Matthew | Oak Grove Church of Christ - Matthew

Is Jesus the Answer? Gospel Meeting

🔹Is Jesus the answer for my doubts?

🔹Is Jesus the answer for my anxiety and fear?

March 20th is the International Day of Happiness. Many of you may not have known that. Some of you might be wondering why we need an International Day of Happiness. I don’t know, other than to recognize that happiness is a major pursuit of mankind in philosophy and Western religion.

What is Happiness?

Happiness is defined in terms of living a good life or flourishing, rather than simply as an emotion. Philosophers in days gone by would say that happiness is the only thing man seeks for itself. When we seek riches, we do so because of what they can offer us by means of purchasing things. We seek emotional contentment, not merely in what we gain, but in what others will gain by being around us. Our families serve a purpose, but happiness, according to philosophers, is something we seek in and of itself. If you seek a good life, a flourishing life, then I offer to you that happiness is something you seek.

3 Types of Happiness in Our Society

Casual Happiness

This morning, let’s consider that there are multiple ways happiness is used in our vernacular. We can use it in a casual sense: “I’m happy for my daughter’s upcoming marriage. I’m happy for my first automobile, or I’m happy about my job promotion. I’m happy about being able to retire very soon.” 

Circumstantial Happiness

We also use it in a circumstantial sense. Individuals assume that happiness can only come when circumstances are lined up to promote it. Therefore, we encourage people to find happiness within their circumstances. If you’re single, worldly knowledge says find a spouse. Don’t leave here saying, “The preacher said I can’t be happy in singleness.” That’s not what I’m saying. That’s the world’s philosophy: fix your circumstance. If you’re single, find a spouse; if unhappily married, divorce and find someone else. If you have no children, adopt or have children. If poor, seek greater wealth. If rich, seek a meaning of life outside of stuff.

Happiness Beyond Circumstances: The Prodigal Son

When we look at Scripture, we see that ours is not the only culture that has viewed happiness from a circumstantial perspective. Remember Luke chapter 15, the prodigal son? He was an individual who came from financial means. His father had servants, they had a farm, and he had an inheritance. Some of you understand what an inheritance means—land or financial means waiting for you. In Luke chapter 15, that individual knew there was an inheritance and demanded it from his father. I’ve often wondered, what was he seeking that he didn’t already have? Was he seeking love? It appears he had it. Was he seeking wealth? It appears he had it. The point of the parable is not to tell us what he was seeking, only what he found: happiness is not always wrapped up in circumstances.

Happiness in a Converse Sense

We also use happiness in what I would call a converse manner, meaning it doesn’t always make sense. Consider a father who has to discipline his son. He’s about to whoop him—not count to three or give a timeout, but whoop him. Then he says, “This is going to hurt me more than you.” 

Growing up, you probably thought, “That doesn’t make sense. How is this going to hurt you more? I know what I’m about to feel, and I know I won’t be able to sit down for a while.” 

Now that I’m a father, I understand it more. The pain my father felt was a sense of, “I love you so much, and yet due to my actions, it’s causing you discomfort, but I need you to flee from the action that caused the discomfort in the first place.” It’s converse; it doesn’t make sense.

The Beatitudes: A Converse View of Happiness

Matthew 5:1-12

In Scripture, some things don’t make sense.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are the pure in heart. Blessed are the peacemakers. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” — Matthew 5:3-11

The word “blessed,” while not exactly translated as “happy,” comes from a similar Greek word meaning you are supposed to find some sense of joy, peace, or assurance in it. How can you find that when you’re being persecuted? Jesus taught messages that were converse in nature. “The first shall be last.” That doesn’t make sense to a kid trying to earn a college scholarship or become valedictorian. These principles don’t permeate every aspect of society, but they reflect deeper teachings of Scripture that bring us to a better understanding of what God means.

Happiness as a Centering Concept

Happiness can also be used in a centering concept: you lose your life to save it (Mark chapter 8), or “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew chapter 6, verse 33). That’s what I want us to focus on this morning. 

I’m not focusing on the casual or circumstantial concepts because those change. I don’t know if you’re happy about your daughter’s upcoming marriage. My daughter’s not married, and I still believe nobody deserves her, so I don’t understand how you can be happy about that. A casual use can change: I’m happy about my new automobile until it turns out to be a lemon, and then I’m no longer happy with it. 

Circumstantial happiness changes too: I’m happy today because I ate turkey and dressing for lunch, but if I overeat and get a stomach ache this evening, I’m not happy anymore. Circumstance and casual happiness are continually changing. 

Converse happiness is difficult to swallow, but today I want us to think about a centering of our life that isn’t meant to change.

Centering Our Life on Foundational Happiness

The idea in Mark chapter 8, where I lose my life now to gain life in eternity, is not a come-and-go concept. It’s a consistent life endeavor. It’s where I build my house on that principle. The same applies to Matthew chapter 6, verse 33: “Seek first the kingdom of God.” That’s not a come-and-go thing; it’s a way of life.

When you and I understand that happiness can be a way of life, we’ll start to understand what true happiness really is. It doesn’t make sense if you define it in worldly terms, but if you’re brave enough to ask, “Is it possible I’ve been looking for happiness in the wrong places?” and seek the real answer, you might find the answer that brings true happiness.

The Danger of Rooting Happiness in People or Things

People will disappoint you. Jobs will get rid of you. They love you as long as you’re making them money, but stop making money and see what happens. Some people only want to be in your life for what you offer them, and when you cease to offer that, they’re gone. If you’re tying your happiness to people, things, or your career, you’re tying yourself to the wrong thing. The only one who will be consistent in your life, if you remain consistent in your covenant with Him, is Jesus Christ.

1) Jesus is the Bridge to Happiness

Let’s turn to Philippians chapter 2. This morning, we’ll cover two points, and then the lesson is yours.

 First, Jesus is the answer for the happiness in your life and mine because He is the only bridge that can connect you to the One who will ultimately settle your soul, where you will find happiness—God the Father. In Philippians chapter 2, we see a motif described, a teaching that permeates the passage, saturating it like a cloud. The motif throughout Philippians, as explained in chapter 2, is “others above self.” 

Philippians 2:5-8

He doesn’t say “work for your salvation,” but “work out your salvation.” The Scriptures do not teach that you work for salvation. However, they teach that in your obedience, surrender, and submission—just as Jesus submitted to the Father—you submit to the Father. Just as Jesus emptied Himself, you empty yourself. In all of that, there’s a concept tied directly to salvation and the work God will accomplish in your life.

Lessons from Romans: Obedience of Faith

I recently returned from Oklahoma, a 10-day stint before picking up my family to come here. There’s an event called the Excel Stillmore Bible Workshop, and I encourage you to check it out. Excel TV is another resource. 

We studied Romans chapters 1 through 8. The book of Romans is often considered complicated, but I believe it’s plain, thought-provoking, and always reveals something new. Romans has bookends in chapter 1, verse 5, and chapter 16, verse 26, that highlight what Paul wanted the church at Rome to know. 

In a book that teaches that Gentiles and Jews are without excuse, that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and that Abraham was not counted as righteous because of circumcision, Paul says in chapter 5, “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” 

In chapter 6, he asks, “Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be!” He goes on to discuss the essential nature of baptism to enter this grace. Until you’re in grace, you do not have a relationship with God, but you only enter that grace by being justified through the blood of Jesus Christ. 

“Through whom we have received grace and apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith.” — Romans 1:5

“But now is manifested, by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to the obedience of faith.” — Romans 16:26

Why is this significant? Because Jesus is the only bridge God has provided for you to find your way home to Him, but it’s only through your obedience to the gospel that you can walk across that bridge.

Emptying Yourself for True Happiness

The example in Philippians chapter 2 is Jesus and how He responded with “others above self.” He calls the church at Philippi to respond the same way, but to do so, you must empty yourself of you.

True happiness will only be found when you empty yourself of you. Until you empty yourself of you, you will always lack happiness in your marriage, contentment in your job, or the ability to say, “I am becoming more and more like Jesus.”

2) Jesus is the Anchor

True happiness is only found when we understand a deeper concept than what circumstances offer us: Jesus is an anchor that doesn’t change depending on circumstances. Just as an ocean can become stormy and a boat on the water can rock and sway, causing people on board to get nervous, if the boat is anchored, the waves and storms don’t stop, but there’s confidence that the boat is held fast.

 In your life, happiness can be found in the midst of storms, but only when your anchor holds fast. If your happiness is rooted in people, they cannot hold fast. When you say, “You make me so happy,” what you’re really saying is, “I don’t have power over my emotions. You have all the power.” You chose to be happy. 

What happens when circumstances change? Consider a young couple dating—they’re sappy, almost sickening. I don’t mind sappy; I watch Hallmark shows when my wife turns them on, sometimes even when my sons do, though they wouldn’t want me to say that. Young couples act this way because they haven’t lived much life together. What concerns me is when you talk to them about things that irritate them about each other, especially in pre-marriage counseling, and they gloss over it. 

If you ask, “Is there anything she does that irritates you?” he’ll say no if she’s there. If you ask her, she’ll say no. But we’re imperfect people. If we need God’s grace, don’t we need grace from others? Five or ten years into a marriage, what used to be cute—his dad jokes, his cool shirts—is no longer funny. Marriages face strain because what was once glossed over is no longer ignored. When you root your happiness in Jesus, not people, you find a consistency in life you cannot find anywhere else.

Paul’s Example: Rooted in Christ Amid Trials

Philippians 1:2-11

In Philippians, Paul’s circumstances are dire. In chapter 1, verses 7, 13, 14, and 17, he’s in prison. In verse 17, some preachers are trying to cause him harm while he’s down, slandering his name and message for selfish ambition. Yet Paul’s attitude is, “As long as Jesus’s name is preached, I’m okay.” 

His perspective is captured in verse 21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me. I do not know which to choose, but I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” 

In chapter 2, he points to Jesus’s “others above self.” In chapter 1, he says, “I’d be okay dying—it’s a benefit for me—but if I live, it’s a benefit for you.” He calls the church at Philippi to practice “others above self.” You cannot find happiness that allows for this if it’s casual or circumstantial, or if it’s rooted in yourself.

Paul’s Rejection of Fleshly Confidence

In Philippians 3:2–11, Paul says, “If anyone can put confidence in the flesh, I far more.” But in verses 8–11, he explains why he counts those things as loss: “I want to know Jesus.” He says, “That I may gain Christ, that I may know Him, that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” 

He presses on to lay hold of that for which Christ laid hold of him. His happiness is not rooted in his circumstances (he’s imprisoned), in what others say about him (they’re slandering him), or in his flesh (his heritage or reputation). None of that will bring him where he wants to be: centered on Jesus Christ.

Jesus as the Only Bridge and Anchor to Happiness

If this was good enough for Paul, isn’t it good enough for you? If you’re trying to find happiness in people, careers, or short-term things, it’s like a child happy today because they got the best present at their birthday party. Is there anything wrong with casual or circumstantial joy? No. Let the child celebrate, and dad, when someone gives you a necktie at Christmas, say thank you and celebrate. But will that bring lasting joy? No. That present will end up in a closet, under the bed, or broken. Then the child needs something else to fill the void. 

Jesus is the only bridge that connects you to the One who can provide ultimate happiness, and Jesus is the only anchor where you can remain happy through life’s storms. 

If you’re not rooted in Jesus, why not? If you’ve never obeyed the gospel, today is the day to confess Jesus as Lord, repent of your sins, and be baptized for the remission of sins. You want happiness, peace, and hope, and unless you find that in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you will always come up short. 

If you’ve obeyed the gospel but have rooted your happiness in places other than Jesus, that needs to change.

We invite you to contact us so that we can help you to root your happiness in the foundation of Jesus the Son of God.

Is Jesus the Answer Gospel Meeting Series

🔹Is Jesus the answer for my doubts?

🔹Is Jesus the answer for my happiness?

Understanding Anxiety

Let me ask you a question. Have you ever felt like this [photo] in life? I've seen plenty of YouTube videos where there was no room on the subway, and people were pushing individuals from the back, trying to squeeze into the door. I don't know if you've ever been in such a tight, confined space, but if so, a picture like that might drive you crazy. It may make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. 

I don't show you that to see if I can make you uncomfortable. I show you that because to me, it's a perfect representation of how individuals feel when they struggle with anxiety. It's that overwhelming pressure, a sense of bearing a burden that is too heavy to carry. I don't know how I'm going to get through the day. I don't know how we're going to do this as a couple. You and I might look at that and say, "Well, Joe, that's maybe not my struggle." If it's not your struggle specifically, I'm going to go out on a limb and say you know someone you love who does feel that weight on their shoulders.

Effects of Anxiety

It's been said before that anxiety can have terrible effects on individuals. When you think about anxiety being an inner feeling of apprehension, uneasiness, concern, worry, or dread that is accompanied by heightened physical arousal, you have to stop and say, "How can anyone exist within those parameters?" 

The physical effects of anxiety, it's been said, are that the heart beats faster, blood pressure and muscle tension increase. There are neurological and chemical changes that occur within an individual who's carrying that load. Sometimes perspiration appears, and the person feels faint, jumpy, and unable to relax. Some of you are like, "Yep, I've been there. Thought it was a heart attack, but they said it was just anxiety. Thought I was going to have a stroke, but they told me it was just anxiety."

Personal Experiences with Anxiety

Let me be real with you. There are very few times in my life that I've ever felt that. We moved a lot growing up. My dad was a gospel preacher, and back during the time, it seemed preachers moved every three to five years. It might shock you that in my life personally, I have moved 37 times. Not all of that in my parents' house, but a good portion of that in my parents' house.

I changed schools quite a bit, and I learned quickly that the consistent individuals in my life were those who were going to be in my home. I was blessed with a home environment like that. But not everybody is. Not everybody knows what's going to happen when they come home. Is mom and dad going to be there? Is there going to be struggle, trouble, or strife? What about going to a new school? Will the kids accept me? Will they think that I'm odd and keep me at arm's length? My experience was yes, they did, until the football season started.

