Prayer is God working in us more than getting what we pray for.  The more I pray about “1 in 2012,” the more I’m burdened for the lost.  Jesus IS the only way people can be saved AND unless we tell a lost person about Him, they have NO hope of salvation!

Thus I’m excited about this message!  We’re going to see God’s Truth that is good & profitable.  These diamonds set in gold are worth examining closely for their clarity & beauty!  I pray that God will reveal to you the wisdom & wonder found in this text!

But I have an impossible task!  I can’t make you see or understand what we’ll read.  The only way it will happen is as God reveals it… & so that is my prayer.  Some here today WILL & some WILL NOT understand & accept what we read.  Here’s why…

For a person to be saved, it takes the same power that resurrected Jesus from the dead!  I say that because a person God saves IS brought from spiritual death to spiritual life.  That IS overcoming death!  This is why Paul prayed for the eyes of the heart to be enlightened by God (Eph 1:16-18).

Know what that means?  Only GOD can save a person!  We can’t.  I can’t.  You can’t.  THAT is why we must ask GOD to save!  For HIM to turn them from sin… give them the desire to repent… & faith to believe.  Only when GOD does those things can & will anyone be saved![i]

There is something logical about preaching through a Bible book… you deal with whatever comes next.  Today’s passage is what comes next in 2 Cor.  Remember… Everything in Scripture is good & profitable (2 Tim 3:16-17).  Every word is true from beginning to end.  Do you agree with those statements?

That doesn’t mean there aren’t things difficult to hear & understand, there are.  But because this is God’s Word, we accept it as His truth & glorify His Name for it.  Today we’ll examine 2 Cor from a panoramic bird’s eye view… with supporting Scripture to aid in understanding.

God makes us competent in all things related to truth, evangelism, & ministry (3:6).  Because HE makes us competent, Paul applies it to confidence (12).  Because GOD works His Spirit IN US… all stress & pressure is taken away.  The outcome of our call (ministry & evangelism) is in GOD’S hands & who “works all things in accordance with His will” (Eph 1:11b).  Thus we’re bold in evangelism & faith (12).

The Law (“former things,” 3:7-11) was given in types, symbols, & pictures.  They were understood once Christ “fulfilled the Law.”[ii]  In 2 Cor 3 Paul writes there was… & IS… a reason people don’t understand about Christ… and we find it in 2 Cor 3:14; because “Their minds were hardened.”

Context of “1 In 2012.”  As you evangelize the lost, there will be times you will be so clear in presenting the Gospel you’ll be certain they will believe.  But some won’t!  No matter how patient you are… how simply you tell them about Jesus… how much Scripture you use… how many illustrations you relate… they just won’t get it!

Why?  Why can’t they believe?  “Their minds were hardened.”  Let’s examine this more from Scripture to understand what “hardened” means.  Jn 12:37…

Though He had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, & to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, 40 “He (God) has blinded their eyes & hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, & understand with their heart, & turn, & I would heal them.”  ** Now listen to Jesus’ words **

Mt 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven & earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise & understanding & revealed them to little children;  26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, & no one knows the Son except the Father, & no one knows the Father except the Son & anyone to whom the Son CHOOSES to reveal Him. 28 Come to Me, all who labor & are heavy laden, & I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you, & learn from Me, for I am gentle & lowly in heart, & you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy, & My burden is light.”

According to Scripture, both a hardened heart & escape from it are in God’s hands.  That’s not Ron… its Isaiah & Jesus!  Spiritual death is so absolute that ONLY GOD can bring a person to life![iii]

Those truths are the reason we must pray for conversions!  Those truths are why we must ask God to work in people’s lives to bring them out of darkness!  Because according to Scripture… salvation is impossible UNLESS God is active & awakens them!  Now… what does this look like?

(3:16).  “When one turns to the Lord… the veil is lifted.”  That does not mean they turn & then the veil is lifted, it means their turning is the result of the veil being lifted.  Ever heard “They jumped for joy?”  Does that mean to be joyful you must jump… OR that a person jumps BECAUSE they are joyful?  Jumping is the RESULT OF joy, not visa-versa.  The same is true in salvation.

(3:17).  Note how the presence of the Spirit IS freedom.  Not freedom THEN the Spirit.  Prior to The Spirit a person is in bondage to sin because they’re spiritually dead.  It is when the Spirit brings LIFE into a person that freedom results.  (Lazarus was made alive, THEN he walked out.  Not visa-versa.).

In the Spirit there is freedom from: Guilt… sin… bondage… fear… death… & 10k other things.  As Christians “behold” (Understand… comprehend) more about Jesus & God… as they mature in Christ… verse 18 makes sense.  “Are being transformed…”

(3:18) The transformation concept is conformity to Christ… “the glory of the Lord” & “transformed into the same image,” (cf. Romans 8:29).  Conformity to Christ must also be understood as something GOD does.  Thus Paul wrote, “God is at work in you to will & work for HIS good pleasure” Philippians 2:13, AND “He who began a good work in you will… complete it” Philippians 1:6.

Here’s what we need to get our arms around.  Every element of our salvation is from, of, & because of GOD.  ALL of salvation is a gift FROM God.  This is affirmed by Ephesians 2:8-9…

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

We are what I call “Passive Participants.”  God does it, BUT we ARE involved AND responsible!

And that brings us to 3:18… “For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”  By “this,” Paul means everything he’s said previously.  He’s writing about conversion & sanctification.  Repentance & righteousness.  Every part & element of our life in Christ is because of God’s Spirit!  GET IT?  GOD DOES THEM ALL!!!

Why?  Why don’t we get any credit?  To prevent boasting before God…

Let me close by explaining why the doctrine we’ve examined is good for us.  It insures success!  That’s right… we cannot fail!  Because “With man salvation is impossible” we don’t rely on man!  Instead we rely on God who raises the dead… who gives life to the dead!

Jesus also affirmed the certainty of success in evangelism in John 6:37… “All that the Father gives me will come to me & those that come to me I will never cast out!”  So don’t hesitate to share The Gospel with 1… or 10… or 20.  God has promised success & blessings!  So be bold!  Tell people about Jesus!

Listen!  If you do not know Jesus… come to Him & He WILL save you!  Nothing prevents you from coming!  God is calling… no, COMMANDING you to come to Him for salvation![iv]

God doesn’t wish that any should perish but that all come to repentance (2 Pet 3:9).  That includes you!  Regardless of your past… your sin… your depravity, if you’ll repent of your sin God will save you!

** “1 in 2012? **  Has the Spirit prompted you this week?  Be faithful & trust God!

I heard of church in here in Alabama that had one pastor a year for over 15 straight years![i]  Some churches just have harsh, cantankerous, mean people… & some are ministers and staff members!  Those churches are “Perpetually Conflicted.”  Corinth, from the beginning, was a conflicted church full of issues & problems.

One of the recurring issues at Corinth was opposition Paul’s ministry.  He was always defending God’s call on his life & being an Apostle.  Thus 3:1-4.  He turns the argument by pointing to the work GOD did IN THEM (Salvation, Sanctification).  God’s SPIRIT thru Paul is the One at work.

POINT.  When it comes to Church… Huffman Baptist isn’t “my” church or “your” church.  We didn’t die for it.  The church (And congregations) have been purchased/bought with the blood of Jesus.  They are HIS.   And here’s why that’s important!

