Brother Cooks Bible Studies

God Forbid (Romans 6)

2010-01-24T22:00:00.000-05:00

Romans Chapter 6

God Forbid!!

Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Roman chapter 6 believe it or not was the changing point in my life, years ago I had a lovely wife 2 kids, worked construction I believed in God I was saved. But every night or every time I had a moment to my self I became overwhelmed with guilt and most of the time I did not even know why. I remember one night in particular my heart was so heavy I just out of blue could not take anymore and feel to my knees crying, and I prayed Lord help me I know you are speaking to me but I cant hear you. A few minutes later my phone rang it was God. No just kidding it was however my sister from north Carolina, and she asked me if everything was OK. I kinda broke down and told her how I was feeling, and that I knew God was trying to reach me but I just cant seem to get there. And she said something to me that I will never forget with her North Carolina accent she said to me “ You know what brother? It sounds like you got some unresolved sin in you life and you need to repent to God.” Now when she said that I knew instantly she was right, she prayed with me, for me, then she said to me “ you got your bible there?” I said yes, She in return said to me “well turn to Romans chapter 6 I want to read it with you” and she did as she read the Holy spirit changed my life that night I was already saved I know that but through my sister he reviled some new truths about my salvation and I hope as we look at romans 6 today He will do the same for you. I remember after I had got off the phone with my sister that night I must have read romans chapter 5&6 at least 10 times. Let go to the lord in prayer before we begin

Now If we take a look at the first thing Paul says here notice the truth in his statement. So many of us he is speaking directly too in this passage this is how we live our lives every day. (Rom 6:1) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? In the last chapter the apostle has shown that the existence of sin called out the grace of God in forgiveness. Were there is sin there is grace. Now the objection is raised. If that is so then why not continue in sin so that God's grace would all the more abound? Right , If Grace is more abundant when we are living in sin are we not better off continuing that way? We continually sin but yet we expect grace, forgiveness, mercy, etc.. we expect our marriages, and our finance everything in our lives to just fall into place. we want to live and compromise with sin yet we want Grace in all aspects of our lives to abound, Amen. Well whats the apostle say about it? To find out lets continue to read verse 2 . (Rom 6:2) God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? GOD FORBID!!! Listen up, if you are a Christian, if you truly accepted Christ as your Saviour, you are by the blood of Christ Dead to sin, and if you are dead to it what right do you have to live in it? You don't You are depriving God you are depriving Christ of His Glory. Death is a separation. Before we accepted Christ we were alive to sin sin was our master, we served sin to our full selfish desires did we not. Think about it did we not do what we wanted when we wanted how we wanted were we wanted and in the manner of which WE wanted to do it. But you see what Paul is saying here when we accepted Christ we became dead from sin separated from sin because Christ died and paid the price of our sin on the cross so sin is no longer our master but Christ is our debt is not to sin but to Christ but the debt was paid by his blood and given to us freely through His grace. Now If we have been cut loose from sin, how can we continue in it? How can we continually live in sin? The implied statement of the apostle is, that we should not continue in sin. See as Christians we know the grace is there to pick us up when we sin but does that mean just because we know Christ has paid that price we should continue. No GOD FORBIB!!! Why not? The grace is there. Look The reason is drawn from the fact that we are dead in fact to sin. Just as when someone physically dies they are dead to this world and can no longer live in it correct? It is impossible for those who are dead to act as if they were alive. It is just as absurd to expect that a Christian should live in sin as that a dead man should act as if he were alive. It is not to be!! GOD FORBIB!!! We are dead to sin. To be dead to a thing is a strong expression. It denotes that it has no more influence over us. A man that is dead is unaffected by the affairs of this life. When it is said, therefore, that a Christian is dead to sin, the point is, that sin has lost its influence over us. WE are not subjected to it anymore; When we are in the grave we have no cares of this life, so why in this life should we have any cares of the sin in which we as Christians are dead too? Amen. The apostle does not attempt to prove that Christians are dead, nor does he state in what way they become so. He assumes it a fact without argument by the Holy Spirit which dwells in us. Now All Christians are in fact dead to sin. Why Because of the blood of Christ. We do not live to sin; nor does has sin dominion over us anymore. Next we see the phrase Live any longer therein How shall we, We who are now born again Christians who have become aware of the evil of sin, and who have renounced it by our profession of Jesus Christ, how can we continue to practice ourself in sin? Continue to live in it?!! Let me will say this. it is against the very nature of a true Christian to do so. Are some of us trapped in our sin yes can we get out yes because Sin has no dominion over us except that which we allow it to. How do we allow it to? We compromise with sin. All Christians can understand that; but few of us actually dare to comprehend it. Yes as Christians we do still struggle with sin at times in our lives. It is our corrupt nature, we are weak, and too frequently we find occasions to fall. But Since we are of Christ's chosen now we do not live in a continual state of sin and if we do shame on us! It is not to be so GOD FORBID!!! When we do fall Christ is there to pick us up. He literary reaches His hand out to us but so often in our pride we shoe His hand away and try to get back up ourself s. Then what happens?? we just fall back down, and guess what? some of us stay down, just as a dead man ceases from the actions of life. Again God forbid - Let it not be; by no means; far from it; let not such a thing be! To Die to a thing or person, is to have nothing to do with it or him; to be totally separated from them: and to live to a thing or person is to be wholly given up to them; to have the most intimate connection with them. So do you understand as a Christian your full life is to be lived unto Christ Because you are not under sin anymore, which brings death, you are under Christ whom Gives life. There is a death for sin, a death in sin, and a death to sin; the latter is here mentioned, a death to sin is what Paul is speaking of. Christians may be said to be "dead to sin. Simply put Dead to sin means we are Freed both from the guilt and from the power of it in our lives. Paul does not explain away the free grace of the gospel, The grace is always there, but rather he shows that the connection between justification and holiness are inseparable. And the thought should be abhorred, of continuing in sin that grace may abound. True believers are dead to sin, therefore we should not to follow sin. We should not to live in sin,and we should not compromise with sin. No man can at the same time be both dead and alive. You are either one or the other. And he is a fool who, desiring to be dead unto sin, thinks he may live in it. Again let these Scriptures sink into the depths of your heart ( What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God Forbid. God forbid!!!!! Are you truly hearing Gods word today? Are you living in sin or are you dead to sin? Lets look at verse 3-7 (Rom 6:3) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Rom 6:4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Whats is Paul saying here? What does he mean we were baptized into His death? The fact that every follower of Christ has died to sin is shown by his baptism. All its symbolism points to death. To be baptized into Christ means to enter into a vital union with him, so that we are to be found in him. Look at (Gal 3:27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. But this baptism into Christ implies death, for it is a baptism into the death of Christ. That the subjects of baptism are partakers of his death is shown by the form of baptism. It is a symbolic burial. We are buried through baptism into death. first a burial implies death. Second a Baptism is a burial, third therefore as subjects we died. Just As Christ died through sin, we die to sin; as the Crucified Christ was buried, we who have died to sin through the gospel are buried with him. As death and burial separate from the natural life, baptism so separated us from our sin nature in life. Now That like as Christ was raised up from the dead. The glorious power of the Father lifted up Christ from the tomb. We, too, rise from the watery burial of baptism, with death and burial between us and the old life of sin, so that we may walk in newness of life. Just As a seed, planted, buried out of sight, rises again in a new life, so are we planted in the likeness of Christ's death when we are buried in baptism, and rise in the likeness of his resurrection, when we are lifted out of the water, and are seen we henceforth have a new life through the Salvation of Christ. Every man who believes in Christ, and receives baptism as the proof that he or she believes it, and has taken up the profession of it, is bound thereby to a life of righteousness. To be baptized into Christ, is to receive the doctrine of Christ crucified, and to receive baptism is a proof of the genuine faith in Christ, and that we accept the obligation to live according to Christ standards. There are three parts of this sanctification: that is, the death of the old man or sin, his burial, and the resurrection of the new man, descending into us from the virtue of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, of which our baptism is or was a sign and pledge of. Yes you are a new man in Christ You are freed from sin the price was paid on Calvary. so don't live as you did before. Your not the same person you know that in your heart.

