Introduction
Tulsa—The location of our facility and central to the people who attend
Bible—Reflects our commitment to hearing God speak through the Bible, His written Word. Are you spending time in His Word?
Church—The kind of building and cultural institution of religious people gathered for religious purposes here.
The name for a group of redeemed people who have covenanted to worship and serve God together, etc. Which church are you part of?
The covenant of the church is as follows:
We, the Members of this Church, do affectionately welcome you into the fellowship with us in the blessings of the Gospel, and covenant together, God helping us…
Covenant: an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified. --Dictionary.com Unabridged. Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Our commitment to each other to be…
1. Strangers - that as strangers and pilgrims we will refrain from fleshly lusts (I Peter 2: 11).
2. Forgivers - That we will put away from us all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us (Eph. 4:31-32).
3. Do Gooders - That as we have opportunity, we will do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith (Gal. 6: 10).
4. Followers - That we will remember them who have the rule over us who speak unto us the Word of God (Heb. 13:7). That we submit to the loving oversight and discipline of the Members and officers of this Church of Christ, and
5. Givers - that we will give as God has prospered us (I Cor. 16:2), not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver (II Cor. 9:7).
1. That as strangers and pilgrims we will refrain from fleshly lusts (I Peter 2: 11).
I. Strangers who have a heavenly home.
1 Peter 2.9-12 (esp. 11)
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.
A. Context:
1) Before
We are a race, priesthood, nation, and God’s people. Why?
2. 9 to proclaim His excellencies
2. 10 (because) you are God’s people
2. 10 (because) you have received mercy
2) After
Description of the lives of those who are subject to God’s rule.
2.13 Be subject to every human institution...
2.18 Servants, be subject...
3.1 Wives, be subject…
B. Key Ideas:
1. strangers and pilgrims
Strangers πάροικος Strong's G3941 - paroikos—in the NT, a stranger, a foreigner, one who lives in a place without the right of citizenship
ylt, kjv—strangers; nasb, niv, wet—aliens; nkjv, esv—sojourners
Pilgrims παρεπίδημος Strong's G3927 - parepidēmos - one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives
ylt—sojourners; kjv, nkjv—pilgrims; nasb, niv—strangers; esv—exiles; nlt—foreigners
Hebrews 11
13 These [Abraham, Isaac, Jacob] all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
2. fleshly lusts (Gal. 5.18-21; Titus 3.3; 1 Pet. 4.3;
abstain ἀπέχομαι Strong's G567 - apechomai - 1) to hold one's self off, refrain, abstain
ylt, kjv, nasb, nkjv, esv, niv—abstain; wet—holding yourselves back; ylt—keep away from
fleshly lusts (desires of the old man)
ylt,niv, ylt—desires; kjv, nasb, nkjv—lusts; esv—passions; wet—cravings
Note the contrast with honorable.
Honorable καλός Strong's G2570 - kalos denotes that which is intrinsically "good," and so, "goodly, fair, beautiful; ethically good, right, noble, honorable, e.g., Gal 4:18; 1Ti 5:10, 25; 6:18; Tts 2:7, 14; 3:8, 14.
ylt—right; kjv—honest; nasb—excellent; nkjv, esv—hornrable; niv84, net—good; nlt—live properly;
wet—beautiful in its goodness
3. war 4754 στρατεύομαι [strateuomai /strat·yoo·om·ahee/] — 1) to make a military expedition, to lead soldiers to war or to battle, (spoken of a commander) 2) to do military duty, be a soldier 3) to fight
C. Motivations:
1. Honorable conduct so that the gentiles will glorify God. (see verse 9—to proclaim)
2. The fleshly desires fight against the new man. Put them off.
We, as God’s race, priesthood, nation, and people, are not part of this world’s system and should not participate in its games or “buy its wares.”
APPLICATION:
Since Christians are citizens of heaven,
they should put off the former life
and embrace the values and life of the new man.
Pilgrims Progress—Vanity Fair
The Prince of princes himself, when here, went through this town to his own country, and that upon a fair day too; and as I think, it was BEELZEBUB, the chief lord of this fair, that invited him to buy of his vanities; yea, would have made him lord of the fair, would he but have done him reverence as he went through the town. Yea, because he was such a person of honour, BEELZEBUB had him from street to street, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a little time, that he might, if possible, allure that Blessed One to cheapen and buy some of his vanities. But he had no mind to the merchandise; and therefore left the town without laying out so much as one farthing upon these vanities.
"Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;" Matthew 4:8
"And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine." Luke 4:5-7
This fair, therefore, is an ancient thing, of long standing, and a very great fair.
Now these pilgrims, as I said, must needs go through this fair: well, so they did; but behold, even as they entered into the fair, all the people in the fair were moved, and the town itself as it were in a hubbub about them; and that for several reasons. For –
First, the pilgrims were clothed with such kind of raiment as was diverse from the raiment of any that traded in that fair. The people, therefore, of the fair made a great gazing upon them: some said they were fools; some they were lunatics; and some they are outlandish men.