We must treat the Bride of Christ… Christians… (Individually AND collectively) with deep respect & honor!  Jesus, “As you have done it to the least of these you have done it to me!”[ii]  Jesus identifies closely with His children.  Angles watch & report how they’re treated (Mt 18:10).  So mistreating others, being harsh, mean, or even gossiping is not an acceptable practice for Christians.  Let that settle deep!  (Return)

Because of how salvation & sanctification take place… by God’s Spirit… Paul has confidence about HIS OWN calling.  And by extension, me & YOU!  Look at 3:5… “Our sufficiency is from God.”

Paul knew he couldn’t “make” anyone believe OR cause them to grow OR carry out God’s call (in his own strength).  They required too much!  BUT God MADE HIM able to carry out his call.

Q: How many are qualified to teach?  Comfortable witnessing?  Competent in themselves to minister?  NONE!  We’re all inadequate for the call!  Our sufficiency is from GOD HIMSELF!

Look at 3:6, “(God) has MADE US competent…”  God’s call has NOTHING to do with your abilities… likes… dislikes… what you’re comfortable doing or NOT doing.  In fact, He prefers to call people who are inadequate for the task He gives them… AND KNOW IT!  Turn to Ex 4:10-14…

But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since You have spoken to Your servant, but I am slow of speech & of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, & I will be w/ your mouth & teach you what you shall speak.” 13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses…

Q: What will God accept for not carrying out His call to be a minister, “1 in 2012,” missionary, deacon, SS Teacher?  Too old?  Young?  Not trained or smart enough?  Some have said… “Oh I can’t teach OR serve on that committee OR do this OR lead that.  But if you can’t find anyone else… let me know.”  Jesus in Lk 6:46, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ & not do what I tell you?”

We can’t call Jesus “Lord” and live in opposition to His call & will… can we?  Some answer… “Well God hasn’t TOLD me yet.  When HE does, then I will.”  Really?  You want to go there?  You want God to talk to you like He did Moses?  You want to put Him to the test?  Wouldn’t it be better to hear & obey joyfully IN FAITH?  He HAS given us His call in Scripture (Evangelize & Disciple!)

In context of “1 in 2012.”  Is there someone you know that isn’t saved… or you’re not sure if they’re saved?  God put YOU in their life to tell them about Jesus!  Share the Gospel with them.  PRAY that God will put a lot person in your life and reveal who that person is to you if you don’t know a lost person!

When a congregation… God’s people IN a church… quit sharing the Gospel with the lost THAT is when they start dying.  Did you hear me?  When people IN a church don’t evangelize but focus mainly on themselves, death is sure.  Becausec churches have relied on paid staff to evangelize while they focus on each other, they are ceasing to exist.

Guess who I blame?  Preachers!  They’ve let God’s people forget their call.  Preachers have been unwilling to train people to do the work of the ministry.  Instead they’ve DONE what the PEOPLE were supposed to do AND neglected THEIR call to pray, minister the Word, and equip Christians!  Ac 6:4 & Eph 4.

Preachers have focused on the “99” rather than the “1!”  The “99” are the saved… who move into an area… & join church.  The parents lead their children to Jesus (As they should) & so a majority of baptism are household ones.  Thus a group of people (The “1”) are been missing.  1 Cor 6:9-11…

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters… adulterers… men who practice homosexuality.. 10 thieves…  the greedy… drunkards… revilers… no swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you (That’s the group that’s missing!). But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Many of our children were hopefully saved… but how many homosexuals?  Adulterers?  How many drunks or drug addicts or idolaters?  If people in a church are evangelistic, there will be EX-fornicators… EX-homosexuals… EX-drunks… EX-thieves… EX-adulterers… EX-immoral God has saved in the congregation!  If a person STILL lives that lifestyle, they’re not saved (6:9a!).

“But meeting, talking to, & witnessing to those people is hard!  I don’t know where they are or WHO they are!  What would I say?  I just can’t do it preacher…”

The issue isn’t an intellectual unawareness of what we can do… but refusal to do what we’re called to do!  It’s a matter of whether or not we trust God to do THRU us His will.  2 Cor 3:4-6…

Such is the confidence that we have thru Christ twd God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 Who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant…

What is “confidence?”  It’s assurance or certainty of or about something.

Who is our confidence in?  It is in GOD thru Jesus.  We rely on Christ, HIS strength, HIS power, HIS ability.  It is also a refusal to rely on anything in and/or of ourselves.  Not to evangelize is the sin of not having confidence in our GOD!  Think about that!!

Aside: We only have confidence in people we know… who’ve proven themselves to us… who we trust.  In other words, the better we know God… the more we rely on Him!

(V 6) What has God done?  Look at it!  Read it!  What has God done?

He has MADE US competent!  He has made YOU competent!  To say “I can’t” is really saying TO GOD “I won’t AND I don’t believe You NOR do I care about Your commands OR the lost!”  (P).

(V7-11) If all we had was the Ten Commandments, our task would be impossible because “the letter kills.”  But we’re called to a ministry that bestows life (3:11)!  We have one that heals… reconciles… restores… saves.. & strengthens!  Why would we not participate in that by sharing the Gospel, evangelizing, & discipling?!

Do you know people that sin is destroying them & their family?  How unloving is it not to tell them about the ONLY ONE that can save them?!  It is robbing God of GLORY to not tell them about Jesus (Whether or not they trust at that time).

We never know what will happen… what God will do or when He will do it.  The Law was given to condemn man… but Jesus fulfilled the Law.  Through His death & resurrection we have the permanent glory of total spiritual healing!

That is good news!  People need Good News (The Gospel)!  They need to hear that Jesus came to save them & deliver them from their sin!  If WE (You and I)… if WE don’t tell people about Jesus they don’t have any hope (Ro 10:14).  They’ve got to hear ABOUT Jesus to know Jesus!  Let me close with a thought to challenge you…

Most Christians are functional HYPER-Calvinists.  Yeah!  They may not BE Hyper-Calvinists in belief… but they live AS A HYPER-CALVINIST!  Let me explain…

If you don’t share the Gospel & evangelize the lost… by your actions you are saying: “God will save whoever He wills.  He doesn’t need me to tell anyone about Jesus!”  THAT is a Hyper-Calvinist!

By your actions in the past month… year… or decade… have you been living as a HYPER-Calvinist?  I pray you haven’t!!  Let’s DO what we say we believe by evangelizing and tell the lost about Jesus and how they can be saved…

What about YOU?  Are you a believer in Jesus Christ?  Acts 16:31…

One day… I’ll hear heavenly music… angels will come to wherever I am… they’ll escort me into God’s presence.  I’ll see Jesus… fall at his feet & worship him face to face.  No tears.  No fear.  Over the top joy, rejoicing, & celebration.  I’ll have a new body.  I’ll reign with Christ!  FOREVER!!!

I know that will happen.  I look forward to it!  I WANT it to happen soon (GW).  Many of you have the same assurance… AND know others who don’t!  Thus the reason for today’s message.

Lk 15:3-7 & “99-1.” In v 7 Jesus said there’s rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents. Have YOU been a part of angels rejoicing in heaven?  If not, I want you to be!  In the Ro 8 series I said (On February 6, 2011.  CLICK HERE):

Q: What if every Christian here asked God to grant them the joy of leading ONE person to Christ by 2/6/2012? Do you think God could/would do that? If we asked God to give us the honor of Him using us to lead ONE person to salvation in the next 365 days… what would happen?