Lets go now to verse 8-11 (Rom 6:8) Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (Rom 6:9) Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. (Rom 6:10) For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. (Rom 6:11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. OK now since we have established we are dead to sin that means what? We are alive unto Christ. Just as death has no dominion over Christ Sin now has no dominion over us. And unless we propose this fact in our hearts we will fail in our walk with Christ. The cross of Christ slew our old sinful nature. Now The gospel was the power that moved us to separate from sin, and cling to Christ. When this old nature was crucified, we died to sin. Paul is specking of us taking Grace for granted. So we, believing in Christ Jesus, and having a death unto sin, and a life unto righteousness, should sin no more. Correct. Now If we be risen indeed with Christ, we should seek the things above the thing of Heaven, and set our hearts on things above, and not on the things of the earth. A man who walks in humble, and loving obedience, to Christ, Guess what sin has no more dominion over his soul than death has over the immortal and glorified body of our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen Now our proof is That Christ risen from the dead, is a certain fact, well attested to, thoroughly known, and firmly believed by Christians; the prophets prophesied of it, Christ himself foretold it, angels affirmed it, and the apostles were witnesses of it, as is also the Holy Ghost whom He has sent to dwell in our hearts. Christ was raised to an immortal life, and will live for evermore; there is no need of his dying again, his death was a full atonement of all the sins and transgressions of the world. Now death once had dominion over Christ; it held him under its power for a short time, according to His divine determination, and by his own consent: but it was not possible he should be holden of it longer than He was, both on account of the divinity of his person, as the Son of God, and the virtue and efficacy of his sacrifice. Christs death was a voluntary act. He gave up His life to pay for our sins. He died to sin - To atone for and abolish it. He liveth unto God - A glorious eternal life. This is our new standard to measure ourself s by Christs example. There are two clear points that Paul is making here first consider yourself dead to sin, second Set your standards to those of Christ's.

As we close if you know Christ as your Saviour why are you living in sin still? God forbid As Paul said in(Rom 6:11) Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. When you go about the days work ahead don't compromise with sin, it has no power over you, you are dead to it, separated from it therefor put it far from you, live unto Christ for He is you master, your lord, your savior, your friend. He has more love for you than anyone here on earth ever could. If you don't know Christ as your savior you might be feeling this overwhelming feeling in your heart today thats Christ calling out to you with His Grace, He wants you to know he has paid the price for your sin, He wants you to open your heart to him and let him in, it not hard, theres no strings attached His gift of salvation is free to anyone whom believes in Him, Confess to him you are a sinner, tell him lord I believe you died on the cross for me, I know you paid the ultimate price for my sins, come into my heart forgive me make me yours lord. Lets close in prayer.