Coping with Challenges

I tell people the football field and the seesaw are leveling factors. Why the seesaw? Well, as a big guy, we get made fun of quite a bit. When those little guys tried to make me chase them, I knew I wasn't going to catch them going around the playground. So when it came time to play, I would invite them, or they would invite me, to get on the seesaw. Bad mistake if you've been making fun of the big man, because I could sit down on the bottom of that seesaw, and you're never coming down unless you fall down. Then I learned techniques where I could come up a little bit and make you jump by making that seesaw go whoop. Great leveling, but here's the deal. That doesn't mean that even in the managing of anxiety, we didn't have to deal with it.

Anxiety is a Thin Stream of Fear

When you think about this statement, I thought it was quite interesting. I didn't come up with this statement, but it's been said before that anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind, and if encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained. 

Tonight, we're dealing with the subject, "Is Jesus the Answer for My Fear and Anxiety?" I need to start off and say this: there are times where there may be medical help for those who struggle with anxiety. I do not in any way, shape, or form want to come across as saying there is no place for help because I've already told you that there can be internal chemical changes that occur with people who struggle with anxiety. If that's you tonight, don't take this lesson as belittling the pressure that you're feeling and going through. 

Rather, what I want to offer to you is an understanding, brotherly approach. We can affirm that that's a struggle, but we can also affirm that God wants something better for us. 

In that wanting something better for us, He gives us some concepts through Scripture that I firmly believe will be a blessing to you and to those who may not struggle in this particular area but know people who do. The goal is that at the end of this lesson, we walk away and say, "I don't want that stream of fear to lead to anxiety that carves a pathway for every other thought and feeling to encounter. I want to break free from that."

We All Have Anxious Moments

The reality is, all of us, to some extent, have what are called anxious moments. Anxious moments are those where you don't know how it's going to turn out. Anxious moments are when you go in to take a test, and maybe you studied, but in your person, you don't feel like you're a calm test-taker. No matter if you studied or not, when push comes to shove and the rubber meets the road, you get a little anxious. I told somebody the other day, talking with a younger minister or a teenager who wanted to possibly preach, that I'm constantly trying to encourage young men to go into service of the Lord in preaching. Quite honestly, I don't say this to demean, but my number one obstacle is mamas, because mothers don't want their sons to be thrust into an occupation—which those of us in ministry don't call this an occupation, just so you know—that is unstable and where you could be treated poorly.

I would offer this: not every minister has a negative experience. God takes care of His servants, I promise you. He allowed the apostles to encounter people where they had to dust the sandals off and move on. But the idea is, when you're serving God, you're going to encounter people who need the grace of God, and that means they're not always going to respond the way you think.

Here's a clue for us preachers: we don't always respond the way we should either. I can admit that because there's nothing about me that I believe is special. I need the grace of God on a regular basis, and therefore I need the grace of my brethren on a regular basis. I was talking with somebody about preaching the other day, and I told him I still get a little anxious before I get up to speak. A good friend of mine who was nearby after that young man left said, "Do you really?" I have the privilege of speaking a lot in front of some pretty large crowds and some smaller crowds. It might surprise you, I get more nervous speaking in front of smaller crowds than large crowds. I told her, "Absolutely, it is because of the gravity of what we do when we get up to preach." I never want to get too comfortable with it because what we do changes the course of people's lives, not only here but literally their eternal walk too if they deny or accept. 

So yes, I think we all struggle with anxious moments from time to time.

Differentiating Anxious Moments and Anxiety

There's a difference between anxious moments and anxiety. Anxious moments come and go. Anxiety seems to have taken root. Anxious moments come and go, but anxiety seems to be a cloud that covers everything. Anxious moments come and go, but anxiety can cripple and paralyze individuals so they can't see how it can be any better. 

As we look at this series, "Is Jesus the Answer?" I told you in Bible class this morning that the obvious answer, if we were just looking for a simple answer, would be, "Yes, Joe, let's move on." The shortest gospel meeting ever: "Is Jesus the answer? Yes." 

But some questions are asked not because they need an answer but to make a statement. I need that statement to be heard this week: Jesus is the answer for our fear and anxiety. 

I want to show you three reasons why you can believe that tonight. You're going to walk away this week and say, "That was really a study of Jesus." You're right. It was a study of why He's enough in your life. It's a study about why, with Him, other pieces of the puzzle fall into place, but without Him, there will always be scattered pieces.

1) Embrace Jesus’ Power

Number one, I want you to understand this: Jesus is the answer because He has the power to calm the storms of your life. We talked about His power this morning, but I want to invite you over to Mark chapter 4 this evening. I want to invite you into one of these narratives regarding a storm and the impact of this storm on the lives of the people who were really living in that storm. 

Mark 4:35, 38

Verse 38: "Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do you not care?'" Listen to their conclusion before they ever asked Him anything. They had already reached a conclusion: "Do you not care?" 

Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted to ask God that? I know none of us would ever admit that. You know why we would never admit that? Because we're concerned about what that really says about us. You will have, if you have not had, moments where you will ask that internally: "God, do you care?" In the back of your mind, you're going to have your church voice because you've been in Bible classes, heard sermons, and been at this gospel meeting. You're going to say, "Yes, He cares. I know He cares because I was told He cares, and I sing a song about He cares." 

But even knowing those facts, it oftentimes will not change the emotional response to difficulties. That's because the portion of our brains that deals with perceived threats is not the logical portion of the brain.

The Brain and Emotional Responses

I've done research on the brain. Some of you are a lot smarter than I am and probably know a whole lot more about the human brain, but to not oversimplify it, your brain is basically divided into three portions: your front, middle, and back brain. The front brain is your logic, the middle brain is your emotional, and the back brain is your action. Let me ask you a question: Which portion of the brain is closer to the action, the logic or the emotion? Emotion. Thank you. Somebody's paying attention. Amen. 

It's the emotional part of the brain that's closer to the action. That's why sometimes we act and say to ourselves, "I don't know why I did that." It's because it was not a logical response; it was one rooted in emotion. Here's what you need to know: oftentimes, fear and anxiety are rooted in that middle brain.

Jesus’ Response to the Storm

Now, here's what it says: "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" Verse 38-40: "And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Hush, be still.' And the wind died down, and it became perfectly calm." He said to them, "Why are you afraid?" 

It's interesting to me. I would love to think I wouldn't have done this, but I probably would have. "Why am I afraid? Did you not see the wind, Jesus? Did you not see the waves, Jesus? Did you not feel that the boat was taking on water, Jesus? Were you just checked out of what was going on?" 

He says, "Why were you afraid?" He's not responding based upon observation. 

While we're asking Him, "Did you not see the wind? Did you not see the waves? Did you not feel the water?" 

He's saying this: "Did you not know I was in the boat with you? Why are you afraid? You have the Son of God in the boat with you. You have the very one who sustains, who brings the dead to life, who gives sight to the blind and causes the lame to walk. You have the Son of God in your boat. Why are you afraid?"

Knowing Jesus’ Power

The only answer I know is this: they knew Him as Jesus, but they didn't know Him as the one who had the power over the storms. 

Church, let me ask you a question tonight: Do you know Jesus? Do you know Him as Jesus, or do you know Him as the one who has the power over the storms of your life? Are you asking Him tonight, "Do you not care? Do you not see the struggles? Do you not see the financial woes? Do you not see that I want to do good, but I keep failing?" 

Jesus looks back at you tonight as we study this text and says, "Do you not know who's in your boat?" 

Knowing that Jesus is in the boat doesn't change whether I deal with difficulties, but it changes how I deal with those difficulties. I can still be unsure, but I can be confident that He's not unsure. I can still see the surroundings because part of that is human nature. 

Peter sank in Matthew 14 when he saw the elements around him. But that doesn't change that Jesus was able to sustain him if he'd only kept his eyes on Him. I'm not suggesting that anxiety is taking your eyes off Jesus all the time, but I am suggesting that you will have more peace in your life when you embrace the power of the one who is in the boat with you if you are a child of God.

2) Embrace Jesus’ Love

Number two, I want to offer this to you: Jesus is the answer because through Jesus, God demonstrates the great value you have. Think about why Jesus came to this earth. There are multiple times throughout the book of Matthew, at least five times, that He'll tell us why He came to this earth. 

He came to seek and to save the lost, to serve and not be served. He came to bring a sword, not peace, which is an ironic statement in Matthew 10, I believe. The gospel message was going to divide people, but there was this idea that to save people, they had the opportunity to follow Him or not. Some people chose not to. But in the book of John, we see that Jesus coming to this earth was because God so loved the world. That's probably one of the verses that anybody in our world could tell you. John 3:16 is a quoted verse, often applied to every aspect. My attitude is this: tell the world about the love of God seen through Jesus. If I have a non-believer who's going to tell me that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son," I want that non-believer to shout that message because I need it to go out. God wants that message to go out.

God’s Love for You

I need you to understand something tonight: you are part of that world. He didn't leave you out of that equation. When you really start to think about the love of God, I'm reminded of passages like 1 John 4, where you start to read a lot about God and God is love. 

1 John 4:8, 18-19

Verse 8: "The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love." Verse 18: 

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love because He loved us first." 

Think about God and His movement toward humanity. In Romans 5, the Apostle Paul makes it very clear that while we were helpless, hopeless, enemies, Jesus Christ was sent to die on the cross on our behalf. He didn't wait for you or me. “I will tell you this: rarely will a man die for a good man.” [Romans 5:7]. You've heard that somewhere before, haven't you? Let me ask you a question: when Jesus died, before you obeyed the gospel, while you were a helpless, hopeless sinner who was an enemy, were you a good man at that time? I would offer to you: none of us were, if we're using God's definition of good.

Jesus’ Sacrifice for Sinners

The reality is Jesus died for those who did not love Him first. Jesus moved toward those who didn't want to move toward Him. If I could put this in human terms, because sometimes we talk theory and it doesn't do us any good other than an intellectual discussion: have you ever had someone in your life who did you wrong, and you were waiting on them to make it right? Have you ever had anybody in your life who harmed you or your family, hurt you to your core, and everything within you wanted to sit back and say, "If they want it to be right, they'll come to me because I'm not going to them"?

That's not the way God responded to you through Jesus Christ. He didn't wait for you to move. He moved toward you first. Do you know why He did that? Because you have a value within you that you probably do not fully understand. 

You have a soul that Jesus died for, that God wants to spend eternity with. You aren't this flesh. You are the soul that lives within that flesh. Oh, you have control over the flesh, don't take that any other way. But when you die and rid yourself of this outer shell, this temporary tent, as the Apostle Paul would write to the church at Corinth, you will live on in eternity, and He wants to spend eternity with you. That's because you have an immense value to Him.

3) Embrace Jesus as Your Perfect High Priest

Number three, not only should we understand Jesus as the answer because He has the power to calm storms and demonstrates the great value we have in His love, but you and I need to accept tonight that Jesus is the perfect High Priest who understands and empathizes. We need to embrace our perfect High Priest. 

Turn over to Hebrews 4. The book of Hebrews is filled with a lot that deals with type and antitype. It deals with Old Testament concepts and sheds light on how they pointed to New Testament realities. The shadow is not the reality; the substance is the reality. You have a shadow when you leave here, but you are the substance. The law in the Old Testament was the shadow, and that's what the book of Hebrews talks about. When you think about the Old Testament priestly system, you have to understand those sacrifices and individuals serving in the tabernacle and temple served a great purpose. They were the go-between, the ones who stood before God, made sacrifices on behalf of the people. They were selected due to their tribe, the tribe of Levi, and served in various capacities. Those were necessary.

Jesus’ Role as High Priest

Hebrews 4:14-16

When you and I stop to think about our lives today, as great as those individuals and the role they served were, we have a High Priest far above whatever could be described in the Old Testament because we have a High Priest named Jesus Christ. He is the one who makes intercession on our behalf. He appeals to God for you. In Hebrews 4, beginning with verse 14, the Bible says: "Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Casting Anxiety on Jesus

1 Peter 5 says you can “cast all your fears,” all your anxiety, “on Him.” Why? “Because He cares.”

"Do you not care that we're in the boat? Do you not care that the waves are crashing, the wind is howling, and the boat's taking on water? Jesus, all we can see is that we're sinking." 

He says, "Cast your fear and anxiety on Him because He cares." 

Here's our struggle: when we read Hebrews 4, it basically says Jesus is the perfect High Priest, the go-between for us and God, because He's fully human, yet fully deity. He's the only one who can stand between us, and He is rooting for you. You need to understand that.

Oftentimes, we can use fancy words, but the unfancy word is this: He's rooting for you, making intercession for you. He wants what's best for you. That's why the Scriptures say you can cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares. He doesn't see the storm that you feel is going to overtake you. He sees a storm that has the ability to be hushed. He doesn't see the waves causing you concern. He sees waves that will stop as soon as He says, "Stop."

Trusting Jesus in Difficult Times

In our minds, we say, "Then why isn't He stopping it?" If you've ever asked that question, you're not alone. There have been people for centuries praying to God, wanting to get what they want. Sometimes they look at that and say, "This wasn't an ungodly request, Joe. It wasn't like I was asking for a million dollars." Well, a million dollars, I wouldn't mind asking for that sometimes, right? Ten percent to the church, and we can move on. That was a joke, I had to say that for the camera. 

The idea is this: it wasn't an ungodly request. I was wanting my loved one to be healed. I was wanting my marriage to be mended. I was wanting my children to grow up to love you. I begged and pleaded through prayer, and it's almost like you didn't get the answer you wanted. So the default is, "God must not have cared." Here's what you've got to understand, and I've got to understand: all these things we talk about—the power, the love, the priestly role of Jesus—are true, but they don't mean people lean into Him just because they're true. You have a choice whether or not to lean into Him. He can be all these things and still just be a figure we study about in Bible class or a name we mention at the end of prayers.