Well… we’d baptize every Sunday. We’d double in attendance. That is called awakening.

What about it? Will you pray & ask God to use YOU to bring someone to salvation? Will you pray & ask God to show you who is lost that you can tell them about Jesus?

Just because I say something once doesn’t mean anyone heard me.  I’m not condemning anyone… just showing that what I present today is not a NEW thought or suggestion for us at HBC.  I am asking you as your pastor to pray to our God asking Him to allow YOU to be a part of at least ONE person being saved during 2012!

“But I don’t know anyone that is lost.”  Can God: 1) Show you a person that IS lost… OR 2) Put someone in your life that needs Jesus… like He did with Philip & the eunuch (Acts 8:26-39)?  That means we need to be asking for God’s help for the purpose of evangelization

I’m called to equip you. So I’m going to prepare you to share the Gospel. Because we’re called to evangelize… you need to be ready.  The Spirit WILL prompt you to share the Gospel!!

First… Learn what’s called “The Roman Road” (2 verses you already know)…

Ro 3:23, For all have sinned & come short of the glory of God.

Ro 6:23, The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.

Ro 5:8, God showed His love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

Ro 10:9, If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus & believe in your heart God has raised Him from the dead you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness & with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Ro 8:1, There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

(Here’s the way the “Roman Road” sounds): “In Ro 3:23, ‘All have sinned & fallen short of the glory of God.’ That means we’ve all sinned against God. In Ro 6:23 we’re told the consequence of our sin, ‘The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.’ That means our sin resulted in spiritual death AND that God has a gift that corrects our spiritual deadness.”

“In Ro 5:8 God’s gift is His Son Jesus Christ, ‘While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.’ He died in our place. God punished Him on the cross as if HE committed our sin. The only way to be saved is by believing you are a sinner… that Jesus died for you… & asking God to forgive you.”

“Thus Ro 10:9-10, ‘If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus & believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. For with the heart man believes & with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.’ That means you have to believe Jesus died in your place AND that he was literally raised from the dead. If you believe that & confess it, you are saved.”

“The result is the gift of Ro 8:1, ‘There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!’ That means all your sin is forgiven! You are saved forever! Do you believe?”[i]

Memorize those verses.  As you can give directions to anyone to where you live… BECAUSE YOU LIVE THERE… so too a Christian ian can tell people how to find Christ BECAUSE THEY ARE SAVED.”

Here’s a 2^nd way… more conversational.  Ask: Can I tell you how God saved me?

Personal Testimony: “I grew up in a loving Christian home. When I was 10 I was riding my bike with Greg Garrett when he asked me, “If you died right now would you go to heaven or hell?” I couldn’t answer. My mom tells me that I came in the back door crying & that I wanted to know how to be saved.

“She took me upstairs to my bedroom… we knelt… & I don’t remember praying, but I remember her praying. Here’s what I do remember. A sense of peace coming over me I’d never known. A joy that I’d never experienced. An assurance that I had been saved. THEN, a hunger for Scripture.

“Since then God called me to preach.  He gave me a wonderful wife who was called to ministry & three wonderful kids. And now I’m pastor of HBC.” (THAT’S IT!)

There are three parts to testimony {Acts 26:1-23}: 1) Life before Christ, 2) Conversion, 3) Life after conversion.  EVERY Christian has a testimony. Every Christian can describe those 3 things. If a person can’t tell a person HOW to be saved, it is doubtful THEY are saved.

Conversational Questions: 1) Who is Jesus?  2) What did he do?  3) Why does that matter?  A1) Jesus was God’s Son.  A2) Died for our sin.  A3) All who repent of their sin & believe in Him have eternal life… Romans 10:9-10.

HBC, evangelism is about love & obedience. We don’t save anyone. God does that. We’re called to tell others about Jesus.  He does the rest. HE convicts of sin… HE gives the desire to repent… HE gives the faith to believe.  He uses us to accomplish those things in others.

Now I have to ask a rather serious question about evangelizing.  The answer is a matter of fact & not asked to make us uncomfortable… however…

Q: What happens to people who die w/out Jesus… where do they go for eternity? (Hell) If we really believe that… there is nothing more UNLOVING than to NOT tell them about the only person who can save them! Did you hear? It is unloving NOT to share the Gospel!  Think…

Will everyone believe? No… most people WON’T believe… Mt 7:13-14…

(Jesus) “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide & the way is easy that leads to destruction, & those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow & the way is hard that leads to life, & those who find it are few.”

A few will believe.  To them the message is the “fragrance of life” (2 Cor 2:16).  To those who don’t believe the message is a “fragrance of death.” But those who reject Christ aren’t rejecting us, they’re rejecting God (Lk 10:16).

Do you know someone who isn’t a Christian?  Is there someone you’re not sure if they’re saved? Barber… accountant… neighbor… friend… family member?  What if they die without Jesus??

Ask God to either to reveal to you who isn’t saved OR bring someone into your life that needs Jesus. Then just share Jesus with them. Their response isn’t in your hands, it’s in God’s hands. What IS in our hands is to love God AND them enough to tell them about Jesus!

Do you know Christ? Have you been listening this AM? Are YOU saved?

If not… why not come to Him right now, this moment… confessing your sin for salvation?!

DON’T answer this question out loud… maybe we should: In the last year, have you talked with at least ONE lost person about Jesus with the prayerful hope that God will save them?  (Pause)

If/when a church is overly focused on ministering to each other, & not concerned about the lost, that church IS massively dysfunctional.  Paul had two goals in ministry.  First, The lost being saved.  Second, The saved maturing in Christ.  Thus he preached nothing but “Christ & him crucified!”

Let me say a word about evangelism before we examine our text.  God has called us to reach the lost with the Gospel of Christ by making disciples (Mt 28:19-20).  That is the call for EVERY Christian.  Did you hear that… EVERY CHRISTIAN!  If you are a Christian, you are called to evangelize & make disciples.

Now here’s the danger for the members of HBC.  Some think that means the target are those who live close to the physical location of HBC.  That is NOT necessarily the case!  Hear me out…

Most of this membership does NOT live in the immediate Huffman community.  As a result some may neglect the need to evangelize because their neighbors don’t live in Huffman.  That thinking is off base.  Let me remind us of who OUR COMMUNITY is.  Who WE are called to share the Gospel with.

It’s YOUR neighbor.  YOUR coworkers.  YOUR friends.  YOUR family.  YOUR classmates.  Those GOD has placed in YOUR sphere of influence.  The people WE know & interact with ARE the ones GOD has called us to evangelize!  It matters NOT what community they live in!

Being lost isn’t bound by geography… race… socioeconomics… culture… education… or family boundaries.  A lost person is a lost person no matter what they look like… where they live… who they work for… or where go to school.

“1 In 2011.”  Would you be willing to ask God… during 2011… to lead at least ONE person to a saving faith in Christ? (Pause)  What if: Just 10% of attendance did?  36 people would be saved!  What if just 25% did?  90 people would be saved!  This isn’t about notches on a Bible, but obedience…

All year… God willing… I’m going to remind you of “1 In 2011.”  So pray & watch…

2:12-13.  Paul went to “preach the Gospel.”  There were opportunities, but that need didn’t mean HE was called there.  So he left Troas & went to Macedonia.  How are we to understand that?