Sermon on the Mount part 8

2009-12-22T12:03:00.001-05:00

8 Sermon Project Part Eight of Eight
The Law of Love
Mt.5: 38-48

Before we looked at how Christ clarified the seventh commandment & how to hold our yeas as yea's and our na's as na's, as we come to an end of this eight part series our final portion of scripture we are going to take a in depth look at is found in Mt: 5 verse's 38-48 a little bit larger portion of text than previously.

(Mat 5:38) Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
(Mat 5:39) But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
(Mat 5:40) And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
(Mat 5:41) And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
(Mat 5:42) Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
(Mat 5:43) Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
(Mat 5:44) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
(Mat 5:45) That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
(Mat 5:46) For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
(Mat 5:47) And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
(Mat 5:48) Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

As we begin let me point out by saying this is one of the most misinterpreted section of scripture in todays society. Know stop and think about this. Picture this your at a ball game or a movie with some friends, by mistake your big head is blocking the view of the person behind you. This person gets upset and says a few choice words to you or maybe even nudges you in the back of the head, Our first reaction may be to share a few choice words back to them our to give them a nudge to there head right back but a bit harder. Its OK right ? Well everyone always says the Bible Say's an eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth right. I mean it's right here verse 38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: So its OK. Wrong. That is a misinterpretation of God's word by no means is Christ saying do to others as they do to you. OK then pastor what is Christ saying here ? Well lets take a look. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. The law quoted is found in Exo 21:23-25 and again in Lev 24:18-20. Moses intended it to protect person and property by prescribing what punishment the law should inflict. He who took a life should lose his life; he who robbed another of an eye should be punished by the loss of an eye. However, the Jews perverted it to justify private retaliation's. As a judicial rule it is not unjust. Christ finds no fault with the rule as applied to magistrates, and does not take upon himself to repeal it. But instead of confining it to magistrates, the Jews had extended it to private conduct, and made it the rule by which to take revenge. They considered themselves justified by this rule to inflict the same injury on others that they had received. Our Saviour remonstrates against this. He declares that the law had no reference to private revenge, that it was given only to regulate the magistrate, and that their private conduct was to be governed by different principles. When this law is taken into private matter it has another name Revenge. Revenge was often carried to the utmost extremity, and more evil returned than what had been received. This is often the case among those who are called Christians. Quick fact The law of personal retaliation exists in Arabia today. Christ shows that contrary to the doctrine of the scribes, that we may in no wise render evil for evil, but rather suffer double injury, and do well to them that are our deadly enemies. But yet in some cultures even today it is taken so litany the put a price on it for example if a man cuts off his neighbor's hand, or foot, he is to be considered as if he was a servant sold in a market; what he was worth then, and what he is worth now; and he must pay the diminution which is made of his price; as it is said, "eye for eye". From tradition it is learned, that this for, spoken of, is to be understood of paying money; this is what is said in the law, "as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again". Not that he is to be hurt, as he has hurt his neighbor; but inasmuch as he deserves to want a member, or to be hurt as he has done; therefore he ought to pay the damage. Back to verse 38 Our Lord proceeds to enforce such meekness and love on those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (which he pursues to the end of the chapter) It hath been said - In the law, as a direction to judges, for violent and barbarous assaults. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth - but this has been interpreted, as encouraging bitter and rigorous revenge.
Let go to verse 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. Our Lord’s own meek, yet dignified bearing, when smitten rudely on the cheek, Joh 18:22-23 Now He does not literally mean presenting the other cheek because that would be inviting more harm or anger, but rather it is the preparedness, after one indignity, not to invite but to submit meekly to another, without retaliation, which this strong language is meant to convey to us. We don't want or at least shouldn't want to provoke anyone. The plain instruction is, Suffer any injury that can be borne, for the sake of peace, committing your concerns to the Lord's keeping. And the sum of all is, that Christians must avoid disputing and striving. If any say, Flesh and blood cannot pass by such an affront, let them remember, that flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of God; and those who act upon right principles will have peace and comfort. the Greek word translated resist signifies standing in battle array, striving for victory. If a man smite thee on the right cheek - Return not evil for evil: yea, turn to him the other - Rather than revenge thyself. But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil,.... This is not to be understood as of any sort of evil, not of the evil of sin, of bad actions, and false doctrines, which are to be opposed; nor of the evil one, Satan, who is to be resisted; but of an evil man, an injurious one, who has done us an injury. We must not render evil for evil, or repay him in the same way. Not that a man may not lawfully defend himself, and endeavor to secure himself from injuries is justifiable but rather he is not to make use of private revenge. As if a man should pluck out one of his eyes, he must not in revenge pluck out one of his; or should he strike out one of his teeth, he must not use him in the same manner; but patiently bear the affront, or seek satisfaction in another way. Bottom line Our Lord’s meaning is, “Do not repel one outrage by another.” He that does so makes himself precisely what the other is, a wicked person. Turn to him the other also - That is, rather than avenge thyself, be ready to suffer patiently a repetition of the same injury. Turn to him the other. This must be the Christian spirit, the great law of love, which "endureth all things." This is not a code to be slavishly observed in the letter, but its spirit must always be preserved.
Verse 40 & 41 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Anyone been sued? Well heres how to handle it. Better to give it up, too, than to engage in litigation. Many a poor soul has realized this when it was too late, and the lawyers had divided his property. Avoid lawsuits if possible.
