadership of the church) organize a witch hunt (this person is always running around complain about what is wrong with everyone and everything.
-be the extra biblical rules police
*Problem is legalism causes non-Christians to retaliate in attacks considerhumanism.org
The next nasty “L” word is Liberalism
-Free from tradition or authority…no absolutes
This passage does not specifically teach about liberalism but I feel now is an appropriate time to bring this up. To be honest this group here at “The Five” does not struggle with legalism…there are maybe 3 of you who do and guess what you 3 won’t listen anyway because you think your right. I just taught the rest of the people here how to identify you.
Most of you here will struggle with liberalism…why? Because you were brought up in a society that says…abortion is a women’s choice, homosexuality is an alternate lifestyle, living together is a good trial before marriage, don’t trust anyone in authority, love is a feeling not a decision, you can do anything you put your mind to, play games without keeping score so everybody wins, there is no absolute truth, if it feels good do it, as long as it does not hurt anyone, and the list goes on.
And the permeating attitude is…”Who is God to tell me”
I say it to my kids “I am your father”
Romans 9:20 “But who are you O man to answer back to God”?
How to be a liberalist..
-take verses out of context (that does not mean that)
-there are no absolutes
-Part company with people who do have absolutes
-criticize those who believe absolutes
-be the outlaw that brings liberation to the people
What causes these warped views
-demons vrs1
liberalism and legalism they are both demonic and they are both a departure of biblical faith
The pendulum will swing back and forth and have a hard time landing on the truth of the Word because Satan is behind those bad doctrines and interpretations
-seared consciences (seared by lies) vrs 2 Conscience is messed up by the lies of the false teaching.
Liberalist example That is why taking the argument of abortion some can sit back and say “it just does not seem right that a women does not have the right to choose”
Legalist example they personally feel bad about doing something not put forth in the Word by for some odd reason they don’t feel bad in the least about judging others and slandering others for not following what think is correct
-incomplete view of God Vrs 3 God is the giver of good things
Demons are striking at the goodness of God. The created pleasures are designed to point us to God and to thank Him. But taking those things away detracts from praise.
-incomplete view of His creation Vrs 4 Creation is good for us to enjoy
Vrs 4 God’s creation is good but people will always try to use it for sin.
I can have people over and have conversation, eat food and drink wine to the glory of God or I can gossip and slander in conversation be a glutton and get drunk. So do a not have conversation because of gossip and slander do I not have food because of gluttony or have wine because of drunkenness. Is conversation, food and wine evil? No it is the abuse of it that is.
The legalist would say abstain from certain foods or sensual pleasure because it shows we are better.
-ignorance of His Word Vrs 5 Either don’t know His Word or know it but take things out of context.
-No relationship with Jesus (prayer) Vrs 5
This is exactly the reason why you do not recognize the god the legalist and the liberalist worships. That is not the Jesus that I know. 2 Cor. 11:1-7 “another Jesus”
The legalist’s and the liberalist’s god loves death… and our God has conquered death.
Do you hate death? The last few years have validated in my mind that I hate death. That’s why I fight for life the GOSPEL
Monday, November 8, 2010
Entrusted "the gates of hell shall not prevail"
1 Timothy 3:14-16
Vrs 14-15a (stop at “household of God”) Paul gives directives on the churches structure…bottom line of what we learned in the last few weeks is, the leaders and those who serve should be of Godly Character. Truthfully it does not matter what we do, as much as who we are in Christ.
Vrs 15 “which is the church of the living God”
This begs the question... what is the church?
Start with what the church is not…
-A building
-A social gathering -Hypocrites-the only hypocrites in the church are the ones that say they don’t sin. –Deep relationships- don’t substitute deep relationships with others to fill the void that only Christ can fulfill in your life.
-A place to go to pay your dues. (not works)
-A place to come after you get your act together (one side people become judgmental, on the other people are shamed or scared away its Satan’s lie)
Problem is people try to make what the church should not be…the church corporately loses focus
So what is the church? Matt 16:13-20
Vrs 15 “a pillar and buttress of truth”
The truth of Jesus (GOSPEL) is the foundation and the work of what the local church does is the pillar and buttress. (holds things up and together)
The church is the avenue in which the truth of Jesus is communicated and lived out to the glory of God.