Secondly: and as they wondered at their apparel, so they did likewise at their speech; for few could understand what they said. They naturally spoke the language of Canaan; but they that kept the fair were the men of this world: so that from one end of the fair to the other, they seemed barbarians each to the other.
"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1 Corinthians 2:7, 8
Thirdly: but that which did not a little amuse the merchandisers was, that these pilgrims set very light by all their wares – they cared not so much as to look upon them; and if they called upon them to buy, they would put their fingers in their ears, and cry, "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity;"1 and look upwards, signifying that their trade and traffic was in heaven.
2) Forgivers
2. That we will put away from us all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us (Eph. 4:31-32).
II. Forgivers who have a tender heart.
& Ephesians 4.17-24; 31-32
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
5. 1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
A. Context:
1) Before
not walking as the Gentiles walk
you have heard...been taught by Him
put on the new man
grieve not the Spirit who seals
2) After
walk in love like Christ
B. Key Ideas:
bitterness πικρία Strong's G4088 - pikria - (lit.) bitter gall (metaph.) bitterness, bitter hatred.
wrath 2372 θυμός [thumos /thoo·mos/] outbursts of anger
ylt, kjv, nasb, nkjv, esv—wrath;
niv, ylt—rage; wet—violent outbreaks of wrath
anger 3709 ὀργή [orge /or·gay/] any "natural impulse, or desire, or disposition," came to signify "anger," as the strongest of all passions.
clamour 2906 κραυγή [krauge /krow·gay/]
niv, wet—brawling
evil speaking 988 βλασφημία [blasphemia /blas·fay·me·ah/] blasphemy
ylt, kjv, nkjv—evil speaking;
nasb, esv, niv, wet, nlt—slander
malice 2549 κακία [kakia /kak·ee·ah/]
——————-
1. Be kind—χρηστός Strong's G5543 - chrēstos - useful, pleasant
-When our kids are bickering we tell them to be … nice.
-It is interesting that the Greek word kind looks a lot like the Greek Christ.
2. (adj) tenderhearted—εὔσπλαγχνος Strong's G2155 - eusplagchnos (lit.) having strong bowels; (fig.) compassionate, tender hearted
1 Peter 3.8 having compassion for one another; love as brothers
Strong enough to feel the joys and hurts of others.
3. (v) forgiving—χαρίζομαι Strong's G5483 - charizomai (root word is grace) - a) to show one's self gracious, kind, benevolent b) to grant forgiveness, to pardon
C. Motivations:
Cling to Christ. (not a moral system or culture)
Act like you have learned about Christ.
We act this way for Him and to be like Him.
We act this way for Him and to be like Him.
D. Practical Advice
Focus on Christ, not “the storm.” What is Christ’s interest in our conflict?
We force out the old man by intentionally putting on and wearing the new.
Be nice. Then, have compassionate toward. Then, don’t hold it against them.
Application:
The change in our attitude will naturally move us
from an inward self-focus toward an outward look.
3. That as we have opportunity, we will do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith (Gal. 6: 10).
III. Do Gooders who have an outward look.
Galatians 6:8-13 esp.11
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
A. Context:
1) Before
6.2 restoring a fallen brother
6.3 humility
6.8-9 sowing and reaping
2) After
6.12 Contrast with those who “make a good showing in the flesh”
B. Key Ideas:
1. Do good
do 2038 ἐργάζομαι [ergazomai /er·gad·zom·ahee/] has the same meaning as the English “work”
good 18 ἀγαθός [agathos /ag·ath·os/] expresses the significance or excellence of a thing or person.
2. to all
To someone. It is intentional.
Generous and liberal. To all kinds of people.
3. especially to the household of faith
-The purpose of doing good is not primarily evangelism. Evangelism is often a byproduct.
-Our priority is to take care believers first, and then also to everybody else.
C. Motivations:
1. to fulfill the law of Christ v.2
The legalist is not interested in bearing burdens. Instead, he adds to the burdens of others (Acts 15:10). This was one of the sins of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day: “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers” (Matt. 23:4). —-Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. Ga 6:1
2. to reap in due season
3. since God so loved us, we should…
4. to follow Christ’s example “who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil,” Peter to Cornelius and others in Acts 10.38
D. Practical Applications:
1. This is more than a random act of kindness on a whim.
This is intentional, generous, frequent work.
This is intentional, generous, frequent work.
2. Just as God hates a heart that devises evil, He loves a heart that devises good.
Proverbs 6
16 These six things the Lord hates, …18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Application:
As we follow Christ doing good, we should follow
the church leaders that He has put into our lives.
4. That we will remember them who have the rule over us who speak unto us the Word of God (Heb. 13:7).
That we submit to the loving oversight and discipline of the Members and officers of this Church of Christ (Heb. 13:17) …
IV. Followers who have a submissive spirit.
Hebrews 13.5-9 esp. v.7
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" 7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.
A (1). Context: of verse 7
1) Before
13.5 covetousness condemned “I will never leave you…”
2) After
13.9 warning about following “various and strange doctrines”.