Every where our blessed Lord shows the utmost disapprobation of such litigations as they tend to destroy brotherly kindness and charity. It is evident that he would have his followers suffer the loss of all their property than to have recourse to such modes of litigation, at such a great a risk. Having the mind averse from contentions, and preferring peace and concord to temporal advantages, is most solemnly recommended to all Christians. We are great gainers when we lose only our money, or other property, and risk not the loss of our souls, by losing the love of God and man. Don't contest the matter, or try the cause in an open court. let him have thy cloak also; do not forbid, or hinder him from taking it. If a wrangling, quarrelsome man, insists upon having thy coat, or upper garment, let him take the next; and rather suffer thyself to be stripped naked than engage in a litigious broil with him. This also is contrary to the above canon of the Jews. Where the damage is not great, choose rather to suffer it, though possibly it may on that account be repeated, than to demand an eye for an eye, to enter into a rigorous prosecution of the offender. The meaning of the whole passage seems to be, rather than return evil for evil, when the wrong is purely personal, submit to one bodily wrong after another, give up one part of your goods after another, submit to one instance of compulsion after another. That the words are not literally to be understood, appears from the behavior of our Lord himself in Joh 18:22-23. Compel thee to go a mile Christ directs to yield the service, and double it rather than refuse it. Shall compel thee (aggareusei). The word is of Persian origin and means public couriers or mounted messengers (aggaroi) who were stationed by the King of Persia at fixed localities, with horses ready for use, to send royal messages from one to another. So if a man is passing such a post-station, an official may rush out and compel him to go back to another station to do an errand for the king. This was called impressment into service. This very thing was done to Simon of Cyrene who was thus compelled to carry the cross of Christ. go with him twain: his meaning is, not to dispute such a matter, though it may be somewhat laborious and disagreeable, but comply, for the sake of peace. the thing here demanded is a readiness to submit to unreasonable demands of whatever kind, rather than raise quarrels, with all the evils resulting from them. Christ wants us to Go the extra mile for the sake of peace this is the law of love.
Lets continue verse 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Give to him that asketh thee. Palestine swarmed with blind, lepers, and maimed, who were dependent on charity. Every corner you turned there most likely was a beggar. Turn not away. The Lord does not bid to give to every one, not to loan to every one, for this would not be a blessing, but to have a spirit that will be ready to do so whenever it is right. This is the general rule. It is better to give sometimes to an undeserving person than to turn away one who is really in need. It is good to be in the habit of giving. At the same time, the rule must be interpreted so as to be consistent with our duty to our families. To give to such is to encourage laziness, and to support the idle at the expense of the industrious. If such a one is indeed hungry, feed him; if he needs anything further, give him employment. If a widow, an orphan, a man of misfortune, or an infirmed man, lame, or sick, is at your door, never send any of them away empty. So this is true of a poor and needy friend that wishes to borrow. We are not to turn away or deny him. This deserves, however, some limitation. It must be done in consistency with other duties. To lend to every worthless man would be to throw away our property, encourage laziness and crime, and ruin our own families. It should be done consistently with every other obligation, and of this everyone is to be the judge. Perhaps our Saviour meant to teach that where there was a deserving friend or brother in need, we should lend to him without usury, and without standing much about the security. To give and to lend, are two duties of charity which Christ joins together, and which he sets on equal footing. A rich man is one of God’s stewards: God has given him money for the poor, and he cannot deny it without an act of injustice. But no man, from what is called a principle of charity or generosity, should give that in alms which belongs to his creditors. Generosity is godlike; but justice has ever, both in law and Gospel, the first claim. Its great to give charity but take care of your duties first. Luke 6:35-36 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Give, Loan to others from the love of Christ in your heart without expecting to be paid back. If we expect the return of payment its not the giving of Christ in our hearts but the giving of our own gain and selfishness. When you give give deservingly, and without expectation of any return, now if you get a return great, if not its OK and it wont cause any animosity between you and they because you went expecting it any way were you?
Moving on to verse 43-48 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite fully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
The Jewish teachers by “neighbour” understood only those who were of their own country, nation, and religion, whom they were pleased to look upon as their friends. The Lord Jesus teaches that we must do all the real kindness we can to all, especially to their souls. We must pray for them. While many will render good for good, we must render good for evil; and this will speak a nobler principle than most men act by. Others salute their brethren, and embrace those of their own party, and way, and opinion, but we must not so confine our respect. It is the duty of Christians to desire, and aim at, and press towards perfection in grace and holiness. And therein we must study to conform ourselves to the example of our heavenly Father, Surely more is to be expected from the followers of Christ than from others; surely more will be found in them than in others. Let us beg of God to enable us to prove ourselves his children. We have here, lastly, an exposition of that great fundamental law Thou shalt love thy neighbor, which was the fulfilling of the law.
I. I want you to see here how this law was corrupted by the comments of the Jewish teachers, God said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor; and by neighbor they understood this as those only of their own country, nation, and religion; and those only that they were pleased to look upon as their friends: yet this was not the worst; from this command, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, they were developed there own rule which God never designed; Thou shalt hate thine enemy; and they looked upon whom they saw as their enemies, thus making void the great command of God by their own traditions, though there were express laws to the contrary,which we can read in Exo_23:4, Exo_23:5; Deu_23:7. Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite, nor an Egyptian, though these nations had been as much enemies to Israel as any whatsoever. It was true, God appointed them to destroy the seven devoted nations of Canaan, and not to make leagues with them; but there was a particular reason for it - to make room for Israel, and that they might not be snares to them; but it was very ill-natured