It is the responsibility of the local church to hold up the truth for all to see
Donald Norbie says “The local church holds up the truth in a corporate way the isolated believer cannot”
Here is the foundation…
Vrs 16 “Great Indeed” We serve a God hat is much greater.
Line 1 The incarnation John 1 Jesus always was then came as the God man into human history.
Line 2 “Vindicated” = to uphold or justify or prove. The Holy Spirit proved Jesus was who he claimed to be.
-At His baptism
-At His resurrection Romans 8:11
Line 3 This is to illustrate that this was a spiritual and was observed by spirit beings throughout history.
Angels learn from us
Angels rejoice over one sinner who repents
Line 4 The message of the Gospel is for everyone
Line 5 The avenue of salvation
Line 6 Refers to Jesus’ ascension but also ours as a result of belief, one day we will be taken up.
This is what the church “confesses” and this is “the mystery of Godliness”
Do you want to be Godly? Trust this message. Do you want to be Godly spread this message.
Proof that it is God’s message “The gates of hell shall not prevail against it
Jesus is best served when we as the church of God work together to bring the message to the world around us and live the message to our fellow believers within the local church.
Vrs 14-15a (stop at “household of God”) Paul gives directives on the churches structure…bottom line of what we learned in the last few weeks is, the leaders and those who serve should be of Godly Character. Truthfully it does not matter what we do, as much as who we are in Christ.
Vrs 15 “which is the church of the living God”
This begs the question... what is the church?
Start with what the church is not…
-A building
-A social gathering -Hypocrites-the only hypocrites in the church are the ones that say they don’t sin. –Deep relationships- don’t substitute deep relationships with others to fill the void that only Christ can fulfill in your life.
-A place to go to pay your dues. (not works)
-A place to come after you get your act together (one side people become judgmental, on the other people are shamed or scared away its Satan’s lie)
Problem is people try to make what the church should not be…the church corporately loses focus
So what is the church? Matt 16:13-20
Vrs 15 “a pillar and buttress of truth”
The truth of Jesus (GOSPEL) is the foundation and the work of what the local church does is the pillar and buttress. (holds things up and together)
The church is the avenue in which the truth of Jesus is communicated and lived out to the glory of God.
It is the responsibility of the local church to hold up the truth for all to see
Donald Norbie says “The local church holds up the truth in a corporate way the isolated believer cannot”
Here is the foundation…
Vrs 16 “Great Indeed” We serve a God hat is much greater.
Line 1 The incarnation John 1 Jesus always was then came as the God man into human history.
Line 2 “Vindicated” = to uphold or justify or prove. The Holy Spirit proved Jesus was who he claimed to be.
-At His baptism
-At His resurrection Romans 8:11
Line 3 This is to illustrate that this was a spiritual and was observed by spirit beings throughout history.
Angels learn from us
Angels rejoice over one sinner who repents
Line 4 The message of the Gospel is for everyone
Line 5 The avenue of salvation
Line 6 Refers to Jesus’ ascension but also ours as a result of belief, one day we will be taken up.
This is what the church “confesses” and this is “the mystery of Godliness”
Do you want to be Godly? Trust this message. Do you want to be Godly spread this message.
Proof that it is God’s message “The gates of hell shall not prevail against it
Jesus is best served when we as the church of God work together to bring the message to the world around us and live the message to our fellow believers within the local church.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Entrusted "not what we do, but who we are"
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Talk about the structure of our church ands then the structure of the NT church being built for growth.
-Pastor/Overseer - Slide 2 Pray, teach, spiritually guide and correct
-Deacons Acts 6:1-7 Overseers assistants
Slide 2 assist the overseers and serve in the church.
-Ministry leaders Slide 2 In charge of particular ministries.
Tonight we will talk about this servant role, but not the what the who.
Read 1 Timothy 1:8-13
Deacon = servant- when we speak of a servant we automatically ask or think what are they doing?…how are they serving?…what is the act?
This passages does not answer those questions but it speaks about the Character of the servant.
Ride a bicycle ill. Teach someone how to ride a bike w/o actually telling them how to ride a bike. (the important part of riding a bike is the mechanics of riding the bike)
The important part of being a servant(Deacon) is the character.
What you actually do as deacon(servant) is not as important as your character.