Leaning into Jesus

The difference between knowing Him as simply Jesus, the person, or knowing Him as Jesus, the Son of God, is whether or not you lean into Him when you don't know what's going to happen. There's a lot of people who know facts about Jesus, but they don't know Him as their Good Shepherd. What's beautiful about the 23rd Psalm is that it’s all about leaning into rest, leaning into peace. If anybody was going to have anxious moments or perhaps anxiety, I would look back at David and say, when he was being chased, trying to be murdered, when the nation turned against him, all except his tribe and the tribe of Benjamin, do you think that would do anything to the psyche of a man? I would say probably a hundred percent yes.

Finding Peace in the Lord

Here's what David says in the 23rd Psalm: 

"The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows." 

In other words, as bad as it seems, I will never forget how good You've been to me. As dark and dreary as the valley is, I will never forget that You’ve not abandoned me. So he says in verse 6:

"Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Jesus as the Good Shepherd

Let me ask you a question: Do you know Jesus as the Good Shepherd tonight, the one who has the ability to calm the waves, to calm the storm?

I appreciate what was sung just before I got up here, number 425. We didn't work this out, at least to my knowledge. Maybe we did; I don't remember it.

"Master, the Tempest Is Raging." I love that chorus: "The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, peace be still." When the author was writing that, do you think he was writing about "peace be still" to the waves, or is it possible he’s writing "peace be still" to the person? The winds will obey His voice and His will. Does that bring you peace? 

“Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea, or demons, or men, or whatever it be, no water can swallow the ship where lies the Master of ocean, earth, and skies. They all shall sweetly obey Thy will: peace be still, peace be still. They all shall sweetly obey Thy will: peace, peace be still.” — Author: Mary Ann Baker (1874)

Invitation to Trust Jesus

Somebody is struggling with fear and anxiety at levels you wish would just go away. There's no one-stop shop, but I will tell you this: there is a Savior who wants you to know Him as Shepherd and not just a name. I know you see the wind right now. I know you see the waves, and I know you're saying, "Joe, the boat in my life is taking on water." I want you to see Jesus who's in the boat with you. I want you to know He cares about you, and 

He simply says, "Let Me have it. I see the winds too. I see the water, but here's what I want you to embrace." If you're a child of God tonight, Jesus is in the boat, and He's got this. Lean into Him. Maybe rededicate yourself to that. If you're a Christian and struggling with this, it may be that in certain segments of your life, this area, Joe, I've really been struggling in. Then lean into Him.

Call to Obedience

If you've never obeyed the gospel, I've got great news. Your boat may just have you in it right now, and it may be taking on water, but you have the opportunity to enter into a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He can get in your boat tonight. I promise you, that'll change everything. Won't you confess Jesus as Lord, repent of your sins, and be immersed for the forgiveness of your sins?

If we can assist you in learning to lean into Jesus, obeying Him, and finding peace for the anxiety in your life, please contact us.

We began discussing God's definition of a Christian, and we will finish what we started. I won’t spend much time reviewing what we covered earlier, as there’s a lot of material we still need to go through.

Earlier, we addressed the question of whether the name "Christian" is divinely authorized or if it originated from humans. From our study, we concluded that the name "Christian" is indeed divinely approved by God, as supported by Scripture. Therefore, we should not be concerned about whether the name is the right one or whether we should seek a different name. It was given by mankind in Antioch, and we examined the grammatical construction of the word and the influence of the region where it originated.

We also began discussing how God defines a Christian. 

A Christian is One that Talks the Bible!

God defines a Christian as someone who talks about the Bible.

Acts 11:20

In Acts 11:20, we read that some men from Cyprus and Cyrene, when they arrived in Antioch, "spoke to the Greeks, preaching the word." The word translated as "preaching" here is the same Greek word from which we get the English term "evangelize." These individuals came to Antioch with a specific purpose: to share a message of good news.

εὐαγγελίζω - Euangelizō - Evangelize

“Therefore, they that were scattered abroad when everywhere preaching the word.” — Acts 8:4

Later in Acts 8:35, Philip speaks to the Ethiopian eunuch, sharing the good news about Jesus. It's the same word used in these passages.

Acts 8:35

The word translated as "preaching" is often translated as "speaking" in other translations, such as the Revised Standard Version, the American Standard, and the ESV.

We need to be speaking about the Bible. We have conversations all the time—about politics, the weather, sports, or whatever else is on our minds. But how often do those conversations turn to the Word of God?

It doesn't necessarily have to be with someone who is unfamiliar with it. How often, in our conversations with fellow Christians, do we discuss doctrinal matters? For some of us, it doesn’t take long before we’re discussing something we recently heard in a podcast or a lesson from another speaker. Those conversations can branch out in many directions when it comes to doctrinal issues, and there is nothing wrong with that.

The more we talk about the Word of God, the more interested we become in understanding what it has to say.

A Christian is One Who is Not Concerned About Who Gets Credit

God also defines a Christian as someone who is not concerned about who gets the credit for any good that is done.

Who Planted the Church in Antioch?

Consider this question: Who planted the church in Antioch?

The answer is—we don’t know.

The Scripture provides no information about who planted the church there because the focus is not on individuals. There are some theories and ideas about who it might have been, but that doesn’t matter. In fact, it matters so little that I’m not even going to bring them up this evening.

Not Stephen!

Acts 7

The only name mentioned in this context is Stephen, but it cannot be Stephen, as he was martyred at the end of Acts 7. So, it wasn’t Stephen who planted the church in Antioch.

This silence in the Scripture should serve as a warning, especially for us today.

Warning to Those Who Seek Preeminence in the Church!

If we or others seek preeminence within the body of Christ, God’s silence speaks volumes. It does not matter if anyone besides you and God knows about a good deed you’ve done in His kingdom. The recognition or credit is irrelevant.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen congregations torn apart because certain individuals sought to have the preeminence. I remember, when I was growing up, we moved to a congregation that had 280 members and 7 elders. Thirteen months later, when we left, the congregation had shrunk to 120 members, and there were no elders.

It turned out that one particular elder, many years before, had done something very similar. He had run off the other elders, dissolved the eldership, and then waited several years before being reappointed. When we were there, he dissolved the eldership again.

This man had a lot of influence in that congregation, influence he never should have had. But he wanted everyone to know that it was either his way or he would take his money elsewhere. That kind of behavior is a problem. If we are seeking preeminence within the church, then we are not aligning with God’s definition of what it means to be a Christian.

As Christians, we should not care who gets the credit for any good that is done. The focus should always be on God and His glory, not on ourselves.

A Christian is one who is not a Quitter!

A Christian is also someone who is not a quitter.

Acts 11:19

We read about Christians who were scattered from Jerusalem. This scattering was the result of persecution, which began after the death of Stephen in Acts 7. Saul’s persecution of the church, described in Acts 8, led to the faithful brethren leaving Jerusalem, with the apostles remaining behind. These Christians, despite being forced to relocate, did not quit. Instead, they continued their mission. They were faithful, and a true Christian, in God's eyes, is not a quitter.

Consider the values of the first-century Christians.

1st Century Values:

Persecuted by Other Jews - Acts 8

Imprisoned/Put to Death - Acts 9

Understood the Value of the Gospel - Acts 8:4

Forced to Relocate/Spread the Word!

They faced persecution from other Jews, with Saul leading the charge in Acts 8. They were imprisoned, put to death, and forced to stand trial for their faith. By the time we reach Acts 9, Paul is on his way to Damascus with letters from the chief priests to arrest those faithful to "the Way" and bring them back to stand trial and be executed. This was the persecution they endured, yet they valued the gospel so highly that even in the face of death, they refused to turn away. They understood the cost of their faith, but they did not quit.

When they were scattered, they did not simply give up; they went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4).

Now, let's contrast this with some of the values we see in the 21st century church. How often do we hear people say they leave a congregation because their feelings got hurt? This might happen over a disagreement, an unmet expectation, or feeling overlooked. But can we truly call that persecution? Or do we sometimes fail to grasp the full benefits of being a Christian?

21st Century Values:

Feelings Hurt/Change Congregation

Benefits of Christianity?

The Church is not enough

“Spiritual Burnout”

We may not fully understand the depth of what it means to have our sins forgiven, to have the Holy Spirit standing before God on our behalf, and to have Jesus interceding as our advocate before the Father. The spiritual benefits are immense, but when we face challenges or our feelings are hurt, we sometimes fail to appreciate what it means to be a part of God’s family. Some individuals leave the body of Christ because they feel the church hasn’t done enough for them.

Yet, when you look at their time as a Christian, they may not have contributed much themselves. They expected the church to meet their needs, but when those expectations weren’t met, they left.

Is there a difference between the first-century values and the values we sometimes see today? In the first century, Christians faced severe persecution and went everywhere preaching the word. Today, we may face spiritual burnout or setbacks, and instead of persevering, we may say, "I didn’t sign up for this" and give up. But do we realize that when we say we’re spiritually burned out to the point that we no longer want to gather with the saints, our very souls are on the line?

We’ve witnessed this in our own time. Many of us are still recovering from the effects of spiritual burnout caused by trials and difficulties. But we must understand that we can’t afford to quit. A Christian, in God’s eyes, is someone who is not a quitter. No matter the hardships or challenges, we must remain faithful.

A Christian is one with a Supreme Purpose!

Finally, a Christian is someone who has a supreme purpose. Their purpose transcends any struggles they face or any difficulties they encounter. A Christian’s life is centered on fulfilling God’s will, sharing the gospel, and living in a way that honors God.

Purpose: “Setting-forth of/with Intentions”

When we keep that supreme purpose at the forefront, it helps us endure the challenges that come our way, knowing that we are part of something much greater than ourselves.

Acts 11:23

The Christians in Antioch were determined to be God's people, and they were clear about their intentions. Barnabas, the great encourager, urged them to continue in their commitment to remain faithful to God. He encouraged them to remain steadfast, not wavering in their loyalty to the Lord.

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." — Matthew 6:33

We should focus on ensuring that we are the Christian God wants us to be, and God says the other things will be provided—perhaps not always to the degree we desire, but they will be provided. Our fellow brothers and sisters will help us along the way.

Philippians 3:13

Paul was mission-oriented in every aspect of his life. When he persecuted the church, his mission was to wipe it out. When he was on God’s side, his mission was to save as many as possible. At no time did Paul take his eyes off the prize—the high calling of God. He was always pressing forward toward the goal of eternal life in heaven. Christ must remain at the center of our Christian life, and like Paul, we must keep our focus on that goal.

A Christian is One who Cleaves to the Lord!

God defines a Christian as one who cleaves to the Lord. The word "cleave" here in Acts 11:23 is not the same as in Matthew 19:5, where husbands and wives are called to cleave together. The word here carries the idea of remaining loyal to the Lord. Barnabas was encouraging the Christians in Antioch to remain faithful to God in all things. We must persist in our loyalty to God.

“Abide still” – Titus 1:3

“Been” – Mark 8:2

“Continue” – Matthew 15:32

“Continueth” – 1 Timothy 5:5

“Tarried” – Acts 18:18

Persistence is essential.

A Christian is a Good Person!

A Christian is also defined by God as a good person.

Acts 11:24

A good person is one who reflects the character of Christ. As Christians, we cannot be mean. It is a contradiction to call someone a "mean Christian." We may have bad days or strong emotions, but we must control those emotions and not allow them to turn us into mean people.

Even Jesus, who displayed anger at times, was never mean. Anger is simply an emotion. If God can feel anger, it’s not inherently wrong for us to feel it. But what we do with our anger is what matters. When we feel angry or disappointed, especially with fellow Christians, we cannot act in meanness. We are called to respond with love, compassion, and patience.

Luke 15:25

In Luke 15, in the parable of the prodigal son, the elder brother refused to join the celebration of his brother’s return. His anger prevented him from seeing the value of his brother’s repentance. Instead of rejoicing, he became resentful. His father explained that the return of the lost son was a cause for celebration because he was lost and now found.

This story reminds us that we cannot let jealousy, pride, or anger lead us to behave in un-Christlike ways. Just as the father sought reconciliation with the elder son, we too must always strive for reconciliation and love within the body of Christ.

We need to make sure that we treat our brethren as we would want to be treated by our Lord and our fellow man. We do not have the authority to be mean to our brethren, whatever the stakes.

A Christian is one that Accepts Responsibility!

Acts 11:29

A need arose at some point after these individuals in Antioch heard the word, believed it, and accepted it. The church was established, and they decided to do the right thing as each had the opportunity or ability. It says, “every man according to his ability.” Does that mean everyone contributed equally or did the same thing at the same level? No, it does not. It simply states that each person gave or helped according to their ability.

No doubt, there were differences in talents and socioeconomic status among the Christians in Antioch. They were not all called to do the same thing at the same level. But notice what they did—they did what they could.

How often, though, do we have the mindset of What is the least I can do as a Christian and still receive a reward? How often do we wait for someone else to act first, thinking, I just can’t help right now, but I still want the reward when my life is over?

These Christians in Antioch did what they could with the abilities they had. They sent support back with Barnabas and Paul, giving what they could, and it was then delivered to the elders in Jerusalem. By the way, this is the first time we see elders referenced in this particular sense—Acts 11.

Their mentality was not What is the least I can do and still receive heaven as my reward? but rather, What can I do?

1 Corinthians 16:1

We take up the offering at a specific time during worship, not because it’s merely convenient, but because it aligns with when we are assembled as saints. That’s why we do it on the first day of the week—because this is where we are supposed to be.

Now, look at verse 3: “And when I come, whomsoever you shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.”

The context here is Paul bringing funds from various congregations to Jerusalem for the saints in need. He emphasizes that the offering should be ready when he arrives because he won’t have time to wait. The collection is to be gathered in advance, ensuring that when he comes, it can be immediately sent where it is needed.