2:14a.  Paul knew no matter WHERE he was, he’d be successful.  I like that because it means that our faithfulness to spread the Gospel… wherever we are… it is successful!  Two supporting texts…

Is 55:11, “(My Word)… shall not return to Me empty…”  It is impossible to be unsuccessful when God’s Word is proclaimed, spoken, shared, or taught.  Thus WE are assured success!

Then Jn 6:37, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, & whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”  We’re not called to “save” people, God does that!  We sow the Gospel seed & GOD brings forth the fruit called salvation!  So again… we are assured success when we evangelize!

Now understand something interesting in context of Paul’s words.  This will be a little tough so listen close!

2:14-16.  GOD is the active one in salvation “Thanks be to God WHO,”  & “Through US” (v 14).  We’re the conduit thru which God works.  We sow the seed, GOD give the increase (1 Cor 3:7-8)!

2:15.  Now look at the DOUBLE result!  One action… two results.  WE are the “aroma of Christ.”  That is us spreading the Good News that Jesus saves!  And what we do impacts BOTH those who accept AND those who reject the message!  Let’s explore that a little…

When a Roman General returned from a conquest… he led into the city his victorious army & the prisoners he had taken.  Priests followed burning incense.  For the soldiers who had conquered it was a sweet aroma of victory!  For the prisoners the smell meant they were about to be executed.

The Gospel of Christ to those who believe is sweet victory.  To those who do not believe it is a stench that will bring about their ultimate destruction.  Thus 2:16a “A fragrance from death to death” & 2:16b “A fragrance from life to life.”  Thus what is written in 1 Pet 2:7 about Jesus…

So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 AND “A stone of stumbling, & a rock of offense.”

Paul’s comment in 2:16c is… “Who is sufficient for these things?”  It’s hard to understand how the message of salvation can be so clear to us & repel others as offensive.  Then… no one has the strength, wisdom, power, or ability to work salvation in anyone’s life… including our own.  It’s tricky to know when to speak… what to say… or how to say it when it comes to witnessing.  The whole God, church, & salvation thing is absolutely overwhelming for anyone who engages in them as “over their head.”

But there IS an answer & rescue from these things… again from Paul… Listen!

“Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, insults, distresses, persecutions, difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:10), because, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Cor 15:10).  Then Col 1:29, “For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.”

As Paul was totally dependent on God’s power & grace[i], so too we must rest that God is the power at work.  We don’t have to perform perfectly in order to succeed.  We can de-stress & live each day… as it comes… in faithful obedience… trusting HIM for the outcome… & thus not worry.

2:17 is Paul’s conclusion.  He is not a “Peddler of God’s Word.”  This is his refusal to craft the message of the Bible & Gospel as anything other than what it is.  He would NOT soften God’s Truth to tickle people’s ears.  He would NOT say things to anyone other than the absolute TRUTH!  In Ac 20:27 Paul said… “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”

This meant… & means… if it’s in the Word, it is GOD’S truth & is to be preached & taught.  Some people will love it as the fragrance of life, others will hate it as the fragrance of death.  I’ve even seen that happen WITHIN the church when people run into hard things found in God’s Word!  The issue is not how many can we get in the building or on the roll, but are we faithful to God!

So what does all this mean for you?  Let me suggest just a few things…

First… Examine your evangelistic activity.  Are you spreading the Gospel to those God has placed into your life?  If not… honestly… that needs to change.  IF Jesus is precious to you AND you love other people you WILL plant Gospel seeds in their life.  More about that soon (God Willing).

Second… Are you trusting God w/ the Gospel?  Depend & rest in God AS you evangelize, minister, & teach.  You are not sufficient in yourselves, so trust God.

Third… Believe God & His Word… even when it contradicts what you believe.  I know that’s a strange thought, but don’t soften it to please people!  Know that when you teach or evangelize using GOD’S TRUTH… there will be two results: Some will believe, some won’t.  But bottom line… DO NOT CHANGE THE GOSPEL IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM.

Last.  Jesus Christ was born, lived, died, & was resurrected to save you from God’s wrath.  Salvation is not about church membership… praying a prayer… or getting baptized.  Those are only important as evidence of what God has done IN you.

This is about you admitting you have sinned against God & deserve all His wrath.  It is about agreeing w/ God that your sin damns you.  It is about believing Jesus died to pay YOUR penalty.  It is about repenting (Turning away from) and TO GOD.  It is about a total & complete surrender of your life to God.  IF that’s your desire, then cry out to God now for salvation (Acts 16:31).

Personal Introductory Comments.

Contentment is a state of absence from worry, fear, anxiety, and trouble. Contentment balances awareness and concern of potentially troubling events with an indomitable inner peace that is not bruised or dented by the rocks thrown by life. A person who is content laughs at the troubles that come their way because their perspective on life is seated in heaven.

Contentment is a state of being… a perspective on life… an inner quality that does not come in a pill. Contentment can’t be reduced to a mathematical formula. Contentment isn’t a virus that can be caught from someone else. Contentment is a gift. Contentment is learned. Contentment is the product of reflection. Real, true, and lasting contentment is from God.

Contentment is a quiet and settled state of being that is convinced of God’s absolute sovereignty in the events of life. Contentment is the assurance that God is in control and that whatever happens (Or is happening) is ultimately for His glory and the person’s ultimate good. When a person is content to the degree I’m suggesting, the thing they desire most is God’s glory and therefore WHATEVER results in that… no matter what it is… brings them joy and thus they are content!

Are you content… With what has happened to you for God’s glory? With what is happening to you for God’s glory? IS God’s glory most important to you… OVER your own personal desires, wishes, goals, and physical comfort? Do you desire God to be honored in all things regardless of what they cost you in this life? Do you PASSIONATELY DESIRE God’s will over, before, and in place of your own will?

When those things are THE desire of your heart, THEN you will be content… and wonder why you didn’t live, think, and believe that way sooner.

Regarding contentment, Is God’s Word true or not?  Can these passages be trusted as truth from God?

Ps 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, & He will act. 7 Be still before the Lord & wait patiently for Him; fret not…

Ps 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, & He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Mt 6:25 Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, & the body more than clothing?

2 Cor 3:4 The confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God…

2 Cor 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything…

Phil 4:11 I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, & I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty & hunger, abundance & need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

*Heb 13:5 Be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

1 Pet 5:7 (Cast) all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

Christians affirm God’s Word is true… at least verbally.  So why do they live as if it isn’t true?  Why are so many Christians jealous… angry… resentful… bitter… anxious… & full of worry IF what God’s Word is true AND they believe it?  I pray that God will help those who read this study to de-stress in all areas of life.  I pray that God will help Christians to live A Godly Contented Life.

An Examination Of The Problem

Jealousy, anger, resentment, bitterness, anxiety, and worry are the result of… 1) Not knowing God’s Word, 2) Not believing God, and 3) What is written in James 4:1-10…

What causes quarrels & what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war w/in you? 2 You desire & do not have, so you murder. You covet & cannot obtain, so you fight & quarrel. You do not have, b/c you do not ask. 3 You ask & do not receive, b/c you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship w/ the world is enmity w/ God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that He has made to dwell in us”? 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, & he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, & He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, & purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched & mourn & weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning & your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, & He will exalt you.