Mechanical = religion- People become religious and do things out of habit with no real inspiration or heart behind it. We do this because we have always done this.
The danger is we look at our Christian life as DO DO DO or I don’t do this, this and this so therefore I am Christian.
But Character = relationship, when we have a real relationship with the Lord, who we are becomes altered and it is not about what we do- but what we do then stems from who we are. We are not trying to prove something “I am this because I do this” but it is “I do this because I am this” Ephesians 2:8-10 sums this up
Last week in “picture of you” we ended with…Read Bible, Repent and Pray is how you work on yourself. This applies here as well
So how do you know you are in the right heart condition while you are serving?
ask these Questions
What is my motive?
-To look good
Jesus and the Pharisees White washed tombs
-To promote self
You can do good and step on others while you are doing it.
Our motive should be to do right by the Lord and for the good of others.
What is my focus?
-Selfish plans ( I want to see this done)
-Out of habit (just what I do)
Focus should be Jesus’ fame, Why should Jesus be famous???
This is what He has done…(list)
Focus Should be Heaven
That is where we belong so we should focus on that day. The charge for a Christina when it comes to looking at the future is Heaven, not plans but heaven.
Verse 13 If you serve well, it is curious to me that he says this but does still does not tell they what the service is, how to do it or what good service looks like..
Result:
1. “Gain a good standing” right Character speaks loudly to the people around you. You can work harder than anyone but if you are just a miserable person to be around, it cancels what you have done out.
2. “Great confidence in the faith” Validates our faith. The more we serve with a pure heart and good character the more we realize what our purpose is in life.
Leave you with these two thoughts
-A Christian that does not serve never realizes purpose
-A Christian that serves with impure motives ruin the purposes that called has called us here for.
Talk about the structure of our church ands then the structure of the NT church being built for growth.
-Pastor/Overseer - Slide 2 Pray, teach, spiritually guide and correct
-Deacons Acts 6:1-7 Overseers assistants
Slide 2 assist the overseers and serve in the church.
-Ministry leaders Slide 2 In charge of particular ministries.
Tonight we will talk about this servant role, but not the what the who.
Read 1 Timothy 1:8-13
Deacon = servant- when we speak of a servant we automatically ask or think what are they doing?…how are they serving?…what is the act?
This passages does not answer those questions but it speaks about the Character of the servant.
Ride a bicycle ill. Teach someone how to ride a bike w/o actually telling them how to ride a bike. (the important part of riding a bike is the mechanics of riding the bike)
The important part of being a servant(Deacon) is the character.
What you actually do as deacon(servant) is not as important as your character.
Mechanical = religion- People become religious and do things out of habit with no real inspiration or heart behind it. We do this because we have always done this.
The danger is we look at our Christian life as DO DO DO or I don’t do this, this and this so therefore I am Christian.
But Character = relationship, when we have a real relationship with the Lord, who we are becomes altered and it is not about what we do- but what we do then stems from who we are. We are not trying to prove something “I am this because I do this” but it is “I do this because I am this” Ephesians 2:8-10 sums this up
Last week in “picture of you” we ended with…Read Bible, Repent and Pray is how you work on yourself. This applies here as well
So how do you know you are in the right heart condition while you are serving?
ask these Questions
What is my motive?
-To look good
Jesus and the Pharisees White washed tombs
-To promote self
You can do good and step on others while you are doing it.
Our motive should be to do right by the Lord and for the good of others.
What is my focus?
-Selfish plans ( I want to see this done)
-Out of habit (just what I do)
Focus should be Jesus’ fame, Why should Jesus be famous???
This is what He has done…(list)
Focus Should be Heaven
That is where we belong so we should focus on that day. The charge for a Christina when it comes to looking at the future is Heaven, not plans but heaven.
Verse 13 If you serve well, it is curious to me that he says this but does still does not tell they what the service is, how to do it or what good service looks like..
Result:
1. “Gain a good standing” right Character speaks loudly to the people around you. You can work harder than anyone but if you are just a miserable person to be around, it cancels what you have done out.
2. “Great confidence in the faith” Validates our faith. The more we serve with a pure heart and good character the more we realize what our purpose is in life.
Leave you with these two thoughts
-A Christian that does not serve never realizes purpose
-A Christian that serves with impure motives ruin the purposes that called has called us here for.
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