Paul’s instruction highlights an important principle: Christians accept their responsibilities. This passage specifically addresses financial giving, but the principle applies broadly to all areas of Christian responsibility.

We could also consider the responsibility of assembling together on the first day of the week. As mentioned earlier, this is why it is seen as the proper time for giving—because the first day of the week is when we should be gathered together to worship God. And when we do, we have the opportunity to give as we have prospered, supporting those in need and furthering the work of the church.

A Christian is One in the Lord’s Church!

A Christian is one that is in the Lord's Church.

Acts 11:26

No Christians in Antioch who were not Members of the Church

Notice that in Antioch, there were no Christians who were not members of the Lord’s body. Every Christian there was a member of the church.

No Christians in Antioch who were Members of any other Church

Likewise, there were no Christians in Antioch who belonged to any other religious group. If someone followed a faith other than what had been delivered by those who came from Cyprus and Cyrene, they were not following the true faith.

As we discussed this morning, in Athens, people mocked believers by calling them Christians—meaning Little Christs. Yet, that name distinguished them from everyone else. One cannot be a Christian while following anyone other than Jesus.

The Church is God’s House

We must remember that the church—which is you and me—is not defined by a building. The appearance of a building doesn’t matter, nor does having one at all. Even today, some criticize the use of church buildings, claiming too much emphasis is placed on them. But the building itself is irrelevant. If someone had a house large enough for all of us to gather, we could meet there and still be the church that Jesus established, as long as we are doing what God commands.

1 Timothy 3:15

You and I have to be in the right place in order for God to recognize us as Christians.

Are You a Christian in the House of God?

This evening, where are you? Are you in the kingdom that God said he was going to establish? Are you when God calls your name? Are you, on the Day of Judgment, going to be able to stand with confidence and say that you are a child of God?

Or is God going to have to express His displeasure in you because you never were a part of His Kingdom?

Matthew 7:33

If you are a member of the body of Christ, but you've forgotten what it means to be a Christian, it's time to remember. It's time to be a Christian again so you can let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father, which is in Heaven.

If you haven't done that, we would encourage you to consider your state, understanding that the church is the only way to be saved when this life is over. If we can assist you in any way, we encourage you to contact us.

As we discussed this morning, we studied Five Reasons Why Judah Would Fall, as outlined in Jeremiah chapter 8. Tonight, we will turn the coin over and examine five ways to avoid falling. Christians, whether we realize it or not, are the Israel of the New Testament. God’s people are no longer determined by ethnicity or race but by those willing to do what God has instructed.

We will explore five ways to keep ourselves from meeting the same spiritual fate as the children of Israel and the tribes of Judah.

Review of 5 Reasons Judah would Fall

My People Know Not the Judgement of the Lord

They Have Rejected the Word of the Lord

They Are All Given to Covetousness

They Say “Peace, Peace, When There is no Peace”

They Were Not Ashamed

By way of review, we noted that Judah fell because they no longer recognized the judgment of the Lord, which was the primary reason for their downfall. Secondly, they rejected the word of the Lord, which had come to them repeatedly, encouraging repentance to avoid Babylonian captivity. The opening chapters of Jeremiah warned of those coming from the north—Babylon—if they did not repent. Thirdly, they were all given to covetousness, from priests to peasants, dealing falsely. Fourthly, they proclaimed, “Peace, peace,” when there was no peace, as corrupt priests denied the impending fall. Finally, they were no longer ashamed of their sins, unbothered by God’s knowledge of their actions, unable to blush.

Application from 5 Reasons Judah would Fall

We will take these five areas and turn them on their head to identify five ways to keep from falling.

1) Know the Judgement of the Lord!

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

There are a couple of categories of people here that Paul brings out who are going to be in danger when Jesus returns a second time. Those who know not God, those who have never become obedient to the will of God, those who are outside the church that Jesus said he was going to establish. Those people are going to be in danger when Jesus returns because they do not believe in Jesus.

Then, another category, separate from those, are those who have not obeyed the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The indication is that there are those who call themselves Christians, who may even be attending the proper church as you find in the New Testament, but still really aren’t living the way they’re supposed to be living. They’re not obeying the gospel as we have taught from the New Testament, as the apostles taught from the New Testament.

Those two categories of individuals need to know the judgment of the Lord. We need to recognize that there’s going to come a time when everything we do is going to be brought out and laid out, and if we’re found wanting, we’re going to be in trouble. But if we’re found righteous, then we don’t have anything to worry about.

Romans 11:22

To keep this verse in its context, Romans chapter 11 is Paul answering a question from the Jews: “Well, now that the gospel has gone to the Gentiles, has God forgotten about the Jew? What is the Jew supposed to do?” Paul has to remind them that God has not forgotten the Jew. God has never forgotten the Jew. What happened was, the Jew didn’t want to follow after the old law anymore. The Jew didn’t want to follow after the new law when it came around. They wanted to continue following after the old law.

So, because they rejected God’s word, the apostles went to the Gentiles. The gospel was going to be offered to the Gentiles regardless of whether the Jews accepted or rejected the word. They just hastened its arrival to the Gentiles. It’s always been God’s plan that the New Testament would be offered to both Jew and Gentile.

But there is what’s called the goodness and severity of God. We need to recognize that, and as long as we’re doing good in the sight of God as children of His, then we will be in His goodness, in His moral excellence, if you will. But if not, then we will be in His severity, where He will punish us and remove us, just like He did the Jews for a time.

Matthew 25:30, 46

Part of the judgment of God is when we’re resurrected in those new bodies that are fit for eternity, there’s only one of two places where we will end up. If we’re faithful to God, we will have a body that is raised, prepared, ready to live with Him in eternity. But if we’re not faithful to God on this earth while we’re here, when we should be preparing to be a part of His kingdom, then the body we receive when Jesus comes back, when the resurrection takes place, is a body that’s going to be fit for spending an eternity in hell.

The same word in verse 46 that’s translated “eternal” is also translated “everlasting.”

So, when it speaks of life everlasting, that’s going to go on just as long as eternal punishment is. It’s the same word in the Greek. You can’t have one without the other.

There’s a large percentage—close to 70 percent of the Christian population, using that term very loosely—that says they believe in a place called heaven. There’s also a large percentage that doesn’t believe there is a place called hell. Of those who believe there is a place called hell, there’s a smaller percentage that believes hell is eternal. But if you have one, you have to have the other. The words used to describe them in the original are the same.

So, we must know the judgment of the Lord.

2) Heed The Word of the Lord!

Secondly, we need to heed the word of the Lord. We can’t be like those we read about this morning and reject the word of the Lord.

John 12:48

It won’t do us any good to reject the word of God, to say that I’m not amenable to the word of God simply because I don’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God. There are those in the world who say that. Since they don’t believe Jesus is the Son of God, they’re not going to be held accountable to what’s in the Bible.

There’s an entire false doctrine built around that idea that the things in the Bible only apply to those who are in the church, meaning, once again, the old cliché, “ignorance is bliss.” That’s nowhere taught in the New Testament. Ignorance, when it comes to the judgment and the word of God, is not bliss. If you’re ignorant of it, you’re in danger of what it says. Regardless, you are accountable because Jesus is forever and always going to be prophet, priest, and king over this world. The word of God is never going to pass away.

2 Timothy 2:15

We need to make sure that when we use the word of God, we’re using it in the right way. We need to keep things in their context, allow the Bible to say what it’s trying to say, and not read into the Bible what we want it to say. We need to approach the Bible each and every day as a blank slate, if you will, as an open slate.

When I go to see my dad, I won’t tell you how old he is, but I’ll tell you that when he was growing up in Michigan, he attended a one-room schoolhouse, grades one through eight. All went to the same school. They had chalkboard slates, and each one of them had one. They’d come in every day, all the slates were blank, and they filled them up with the information from that day. That’s how we ought to be when we approach the word of God.

We cannot afford to approach the word of God with preconceived ideas that we’ve gotten from the world, maybe our friends, maybe our preachers, maybe our elders, and say, “Well, this is obviously what the Bible says because these people wouldn’t intentionally lead me astray.” I don’t believe they would. However, we need to let the Bible speak for itself and prove every man to be a liar.

If something we believe does not match up with what’s in the word of God, then immediately we need to abandon our belief and hold on to the word of God. But what happens 95 percent of the time is, if what I believe does not match up with the word of God, I try to figure out how to make the word of God match up with what I believe and what I’ve been told. That can cause a major problem for us when the words of Jesus are going to be what He holds us accountable to when this life is over.

Romans 1:16, 17

Paul sets out in the very first chapter to begin his thesis of the book of Romans, which goes through about chapter 8, and says that salvation is only found in one place: in the word of God. Righteousness, justification, salvation can only be found in one place, and that is through the gospel system. We can’t go anywhere else.

3) We Must Not be Given to Covetousness!

Thirdly, we must not be given to covetousness.

Romans 13:8-9

Matthew 5:28 (“Lust” = “Covet”)

Notice 1 Corinthians chapter 6, verse 10, and maybe Romans chapter 13, verse 8. We should look at both of them. 

“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” — Romans 13:8

I want you to notice something I found interesting. I don’t know how many times I’ve looked at these particular verses and not made this connection. Take the word “covet,” look it up in the Greek, then go to Matthew chapter 5, verse 28. It’s the same word.

Jesus said, “But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” — Matthew 5:28

That’s the same word for “covet” and for “lust.” Same word in the Greek. I’d never looked at that before, probably should have, but I hadn’t made that connection until I was preparing for this evening.

We ought not to covet. We ought not to lust over things that are not ours. We need to not be given over to covetousness.

1 Corinthians 6:10

This was the problem that those we talked about this morning had. They were mistreating one another, coveting after the things of one another, and they were not going to be able to participate in righteousness to God. They were treating one another poorly, as if they despised them, as if they were enemies. Yet, back then, it would have been the Sabbath day, and they went to offer their sacrifices of goodness to God. God said, “Don’t you offer that here. I’m not accepting your sacrifices.” Why? Because their heart was not right before Him.

We can’t be given over to covetousness. We need to mind the things that are ours and protect the things that are somebody else’s, sometimes even from ourselves.

4) We Must be Honest with Ourselves!

Fourthly, we must be honest with ourselves. We can’t be like those we talked about this morning who said, “Peace, peace,” when there was no peace.

Philippians 4:8

How do we determine what actions we’re going to take in this life? It’s based on what we think, right? So, if we think the right things, we’re going to act in the right ways. You can’t think the right things and do the wrong things and be acceptable to God. You can’t do the wrong things and think the right things and be acceptable to God. We have to make those match up. Whatever things are honest are the things we need to be focusing on, allowing to take up our attention in this life.

Matthew 7:15

We’ve got to be careful who we listen to. I say that, and I honestly mean that. At the same time, I’m very open to listening to a lot of different arguments on passages of scripture. It’s interesting to hear what people think and the way they teach on certain doctrines that we read about. We should be willing to hear, but we also need to be able to measure that against the truth and come out with the right answer. We should not trust false teachers who sugarcoat the truth. We need the truth spelled out plainly.

2 Timothy 4:3

Paul has just told Timothy, given him his desire for Timothy to continue to preach as he has been doing. He’s to preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. The reason is spelled out in verse 3 because there’s going to come a time when the people you’re speaking to are not going to endure sound doctrine. They want the truth sugarcoated. Why? Because it makes what they’re doing feel better in their own minds. That’s all it’s about. If I can get you to feel better about what you’re doing in your minds, then maybe you won’t get upset and leave and go somewhere else, and you’ll be happy here. We can’t sugarcoat the truth. We need to deliver the truth as it is intended.

"Jesus answers and says, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many.” —Matthew 24:4-5

There were those in the first century who were going to claim to be Jesus but obviously were not Jesus and could not do the things that Jesus did. They could not teach the way that Jesus taught. They were instructed to reject those individuals because of that.

5) Know When to be Ashamed and Repent!

Finally, we need to know when to be ashamed and when to repent.

Acts 17:30

What’s interesting about this statement—there are several things interesting about this particular verse—but one thing is that at no time has there ever been a season where God has not commanded repentance. Go all the way back to the book of Genesis. Repentance has been a part of God’s plan from the very beginning. So, for Paul to say, “Now is the time to repent,” would seem to indicate that there was a time when repentance was not necessary. That’s never been the case with God. You step outside the boundaries of what God has said you should do, repentance is the key. Repentance is what brings you back.

The reason this verse is so significant is because it calls us back to a time when, before Jesus died on the cross, before the establishment of the kingdom, God literally looked over the top of sin toward the time when Jesus would die on the cross. He said, “I’m not going to hold these people accountable for their sins because they’ve been offering sacrifices for them every year. I’m attributing faithfulness to them because I’m overlooking their sin, and I see the cross way down there. I can forgive them because I know the cross is a reality, and the blood of Jesus would be spilled, and they would have forgiveness.” But now that Jesus has died, the church is here, God is not going to overlook our sin because Christ has already come. Now is the time to be ashamed when it’s appropriate to be ashamed and to repent.

Acts 8:22

Do you recall when Philip goes down to Samaria in Acts chapter 8? Simon the sorcerer is converted, and then Simon is following Philip around, watching Philip do all these miraculous wonders. Then they send word back to Jerusalem that Samaria had received the gospel. The church in Jerusalem sent Peter down to Samaria, north, so that he could lay his hands on them and give them gifts of the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he wanted to buy that particular ability. They said, “Repent, because your money perishes with you.”

There are two ways for us to repent and be right with God. If we’re outside the body of Christ, we repent of the sins we’ve committed in our past, vowing not to go back and revisit them again, and we live for Jesus from this day forward.

When we stumble in this life after becoming a child of God—and we will, though we don’t have to—then we need to repent and pray. The blood’s been applied, and as long as we’re walking in that straight and narrow, 1 John chapter 1, verse 7: “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” We don’t have to receive the blood a second time, but we have to repent that the sins of our heart would be forgiven.