Here we find: 1) The reality of our discontent {V 1a}, 2) The source of our discontent {V 1b}, and 3) The remedy for our discontent {V 2b-10}.  I know the three reasons for discontentment seem harsh, but from my perspective I believe them to be true.

My call is to preach and teach Scripture for the people I shepherd so they will mature in their faith as God wills (Heb 6:1-3).  In trying to be a discerning pastor I’ve noticed…

#1: In my Church family I see anxiety, worry, fretting, and fear.  This is the case because of significant life issues!  People deal with things like cancer, divorce, loss of job, rebellious children, and money problems.  These problems ARE real and ARE significant.  Still, it bothers me that so many are troubled to the degree they are because it should not be that way for Christians… if what is found in Scripture is true (And of course, it is).

#2: I have experienced peace, contentment, and security in the midst of harsh, trying, and difficult life situations.  My God comforted me… through believing Him and His Word… when:

My life took unexpected confusing turns as a teenager… I was disciplined by God for the rebellions of my youth… My ancestors struggled… It looked as though my son’s illness was fatal… Concerns for my children as they struggle with life…  I struggled with depression… I worked in difficult conditions in previous pastorates… Unexpected hardships came into my life from supposed friends… Life happens like it does for everyone.

#3: I am absolutely 100% convinced that what is written in Scripture IS true regarding worry, anxiety, and fear.  I am absolutely 100% convinced that those things ARE defeated by believing God and what He placed in Scripture.  These things I do not doubt!  At the same time…

#4: The very things in God’s Word that He used to grant me His peace, contentment, and security during the most difficult times of my life have been argued against, vilified, and hated by believers when I tried to explain to them the source of my contentment.  This is a hard thing for me to understand.

For Next Week

Examine your life closely… Are you content?

1. If not… in what areas is contentment lacking?
2. As best you can discern… Why are you not content?

Read over the Scriptures in this study slowly.  Meditate upon them.  Ask God for insight through prayer.

Will you make a few willful decisions?

1. Choose to believe God and His Word,
2. Choose to believe God especially when He contradicts you (Pr 3:5),
3. Prayerfully ask God to work His truth into your soul,
4. Submit yourselves to God and His truth… joyfully.

Introduction: These are the chapters that will be overviewed in the coming weeks (God Willing).

Creation (Genesis 1-2)

The Fall (Genesis 3)

God’s Covenant with Noah (Genesis 9)

God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 12)

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)

God’s Covenant with David (2 Samuel 7)

The Promise of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31)

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)

The Deity of Christ (John 1; Hebrews 1)

The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2)

Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (John 17)

Resurrection, Great Commission (Matthew 28)

Pentecost (Acts 2)

Love (1 Corinthians 13)

The Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15)

The Universal Call To Salvation (Romans 9-11)

The Christian Life (Colossians 3)

Qualifications for Pastors & Deacons (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1)

The New Heavens & New Earth (Revelation 21)

I’m sure others would add or delete certain ones, but these are the ones I have chosen.  I hope that those who attend this study will read theses chapters prior to each presentation.  I picked theses for significance in relation to the faith and a better understanding of the Gospel.

GENESIS.  The importance of Genesis cannot be overstated.  In Genesis every Bible doctrine is found in seed form.  Without Genesis there is no cross… savior… salvation… resurrection… or eternity.  Moses wrote Genesis by revelation from God about history PAST, the same way others in Scripture write by revelation from God about history FUTURE.  God is able to reveal the past as easy as the future.  Therefore both revelatory writings are trustworthy.

Creation: Genesis 1-2

Note:  The creation account is GOD centered, NOT creation centered… and thus is all of Scripture.  In order to understand Scripture we MUST read it from that perspective.  The Bible, and everything in it, is about GOD… not man.  The Bible is written to glorify GOD in everything and all things.  This MUST be kept in mind as we read.

“In the beginning God…”  Unless a person can affirm the eternal existence of God from the first four words in Genesis, it is impossible to believe the rest of the Bible.  God is not an idea or force… He is a being that transcends and occupies time space.

The word “beginning” sets a course that will culminate in the end.  Thus pointing to the fact that the existence of all that is created in the time and space sphere will one day conclude.  Not only that, but creation has a goal, purpose, and direction.  Particularly described by the terms “New heavens and new earth” in Is 65:17 and Rev 21:1.  This is a result of God’s eternal purpose yet to be revealed to mankind.

“In the beginning GOD…”  The word for God is ELOHIM… which is the plural form.  Not as multiple deities, but implying plurality within God.[1]  In the NT Jesus is presented as Creator (Jn 1:1-3; Col 1:15-17; Heb 1:2).

“Created…”  This word is always applied to God in the OT.  Thus special activity attributable only to God.  This word always refers to WHAT is created and not what it came from.  Thus the term “ex nihilo,” or “out of nothing.”  God did not MAKE the earth & universe out of existing material, He created it “from nothing!”  The Hebrew word BARA (Create) denotes special significance in creation.  Thus the universe is in a way no different from the creature in that God created both and is sovereign over both.

“Heaven’s and earth…”  This encompasses the entire universe as well as the planet we call earth.  Consider this illustration of the expanse of God’s creation…

If the distance from the Earth to the Sun (93mm miles) is the thickness of 1 sheet of paper, then:  The distance from Earth to Pluto is a stack of 40 sheets of paper; To Alpha Centauri (The closest star 4.3 light yrs) is a stack 71 feet high; The distance across the Milky Way (200,000 light yrs) is a stack 620 miles high.  And the Milky way is just one MINOR galaxy of billions we can see.  Is this the kind of God we see as a personal assistant?

“Now the earth was…”  At a point in the past, the earth was uninhabitable in its existence.  The Spirit moving over the waters equates God’s presence with creation.

The Six Days Of Creation.  Much debate and argument has taken place regarding whether these were 24 hour days or days that represented great expanses of time.  In the OT every time the word for “day” (YOM) is used with a number it means a 24 hour period of time (Without exception).  Virtually all Hebrew scholars will admit this even though they reject 6 24 hour days for creation… mainly because of fossil evidence and carbon-14 dating.

There are many different understandings of creation, this is the one I hold: 1) God spoke everything into existence from nothing.  2) The length of time the earth was formless & void is not given a specified time period {This could result in evidence for a long existence in the carbon-14 dating.}.  3) Once creation on earth began, it took place in six 24 hour days with God resting on the seventh… the Sabbath… Saturday.  4) I personally hold to a young earth view of creation… which means I believe the earth is less than 10,000 years old as of January 3, 2012.[2]

Q: How do you explain plants and stars billions of light years away?  The answer that I am comfortable with in keeping with a very limited knowledge of physics and the like is this:

First, It is of importance to consider that the time element of “formless and void” is not given a time element… so we don’t know the length of time it existed between the end of Gen 1:2 and Gen 1:3… when creation on earth began.  This could account for a long period of time for things to happen and the light evidence be on their way to earth before the six days of earth creation began.

Second, it is possible that God may have created things “with age” already in place.  Thus… Adam was created as an adult… with age.  Eve was made from Adam’s rib as an adult.  Likewise God was able to create the universe with age… with light already in transit from its origin to earth.  This thought is secondary to the first one.

