Humility before honor

Text: Matthew 18:1-6

I’m calling this lesson Honor is the Son of Humility because honor, in Christ’s kingdom, is the result of humility – humbleness begets honor. Those that will be honored in Christ’s kingdom are those who gave up on their reputation in order to honor the coming king, Jesus Christ. Proverbs 15:33 …before honour is humility. Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

The question is who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? The answer to that question is very simple. It’s Jesus Christ who is the greatest in the coming kingdom. Philippians 2:6-11 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus Christ, King of kings, preeminent above all, personified exactly what He told the disciples.

As for us, we are like the disciples. Titles in this world mean things to us. God is no respecter of persons but you and I are. Community status, vocational status, political status, educational status are forms of currency. They have real financial value because people are willing to pay for status. 

Rick Singer was the latest facilitator publicized in a “pay to play” type college admissions deal with executives and celebrities. These executives’ and celebrities’ kids may not cut it academically so they’d pay Singer to grease the wheels of admissions through some discrete athletics team like water polo. The athletic director or the head coach would be paid to “encourage” acceptance of some executive’s kid so they could be on the water polo team. After acceptance the kid would never attend any practices or even be on the team, it was just a ruse to get the kid admitted to a school with a reputation. In the end, it’s not even about education. It’s just about standing in the culture so mom and dad can say my kid went to Harvard. They don’t say it cost them $10M or they had to buy a building on the campus. It’s just about status. It’s just clout. And status is business.

We ask, like the disciples, how do I gain recognition? But we aren’t that spiritual because we ask it about our community, our vocation, our kids’ education, or as policy makers. The LORD Jesus Christ answers the disciples like He seems to always do. If you’re looking for reputation in my kingdom you’re asking the wrong question. Those who’ll have standing in my kingdom are unaware of their greatness. They’re like children. Little children have a lot of faults, but one thing they are not aware of is their own greatness or reputation.

Conversion is the first necessary thing

You can’t even enter this kingdom without being converted

What got you here is also what will make you great here

As you get older you find more and more reason to reject the LORD.

You gain experience that seems to contradict the Spirit of God.

You gain knowledge that seems to contradict the word of God.

You don’t see the judgment of God, so you think things are OK that aren’t OK.

Your body tells you God is lying to you.

This is why people who taught sunday school classes may not even be in church today. People who thought church was good for their family get older, get grumpier, get less motivated, don’t see the need for God after their kids grow up.

Point is that life and getting older has a way of moving you awa...

Love in truth

Text: 3 John 1

The theme of truth runs through 3rd John. Particularly the relationship truth has to the church and individuals in the church. The first time the word truth shows up here in verse 1 it is the thing that binds John and Gaius together in purity.

Love in truth is the result of a common purpose in the LORD

Gaius was apprehended by the mob in Ephesus in Acts 19:29 during missionary work with Paul.

Nothing brings people together like a common purpose. We mentioned briefly last week, common interests are one thing, but a common purpose is the next level of fellowship.

John and Gaius didn’t have the same position, Gaius wasn’t an apostle. John didn’t have a church in his house that we know of. But they were unified in purpose.

Love in truth was not only solidified with a common purpose but a common purpose of serving the LORD.

And to take it a step further, this common purpose of serving the LORD had caused each of them trouble that they were faithful through.

Love in truth is active love 

And he accompanied Paul on parts of Paul’s missionary journeys in Acts 20:4.

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Jesus Christ modeled God’s love and then commanded us to do what he showed us how to do.  1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. Love measured by its sacrifice

God doesn’t just say love, He tells you how so you don’t go away with the same delusions about love that you came with.

True love has no other motive than the well being of another soul

Gaius housed Paul at some point according to Romans 16:23.

Peter and Paul both use the phrase love unfeigned in 1 Peter 1:22 and 2 Corinthians 6:6. Unfeigned: not counterfeit; not hypocritical; real; sincere

Love unfeigned means there is no other motive here than the well being of a soul. There is no ulterior motive. This isn’t manipulation in order to get something out of someone else.

True love is not lust. “But we love each other.” Ephesians 5:1-3 Walk in love …but fornication… meaning fornication and love are not the same thing. So walk in love, but have nothing to do with fornication. So obviously those things aren’t the same.

Love in truth hates lies and pride

Paul told the Corinthians he was glad he didn’t baptize any of them except Gaius and Crispus in 1 Corinthians 1:14 because the church was full of carnal people.