“For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” —Romans 10:11

This word “believeth” is an interesting word because it stands for the gospel system as a whole. It’s not the idea that some in the denominational world would have us believe. It’s not the idea of just believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. It’s not the idea of just saying or praying that Jesus is going to forgive us of our sins. It’s not the idea of asking Jesus to come into our hearts.

It’s following the gospel system as laid out in the New Testament. The one who continues to believe shall not be ashamed. Therefore, the one who continues in the gospel system is one who will not be ashamed. There is a way for us to stand before God, not ashamed of the things we’ve done in this body, and that’s if we stand before God as a child of His in the kingdom, willing to repent of sins we committed as children of God.

The ones from our past are done and gone. We don’t have to worry about those ever again. If we turn and walk in them, then we need to repent of going back into the world and doing those. But we’re not going to be held accountable for those again. It’s from the time we enter into the kingdom of God until the time we die, where we have to remember that there is a time for us to blush and a time for us to repent.God with open arms will always accept us if we’re willing to repent and ask His forgiveness.

Maybe you’re one who is a member of the body of Christ, but you’re on that path that Judah was this morning, and destruction is going to be the result. "The harvest has come. The harvest has passed. The summer has come," Jeremiah chapter 8, verse 20, "and my people are not saved." That’s not what God wants for any of us. That’s not what we should want for one another.

We all have the ability to keep ourselves from falling. Where are you? Are you in danger of falling? Are you in danger of having your life go back into the world, leaving Jesus behind, walking away from Him?

Maybe you’re one who’s not a member of the body of Christ. Maybe now is the time, having heard the word, you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. You’re ready to repent of the sins you’ve committed in your life that put Jesus on the cross, confessing His deity and submitting to the watery grave of baptism, allowing His blood to wash away your sins, you’ll then have the confidence of knowing that you’re a child of the King and that you are going to win if you stay faithful to Him.

If we can assist you in any way, please contact us. We would be thrilled to study with you and help you come to know the forgiveness of Jesus.

This morning, we’re going to look at God’s definition of a Christian. Turn to Acts 11, where we’ll take our stand for this lesson. Be sure to listen to God's Definition of a Christian Part 2.

Acts 11:26

But how do we define a Christian? In reality, it doesn’t matter how you or I define it—the important question is how God does. The word "Christian" has been used in many ways throughout my lifetime. Some use it broadly to refer to anyone who claims to believe in Jesus, regardless of denominational affiliation or personal beliefs. Simply acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God may be enough for some definitions.

Others define it more narrowly, restricting it to those who believe what the Bible teaches about Jesus—His identity as the Son of God, His establishment of His kingdom, His sacrifice on the cross for salvation, and His promised return to take the faithful home.

We will examine God's definition of a Christian and seek to understand it through His Word.

Is “Christian” From Man or God?

When we talk about being a Christian, we have an actual definition.

We have a standard against which we can measure our beliefs—the Word of God. By examining Scripture, we can see how our understanding aligns with God's truth.

First, consider the name "Christian." Did it come from God or from man? Let's read a few verses before discussing this further.

Acts 11:19-26

"And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." — Acts 11:26

Acts 11:26 is the first of three New Testament passages where the followers of God—often called disciples, followers, or those of "the Way"—are given a specific name: Christian. But to fully answer our question, we need to ask another: Is the name "Christian" from man or from God?

To answer this, we must examine another key word in verse 26: called. The Greek word used here is chrēmatisai, which means "to be called" or "to bear a title." This detail is significant because this word appears nine times in the New Testament.

Even more importantly, each time it appears, it is used in the same kind of context.

Appears 9 Times in New Testament

Matthew 2:12   “…And being warned of God in a dream”

Matthew 2:22   “…being warned of God in a dream”

Luke 2:26  “it was revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit”

Acts 10:22  “was warned from God by a holy angel”

Acts 11:26 "were called Christians first in Antioch."

Romans 7:3  “and shall be called and adulteress”

Hebrews 8:5  “according to the pattern shewed to thee”

Hebrews 11:7  “By faith Noah, being warned of God”

Hebrews 12:25  “refused him that spake on earth”

So when we go back to our question, is the term Christian a word, a title, a name that came from God, or did it come from man? I think firmly we can answer the question yes. We can answer, yes. And we can answer, yes, because the word was designed by man. But, it was authorized by God. It was authorized that His people would be called by a new name.

"And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name." — Isaiah 62:2

The authority for the name Christian comes from Jehovah. Every instance of the word called in the passages we’ve examined carries the idea of divine revelation or communication from God. Are we to assume that all these instances indicate divine revelation—except for Acts 11:26? That wouldn't be a consistent approach to interpreting Scripture.

Applying proper hermeneutics, we can infer that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch because that is what God intended them to be called.

Why was the name “Christian” not used at Pentecost?

Why wasn’t the name Christian used earlier, in Acts 2, we see the establishment of the church—50 days after Passover, and therefore, 50 days after Jesus' death. Yet, in verse 41, when those who gladly received the word were baptized, no specific name was given to them.

Why not?

There are many possible explanations, but I’ll present three that seem the most logical and easiest to articulate in the time we have this morning.

1) Word Composition of "Christian"

First, consider the composition of the word Christian. It consists of two parts: the root comes from the Greek word Christ, while the suffix -ian is Latin. This combination of Greek and Latin suggests that the Jews would not have named themselves Christians, as they would have preferred a name from a single language rather than mixing two.

2) Place of Origin of "Christian"

Some have suggested that the early believers gave themselves this name, but that is not what happened. Instead, it likely came from those outside the Jewish community—people who spoke both Greek and Latin. This makes sense given the place of origin: Antioch.

"The people of Antioch were known for making fun of others, and one way they did that was to assign labels to people." — Chris Keener, IVP Bible Background Commentary of the New Testament

The followers of Christ were labeled Christians, meaning “little anointed ones” or “little Christs.” This name was originally given as a way to mock those who followed Jesus.

But as New Testament Christians, shouldn’t we strive to be more like Christ in our daily lives? If others look at us, see our beliefs and teachings, and say, Oh, you’re just trying to be a little Christ, should we be offended?

We shouldn’t be. And the early Christians in the first century weren’t offended either. Instead, the name Christian distinguished them—from those who continued practicing Judaism, from those who worshiped idols, and from anyone following someone other than Jesus.

Though the name may have been given in mockery, it set them apart from everyone else.

3) The Name "Christian" Given in God’s Time

Thirdly, in this particular thought, it happened in God's time. And this is really where we could rest on this particular argument, it happened in God's time.

Go back to Matthew 10:5-6 and the limited commission. When Jesus sent out His twelve apostles, He instructed them:

"Do not go to those outside the house of Israel. Do not go to the Samaritans. Do not go to the Gentiles or the heathen. Go only to the Jews." — Matthew 10:5-6

From that point on, the focus remained on the Jewish people. Who were present in Jerusalem in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost? According to verse 5, there were devout Jews. There were also proselytes—those not born as Jews but who had officially converted to Judaism, a practice dating back to the Old Testament. These devout individuals were there, but no Gentiles, religiously speaking.

Then, in Acts 10, Peter received a vision revealing that Gentiles were now welcome in the kingdom. This understanding set the stage for a unified identity among believers.

It makes sense that once it was clear that all who follow Christ—regardless of nationality, background, or lineage—are included in God’s kingdom, they would all be given the same name.

Now that both Jew and Gentile understood they had a place in God's kingdom, God gave them the name Christian so they could all be called by one name.

God’s Definition of a Christian

We're going to begin to look now at God's definition of what a Christian is.

God says that a Christian is one who has heard the gospel and believed it.

A Christian is one who has Heard the Gospel and Believed it!

Acts 11:19-21

There is no evidence that the Gospel had reached Antioch before Acts 11. This directly connects back to the events following Acts 7. In Acts 7, we read about the death of Stephen. In Acts 8, Saul begins persecuting the church with relentless zeal, doing everything he can to eliminate those who call themselves disciples or followers of Jesus. As a result, believers were scattered abroad, and as they went, they preached the Gospel. It wasn’t until this scattering that the Word of God spread beyond Jerusalem.

But, do we remember what Jesus said in Acts 1:8? He told His disciples they would receive power from on high and be His witnesses—first in Jerusalem, then in Judea and Samaria, and ultimately to the ends of the earth.

Antioch, about 300 miles north of Jerusalem, became one of those far-reaching places where the Gospel spread. Since no one can be called a Christian without first hearing the Gospel and allowing it to transform their heart—convicting them of sin and leading them to understand Christ’s sacrifice—this growth was essential.

Only after believing can one choose to obey God's plan of salvation and His system of faith.

The Plan of Salvation

Hear

Believe

Repent

Confess

Baptism

“Christian” AFTER Hearing and Believing (Faithful Obedience)

A Christian is someone who has heard and faithfully obeyed the Word of God—an ongoing process of devotion and transformation.

A Christian is one who is Indebted to Others!

Acts 11:20

In Acts 11:20, we see that those who were not from Antioch traveled there with the purpose of sharing the Gospel. Some came from Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean, while others came from Cyrene, located along the northern coast of Africa. They left their homes to bring the message of Christ to Antioch, a major city—at the time, the third largest in the Roman Empire. Antioch was a bustling center of commerce, well-traveled and influential.

The people of Antioch had every reason to feel indebted to these men who brought them the Gospel. Because of their efforts, those in Antioch had the opportunity to enter God’s kingdom—just as those who fled Jerusalem due to persecution spread the Word and opened the door for others.

Likewise, we, as members of the church today, should recognize our debt to those who came before us. Here in Oak Grove, we can be grateful for past generations who preserved the faith, ensuring that the Word of God remained in this place. Because of their efforts, we have a church where we can worship today.

But this also reminds us of our responsibility. We are now living in this generation, witnessing the next one rise. As Paul said to the Romans, I am indebted to you. I am a servant to teach you. In the same way, we are indebted to ensure the Gospel continues to be passed down, so that our children and grandchildren can gather here in Oak Grove and worship God faithfully.

A Christian is ultimately indebted to God.

A Christian is one that wants to Share the Gospel with Others!

A Christian is someone who desires to share the Gospel with others.

Spreading the Gospel is an essential part of Christianity. We cannot read through the book of Acts without seeing this truth repeated over and over.

The book of Acts is more than a record of conversions! It is the sharing of redemption!

The church was established in Acts 2, but as we continue through the book, we see that Acts is more than just a record of conversions. While it certainly provides a clear account of how individuals entered the kingdom of God according to His will, it is also a record of the spreading of redemption.

As believers traveled, they shared the Word of God because they carried the greatest message of all time—the message of salvation. Through Christ, we do not have to die in our sins. We do not have to remain separated from God.

Acts 8:1-4, 5-25

In Acts 8, after the persecution we mentioned earlier (Acts 8:1-4), Philip goes to Samaria in verse 5, where he preaches the good news. We’ll discuss the meaning of "preaching" more this evening, but Philip shares the message of salvation with the people in Samaria.

Acts 8:26-40

Then, in Acts 8:26, Philip is called by the Holy Spirit to leave Samaria and travel southwest toward Gaza, on his way to meet an Ethiopian man. There, he shares the message of redemption with the Ethiopian eunuch. As Philip approaches the chariot, he hears the man reading from Isaiah 53. He asks, "Do you understand what you are reading?" The eunuch replies, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"

A Christian is someone who wants to share the Gospel. A person who is not interested in sharing the message of salvation with others is not a Christian by God’s definition.

It doesn’t matter what we think of that individual. According to God’s definition, if they are not sharing the message of redemption, they are not Christians.

Perhaps you're here this morning as a member of the body of Christ, but maybe we've become caught up in man’s definition of Christian. We may think of it simply as going to church or assembling with others on the first day of the week, because that's what Christians do. But as we’ve seen so far, there is a specific way to be a Christian in the eyes of God.

Are You Living as a Christian?

Maybe you’re someone who is not yet a member of the body of Christ. Perhaps this concept is unfamiliar to you. If that’s the case, I hope you are considering your life this morning. Are you living in such a way that, when your life is over and you stand before God in judgment—something we know we all will— can do so without fear?

You can stand confidently, knowing you face a merciful Savior. That’s what I want. The alternative is standing before a righteous Judge who will give you exactly what you deserve. If you are uncertain about your relationship with God, or as we might say, God’s relationship with you, and if you want to explore that more fully, we encourage you to do so.

You can ask me, any of the elders in this congregation, or just about anyone else here, to study these matters with you. We would be glad to help. If we can assist you in any way, we encourage you to contact us.

The exciting conclusion of our study this year of The Armor of God series. In our last lesson, we talked about Ephesians 6:17, " and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God." And, we're going to finish that verse in this lesson focusing on the sword of the Spirit.

We've already discussed the pieces that we are to put on.

Loins Girt with Truth 

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel

Outside of all those, at arm's length, is our shield of faith.

The Shield of Faith

Everything that we come in contact with in this life needs to get past that shield of faith and if it's something that is from the devil, then we don't want it to get past that shield, it needs to meet our faith first.

Then we talked about The Helmet of Salvation. There's one more piece that we have to consider, according to verse 17 is the Word of God.

What Do We Know About This Sword?

Adopted by the Roman Army 216 BC to the 4th Century AD

Adopted from the Spanish, called a Gladius.

The average length of the blade is 18”- 24” long.

The width of the blade is no more than 2” wide.

Each sword weighed only 2lbs.

Constructed from Wrought Iron instead of Steel.

It was sharpened and maintained that edge very well. It's not just the weapon, but the design that makes it dangerous. Weapons in and of themselves are rather harmless. It's how it's used that makes it dangerous. It's the way that the Romans trained in the usage of this gladius. They used it as a team. Each soldier carried it on their right side so that they could move as a unit.

The danger of these swords had less to do with their design and more to do with the way the Romans trained their soldiers to use them.