Each day of creation is ordered as follows: 1) God said, 2) The command given, 3) Creation fact, 4) God’s evaluation, 5) Boundaries given, & 6) Naming.  The idea is that creation is shaped by The Creator.

Gen 1:3, Light was created BEFORE the Sun and moon on the fourth day.  All that is necessary for a “day” is a light source & a rotating mass… which is the “formless and void” description of earth in 1:2.  Thus it is possible for there to be a 24 hour time period BEFORE the Sun was created.  The source of the light is not name, but it is perfectly acceptable that God Himself is the source (Ex 24:15-18 with Ex 40:38).

“Image of God” (1:26).  This phrase is not explained in the text, but here are thoughts: 1) It is the spiritual aliveness of humans which animals do not possess, 2) Upon the fall, the image of God was marred & resulted in spiritual death and is the reason that Adam’s children bore his (Adam’s image… spiritually dead) as found in Gen 5:3.  Upon rebirth the image of Christ (God) will be restored (1 Cor 15:49; Col 3:10; Eph 4:24).

Two Creation Accounts?  There are not two creation accounts (Genesis 1:1-2:3 and Gen 2:4-24), rather the second account (2:4-24) places great emphasis on the pinnacle of God’s creation… mankind.  In chapter 2 the story tracks the story of Adam’s life… creation of Eve… and God’s commands for them.

I am greatly blessed, in this order: First, My name is written in the Lamb’s Book of life.  Second, Pam is my wife with 3 wonderful kids.  Third, I have been granted the honor of being YOUR pastor!  As your pastor I want to take the first Sunday of 2012 to encourage you.

When I think of you, Colossians 1:28-29 is the first thing that crosses my mind.  Listen…

Him we proclaim, warning everyone & teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present EVERYONE mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me.

Did you hear it? “Present everyone mature in Christ.”  That’s my prayer & goal for you!  I want you to grow & mature in Christ every day!  My greatest joy is you maturing in the faith (3 Jn 1:4)!

To begin 2012 let’s look at how maturing in Christ happens. I pray this encourages you.

Christian Maturity Is Massively God Oriented.  Note how Peter credited GOD.  “HIS divine power” (3a).  “HE granted to us” (4a).  “HIS… promises” (4b).  God is THE source of all things… including our maturity!  That’s good because otherwise it wouldn’t happen, (Ro 3:10) “No one seeks God!”

Let me press this a little.  These three passages build one on the other (Not in your outline)

Ro 8:29 Those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…

Phil 2:13 It is God who works in you, both to will & to work for His good pleasure.

Phil 1:6 I am sure of this, that He (God) who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

R 8:29.  God doesn’t leave our growth to chance.  It’ll happen.  P 2:13.  Conformity to Christ is what GOD does according to “His good pleasure.”  P 1:6.  The Christian will become more like Jesus from their salvation till they die… THEN it’s completed in heaven (Again by God)!

Our maturity is by GOD’S will (3a, 4a, 4b).  Clearer in Heb 6:1… “Let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ & go on to maturity… 3 And this we will do if God permits.”  We mature to the level God wills for us… according to what He decides is best for us.  Nothing more… nothing less.

In the parable of the talents (Mt 25:14-30) each were given “According to their ability” (And who gave this to us?  Paul, “By the grace of God I am what I am,” 1 Cor 15:10).  The faithful servants received the SAME reward, even though their abilities & amounts trusted to them were different.

In the same way spiritual gifts are given according to God’s will (1 Cor 12:11), our growth & maturity in Christ is under God’s control… direction… & loving-kindness.  So whatever God gives us… wherever we’re planted… however much we mature… is by His sovereign care.

Christian Maturity Is Also Our Responsibility.  “Make every effort” (5).  “Be all the more diligent” (10).  Now understand this… WE are responsible for our growth in Christ!

Too many Christians are unbalanced at this point in their theology.  They either say everything is completely ordained by God & man is nothing… OR they say God only acts in response to man’s decisions.  BOTH are not only wrong… they’re unbiblical!

Christian living, maturity, & salvation are not 50-50 propositions (1/2 God, 1/2 us).  God is 100% in control AND man is 100% responsible at the same time!  Confusing?  Only as much as the Trinity or Jesus’ deity & humanity are difficult truths to understand.  Just b/c we don’t u’stand something doesn’t mean it’s false!  Look at 1 Cor 15:10 I mentioned earlier (Turn there).

But by the grace of God I am what I am, & His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

First, GOD’s activity (By the grace of God).  Second, Paul’s work (Not in vain… worked harder).  Third, Still all of God… “Though not I, but the grace of God…”  100% God & 100% man AT THE SAME TIME!

If we’re to mature (v 5-7), WE are responsible!  WE must read Scripture… pray… worship… & seek God ourselves (5-7).  We will NOT mature just because we “want to,” WE must seek it!

Christian Maturity Is A Lifelong Process.  “And are increasing” (8).  For how long?  Until we’re 50… 70… 90?  No… until we die.  Christians never stop growing in Christ.  God won’t allow it!

I am so encouraged that so many of you… though a few years older than I… still have a hunger for God & desire to be more like Christ.  Keep it up!  Keep following God!  You will be filled!

That blesses me because I know that the closer you are to God, the more you will live out your life for His glory in all the ways He wills (Eph 2:10).  Are you “MORE like Jesus” than last year??

Christian Maturity Has Now & Later Rewards.  Note 4 rewards of Christian maturity: “Partakers of the divine nature” (4b).  “Keep you from being ineffective & unfruitful” (8b).  “Never fall” (10b).  “Entrance into the eternal kingdom” {Heaven} (11b).  1 Tim 4:7,

Train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life & also for the life to come.

I only have time for “Partakers of the divine nature.”  THIS part of the Scripture amazes me the most!  Through Christ… God’s promises & grace… & as we “work out our salvation in fear & trembling,” WE PARTAKE OF GOD’S NATURE!  (BIG HUGE PAUSE)

What does DIVINE mean?  It means God’s thought become our thoughts.  His attitudes become our attitudes.  He desires are our desires.  His hatreds are our hatreds (sin).  We become more & more like God in EVERYTHING!

What is meant by Divine NATURE?  It is something that happens naturally.  Put hey & a steak in front of a wolf & what will it eat?  The steak.  Why?  It’s a wolf!  Put hey & a steak in front of a cow & what will it eat?  Hey.  Why?  It’s a cow.  Their NATURE drives them.

So too it natural for the Christian to love… forgive… show mercy… & be compassionate.  Likewise prayer… worship… ministry… & Scripture intake are not burdens… they are joys!  They come natural!  They flow from w/in!  The Divine nature IN THEM makes them WANT all those things!

Do they come natural for you?  If not… do you want them to?  Ask God to work in you through prayer!

The single most important thing for me… for you… is for you to be blessed.  THE greatest blessing in life is to know God personally & intimately.  Only thru Him will you find rest for your soul.  Only thru Jesus can

Before long we will all pass from this life & the only thing that will matter is our relationship to God thru Jesus.  With every breath of every second we are closer to eternity.  So in closing can I ask you to consider “WHAT THEN?” from a purely CHRISTIAN perspective.  Listen to 1 Cor 3:12-15…

If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw… 13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, b/c it will be revealed by fire, & the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Christians aren’t judged in relation to salvation… that was settled at the cross.  However, we are judged according to what we’ve done on earth.  Some will get into heaven smelling like smoke.  Don’t be one of them!!  Labor now for the rewards of gold, silver, & precious stones that won’t be lost!  HOW?