Now, 35 years later, Gaius’ health is bad according to verse 2, he’s lived a life of service to God supporting the saints and evangelism. John, probably in his eighties, writes to Gaius who’s probably in his seventies. And now, with three or four decades in the LORD’s service, John writes this little letter to Gaius who he loves in truth.

Text: Hosea 13:9-14

The LORD is the only source of help (vs 9)

The LORD is the only salvation (vss 10-11)

The LORD will let sin run its natural course to death (vss 12-13)

The LORD will then be the enemy of death! (vs 14) PRAISE THE LORD!!

Conclusion 1 Corinthians 15:55

This is the greatest chapter on the resurrection in the Bible.

Proof of the resurrection (vss 1-11)

Gospel of the resurrection

Believers stand in faith on it

Believers are saved by receiving the gospel

Scriptures testified to to the resurrection

Eyewitness accounts of the resurrection

Peter

Disciples

More than 500 eyewitnesses

James (the Lord’s half brother)

All the apostles

Paul

Paul’s life turned around because of the resurrection

He becomes a minister of something he sought to destroy.

The diversity of testimonies, the order of events all testify of the resurrection.

Point is that we are all here because of a risen savior, not a dead one.

Proposition of no resurrection (vss 12-19)

Some were saying no resurrection.  Here is an example.  2 Timothy 2:16-18 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

Canker and cancer are similar words.  A Christianity without a resurrection is like a cancer ridden body.

If no resurrection, everything we’re doing is a waste of time.

Preaching is worthless.

Faith is worthless.

If no resurrection, we are all liars.

If no resurrection, we are in our sin.

If no resurrection, all men die in their sin.  Everyone you love died in their sin.

If no resurrection, we are miserable for living lives based on a lie.  Enduring sorrow for no reason.  Having a pie in the sky religion.  And Karl Marx is right in saying, “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people”  In other words, faith in a risen savior is a fairy tale that helps people in hard times.

Christ is the resurrection (vss 20-28)

But because the resurrection is no fairy tale.  The empty tomb is empty unlike any other religious leader’s tomb.

Because he lives, we can live.

Resurrection in order

Christ first (and many OT saints according to Matthew)

Second coming resurrection (We come back with Jesus Christ at this one.)

Final resurrection of the dead

Point is that death as the final enemy is destroyed by the resurrection.  Some rise to life, some rise to eternal punishment.

Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Practicality of the resurrection (vss 29-34)

Symbol of baptism in light of the resurrection

Sacrifice in light of the resurrection

Sanctification in light of the resurrection

Soul winning in light of the resurrection

Picture of the resurrection (vss 35-49)

Seed that is planted (vss 35-44)

Peter is in prison and James has been killed by Herod. In these few verses there is a great picture of salvation. I don’t normally do this for Sunday School, but this morning I’m going to spiritualize the events here and apply them to your lost soul.

The need for deliverance

The enemy is real (vs 1)

The enemy has destroyed the lives of people you know (vs 2)

The enemy is after you (vs 3)

The enemy has you (vs 4)

Injustice may be his weapon, but usually, it is…

Sin – Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

When you choose to sin, sin controls you, you never control sin.

When you choose pride, pride controls you, you never control pride.

When you choose fornication, fornication controls you, you never control fornication.

Indifference toward deliverance

kept in prison (vs 5)

The early stages of sin will allow you to function and live normal life.

The early stages of sin are pleasurable.

prayer was made…for him (vs 5)

What you don’t think about is your bondage causes someone else pain.

You are the reason some people are praying.

You don’t want deliverance because you don’t care who you’re sin is hurting.

When Herod would have brought him forth (vs 6)

You don’t care that your situation will get worse.

Peter was sleeping… (vs 6)

You’ve become perfectly content in your prison cell. We have lived there so long that it is our new normal.

The hopelessness of your situation has caused you to stop caring about the fact that you’re in prison!

Preparation for deliverance

light shined in the prison (vs 7)

God will put some light on your problem, he will point it out to you.

He’s going to highlight and remind you of where you are.  And it’s not where you need to be.

he smote Peter on the side (vs 7)

The Holy Spirit will reprove you, bring conviction.

The Lord will try to get you to move and you better hope he kicks your side because if he doesn’t, you’re OK living in prison.

raised him up…and the chains fell off his hands (vs 7)

Peter was free at that point!