With this particular gladius, each soldier carried one on their right side. This was essential so that they could move effectively together as a unit. Well, what would happen if you were naturally a left-handed soldier? What I read was that they tied your left hand to your leg, and they forced you to use your right hand until you became proficient with using your right hand. They forced everyone to use their sword right-handed. Why? Because all of their movements, and all their defensive techniques hinged on this one idea of everybody being able to do the same thing. And so they forced everyone to be a right-handed soldier.

"They were trained to take every opportunity and attack every exposed target even if that meant cutting the legs of their opponents from underneath their own shields." — Jamie Spry, Sermons.Logos.com.

They prepared themselves for every eventuality when it came to the use of this particular weapon.

Now, as we know anything that is a defensive weapon can also be used as an offensive weapon and vice versa. An offensive weapon can be used as a defensive weapon as well.

Some have said that the sword of the spirit is the only offensive piece of armor given to the soldier. I don't exactly agree with that. Not that it's the only one, but when you speak concerning these pieces of armor as we put them together, it's the only one that technically has offensive capabilities attributed to it. There's one more that we really haven't studied but it really goes along with this idea of the use of the sword and that is the power of prayer.

It could be argued, and maybe even should be argued a little more loudly than it is, that prayer is our first and foremost offensive weapon. And then there's the sword. And then it runs into our shield. But we'll get to that at a later time.

We need to ask the question, though. Whose sword?

Whose Sword?

Whose sword is this? Well, the verse, it says:

"And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." — Ephesians 6:17

Right here in this verse, Paul tells us that the sword does not belong to mankind. It is something that does, however, belong to the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:20,21

The Old Testament and New Testament writers didn't have the authority, they didn't have the ability to make up on their own what they were going to write about. They didn't have the ability, they didn't have the authority to figure out on their own which accounts from Jesus' life they were going to write about, specifically the gospel writers. They didn't have that right.

They wrote exactly what they were given to write because they were led in that process by the Holy Spirit.

Description of the Bible!

The sword, as it's described for us, is the Word of God.

Hebrews 4:12

There the Hebrews writer says that the Word of God, in the King James, says quick, other versions say lively or alive. The Word of God is not a dead letter as some would have us to believe, that really has no meaning or significance for us today. But the Word of God is what revives our spirit. Or, at least is what's supposed to revive our spirit and cause us to be lively soldiers and lively individuals in service to God. It is the Word of God that does that.

It's the Word of God that discerns between the thoughts and the intents of the heart. It can determine between right and wrong actions taken by an individual.

In fact, when you really get down to it. How else do we learn what's right and what's wrong? It's been a highly debated question, a highly debated topic for decades really. Is it nature or nurture? Where did morality come from? Well, if you're one who believes in what the Bible says, then you understand that morals and morality itself came from the Almighty God. And we don't have a problem believing that because that's what the Bible teaches. The Word of God is lively and it is powerful.

We spoke concerning, the swords of the Roman soldiers and how sharp they were on both edges and they were from all indications what we read in history. Notice how sharp the Word of God is. It says it's sharper than any two-edged sword, alluding to these specific swords that we've already depicted thus far.

The Word of God is Sharper Than a Two-edged Sword

The Sword of the Spirit, The Bible, Does Not Belong to Mankind

But the Word is also one that does not belong to mankind. When we're trying to consider whose Bible is this that we should follow? It does not come from mankind. It cannot come from mankind.

Jesus was sent as “Logos” of God - John 1:1-2

Beginning in verse one, you find the [Greek] word Logos, meaning, Word. Jesus is the Logos of God. He is the actual Word of God. Jesus was sent to this earth by God, to save mankind.

Sent to Establish all Truth

We've looked at that many times, but according to the New Testament, he was there to establish all truth.

John 14:6

There is no other truth except what Jesus says there is. No other truth besides Jesus.

Directed to speak by Jehovah

He was directed to speak by our Heavenly Father.

John 8:26

At least three times in the Gospel of John, Jesus does not take the authority of what He says for Himself. He says I'm not speaking my words. These are not my thoughts. This is not the doctrine that I'm teaching. I'm teaching only those things that I've received from my father.

John 12:49

Jesus didn't make up the New Testament doctrine either. He spoke only those things that were given to Him by the Father.

John 14:24

The gospel is not of man-made origin, as many would have us believe, trying to discredit the gospel. The Bible, as we have it preserved for us from the centuries before, is a direct revelation from God.

Romans 10:17

Word - Rhēma [in Greek], a different word, translated as a word in our English language, the very voice of God. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.

The gospel is not made by man. And, because Jesus came down to this earth to establish all truth.

The Spirit is Another Comforter

And when he got ready to leave, Jesus promised that he was going to send another Comforter.  You see, the problem with Jesus remaining on earth is that if Jesus remained on earth, three things weren't going to happen.

One, we were never going to be fully justified before God if Jesus remained on earth.

Two, the church was never going to be established whereby, we come into the kingdom of God.

The Comforter never would have come.

The other Comforter, the first one of those, of course, is Jesus.

John 14:16

Jesus didn't have the ability to say that. He couldn't stand there with His apostles in the upper room when He was saying these words and promised that He was going to be there with them physically forever because He knew that that night He was going to be betrayed. The next day He was going to be put on the cross.

And there were many other things that Jesus wanted to tell to His apostles but He couldn't because they weren't ready to hear it. And so, He promised to send them another Comforter that would not ever leave them. They would never have to worry about that Comforter being taken away from them. And that was through the sending of the Holy Spirit.

Through the sending of the Holy Spirit, we have the revealed Word, which is what we should be looking to, to guide our lives today. Thereby the Holy Spirit is with us, fulfilling, continuing to fulfill Jesus's promise to His apostles that He would send a Comforter that would be with us forever.

John 14:26

The Holy Spirit had a specific mission assigned to Him when He came as the next Comforter to the apostles. His mission was to remind the apostles, and put them in remembrance, as Jesus said, of all the things that Jesus had taught them. He was also going to speak of things that Jesus had told Him, the Holy Spirit, to speak of. There was one thing, however, the Holy Spirit was not authorized to do. Jesus said He was not going to come and speak of Himself, but He was only going to speak the things that He received from the Word of God, from Jesus Himself.

You see, the gospel does not belong to man. From beginning to end, it's always been the ownership of God. God has always been the owner and the author of the Word.

That's not to say that you and I, however, don't have a role to play, because we do.

Christians are entrusted to:

Distribution

Declaration

Defense

We have specific commands in New Testament Scripture that tell us that as we're going out into the world that we live on a daily basis, we should be taking the Word of God with us.

Mark 16:15, 16,

2 Timothy 4:2

As we have an opportunity, we should be sharing the Word of God with others. And as we have the opportunity, we should be defending the Word of God to those who would attack it, to those who would try and tear down our faith in the gospel, we should stand up with our armor on and say, no, that's not going to happen.

When those try, when those in the denominational world, try and teach false doctrine, regardless of what the false doctrine is, we should stand firm on the Word of God and say, no, that's not what the Bible says. We need to be willing to do that because that's the mission that we have been entrusted with by the One who authored the Word of God.

What is the Purpose of the Sword?

What's the purpose of this sword? Well, it doesn't take us a whole lot of thinking, I don't believe to come up with a couple of very straightforward answers. First of all, it is to take the fight to the devil. 

To Attack the Devil!

It's not fun being on the defensive the entire time, is it? Being constantly on guard, defending everything all the time. Sometimes we need to take the fight to the devil. It's not acceptable for the Christian to have a sword that never comes out of its sheath.

Ephesians 6:17

These two things are connected under the same word. And that word, take, reminds us that we are not taking them by our own pursuit of taking them, but we are receiving them from someone who has authority. We receive the helmet of salvation, the securing of the promise, if you will, going back to what we talked about this morning. But we receive the word of God. It didn't originate with us.

When we receive the Word, as the Father intended, we receive it as a soldier, in our right hand, it won't go in the sheath as long as there is a battle to be fought. 

How often do we talk to individuals, who admit they don't read their Bible? How many times do we talk about the family Bible sitting on someone's coffee table that never gets used? That's a sword in the sheath. How can we take the Sword to the world, if we don't take our Bible with us?

Where's your sword?

The Sword is Used To Prick the Heart

It is to attack the devil, but it is also to prick the hearts of individuals. To prick the hearts of individuals that are the hearts of those that truly want to hear and to learn and to study the Word of God.

Acts 2:37

The day of Pentecost, the beginning of the church, the very first gospel message as we commonly call it, that Peter is speaking there to those that are assembled, devout Jews going back to chapter 2 and verse 5 from every nation. It goes back and lists all the places where they were from. After accusing them of putting the Messiah to death, confirming for them that there is a resurrection, a bodily resurrection. Remember Peter said, we can go over to David's sepulcher, it's right over here, and his bones are still there. But we can't go to Jesus' sepulcher and find anything. Because He's not there.

It says there in verse 37 that they were pricked in their heart. Remember that.

Acts 7:54

It's concerning Stephen. Stephen, in a similar fashion to what Peter did, goes through the Jews' entire history, the highlights of the Jews' history, and talks about how the Pharisees and those that were like them in the Old Testament times killed the prophets of God, and how that they were no different than their fathers that killed the prophets of God because they put to death the Messiah.

And the Pharisees said, how dare you lay His blood at our hands. When just, not too long ago, they were the ones standing before Pilate and the people saying let his blood be upon us and upon our children. It's an interesting thing that takes place with this word.

Pricked comes from the Greek word meaning pierced throughout, to nudge. We would think maybe more of a surgeon's scalpel. The skilled use of a surgeon to make a surgical cut. When you look at the word cut, it comes from the Greek word meaning to saw asunder, exasperate, to cut.

This has to do with the hearts of the individuals when they are taught the word. A humble heart, a heart that wants to hear the truth of the matter, a heart that wants to be right with God when faced with the truth. It's like a surgeon's scalpel when they're taught the truth. And that leads someone to say, men and brethren, what must I do to be saved, because I know there's something missing in my life.

But someone whose heart is hardened to the point of not caring what the truth has to say about them anymore. Not caring anymore about right and wrong as far as God's standard. Not caring anymore about being a part of God's kingdom or just living life their own way. When they're faced with the Word of God, it's like somebody takes a chainsaw to them. And they're sawn asunder. They're destroyed by the same gospel that helps a heart come to God.

Our hearts should not be like the Pharisees in Acts chapter 7, but they should be like the 3,000 in Acts chapter 2 that received the word with gladness, verse 41, and they were baptized. 

Acts 2:47

The Sword is Used to Stop False Doctrines!

It also is used to stop false teachers.

Titus 1:9-11

Now, I recognize that this was written in the context of elders and their responsibilities. There are plenty of other passages that talk about how we ought to be stopping the mouths of those who are speaking things they ought not to say as well, as New Testament Christians. We are to wield the truth of God's Word for it has the power to stop false teaching from taking place.

We are instructed to use the Word of God in many different ways. First of all, we need to, for ourselves, be able to discern what's right and what's wrong. We need to use the word of God to help us rightly divide the word of truth so that we can stand before God unashamed of who we are.

2 Timothy 2:15

Psalm 119:11

Psalm 119:140

Psalm 119:160

My friends, as we wrap up this study of the armor of God, I hope it's been an encouragement to you. It's been an encouragement to me every time I've gone back and looked at this material and studied more about it, the way that God wants us to be as soldiers in His kingdom.

But the question again comes to you, and that question is this.

Are You Wielding God’s Sword?

Are you wielding God's Word the way that He would have you to? First of all, have you decided, have you realized that you, first and foremost, are accountable to the Word of God? Each and every one of us is.

There's going to come a day when you and I are going to stand before God in judgment. And as we've talked about before, we are going to give an account of the things that we've done while we were here.

2 Corinthians 5:10

Are you ready to stand before the leader of this army? Are you ready to stand before God in judgment having your works laid out? If you are right with God, then you have nothing to worry about because Jesus is going to be standing there with you.

But if you're outside the kingdom, if you're outside the body of Christ, then there's no protection and you will stand before a righteous Judge.

Maybe you're a member of the body of Christ, but your sheath has spent too much time, your sword has spent too much time in its sheath. Bring it out every once in a while. Make sure that it's sharp. Make sure you understand how to use it and how to use it appropriately.

Maybe you're one who's not a member of the body of Christ. Maybe you're one who believes that as a good person, you will be able to receive salvation as your reward for being a good person and not doing the bad things that are available to you in this world. The study of the New Testament will show us, that just because we're not doing certain bad things if we remain outside the kingdom, that's not going to be enough.

God’s Invitation is always prepared for any soul desiring the forgiveness of sins.

Having heard the word, are you willing to believe it? Repenting your sins, confessing your faith in Christ, submitting to the watery grave of baptism, and having the blood applied so you can have the forgiveness of sins.

Hear the Gospel - John 6:45

Believe the Gospel - Mark 16:16

Repent of Sins - Acts 3:19

Confess the name of Jesus - Matthew 16:16

Be baptized in Water - Acts 8:36-38

If we can assist you in any way, we encourage you to contact us.

We've been studying for the last few weeks, the topic of the Armor of God. And we will continue this study. We're on the verge of being halfway through wrapping them up. 

This morning we'll be looking at Ephesians chapter 6 verse 15.

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" — Ephesians 6:15

So we're going to look at, the portion of the armor that covers the feet and the legs up to about the knee. Traditionally is the way that it was considered the where have we been?

Armor of God Background

We don't want to spend a lot of time looking at the things we've already talked about in the weeks previous, but it is good to keep us up to date.

We started with our loins girt about with truth, and if we don't have truth, if we don't have an understanding of what truth is or reality. Not necessarily the truth as in the Word of God, but if we are opposed to the reality of the way things are, then we're in trouble.

We talked about the Breastplate of Righteousness. The ability to protect our vital organs, in this case our spiritual ones from being pierced with the fiery darts of the wicked one.

We need to make sure that we're living in such a way that we can say that we are righteous when we are judged at the end of this life when Jesus comes back. He can then confirm that we are righteous before God.