II. See how it is cleared by the command of the Lord Jesus, who teaches us another lesson: “But I say unto you, I, who come to be the great Peace-Maker, the general Reconciler, who loved you when you were strangers and enemies, I say, Love your enemies,” Mat_5:44. Though men are ever so bad themselves, and carry it ever so basely towards us, yet that does not discharge us from the great debt we owe them, of love to our kind, love to our kin. We cannot but find ourselves very prone to wish the hurt, or at least very coldly to desire the good, of those that hate us, and have been abusive to us; but that which is at the bottom this is a root of bitterness, which must be plucked up, and a remnant of corrupt nature which grace must conquer. I want you to Note, it is the great duty of Christians to love their enemies; we cannot have complacency in one that is openly wicked and profane, nor put a confidence in one that we know to be deceitful; nor are we to love all alike; but we must pay respect to the human nature, and honor all men: we must take notice, with pleasure, of that even in our enemies which is amiable and commendable; ingenuousness, good temper, learning, and moral virtue, kindness to others, profession of religion, etc., and love that, though they are our enemies. We must have a compassion for them, and a good will toward them. We are here told,
1. That we must speak well of them: Bless them that curse you. When we speak to them, we must answer their reviling s with courteous and friendly words, and not render railing for railing; behind their backs we must commend that in them which is commendable, and when we have said all the good we can of them, not be forward to say any thing more. They, in whose tongues is the law of kindness, can give good words to those who give bad words to them.
2. That we must do well to them: “Do good to them that hate you, and that will be a better proof of love than good words. Be ready to do them all the real kindness that you can, and glad of an opportunity to do it, in their bodies, estates, names, families; and especially to do good to their souls.” It was said of Archbishop Cranmer, that the way to make him a friend was to do him an ill turn;
3. We must pray for them: Pray for them that spitefully use you, and persecute you. Again Note, (1.) It is no new thing for the most excellent saints to be hated, and cursed, and persecuted, and spitefully used, by wicked people; Christ himself was so treated. (2.) That when at any time we meet with such usage, we have an opportunity of showing our conformity both to the precept and to the example of Christ, by praying for them who thus abuse us. If we cannot otherwise testify our love to them, yet this way we may without ostentation. We must pray that God will forgive them, that they may never fare the worse for any thing they have done against us, and that he would make them to be at peace with us; and this is one way of making them so. Two reasons are here given to enforce this command (which sounds so harsh) of loving our enemies. We must do it,
[1.] That we may be like God our Father; “that ye may be, may approve yourselves to be, the children of your Father which is in heaven.” Can we write a better copy? It is a copy in which love to the worst of enemies is reconciled to, and consistent with, infinite purity and holiness. God maketh his sun to rise, and sendeth rain, on the just and the unjust, Mat_5:45. Note, First, Sunshine and rain are great blessings to the world, and they come from God. It is his sun that shines, and the rain is sent by him. They do not come of course, or by chance, but from God. Secondly, Common mercies must be valued as instances and proofs of the goodness of God, who in them shows himself a bountiful Benefactor to the world of mankind, who would be very miserable without these favors, and are utterly unworthy of the least of them. Thirdly, These gifts of common providence are dispensed indifferently to good and evil, just and unjust; so that we cannot know love and hatred by what is before us, but by what is within us; not by the shining of the sun on our heads, but by the rising of the Sun of Righteousness in our hearts. Fourthly, The worst of men partake of the comforts of this life in common with others, though they abuse them, and fight against God with his own weapons; which is an amazing instance of God's patience and bounty. It was but once that God forbade his sun to shine on the Egyptians, when the Israelites had light in their dwellings; God could make such a distinction every day. Fifthly, The gifts of God's bounty to wicked men that are in rebellion against him, teach us to do good to those that hate us; especially considering, that though there is in us a carnal mind which is enmity to God, yet we share in his bounty. Sixthly, Those only will be accepted as the children of God, who study to resemble him, particularly in his goodness.
[2.] That we may herein do more than others, Mat_5:46, Mat_5:47. First, Publicans love their friends. Nature inclines them to it; interest directs them to it. To do good to them who do good to us, is a common piece of humanity, which even those whom the Jews hated and despised could give as good proofs as of the best of them. The publicans were men of no good fame, yet they were grateful to such as had helped them to their places, and courteous to those they had a dependence upon; and shall we be no better than they? In doing this we serve ourselves and consult our own advantage; and what reward can we expect for that, unless a regard to God, and a sense of duty, carrying us further than our natural inclination and worldly interest? Secondly, We must therefore love our enemies, that we may exceed them. If we must go beyond scribes and Pharisees, much more beyond publicans. Note, Christianity is something more than humanity. It is a serious question, and which we should frequently put to ourselves, “What do we more than others? What excelling thing do we do? We know more than others; we talk more of the things of God than others; we profess, and have promised, more than others; God has done more for us, and therefore justly expects more from us than from others; the glory of God is more concerned in us than in others; but what do we more than others? Wherein do we live above the rate of the children of this world? Are we not carnal, and do we not walk as men, below the character of Christians? In this especially we must do more than others, that while every one will render good for good, we must render good for evil; and this will speak a nobler principle, and is consonant to a higher rule, than the most of men act by. Others salute their brethren, they embrace those of their own party, and way, and opinion; but we must not so confine our respect, but love our enemies, otherwise what reward have we? We cannot expect the reward of Christians, if we rise no higher than the virtue of publicans.” Those who promise themselves a reward above others must study to do more than others.
Lastly, Our Saviour concludes this subject with this exhortation in (Mat_5:48), Be ye therefore perfect, as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Which may be understood, 1. In general, including all those things wherein we must be followers of God as dear children. It is the duty of Christians to desire, and aim at, and press toward a perfection in grace and holiness. And therein we must study to conform ourselves to the example of our heavenly Father. It is God's perfection to forgive injuries and to entertain strangers, and to do good to the evil and unthankful, and it will be ours to be like him. We that owe so much, that owe our all, to the divine bounty, ought to copy it out as well as we can.
In closing if your were standing next to Christ how do you think you would measure up? Have you conformed yourself as to His likeness or to the likeness of the world?