He removes the bondage of the enemy and makes it possible to be at liberty.

Your responsibility in deliverance

At this point in time Peter is free. But Peter can stay in prison or he can get up and leave prison.  This is his responsibility.

Gird thyself (vs 8)

Surround yourself with the truth.

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…

bind on thy sandals (vs 8)

Prepare for a new walk.

Shoes for different things. Basketball shoes. Boots for working. Steel toes for work.

Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel.

cast thy garment about thee (vs 8)

Get out of the prison clothes and put on free man’s clothes.

Cover yourself in righteousness.

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and get the prison clothes off.

follow me (vs 8)

Follow the Lord.

Results of deliverance

and he went out… and followed (vs 9)

Leadership in deliverance.

You have to make the first move. The angel of the Lord did not carry Peter out of the prison, he, himself walked out.

wist not that it was true (vs 9)

You don’t need to understand everything. We stop and choose to remain in bondage because we need to know and understand the future.  

The church is the pillar and ground of the truth according to 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth; therefore church life must be connected to the truth. Wal Mart doesn’t buy and sell truth; it doesn’t traffic in truth. Stripes gas stations don’t buy and sell truth. Fox News doesn’t buy and sell truth. CNN doesn’t buy and sell the truth. None of these businesses traffic in truth. But God’s business is the business of truth. And the church is ground zero for truth in this world. And if the church isn’t grounded and promoting the truth there isn’t another place where it’ll be found in this world.

This is a short letter written by the apostle John to a man named Gaius. Gaius was Paul’s companion who housed Christians. He helped Paul in his missionary travels. He was apprehended by the mob in Ephesus, but the Lord protected him (Acts 19:29). Gaius is given brief instructions on church matters.

John openly rejoices over Gaius participation in the truth and the spread of the truth. He warns Gaius about the self promoting Diotrephes whose ambition caused problems within the church. Then John reports well on another man named Demetrius and recommends him.

All of John’s epistles can be connected this way:

1 John deals with the personal lives of God’s children,

2 John deals with the family lives of God’s children,

3 John deals with the church life of God’s children.

All of John’s epistles deal with a threat to each of these:

1 John is the threat of false professions,

2 John is the threat of false teaching,

3 John is the threat of pride in the fellowship.

There are four men mentioned in 3rd John:

John as the affectionate brother,

Gaius as the active brother,

Diotrephes as the arrogant brother,

Demetrius as the approved brother.

There were probably hundreds of letters like this written between Christians at this time, but the Holy Spirit of God chose this one to be scripture. Not just because the apostle John wrote it, but because of Gaius’ relationship to the truth. The theme is the truth itself. Seven times in this brief letter the truth is referenced.

1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the TRUTH. 

3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the TRUTH that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the TRUTH.

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in TRUTH.

8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the TRUTH.

12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the TRUTH itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is TRUE.

Gaius and John were brought together by a shared obedience to God’s truth. It’s the shared experiences that bring people together. When it came to God’s truth both John and Gaius had paid a price for their obedience. They knew each other to be faithful men when times were hard. There is nothing like forging ahead through tribulation with someone else for the sake of a common purpose. John said to Gaius, you’ve become very dear to me because we’ve both forged ahead through some trying times for the promotion of the truth. Now, this epistle deals with church life of God’s children.

Loving in truth (vs 1)

To love in the truth means a love that is more than the words, “I love you.”

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

Walking in truth (vss 2-4)

Other people testified of the truth that was in Gaius

Prospering soul

Christ is the Shepherd of the soul

Supporting the truth (vss 5-8)

Impeding the truth (vss 9-10)

Covenant with Abraham

Text: Genesis 17

Thirteen years after Hagar has Ishmael, Abram falls on his face before God. He now has a teenager which will make any parent fall on their face. Seriously though, when the LORD speaks to Abram here I believe it is in response to Abram falling on his face and wondering what a mess he’s made with God’s promises.

God calls it my covenant (vss 1-8)

You need to take note that God calls the covenant with Abram my covenant three times (vss 2, 4, 7). God has a covenant that He wants to establish with a man. Abram is a sinner so God’s covenant cannot be with Abram, nevertheless it will come through Abram. Ultimately, Jesus Christ will be the man of the covenant, He is the seed according to Galatians, in Him is eternal life.

The LORD says to Abram you be perfect – separated from this world – and as for me, I’ll make you a father of many nations.