We protect ourselves with that breastplate of righteousness.

Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace

This leads us to the idea of the feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Most Wars Require Foot Soldiers

In the first century, there were wars. In today's century, there are wars too, but there's a little bit different. In the first century, and in ancient history, wars were fought primarily with infantry. 

There was not a whole lot of artillery, there were no planes, no tanks, no submarines, and no missiles to help the soldier on the ground accomplish his particular mission, which was to defeat the guys on the other side of the hill. So, at the time of this writing, yes, they had chariots, horses, and elephants that were used in battle as well. They had these things. They had tools, if you will. But primarily, most of these battles were won by foot soldiers.

Spiritual Soldiers must have a Tactical Advantage.

So, the preparation of the foot soldier is paramount. And we, as New Testament Christians, don't want to be as good as our enemy. Spiritually speaking, we want to have the tactical advantage over our enemy, that is the devil, which is why we do not need to ignore the idea of, uh, verse 15 here, having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Should our feet be Worn with function or fashion?

We have decisions that we that we often make. I don't know if any of you have ever gone shoe shopping before, but there are some choices out there, right? There are some choices, but it really comes down to two main ideas. Do you want functional shoes or do you want to make a fashion statement with the shoes that you have?

But how you prepare for certain things also has to do with where you're going. What is it that you're going to be doing while you're out? I'm probably not going to wear the same kind of shoe outdoors down those potentially muddy steps outside as I would go into the mall. Now, I'm more likely to wear a pair of work boots to the mall, but I'm not necessarily going to wear a white pair of tennis shoes that I might wear to the mall.

But the idea is we choose what we put on our feet; appropriate for the actions that we are getting ready to participate in, right?

You don't take, uh, you don't take deck shoes that you wear out onto a boat to go play baseball out into a field. Or to go play football or soccer. You don't do that. Why? Because they're not appropriate. They're not made for that particular purpose.

So, we want shoes made for our spiritual purposes. That's, that's the point of all of this. 

Definitions for Feet Shod with Preparation of the Gospel of Peace:

The text says our feet are shod with preparation.

Shod: From the Greek word “hupodeo”

“hupo” meaning “under”

“deo” meaning “to bind”

“To underbind”

Something that goes from the bottom of our foot to the top of our foot. Traditionally, these, especially for the Roman soldiers, had greaves, as they were called. And they would come up the leg, up the calf, toward the bottom of the knee. And those were made of anything from leather to brass to whatever, to help protect them in whatever environment they were going to be in. Some had spikes on the bottom, which was to help make sure they maintained their footing in the terrain that they were going to be fighting in.

Remember, why are we talking about armor to begin with? If you go all the way back to our introductory lesson. We do this because we're in a spiritual battle and our desire is to stand against something. As we stand stand firm as a foundation stone for something. We want to stand against the wiles of the devil, we want to stand against Satan and the evil days to come.

And, we want to stand for God and what he authorizes us to do. In that instance, we want to be a pillar, which goes along with these [spiked shoes] as well. We don't necessarily wear these for being swift of foot in running purposes, but it is to maintain the ground that we are standing on.

"Concerning the feet being shod, “greaves…were deemed of essential importance in the ancient armor; if the feet or legs are materially wounded, a man can neither stand to resist his foe, pursue him if vanquished, nor flee from him should he have the worst of the fight." — Adam Clarke: Commentary on the Bible.

We emphasize the part about standing against our foe. That's what we ought to be doing. That's how we ought to be thinking about our feet being prepared for battle as pillars if you will.

Preparation 

“The act of preparing; the condition of a person or thing so far forth as prepared, readiness.” — Thayer's Greek Lexicon of the New Testament

Making ready, making ourselves ready for the task at hand. We understand the idea of making ourselves ready for our own salvation. We understand there are things we need to do to prepare. There are a lot of things that are going to take place in our lives before we get to that part of being baptized.

It starts with the idea of being taught. In every word we read, and discussion we have, we understand it is preparing us for that final test we have. We're moving toward something when we're learning from the Word of God. We are preparing with every verse we read, with every Bible study that we're engaged in, with every conversation that we have, our own salvation. Otherwise, we wouldn't concern ourselves with becoming a child of God if we don't understand the value or the importance of being ready for that particular final test of ours.

Are We Making Ourselves “Ready” to Spread the Gospel?

But when it comes to the spreading of the gospel to others, unfortunately, we don't always make the same application when it comes to readiness. We often hear somebody say, that's someone else's job for me to go share the word of God with somebody else. That's not my responsibility. Or we might hear somebody say, you know, I'm not real good at being a teacher or public speaker. And, I don't think I'd be really effective in teaching somebody the gospel.

When in reality, you can at the very least teach someone what you did. But you don't really even have to do that because we have examples in the New Testament of how a certain man, in fact, we're reading from his epistle this morning, of how Paul, was saved. You don't want to talk about how you were saved. Talk about how Paul was saved, laid out plain as day for you.

But we don't think of being prepared necessarily in the same way as we do for our own selves, our own salvation, and our preparation to send the Word of God out into the world to those with whom we are in contact.

It's not impossible then, to recognize that sometimes in applying these things we might put on our preparation shoes while we're becoming a child of God and for the purpose of becoming a child of God. But for some, if you will give me just this moment to say, when we enter through the door of the kingdom we kick our shoes off like we're already home. There are places where I've been where you come in the door and you take your shoes off because you're home. 

The point of being prepared is for a purpose. There's something that you are about to do, and you need to be ready to perform that thing.

Exodus 12:11

God Instructed His people to be “ready.” This included having shoes on ready to leave. Going all the way back to Exodus when, when God's people are in Egypt and He's getting ready to bring them out. It's the time of the first Passover. You know, the angel of death was coming and in order to avoid the punishment of God, they had to prepare this particular feast. And blood had to be in certain places on the doorposts and down the sides. And they had to consume the offering all in one night. And if they couldn't do it by themselves, they shared it with somebody else. 

But they ate it in a certain way. They ate it dressed ready to walk out. When they were told to go. They were eating it in one hand with their staff in the other hand. Ready to walk out.

How many times do we tell our children to get ready and then we have to remind them to go put shoes on? How many times are we, are we preparing ourselves and we're not really paying attention to everything that we're doing and the next thing you know, we've shown up in services with our house shoes on or our slippers because we, we just weren't thinking about what was on our feet.

But we said we were ready to go and we walked out the door, but we were wearing slippers. We didn't mean to do that.

Making sure we're prepared for where we're going has a lot to do with Christianity, making sure we're all ready to get to where we're heading.

Gospel of Peace

"The Gospel is termed the Gospel of peace, because it establishes peace between God and man, and proclaims peace and goodwill to the universe." — Adam Clarke: Commentary on the Bible

Philippians 4:7

We have a peace that passes all understanding. Why? Because you and I, as New Testament Christians, are at peace with God because we're obedient to His will. We've prepared ourselves to be at peace with God.

Those who are in the world, those who've not come out of the world into the kingdom of God's dear Son, Paul would say, are not at peace with God because they've not prepared themselves for peace with God. And here's the problem, they're not prepared for war with God either. They need to be at peace with God because war is going to be the outcome.

James 3:17

Our, spiritual Bible, our sword, if you will, is first pure and then peaceable and gentle and easy to be entreated.

Isaiah 52:7

Romans 10:15

How beautiful are the feet of those prepared to carry out the work that God has said that we are to carry out? According to Paul, the answer is implied in the statement, in the question that is made.

Is it important, then, to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace? Absolutely. Because we don't want to be the only ones that have this particular peace with God. We want to, or we should want, the rest of the world to have the same kind of peace and security in God that we have. And that's only going to happen if we are willing to share if we are preparing ourselves to share with one another.

Application of Having Our Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace

Christians are the foot soldiers of God’s Army.

How do we apply this particular principle of our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace? We need to recognize, first of all, that you and I as Christians are God's foot soldiers in his spiritual army. We're not at battle anymore, with flesh and blood. 

Ephesians 6:12

We're not at war against flesh and blood, but we are at war against; principalities, against powers, against the ruler of the darkness of this world. In a spiritual sense, we're at war with the devil.

1 Peter 5:8

Mark 16:15

As you are going throughout this world, in the things you do on a daily basis, with the people you come in contact with? It's not necessarily that we have to be in a position to travel all the way around the world and preach the gospel to those in India, Africa, Indonesia, or Australia, though we might want to do those things. If we have the ability to go and do that, by all means, go and do that.

But don't forget the world that you live in on a daily basis. That world is wherever you go. You go out of your house, that's part of your world. Go to work, school, whatever it is, go with the gospel. Ready to share it with those that you come in contact with? 

2 Corinthians 4:4-7

What good is it going to do those who are lost if we don't release the gospel from the clutches of our minds from our lips and from our hearts? 

It may look like the devil has power over the world, and he does, not because he's preventing the light from shining. You and I are the light. We're the reflectors of God's light.

Matthew 5:16

2 Corinthians 4:5-7

"But we have this treasure", the burden of spreading the gospel, if you will, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels", that's you and I, "that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us."

It's not because we're any great thing or any great person to be outgoing and spreading God's message, but that's the responsibility that's given to you and me as soldiers in His army. We are the earthen vessels that spread the gospel throughout the entire land so that darkness cannot prevail in the world. Instead, they see the likeness of God.

Matthew 5:14-16

We are the foot soldiers in the Army of God.

We need to prepare our lives to preach/teach the Gospel of Peace.

You may not have an opportunity to get up here and to deliver a lesson to a public audience. There's more to preaching and teaching than that. You may not have the responsibility of teaching maybe a class as we had this morning, whether upstairs or downstairs, but there's more to preaching and teaching than those limited opportunities. Every time you talk to somebody, there's an opportunity, whether we take it or not, to say something good about Jesus, to say something good about God, to say something good about his kingdom and the gospel. But do we take those opportunities as part of our being prepared?

Ezra 7:10

Luke 12:42-48

Two kinds of people are portrayed in this particular reading. The one in verse 43, who is the faithful servant and the wise servant. And when the Lord comes back, he finds this servant so doing. Many in our religious communities today want to talk about being saved by faith. And we absolutely are.

But notice what this verse did not say. This verse did not say, Blessed is the servant who is Lord, when he cometh shall find him faithing. That's not what it says. The one who's doing. The one who's standing firm for what God wants him to stand firm for, the one who's standing against what God wants him to stand against, the one who's doing appropriately.

Notice the one who's going to be surprised when the master comes back. It's the one who says, Oh, my master's taking a long time coming back. I'm gonna start doing things the way I wanna do them. And he ends up beating the men's servants, and he's beating the women's servants, and he's being all sorts of inappropriate in the way he's dealing, with the things that belong to the master. They don't belong to him.

The master comes back and punishes him with many strikes. He's the one that's going to be surprised when the master comes back. Because he's not doing what he's supposed to be doing. The one who had the knowledge has the greater responsibility. Therefore it's going to have the greater effect of punishment.

Don't be like John Mark, when during Paul's 1st missionary journey, John Mark went with them, but then turned back and went back home.

Acts 13:13

We must prepare ourselves for living in a world of difficulties, trials, and traps.

James 1:2,3

Your ability to withstand the things that are going to happen in this life is not always fun, or enjoyable. But they're there to help us to grow in our faith toward God.

There is only one Gospel that can bring Peace!

Philippians 4:6,7

Let's have our feet prepared for the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. Be ready to do the things that God would have us to do as New Testament Christians. Going out into the world and sharing His message so that the power of the darkness is not power at all, but it's dispelled by the light of the glorious gospel that we find that comes from Jesus Christ.

Do you have your feet wrapped and prepared to enter the fight?

Are you not a member of the body of Christ?  But considering the cost of where you're at, remember those that are in the church are soldiers in God's kingdom and there's a spiritual war that's taking place.

Those who are not in God's kingdom are also in a war, but they're on the wrong side. They're on the side of the wicked one. They're on the side of the devil and if that's not where you want to be, then the light is where you want to be. You want to be in God's kingdom.

God’s Invitation is always prepared for any soul desiring the forgiveness of sins.

Hear the Gospel  John 6:45

Believe the Gospel  Mark 16:16

Repent of Sins  Acts 3:19

Confess the name of Jesus  Matthew 16:16

Baptized in Water  Acts 8:36-38

Having heard the word, are you willing to believe it? Willing to repent of your sins and confess your faith in Christ?

Confess that Jesus is a deity and be baptized in water to have your sins forgiven. Have them washed away by the blood of Jesus.

Maybe you're one who's already done that in times past, but you've walked on ground that you're not prepared to walk on. And as a soldier of Christ, you're suffering at the moment. Are you ready to turn that around and be prepared again to walk in the footsteps of righteousness,  to be a child of God the way that He would have you to be?

If we can help you in any way, we encourage you to contact us.

Tonight, we're going to continue our series on the Armor of God.

Ephesians 6:16

Our topic is the The Shield of Faith.

The Armor of God At a Glance

The Armor of God: Loins Girt with Truth 

The Armor of God: The Breastplate of Righteousness

The Armor of God: Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel

We've talked about how these three in particular pieces of armor are pieces of armor that we're supposed to have on our person, spiritually speaking all the time.  There's never an opportunity when we shouldn't have any of those. There's never an opportunity when we should go without our shield of faith either. Because there's some guarantees if we have the shield the way that we're supposed to. We're going to talk about how it is that the shield is going to help us and affect us, how we deploy our shield and so on.

The Shield of Faith

Most commentators agree about this type of shield. There is a smaller personal size shield, that you wear on your arm, that allows you to move easily.

The Roman Shield

This shield is large. It's referred to as the door shield. You can get behind it, and be completely protected from the enemy. Some were made of leather, that helped to put out firey darts.

Roughly 4’ Tall

Roughly 2.5’ Wide

“That word is connected with the Greek word meaning ‘door,’ and gives a rough notion of the look of the instrument of defense a great rectangular oblong, behind which a man could stand untouched and untouchable.” — Alexander MacLaren

If you have these Christian graces, and they're a part of your life...