Sermon on the Mount part 7

2009-12-22T11:44:00.002-05:00

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8 Sermon Project Part seven of Eight

The law of retaliation.

Mt.5:33-37

Good morning last week we took a look at Mt 5:27-32And we seen how Christ Clarified the seventh commandment. How our looking at another person or image with lust can make us just as guilty as commuting adultery. this week we are going to continue on the sermon on the mount. In Mt 5:33-37 This portion of scripture will be the focus of our sermon today.

Please turn in you Bible's to Mt 5:33-37

. Mat 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

Mat 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

Mat 5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

Mat 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

Mat 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Mat 5:33-37

We have here an exposition of the third commandment, which we need to rightly to understand, because it is particularly said, that God will not hold him guiltless, however he may hold himself, who breaks this commandment guilty, by taking the name of the Lord in vain. Now as to this command,

I. It is agreed on all hands that it forbids perjury, forswearing, and the violation of oaths and vows,Mt 5:33. This was said to them of old time, and is the true intent and meaning of the third commandment. Thou shalt not use, or take up, the name of God (as we do by an oath) in vain, or unto vanity, or a lie. He hath not lift up his soul unto vanity, is expounded in the next words, nor sworn deceitfully,Psa 24:4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

. Perjury is a sin condemned by God Himself as a vanity toward God and injustice toward man, and as rendering a man highly obnoxious to the Gods wrath, which was always judged to follow so infallibly upon that sin, that the forms of swearing were commonly turned into execrations or imprecations; such as, God do so to me, and more also; and with us, So help me God; wishing I may never have any help from God, if I swear falsely. by the consent of nations, have men cursed themselves, not doubting but that God would curse them, if they lied against the truth then, when they solemnly called God to witness to it.

It is added, from some other scriptures, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths (Num 30:2 If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.); which may be meant, either, 1. Of those promises to which God is a party, vows made to God; these must be punctually paid Ecc 5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Ecc 5:5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Ecc 5:6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands? : or, 2. Of those promises made to our brethren, to which God was a Witness, he being appealed to concerning our sincerity; these must be performed to the Lord, with an eye to him, and for his sake: for to him, by ratifying the promises with an oath, we have made ourselves debtors; and if we break a promise so ratified, we have not lied unto men only, but unto God.

II. It is here added, that the commandment does not only forbid false swearing, but all rash, unnecessary swearing: Swear not at all, Compare Mat 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

now compare that verse with Jas 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

. Not that all swearing is sinful; so far from that, if rightly done, it is a part of religious worship, and we in it give unto God the glory due to his name. See Deu 6:13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. ; Deu 10:20 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name; Isa 45:23, I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear; Jer 4:2 And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.. We find Paul confirming what he said by the solemnities in 2 Co 1:23, when there was a necessity for it. In swearing, we pawn the truth of something known, to confirm the truth of something doubtful or unknown; we appeal to a greater knowledge, to a higher court, and imprecate the vengeance of a righteous Judge, as Paul does in 2Co 1:23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

Now the mind of Christ in this matter is,

1. That we must not swear at all, but when we are duly called to it, and justice or charity to our brother, or respect to the commonwealth, make it necessary for the end of strife Heb 6:16, of which necessity the civil magistrate is ordinarily to be the judge. We may be sworn, but we must now swear; we may be adjured, and so obliged to it, but we must not thrust ourselves upon it for our own worldly advantage.

2. That we must not swear lightly and irreverently, in common discourse: it is a very great sin to make a ludicrous appeal to the glorious Majesty of heaven, which, being a sacred thing, ought always to be very serious: it is a gross profanation of God's holy name, and of one of the holy things which the children of Israel sanctify to the Lord: it is a sin that has no cloak, no excuse for it, and therefore a sign of a graceless heart, in which enmity to God reigns: Thine enemies take thy name in vain.

3. That we must in a special manner avoid promissory oaths, of which Christ more particularly speaks here, for they are oaths that are to be performed. The influence of an affirmative oath immediately ceases, when we have faithfully discovered the truth, and the whole truth; but a promissory oath binds so long, and may be so many ways broken, by the surprise as well as strength of a temptation, that it is not to be used but upon great necessity: the frequent requiring and using of oaths, is a reflection upon Christians, who should be of such acknowledged fidelity, as that their sober words should be as sacred as their solemn oaths.

4. That we must not swear by any other creature. It should seem there were some, who, in civility (as they thought) to the name of God, would not make use of that in swearing, but would swear by heaven or earth, etc. This Christ forbids here Mat 5:34 and shows that there is nothing we can swear by, but it is some way or other related to God, who is the Fountain of all beings, and therefore that it is as dangerous to swear by them, as it is to swear by God himself: it is the verity of the creature that is laid at stake; now that cannot be an instrument of testimony, but as it has regard to God, who is the summum verum - the chief Truth. As for instance,

(1.) Swear not by the heaven; “As sure as there is a heaven, this is true;” for it is God's throne, where he resides, and in a particular manner manifests his glory, as a Prince upon his throne: this being the inseparable dignity of the upper world, you cannot swear by heaven, but you swear by God himself.