God gives Abram a new name just like a parent would name their child. Abram is a child of God insomuch that he’s led by the Spirit of God. He’s called Abraham by God because he’d be a father of many nations. Abram’s new name reflects what God is going to do with him.

The LORD says Abram, be thou perfect, and as for me I’ll make nations and kings come out of you.

The LORD says Abram, be thou perfect, and as for me I’ll establish my covenant with future generations from you.

The LORD says Abram, be thou perfect, and as for me I’ll make sure the land is given to thy seed.

The LORD says Abram, be thou perfect, and as for me it’ll be an everlasting covenant that I’ll make.

The seal of the covenant (vss 9-14)

Seal of this covenant is circumcision. Now this circumcision is a type of the Holy Spirit. It was a seal of imputed righteousness just like the Holy Spirit is in the covenant in Jesus Christ. So circumcision is a type of the Holy Spirit of God and both are called a seal.

2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

It served as a reminder

A way for Abraham to remember God’s covenant with him.

God didn’t need to remember it, but Abraham did.

John 14:26

It would not be undone

It was a seal of imputed righteousness – Romans 4:8-12.

Paul also calls circumcision a sign. When the Holy Spirit was poured out by the LORD Jesus Christ after His resurrection He is a sign of imputed righteousness.

The seed of the covenant (vss 15-22)

Isaac means laughter in honor of Abraham’s laughter.

Isaac will be the recipient of the covenant promises.

The heir would not be born of the flesh. Supernatural birth would be required so the flesh would have nothing to boast about and the power would be of God.

The suffering in the flesh because of the seal (vss 23-27)

This was incredibly uncomfortable to say the least. But it’s a type of the seal of the Holy Spirit in the new covenant.

Seal means temporary discomfort just like the Holy Spirit of God and putting down the body of flesh.

As Moses did, choosing to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

Colossians 2:11-12 Paul likens the work of the Holy Spirit to circumcision made without hands.

The night before the LORD Jesus Christ went to the cross he had an opportunity to illustrate his sacrifice at the passover meal. As he and the disciples ate the LORD took bread and broke it and said this is my body that’ll be broken for you. Then He took the cup and said this is my blood in the new testament, drink all of it.

With this sacrificial illustration in mind, Paul criticizes the Corinthians for how selfish they are. And it serves as a rebuke and time of self examination for anyone who would call themselves Christian.

This is a memorial of the LORD Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. It is not a mass. It is not the actual body and blood of Christ nor does it turn into that. This is a memorial of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Typically, memorials are remembrances of sacrifices, and Paul uses that word remembrance to describe what this is.

Desecrating the memorial (vss 17-22)

(vs 17) You never imagined you’d hear a pastor or better yet the scripture suggesting it were better if someone had stayed home rather than come to church, but that’s what Paul just said.  

If you coming to church makes you mad at people, angry and bitter at the preaching, and resent God, you’ve completely missed the point of what is going on here.

Worship is not “to each his own.”

They’re getting together in “church” was doing damage to them. Not because it was wrong to get together, but they forgot what the point of getting together was.

Heretical divisions

(vs 18) …I partly believe it. Paul doesn’t like secondhand information and doesn’t rush to conclusions just because he heard something about someone.  But in this case the information is basically correct.

It’s that fruit of the spirit that the heretics will envy and argue against.

Selfish divisions

(vs 20)…therefore…this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. Since everyone has their own agenda and doctrine, whatever you think you’re doing together, you’re not. Why?  Because everyone has a different reason for being there.

Just because you say that’s what you’re doing doesn’t mean that’s what you’re doing if it isn’t according to the Bible.

(vss 21-22) Many people are there for the entertainment. Paul says, Look, I’m not anti-entertainment, just keep things in their proper place. There is a time to sanctify the Lord in your heart as a congregation. Let those couple of hours of sanctified time stay sanctified for that purpose. You’ve got the rest of the week to do other things.

Direction for the memorial service (vss 23-26)

Worship is not “to each his own.” Paul said, I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you.  Meaning this didn’t start with you or me and it isn’t yours or mine to change.

The Lord Jesus Christ would begin his ministry with John the Baptist saying, Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.  Making clear that Jesus Christ is the passover lamb.

John 19:14 And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

1 Corinthians 5:7 …For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

This is done in remembrance; it’s a memorial of Jesus Christ’s selfless sacrifice.