That is your LIFE’S homework.  Before you go to bed… read this passage SLOWLY!  Take the outline & meditate on each of the points from the message.  Then by prayer… ask God to work these into your life in ever increasing measures for the rest of your life.  Not all that hard huh?

While today is Christmas… I want to take you from the manger to Thursday night before Jesus’ crucifixion… which is just nigh of the reason Jesus was born.  Consider John 12:27-33

Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, & I will glorify it again.” 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.

Lk 22:14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, & the apostles with him. 15 He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer… 17 And he took a cup, & when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, & divide it among yourselves. 18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. 19 And he took bread, & when he had given thanks, he broke it & gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.

Jesus was born to die for the sin of His people.  By His death & resurrection He would glorify God.  Now let’s focus on six words from Lk 22:19… “Do this in remembrance of Me…”  More directly, WHAT are we to remember about Jesus as we partake of the Lord’s Supper?  Some suggestions…

Remember His mercy in NOT giving you what you deserve… hell…

Remember His patience with you before AND after your conversion…

Remember He has forgiven your sin in thought, words, & deeds…

Remember His great love, “Greater love has no man than this…” (Jn 15:13)…

Remember His grace in bestowing upon you the highest honor, a child of God…

Remember the sting of death is gone forever (1 Cor 15:55)…

Remember you now have His joy in you (Jn 17:13)…

Remember that He has promised never to leave or forsake you (Heb 13:5)…

Remember thru Christ you have angels who attend you (Heb 1:14)…

Remember that because of Christ YOU have a crown waiting on you in heaven (2 Tim 4:8)…

Remember by his death YOUR sin of disbelief is forgiven… (Jn 16:8-9)

Remember His resurrection… for without that we are most to be pitied (1 Cor 15:19)…

Remember His RETURN (Rev 22:12, 20)!  One last thing…

Remember that the reason we have the Lord’s Supper is the heinous nature of our sin against God. It was so great that it REQUIRED a drastic action for it to be forgiven.

Remember that because of Jesus’ death, burial, & resurrection HIS righteousness is now yours & because of THAT you are granted access into heaven… to God’s presence!

Those are just a FEW of the things we’re to contemplate as we partake the Lord’s Supper…

Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”

My theology of Christmas begins in Galatians 4:4… (Read Scripture)…

“When the fullness of time had come…”  What does “fullness of time” mean?  How are we to understand what “the fullness of time” is?  I have a few thoughts in no particular order of importance…

It means Jesus was born when GOD determined it was to happen.  It also means that GOD set the world stage into an order that was the perfect time for Jesus to be born!  GOD was massively involved in the event we refer to as Christmas… the time when Jesus was born.  For example…

Consider the unique time into which Jesus was born.  The Pax Romana (Peace of Rome).  The one time in world history when there was no war.  Ease of Travel as a result of the Pax Romana & their road system.  The widely spoken language of Greek.  Jesus was born at the exact time chosen by GOD.

“When the fullness of time had come… GOD…”  We must keep the focus of Christmas where it should be… on God.  Primarily, God the Father.  GOD planned it… GOD willed it… GOD initiated it.  Christmas is 100% a GOD thing from beginning to end.

God was powerfully active in the events associated with Jesus’ birth as the prophets foretold: The Messiah’s (Jesus) birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), Slaughter of baby boys (Mt 2:16-18 with Jer 31:15), His name & office… Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace (Is 9:6-7) just to name a few…

God’s activity included fulfilling Malachi 3:5-6 thru Zechariah & Elizabeth’s child John (Lk 1:5-25).  God sent the angel Gabriel to a virgin named Mary to tell her she would bear God’s child (Lk 1:26-38).  GOD sent another angel to Mary’s future husband Joseph in a dream telling him the child she was carrying was by the Holy Spirit & would be the Savior (Mt 1:18-25).

Then there is the glorious account as recorded in Luke 2:8-20…

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, & the glory of the Lord shone around them, & they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes & lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God & saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, & on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem & see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste & found Mary & Joseph, & the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying & praising God for all they had heard & seen, as it had been told them.

Imagine it!  The glory of the Lord shining around them!  Hearing a multitude of angels praising God!  They were the FIRST to know (Outside Mary & Joseph, Zechariah & Elizabeth).  They never forgot!  They probably talked of “that night” often.  I imagine when Jesus’ fame began to spread… they texted each other (?) & reminded one another of “that night” 30 years before.  They certainly would have remembered when Jesus died… & when He was RESURRECTED!!  Wow were those kids blessed!

Yet God continued working in the events surrounding Jesus’ birth.  We’ve yet to mention how God used Daniel hundreds of years earlier to set the stage for Magi to be looking for the Messiah’s star… that directed them to Jesus hundreds of miles from their home (Last year’s Christmas message). [i]

Not only that… how God thru a dream warned the Magi NOT to return to Herod in Jerusalem because they’d be killed.  So instead they returned home a different direction (Mt 2:1-12).

Then there were the gifts given to Joseph & Mary… Gold, Frankincense, & Myrrh.  These were expensive gifts given to a poor destitute couple.  And there was a purpose for these gifts!  When Herod found out the Magi had left… he ordered all the boys in Bethlehem 2 years old & younger to be killed.

Just prior to Herod’s decree… GOD warned Joseph… thru an angel… in a dream… to flee to Egypt so Jesus wouldn’t be killed (Mt 2:13-15).  Joseph, Mary, & Jesus were able financially to flee Bethlehem… live in Egypt for a period of time… AND return home because of the gifts the Magi provided (Because of Daniel’s influence centuries earlier!).  All of this happened to fulfill Hosea 11:1.

No one… ever… will be able to convince me that all the events surrounded Jesus’ birth are anything BUT God’s providential hand at work for HIS glory & the salvation of sinners. God made sure that everything was just as it should be… in “The fullness of time!”  Now Galatians 4:4…

When the fullness of time had come, GOD sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Jesus was NOT Joseph’s son… He was GOD’S Son!  Jesus was 100% God… & 100% human… at the same time!  As a human being born under “The Law,” he was required by God the Father to keep His law… perfectly!  Which He did… never once sinning in thought, word, or deed (Heb 4:15)!

Because Jesus perfectly kept God’s Law… He was worth to REDEEM those under the Law (the rest of humanity… all those who would believe).  The redemption of sinners took place when sinless Jesus died on the cross.

It was on the cross that God imputed our sin to Jesus that resulted in all who believe being adopted BY GOD THE FATHER as His children.  By God adopting sinners into His family, He imputes Jesus’ perfection to them thereby making them worthy to enter His presence.

Then there are the benefits bestowed upon believers by God’s will… Gal 4:6-7…

And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

The ultimate result of Jesus coming in the fullness of time was becoming one of God’s SONS (Not sons & daughters… daughters didn’t gain an inheritance.  This is inclusive, not chauvinistic!).  So IN CHRIST EVERY believer gains an inheritance from God the Father!

That my friends is what Christmas is all about.  It is about GOD… JESUS… coming to “Seek & save that which was lost” (Lk 19:10).

The same way I described God’s involvement in Jesus’ birth… God is, has been, and will be involved in your life!  First for the Christian…

From before you were born God worked in your ancestor’s lives for your good!  To set people, events, and circumstances for the fruition of your salvation and holiness (Romans 8:28-29).