Hebrews 13.16-18 esp. v.17
16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. 18 Pray for us; for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably.
A(2). Context: of verse 17
1) Before
13.5 covetousness condemned “I will never leave you…”
2) After
13.9 warning about following “various and strange doctrines”.
B. Key Ideas:
1. Consider
v. 7 !remember 3421 μνημονεύω [mnemoneuo /mnay·mon·yoo·o/] - signifies "to call to mind, remember;" it is used absolutely in Mark_8:18; everywhere else it has an object —Vine’s
ylt—be mindful; wet—be constantly remembering
v. 7 !consider 333 ἀναθεωρέω, διϊστορέω [anathaoreo /an·ath·eh·o·reh·o/] - to look at attentively, to consider well, to observe accurately
wet—closely observe; nlt—think of
2. v. 7 follow 3628 μιμέομαι (mimeomai): imitate (mimic)
kjv, nkjv, nlt—follow; ylt, nasb, esv, niv, wet—imitate
3. v. 17 obey 3982 πείθομαι (πείθω [peitho /pi·tho/]) to be a disciple or follower of someone
—not the same as in Eph. 6.1 “Children”
—not the same as in Eph. 6.1 “Children”
v. 17 submissive 5226 ὑπείκω [hupeiko /hoop·i·ko/] (lit.) to resist no longer, but to give way, yield (of combatants) (metaph.) to yield to authority and admonition, to submit
—not the same as Eph 5.22 “wives”
—not the same as Eph 5.22 “wives”
C. Motivations:
1. the outcome of their conduct
2. so they will give account with joy
D. Practical Application:
1. Leaders provide us examples.
2. They give direction as the teach and apply God’s Word.
3. They provide encouragement and accountability.
Application:
As we follow Christ’s under-shepherds in His work,
we should gladly support it with our finances, time, etc.
5. That we will give as God has prospered us (I Cor. 16:2), not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7).
V. Givers who have a generous joy.
1 Corinthians 16.1-3 (esp. 2)
1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem.
A1. Context:
1) Before
One of the important ministries Paul had during his third journey was the gathering of a special “relief offering” for the poor believers in Jerusalem.
as he may prosper
2) After
Arrangements for delivery of the gift.
-collected before he came
-person to deliver the gift
2 Corinthians 9.7
5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." (of the man who fears God in Psalm 112.9)
A2. Context:
1) Before
prepare the gift beforehand
generous
generosity
sowing and reaping !bountifully
“Grudgingly” is stingy
2) After
God’s generosity
“dispersed abroad” “given to the poor”
Psalm 112
1 ...the man who fears the Lord,
9 He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever;
His horn will be exalted with honor.
B. Key Ideas:
1. “Giving is an act of worship. Each member was to come to the Lord’s Day gathering prepared to give his share for that week.”
2. “Giving should be systematic. ...each believer was to set aside his offering at home and then bring it to the assembly on the first day.”
3. “Giving was personal and individual.
—Paul expected each member to share in the offering, the rich and poor alike.”
—Each member purposed in his heart what to give.
4. “Giving is to be proportionate. As God hath prospered him” (1 Cor. 16:2) suggests that believers who have more should give more.”
Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, Ill. : Victor Books, 1996, c1989, S. 1 Co 16:1
5. Giving is to be joyful. They were not motivated by guilt or a painful obligation, but generous heart that was glad to be able to help.
C. Motivations:
1. The Christian life is about giving not getting.
Ephesians 4.28
Let him who stole steal no longer,
but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good,
that he may have something to give him who has need.
2. Giving brings joy and increases our connection to the Lord’s work we give to.
D. Practical Application:
When we think like owners, it’s a red flag. We should think like stewards or investment managers who are preparing for an evaluation.
—Randy Alcorn in The Treasure Principle
VI. REVIEW
1. STRANGERS with
a heavenly home.
Since Christians are citizens of heaven, they should put off the former life and embrace the values and life of the new man.
2. FORGIVERS with
a tender heart.
The change in our attitude will naturally move us from an inward self-focus toward an outward look.
3. DO GOODERS with
an outward look.
As we follow Christ doing good, we should follow the church leaders that He has put into our lives.
4. FOLLOWERS with
a submissive spirit.
As we follow Christ’s under-shepherds in His work, we should gladly support it with our finances, time, etc.
5. GIVERS with
a generous joy.
As Christians, our focus is on giving not getting.
Notice the pattern here of turning from our selfish inward tendency to a charitable and generous upward and outward focus.
Closing Prayer
Consecrate us now to Thy service, Lord,
By the power of grace divine;
Let our souls look up with a steadfast hope,
And our will be lost in Thine.
By the power of grace divine;
Let our souls look up with a steadfast hope,
And our will be lost in Thine.
Amen.
Benediction
20 Now may the God of peace
who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead,
that great Shepherd of the sheep,
through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21 make you complete in every good work
to do His will,
working in you what is well pleasing in His sight,
through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory forever and ever.
Amen.
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