Duty for the participants  (vss 27-30)

So who participates in this memorial? Saved people who have trusted Jesus Christ as their sacrificial lamb and will examine their own lives in light of that sacrifice.

When you consider Christ’s selfless sacrifice on the cross you have to consider your own selfishness. Unworthy partaking comes from an unexamined life in light of the body and blood of the Lord. Latter days men become lovers of their own selves.

Desirable motives for the memorial (vss 31-34)

Practice self examination in light of the cross of Christ.

Conversion

Text: Matthew 18:3

Matthew continues a discussion about offences. If you recall last week Jesus warned Peter about offending the Gentile government and putting yourself in a position where you can’t serve the LORD. Now Matthew continues with another conversation the LORD has with his disciples about offending little ones and even your body being an offence to your soul. But before we consider the discussion about offences

This morning we’re looking at the doctrine of conversion. Conversion is a word that describes what the LORD does to a soul through His word. The word conversion means:

To change or turn into another substance or form; as, to convert gases into water, or water into ice.

To change from one state to another; as, to convert a barren waste into a fruitful field; to convert a wilderness into a garden; to convert rude savages into civilized men.

Psalm 19:7 – Conversion from the worldliness to godliness. God’s law is perfect and perfection has to do with nonconformity to the world. Perfection is nonconformity to this world

God told Abraham to be perfect in Genesis 17.

Deuteronomy 18:9-13

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Job and Noah are both called perfect in their generations.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1 Peter 1:22-23 to see the conversion take place. A soul must become a child of God by the Spirit of God through the scriptures. Look at John 3:1-6.

James 5:19-20 – One sinner skillfully uses the law of God, the words of God, to convert a sinner from the error of his way. Look at what David said about restoring the joy of salvation and how it affects evangelism in Psalm 51:13. With the joy of salvation a soul is turned into a preacher of righteousness and a public minister for the LORD. This in turn is what converts sinners to the LORD. Peter preaches for the purpose of converting souls in Acts 3:14-19.

Isaiah 6:9-10 – On the other hand, most will hear the word of God, fail to believe their sin offends God, and will not be converted. Matthew 13:15, Mark 4:12, John 12:40, and Acts 28:27.

Conversion to a new creature – 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Conversion from child of wrath to child of God – Ephesians 2:3-5 (and further on)

Conversion from the power of darkness into the kingdom of Christ in Colossians 1:12-13. Back to Matthew 18:3 where Jesus Christ says about conversion being necessary to enter Christ’s kingdom.

This helmet is not physical just as nothing else in this armor is physical.  If you trust Jesus Christ you can still suffer head injuries. God said we wrestle not against flesh and after describing spiritual warfare and the spiritual armor at our disposal, we now move to the head.  Not your physical head, but your mind.

Salvation, the promise of the redemption of the body, a certain future in new heaven and new earth without sin, without trouble, or any curse has an affect on the mind. Salvation is a protection against all kinds of thoughts.

Guard your mind discouragement

Hope of salvation is a helmet that guards against overwhelming sorrow.

1 Corinthians 15:30-32, 54-58

Paul asked some reasonable questions like why is he putting his life in jeopardy if there wasn’t anything beyond the grave.

He says we haven’t seen yet the full extent of obedience, so don’t quit, be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

The investment is well worth it. Are you studying the Bible so you’ll know it to teach others? Keep it up. Are you teaching others? Keep it up. Are you holding signs on the street for the LORD? Keep it up. Are you passing out tracts and telling friends about the LORD? Keep it up.

2 Timothy 1:8-12 & Hebrews 10:34

So salvation meets mental discouragement with the absolute assurance of a future hope! Thus protects the mind.

Guard your mind from temptation

Hope of salvation is a helmet that guards against this world becoming too attractive.

1 John 3:1-3

Attraction to the world will make you dirty.

Guard your mind from doubt

Hope of salvation is a helmet that gives clarity to your purpose and guards against double mindedness. Salvation is a helmet that dissolves doubts.

Philippians 1:20-23

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Guard your mind from fears

Hope of salvation is a helmet that alleviates certain unreasonable fears.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-2,

Guard your mind from becoming cold toward others

Salvation testimony of drunk whose wife was always nice and compassionate to him.  Knowing if he never gets saved, this is the best it will ever get for him.

Matthew 5:43-48

Salvation enables a soul to serve God with joy, peace, sound mind, love, patience, and determination.