For the unbeliever… it is no accident that you are here today and heard this message.  God is thru all events, circumstances, and this message calling you… commanding you… to come to Him for salvation.

Don’t you see it?  Don’t you understand?  God did everything… all the events surrounding Christmas… to glorify Himself by saving YOU!  Won’t you come to Christ?!  Won’t you live for Him?!

This message is about how to defeat Satan in your family, at work, in relationships, & Church!  It may not sound like that’s the purpose at the beginning, but stay with me.  I plan to drop a bomb on him in just a little bit…

In Pr 27:6 it is written… “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.”  When you love someone, you do difficult things… for their good.  Many don’t have a problem saying hard things to people… but their motivation usually isn’t for the other person’s good but to make a point or take a shot at them.

(2:1-4) Because Paul loved the Corinthians, he was direct with them (People don’t get hints).  Paul confronted their sin in several letters because they were in danger of being destroyed by it. [i]  He wrote in a harsh manner… & in so doing proved his LOVE for them (2:4).

Last week we looked at critics & criticism.  What Paul does here is different.  Criticism is NOT intended to build up & help a person.  Critics accuse, undermine, while casting dispersion & doubt.  What Paul is doing is TOTALLY different.  The motivation of LOVE is THE difference!

There are times when a person’s conduct not only causes them hardship… but others also.  This was happening in Corinth.  One person caused problems in the church (2:5).  The church recognized the effect of this person’s sin & implemented discipline because of their actions (2:6).

What was happening at Corinth is virtually unheard of today.  Prior to the 20^th Century it was a hallmark of Orthodox Christian Churches.  Today what the Corinthian Church did would be vilified as un-Christian.  What am I talking about?  Church Discipline (“CD.”  Church Discipline might be a “cuss word” to some because of experiences from the past or not understanding it).

There are two kinds of Discipline: Formative & corrective.  Formative TEACHES proper behavior.  Corrective punishes improper behavior.

Discipline is a hallmark of a healthy church!  Discipline is proof of love for fellow believers.  In fact, Discipline is one sure way we know God (!) LOVES us!  Listen to Heb 12:5-11…

“Do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, & chastises every son whom He receives.” 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. 8 If you are… without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children & not sons. 9 Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits & live? 10 He disciplines us FOR OUR GOOD, that we may share His holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

God loves us therefore He disciplines us… for our good… to share in His holiness!

Paul instructed the church to love wayward members… by disciplining them… to the point of removing them from the fellowship when necessary 1 Cor 5:1 (God had Paul write this!)

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, & of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. 3 For though absent in body… I have pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 5 You are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump… 12 Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”

This is called Church Discipline (CD).  We find CD in 2 Cor 2:6.  It seems that a person caused pain in the church, & they implemented some form of CD.  We don’t know the specifics.  It’s possible that 2:6 refers to 1 Cor 5 (We just read)… but commentators don’t agree.  Still there are some things we need to take notice of.  Let’s read 2 Cor 2:6-11 again to see some things often overlooked.

For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, 7 so you should rather turn to forgive & comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. 9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you & know whether you are obedient in everything. 10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

Notice first 2:11.  Satan works in the church to cause disruption & disharmony.  While he cannot posses a believer, he can deceive them to doing his work.  Remember, if Satan will use Peter to get at Jesus,[ii] he’ll use anyone to get at us… OR THE CHURCH!  That’s us… at each other!  So we mustn’t be ignorant of Satan’s schemes…

When a person is contentious… divisive… or causes harm in or to the church (I’ll echo Paul now) there is a great likelihood Satan is using them as a tool.  ** PAUSE **  Now… since Satan hates God, Christ, & His Bride The Church… how to defeat (Prevent?) him from hurting us (The Dynamics)?

Note 2 Cor 2:6.  With CD… restoration is the goal!  Paul affirms CD as we’ve seen… with the goal ALWAYS being restoration!  We are NOT to be “spiritual sadists.”  Thus Gal 6:1…

If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should RESTORE him in a spirit of gentleness.  Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Did you hear that?  RESTORE HIM… in a spirit of GENTLENESS!  It is undeniable that CD is proper in Church AND a positive thing… when done Biblically proper!  Note the two important points: Restore & Gentle!

Now for the more elements that defeat Satan when he attacks.  The first is forgiveness!  This is the bomb Satan can’t defuse… Note 2:7, 10-11!

This person had done something that harmed the church.  Yes… he was punished.  But he learned his lesson… so Paul BEGGED the Church to 1) Forgive, 2) Comfort, & 3) Reaffirm their love for him.  If they didn’t do these things, he might be overwhelmed with excessive sorrow (NOT good).

Satan has sold a false bill of goods to the church ABOUT CD because he fears it… because he knows the end result!!  I’m serious.  Satan has duped C’ians into believing CD is bad!  When done properly (Love for the church & person), GOD is glorified!  CD is BIBLICAL!  Now some specifics of appropriate CD.

In 2:9b it is interesting that implementing CD was a test of obedience for the church!  If a congregation LOVES it’s members, they will show it by their actions of obedience… in the form of CD!  Wow… what does that say about us & whether or not we love each other???  Just a thought…

FORGIVENESS (7a).  This is treating a person as love would have you treat them.  When you forgive, you don’t bring up the past.  You trust them… AGAIN.  You bless, help, & encourage them.

This one is huge!  This is the ONE thing that absolutely subverts Satan’s attempt to destroy by dividing.  Forgiveness proves restoration!  We’re to forgive as God in Christ forgave us (Eph 4:32)!

We’re accepted as family… trusted with the Gospel… given responsibilities & blessings.  We’re given eternal rewards.  Our past isn’t held against us.  We aren’t reminded of our failures.  RIGHT?!  THAT is how a person WE’VE forgiven is to be treated!!

If/when a person won’t forgive, in all likelihood they have not been forgiven by God.  Since we’re forgiven for killing God’s Son (Jesus), who are we not to forgive a person for hurting us?!

Second is COMFORT (7b).  Comforting a person is easing their hurt & pain.  Binding up & healing the wounds that restored them into fellowship.  It is affirming them as a part of the family…

Third is REAFFIRM YOUR LOVE FOR HIM (8).  Thru tangible acts AND words, the person needs to know they are still loved.  Hug them.  Include them.  Laugh with them.  Rejoice with them!

A fourth one is not so obvious because it is by extension.  Here Paul returns to what ultimately negates Satan’s attempts… FORGIVENESS (10).  Paul forgave BECAUSE THE CHURCH had forgiven!  He did this for the church’s health… IN THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST (10b)!  His point is that all we do is for Jesus to be glorified IN THE CHURCH!

We’ve covered a LOT of ground today, so let me give you a synopsis (Outline):

1. Love produces actions for the good of the people or person loved,
2. One proof of love is the willingness to discipline for a person’s ultimate good,
3. Satan attempts to use people to frustrate God’s plans through dividing God’s people,
4. The goal of all discipline is restoration,
5. Church Discipline is a good thing, given by God, to defeat Satan,
6. Four elements of successful Church (Or individual) Discipline that restores is:
   1. Forgiveness…
   2. Comfort…
   3. Love, AND…
   4. Corporate Forgiveness.

Invitation…