(2.) Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool. He governs the motions of this lower world; as he rules in heaven, so he rules over the earth; and though under his feet, yet it is also under his eye and care, and stands in relation to him as his, Psa 24:1. The earth is the Lord's; so that in swearing by it, you swear by its Owner.

(3.) Neither by Jerusalem, a place for which the Jews had such a veneration, that they could not speak of any thing more sacred to swear by; but beside the common reference Jerusalem has to God, as part of the earth, it is in special relation to him, for it is the city of the great King Psa 48:2, the city of God Psa 46:4, he is therefore interested in it, and in every oath taken by it.

(4.) “Neither shalt thou swear by the head; though it be near thee, and an essential part of thee, yet it is more God's than thine; for he made it, and formed all the springs and powers of it; whereas thou thyself canst not, from any natural intrinsic influence, change the colour of one hair, so as to make it white or black; so that thou canst not swear by thy head, but thou swearest by him who is the Life of thy head, and the Lifter up of it.” Psa 3:3

5. That therefore in all our communications we must content ourselves with, Yea, yea, and nay, nay, Mat 5:37. In ordinary discourse, if we affirm a thing, let us only say, Yea, it is so; and, if need be, to evidence our assurance of a thing, we may double it, and say, Yea, yea, indeed it is so: Verily, verily, was our Saviour's yea, yea. So if we deny a thing, let is suffice to say, No; or if it be requisite, to repeat the denial, and say, No, no; and if our fidelity be known, that will suffice to gain us credit; and if it be questioned, to back what we say with swearing and cursing, is but to render it more suspicious. They who can swallow a profane oath, will not strain at a lie. It is a pity that this, which Christ puts in the mouths of all his disciples, should be fastened, as a name of reproach, upon a sect faulty enough other ways, when (as Dr. Hammond says) we are not forbidden any more than yea and nay, but are in a manner directed to the use of that.

The reason is observable; For whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil, though it do not amount to the iniquity of an oath. it comes from the Devil, the evil one; it comes from the corruption of men's nature, from passion and vehemence; from a reigning vanity in the mind, and a contempt of sacred things: it comes from that deceitfulness which is in men, All men are liars; therefore men use these protestations, because they are distrustful one of another, and think they cannot be believed without them. Note, Christians should, for the credit of their religion, avoid not only that which is in itself evil, but that which cometh of evil, and has the appearance of it. That may be suspected as a bad thing, which comes from a bad cause.

Lets recap a little The meaning of the third commandment is clarified yet again against the perverse opinion and judgment of the scribes, who excused by oaths or indirect forms of swearing. Mat 5:33 Our Lord here refers to the promise made to the pure in heart of seeing God in all things, and points out a false doctrine of the scribes, which arose from their not thus seeing God. What he forbids is, the swearing at all, by any creature, in our ordinary conversation: both of which the scribes and Pharisees taught to be perfectly innocent. They dishonor the great God, and break this commandment, who use frequent oaths and imprecations, even in reference to things that are true; and those who make vows and promises, which they either cannot perform, or do not design to fulfill, are not less criminal. Swearing in civil matters is become so frequent, that the dread and obligation of an oath are utterly lost in it. In certain places, where oaths are frequently administered, people have been known to kiss their thumb or pen, instead of the book, thinking thereby to avoid the sin of perjury; but this is a shocking imposition on their own souls. Why does Christ clarify this? Because the Jews held that this only prohibited swearing falsely and by the name of God. Christ does not forbid judicial oaths. Note, (1) God sometimes swears by himself (Gen 22:16-17) (2) Jesus made oath before the Sanhedrim (Mat 26:63); (3) Paul made oath to the Corinthians (2Co 1:23). He does forbid all profanity and idle oaths, such as were common among the Jews, and still so defile the mouths of men. the Jews held that it was wrong to swear by the name of God, but that one could swear "by heaven," "by the earth," "by Jerusalem." One was God's throne, the second his footstool, third Jerusalem the city of the Messiah King. When we make any promise contrary to the command of God, taking, as a pledge of our sincerity, either God, or something belonging to him, we engage that which is not ours, without the Master’s consent. God manifests his glory in heaven, as upon his throne; he imprints the footsteps of his perfections upon the earth, his footstool; and shows that his holiness and his grace reign in his temple as the place of his residence. Let it be our constant care to seek and honor God in our oaths. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head - For these plain reasons:

1st. God commands us not to do it.

2dly. we have nothing which is our own, and we should not pledge another’s property.

3dly. It never did, and never can, never will answer any good purpose. And

4thly. Being a breach of the law of God, it is the way to everlasting misery.

This was a common oath. The Gentiles also used this oath. To swear by the head was the same as to swear by the life; or to say, I will forfeit my life if what I say is not true. God is the Author of the life, and to swear by that, therefore, is the same as to swear by him.

Because thou canst not make one hair white or black - You have no control or right over your own life. You cannot even change one single hair. God has all that control; and it is therefore improper and profane to pledge what is God’s gift and God’s property; and it is the same as swearing by God himself.

