Heritage Baptist Church of Frankfort IL

Paul spent the last two chapters putting out a "fool's" speech to combat the super apostles. They gave their resume to attract followers. Paul gave all of his credentials, though all of them point to suffering and difficulty. Paul should have had to defend his character or impact. The Corinthians should have done this for them. He had not taken anything from them, but had been like a parent to them.

This message reminds us that the position of a deacon is not necessarily a position of leadership, but an official recognition of a call to service.

This is part 2 of the lesson on worldliness. It does review the previous week and definitions of worldliness. Three examples are given of worldliness in the church. Last lesson dealt with money. This lesson deals with vicarious immorality and idolatry.

Mankind is seemingly insignificant in comparison to the universe and the angels, yet mankind was created in the image of God and given responsibility to rule over the earth. Mankind gave up the opportunity to rule well, when they listened to Satan and fell into sin and death. The Son came into the world to be a man who was sinless that could take up the responsibility of rule. By His death, he makes it possible for all mankind to experience salvation and take part in ruling the world.

This section contains the last and the greatest passage emphasizing the rule of Son. The passage quoted is from Psalm 110:1. The Son rules while the angels serve. The angels served as messengers. Their messages were communicated in the OT. However, now the Son has come in miraculous power and with the offer of salvation. To ignore this message or let it drift away is to bring one into eternal condemnation.

Paul contrasts himself with the "super" apostles by giving a resume of who he is and what his accomplishments have been. However, must of his entries into his resume list his sufferings and difficulties. His ministry was not impressive, but from a human perspective was a failure. However, Paul's weakness was able to reflect God's grace and power.

Our tongue is the most offensive member of our body. Through it we can slander, gossip, lie, criticize, and cut down. What comes out of our mouth is an issue of our heart. We need to evaluate what in our heart caused the issues of our mouth.

In starting Hebrews the author piles up Old Testament passages to reinforce the truth that Jesus is better than the angels. They worship and serve Him. His rule over creation, including the angels, is eternal. Even the fallen angels are under His rule.

Paul challenged the church to consider the danger of false teachers. They have all the subtilty of the devil and can make themselves look like light while directing people to darkness. They challenge truths about God and attempt to paint the picture of man's condition in rosy colors.

All humans are competitive. However, we can become envious and jealous because someone becomes our rival. We do not trust God's providence that places others in positions of opportunity. The problem of envy if left unchecked will lead to murder.