There's a guarantee built into our armor that we're going to look at this evening.

The Greeks and Romans were experts at the deployment of this type of shield. They layered themselves as a group, to protect themselves against any arrow that may come. We too, as New Testament Christians, want to work together to protect ourselves and each other.

“Faith” Used Two Ways in Ephesians

Personal Faith:

Ephesians 1:15

Paul says he has heard of their particular faith.

Ephesians 6:23

Faith as it relates to us as individuals.

System of Faith:

Then there is the system of faith, the faith by which salvation comes.

Ephesians 2:8

Salvation is a gift from God.

Ephesians 4:5

Only one faith is acceptable to God, that He will be looking for in each and everyone of us. This is why we have a shield, He's given to us for our protection.

“Above All…”

"Above all, taking the shield of faith..." - Ephesians 6:16

““Over all”; so as to cover all that has been put on before.” — Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary.

“Not “above all” in point of importance or value, but “over” all, as a soldier holds his shield to defend himself...” — Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible

"It constitutes a protection over every part of his body, as it can be turned in every direction. The idea is, that as the shield covered or protected the other parts of the armor, so faith had a similar importance in the Christian virtues.” — Barnes

The idea is that the shield covered, and protected the other parts of the armor, so it's important for the Christian.

How much better are we going to be for the fight for our souls, if the firey darts of the wicked one can't get past our most forward defense. WE're goign to be more effective if the darts can't even get to us.

What is the Purpose of the Shield of Faith?

The Preservation of the Soul

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Paul prayed for the Thessalonian brethren, that their whole soul and spirit be protected.

The Protection of the Soul

Proverbs 30:5

Solomon recognized that God was a shield. Specifically, the Word of God.

Psalm 115:11

Over and over in the OT, in the book of Psalm, Jesus, and God in particular is conveyed as a shield and protector.

1 John 5:4

We have the ability to make the same statement in reality, as He was in the upperroom, when he said, "I have already overcome." Yet, He was present there in the upperroom and hadn't been put to death.

He was certain in God's plan, and was certain that His plan was to be fulfilled. We can have that same certainty today.

How Do We Deploy Our Shield?

Paul Addresses Christians

Romans 1:17

There is a word at the beginning of our passage, take up, or taking up, it's an action to pick up, to hold and to use. Not just once. Not just at a point in history, to pick it up and then lay it down again. But, it is a continual picking up, to use and deploy our shield.

We can only find out what God's system of faith is by looking to the scripture.

Romans 1:17

Romans 1:16

The gospel is the power of God to salvation.

Our Proper Use of Scripture

How do we deploy our shield.

1 Timothy 2:17

We have to look to the Bible and discern appropriately.

Our Proper Use of Scripture

The System of Faith is only Found in One Place

Matthew 11:29-30

We have to gain more knowledge about Jesus. Having knowledge...

It's only through learning of Jesus, through His Word, that we can have safetly for our souls. Without God's Word it is impossible.

How Powerful is the Shield of Faith?

“Wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” — Ephesians 6:16

Shall statements mean you're to do certain things in certain ways. A statement of confidence.

Shall Be Able!

“To be able to do something, to be capable, strong and powerful” — Thayer.

That's you and me, when we deploy our shield of faith.

1 Peter 5:9, 8

There's something that takes place, and I don't think we always realize as it's happenning. When we stand against Satan, there's only so much that he can take. How do we know this?

James 4:7

You want the devil to go away for a while? You want a season where he's not bothering you? Put up a fight. He will run away, for a time, but he will run away.

Remember the temptation of Jesus, after the third one, it says, the devil left Him, for a season.

Quench

“To extinguish” or “to go out” — Thayer.

The darts, which come in many forms, will glance off our shield and the pains associated with them will not further injure our souls.

That's the way we want it to work out every time. It's going to depend on you an me. You and I are in charge of our shields. We have to grab the right one, don't grab the small one, but grab the door shield that you can stand behind and be protected.

Is your shield ready?

How's your shield holding up? Is your shield in need of being repaired? Are you one who in times past was faithfully carrying around your shield, but maybe you thought your shield was getting a little too heavy? You know, there was a comic strip years ago that had a, a cartoon character that had a, a cross that he was carrying on his back and it was really long and he was dragging it and you could almost see he was about to collapse under the weight of that cross.

And he says, God, can you make this burden a little bit easier on me? So God cuts off the bottom foot of that cross and his cross is a little bit lighter. He was able to go a little bit further. But then he started to get tired again. He says, God, can you cut this cross off a little bit more? Can you relieve my burden just a little bit more?

And another foot of that cross was taken off. And then he gets to a chasm as he's walking. A great expanse. And he lays his cross there so that he can walk over it. And lo and behold, it doesn't reach the other side anymore. And he sees his neighbor come by with his cross that he's been buried with. He's been carrying under the burden of that cross.

And his buddy lays his cross there and he walks right over and somebody else walks right over and he measures his cross again against theirs. And it's too short maybe. Is that like your faith this evening? Hopefully it's not. Maybe you're one who's never become a child of God. God's invitation is always ready for the one who wants to remove sin from their life.

Hear the Gospel  John 6:45

Believe in Jesus, that He died, was buried and resurrected, which is the gospel.  Mark 16:16

Repent of Sins  Acts 3:19

Confess the name of Jesus  Matthew 16:16

Baptized in Water, so we can receive the remission of our sins.  Acts 8:36-38

The individual Who wants to do all of these things is not pronounced or declared righteous or saved until they come up out of that watery grave of baptism.

Is that where you want to be this evening? Saved by God so that you can now carry the shield of faith that has a guarantee associated with it. If you faithfully carry the shield. You can faithfully withstand the devil no matter what comes your way. If we can assist you we encourage you to contact us.

The topic for our lesson this morning is The Suffering Savior. We want to talk about this idea of a suffering Savior.

1 Peter 2:21

We've been talking quite a bit in our adult Bible classes in the book of 1st Peter.

Suffering Has a Purpose

We want to show, through this lesson and others, that suffering has a purpose. Throughout the five chapters in 1 Peter, there are various statements made about suffering not only that we will endure and how we can endure appropriately, but that Jesus endured. And what we're going to look at are our instances of Jesus's suffering.

And we do that for a reason, and Peter did that for a reason. Go back to chapter one, verses six and seven, Peter is addressing his book to saints, to Christians, who were suffering tribulation. There was persecution that was taking place and he wanted to encourage them in their persecution and he  highlighted several instances of Jesus suffering as well.

And that's what we want to do this morning by tracing those inspired statements. Hopefully it will get us to do three things. First of all, love the savior as Lord and therefore serve him faithfully. If we can understand about His suffering, then also, we can hopefully see that the sufferings of the Savior had a purpose, that He didn't suffer in vain. And finally, encourage one another as saints to identify with the sufferings of Christ to the point that we will pay any price, pay any price to be a Christian.

So there's several things that we're going to look at.

Suffering Predicted

Personal Aspect of Suffering

Purpose of Suffering

Suffering as a Person

Suffering: Personal Application

His Suffering was Predicted

" Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." — 1 Peter 1:10-11

The prophets predicted Old Testament prophecy predicted that Jesus would suffer. The suffering of Jesus was not done accidentally. It wasn't done a mistake in being brought out. It wasn't done in vain to say that this suffering was going to happen. But it happened for a reason and it was foretold and it was not faked as some would have us to believe.

David has vividly described the suffering of the Messiah

Psalm 22:14-18

Isaiah confidently spoke of the suffering of Jesus that he used the “past tense” to describe future events.

Isaiah 53:3-6

Notice, Isaiah talks about several things and, and he does so in a very specific way. Isaiah mentions them in the past tense. How confident was Isaiah that Jesus was going to suffer? He mentions events in the future as having already happened. Three times in those verses, it says, He was despised, He was wounded, He was bruised.

It was foretold that Jesus would suffer certain things.

The Personal Aspect of His Suffering

Secondly, we look at the personal aspect of suffering.

1 Peter 2:21

Jesus suffered for you and he suffered for me who in himself was completely innocent of all sin

Innocent of All Sin!

Hebrews 4:15

"He took my sins and my sorrows and made them his very own." — I Stand Amazed in the Presence, Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (1856-1932)

“There the debt for my sins by the Savior was paid, in His suffering on Calvary…” — O the Depths and the Riches, Tillit S. Teddlie

See the Reason Behind the Cross

He did it for you, and He did it for me. He made suffering personal to each and every one of us, and we need to understand it that way. You see, the, the crucifixion of Jesus is a historical event. You can go back and you can read about it in history, but what we want to be able to do, if you will allow, is to understand the reason why Jesus had to suffer in the first place.

Romans 5:6-10

We shall be saved by His life. You want to internalize what Jesus did all of the times.

You have the second person pronouns that were there. In that context, put a first person pronoun, or your name in that space. And Jesus did those things for you, and notice the descriptions, for you and me.

The pull of the cross comes when we see that He died for you and me.

John 12:32-33

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die.” — John 12:32-33

Jesus knew ahead of time that He would be suspended between heaven and earth, hung on a cross, a tree, and He knew why. He was doing it for you, and he was doing it for me. The suffering of Jesus should be personal to us because it was personal to Him.

His Suffering Had a Purpose

Thirdly, the suffering of Jesus had a purpose.

1 Peter 3:18

He suffered for sins. Or in another way to put it, to save people from the sins that they had committed. You and I did not have the ability to remove our own sins. We've committed them, but we don't have anything that we can do to take them away.

Galatians 1:4

Titus 2:14

Many of us, I would imagine, have, have experienced the pain of hitting the wrong nail when using a hammer. Right? Doesn't feel very good. Many of us have, have probably dropped some heavy things, whether it is on our fingers, on our toes, some other part of the body, and we suffer because of that. And the moment is very painful.

But none of us have yielded ourselves to somebody driving a stake through our wrists or through our ankles and attaching us to a cross and putting it in a hole in the ground.

Joy Follows Suffering

Jesus could endure the suffering because there was a purpose for the suffering and a joy to be found on the other side.

1 Peter 1:11

The suffering wasn't the end for Jesus. It wasn't the pain. It wasn't the death. It wasn't the end. Notice there is joy.

Hebrews 12:2

Look at the words describing the way that Jesus was able to stay on the cross. "The author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him." There wasn't a single thing pleasurable about what Jesus went through. But He didn't go to the cross because He enjoyed going to the cross. He didn't go to the cross because it felt good to be scourged or have a braided strand of thorns woven and put upon His head, to be spit upon, to be beat upon, to be mocked. He didn't enjoy those things. No, not at all. But He did it.

The joy was found in providing a way of salvation for you and for me.  The suffering of Jesus had a purpose.

The Suffering of a Person

In the fourth place, the suffering of a person.

1 Peter 4:1

Notice the idea of Jesus suffering as a person. He is identifying with you and I as human beings.

Hebrews 2:14

Hebrews 2:9

Hebrews 1:2

He suffered these things for you and me. He understood what you and I go through, otherwise Jesus would not make a very good High Priest if He can't relate to the ones He's being the High Priest for. He suffered as a man. He suffered just like we are able to suffer.

Philippians 2:5-9

Jesus Knows!

He identified with you and he identified with me because he knows what it's like to be verbally attacked.

Verbally Attacked: Luke 23:1-5, 9-10

Mocked & Ridiculed: Matthew 27:29-31

Physically Tortured:

Scourged - Matthew 27:26

Spat On - Matthew 27:30

Thorn Crown - Mark 15:17,19

Nailed to the Cross - John 19:17-18

After they put Jesus there on the cross, you know what they did? They sat down and they watched Him, Matthew says. They sat down and they watched him.

The suffering of Jesus has a purpose.

Those Who Suffer For Christ Suffer With Christ

But finally this morning, some application from the suffering of Jesus.

1 Peter 4:13

Those who suffer for Jesus, suffer with Jesus

Romans 8:17

We may never, and we pray that none of us do, have to suffer the same things that Jesus ever had to suffer in the body. We don't wish that upon anybody. But the things that we do suffer, Peter, and Paul, the rest of the inspired writers tell us if we suffer as a Christian, we are suffering to some degree the same things that Jesus suffered. And there's glory for us when we suffer the same way Jesus did.

What an honor it should be when we suffer.

Acts 5:41

You and I don't like to suffer. We really don't. We don't like to be put through trials and tribulations or to be caused to feel negatively about things that we believe in very strongly. Here, Peter and John, after being beaten and told not to preach in the name of Jesus any longer, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus.

Finally, suffering for the Savior means you and I have God's approval.

1 Peter 4:14

On their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified. The suffering Savior. Peter talks about it over and over, alludes to it in every chapter of 1 Peter.

Many lessons that we could learn first and foremost, Christ suffered and there's no other way for man to be saved than to be a part of Jesus's body. The suffering of our Savior had a purpose. The suffering that you and I go through has a purpose as well. It will help our faith to grow and to be stronger.

Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed

"Alas, and did my Savior bleed, and did my Sovereign die? Would he devote that sacred head to such a one as I?" — Isaac Watts

Maybe you're here this morning a member of the body of Christ but the suffering of this world has left you discouraged and your faith is wavering because you have not founded it or grounded it at this particular moment and lost sight of the suffering of the Savior who made your salvation possible. Hopefully, you're not as those that we read about that have forgotten all of the things that Jesus has done for us because Peter would say in 2nd Peter after going through the list of the Christian graces that if we forget to add those things, we are blind and we cannot see afar off forgetting the things that we have had done for us.

Maybe you're one who's never obeyed the gospel before. Having heard the Word, are you willing to believe it? You understand the suffering that Jesus endured on your behalf. Are you willing to repent of your sins, confess Him as your Savior, and be baptized in water to have your sins forgiven? If we can assist you in any way, we encourage you to contact us.

Sermon outline from Bro. Tom Holland