Ok let move on to verse 37 in Mat: 5. Mat 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

A simple statement is all Christ permits. Anything beyond that is of evil, "and cometh of evil." have you ever noticed someone who every time they tell you something they say I swear, I promise, on my mothers grave. Etc.. the more they say that the less you believe them don't you. Indeed, it makes one doubt the truth of him who has to confirm every assertion by an oath. Mat 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Whatever you affirm, affirm it alone, and whatever you deny, deny it alone without any more words.

Anything more than than that it comes from an evil conscience, or from the devil.

affirm or deny, yes or now let that be it. As we close let me ask you a few questions I want you to think about as you leave. Am I pleasing God in my conversations? In my oaths? Or do I tend to say or make empty conversations and oaths? If Christ is in your heart then you have the desire to obey and to follow his word, but are you acting on it? If you need Christ in your heart as your savior today, the most important thing we could have learned here today is Gods oaths are always a sure bet, He always follows through. And if you accept Christ today You can rest assured of his promises to you.

Sermon on the Mount part 5

2009-12-22T11:31:00.002-05:00

8 Sermon Project Part five of Eight

The sixth commandment

Mt.5:21-26

Good morning last week we took a look at Mt 5:17-20 this week we are going to continue on the sermon on the mount. In Mt 5:21-26 This portion of scripture will be the focus of our message

Please turn in you Bible's to Mt 5:21-26

Mt 5:21 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: {by: or, to}

22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. {Raca: that is, Vain fellow}

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Keep in mind what Jesus had said earlier in Matthew 5:16.

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

From this verse and Mt 5:20, what follows is 6 segments in found in Mt 5:21-48 which serve at least a twofold purpose: (1) To teach what righteousness looks like that surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees and (2) To describe the righteousness when lived out in the power of the Spirit which gives us a proper opinion of our heavenly Father. Keep the command in Mt 5:16 in mind as you meditate on todays sermon. Ask yourself in each case "Do my attitudes and actions in this area of my life give others I meet a proper opinion of my Father Who is in heaven?" Again remember we are called to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect that the world might see His glory in and through us. This is a "big task" but best of all it is a holy calling which Christ has enabled christians under the New Covenant to carry out by virtue of our new hearts upon which the Law is written, and the indwelling Spirit Who causes us to walk according to His statutes.

It is interesting that Jesus begins with an emphasis on the sanctity of every human life and the call on Christians to do all they can to honor that sanctity.

So what is the problem with what the Scribes and Pharisees had taught? The problem is that they were not good inductive Bible students and because of inadequate oservation (the rabbis had taught as "tradition"), Hence they arrived at an inaccurate interpretation of the Law, consequently, and most importantly, they prescribed inappropriate application's based on their willfully inept analysis of the Old Testamite Scriptures. Their misinterpatation lead to misapplication of the Law which then led to a liberal attitude toward murder, adultery, divorce, ect... Therefore we see that Jesus calls His listeners and we the readers of His sermon on the mount to exhibit allegiance to a higher standard, a standard of righteousness that far surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees and which shines a beacon of light that points the lost soul to our great and holy Heavenly Father. There is the note I said to remember. Mt 5:16-take a note here.

Latter In Mt 5:48 take Note we will see Jesus climaxes this section with the incredible statement to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven are called to measure themselves not by others but by our Father Who art in heaven. Amen.

Okay now Mt 5:26 Christ says Ye have heard This suggests that the multitudes listening had for the most part not studied the Law of Moses for themselves but had only heard the teaching on the Law, most likely from the scribes and Pharisees.

Real quick lets define murder. You say pastor we all know what murder is you dont have to define it. Well if we all knew what it is there would be no need for the sermon today. Right. The Webster (modern version) says that murder is the crime of unlawfully killing a person especially with malice. In the OT passages (Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17) the Hebrew word for "murder" refers to pre-meditated, deliberate, intentional murder not accidental killing.

The 1828 edition of Webster's Dictionary defines murder as "The act of unlawfully killing a human being with premeditated malice, by a person of sound mind. To constitute murder in law, the person killing another must be of sound mind or in possession of his reason, and the act must be done with malice prepense, aforethought or premeditated; but malice may be implied, as well as express."

Gen 9:5-6 Moses records God's decree after the flood...

And surely I will require your lifeblood; from every beast I will require it. And from every man, from every man's brother I will require the life of man. Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man. Gen 9:5-6

"I have never murdered anyone". Well Jesus says "Wrong. If you've hated you are guilty." The OT law dealt only with outward actions, but citizens of the kingdom of heaven must beware of sinful inward attitudes. In fact, the attitudes Jesus calls for can only be fulfilled by those who have the endwelling Spirt of Christ.

The Mathew Hennery comentary says this “ The Jewish teachers had taught, that nothing except actual murder was forbidden by the sixth commandment. Thus they explained away its spiritual meaning. Christ showed the full meaning of this commandment; according to which we must be judged. All rash anger is heart murder. By our brother, here, we are to understand any person, though ever so much below us, for we are all made of one blood. "Raca," is a scornful word, and comes from pride: "Thou fool," is a spiteful word, and comes from hatred. Malicious slanders and censures are poison that kills secretly and slowly. Christ told them that how light soever they made of these sins, they would certainly be called into judgment for them. We ought carefully to preserve Christian love and peace with all our brethren; and if at any time there is a quarrel, we should confess our fault, humble ourselves to our brother, making or offering satisfaction for wrong done in word or deed: and we should do this quickly; because, till this is done, we are unfit for communion with God in holy ordinances. And when we are preparing for any religious exercises, it is good for us to make that an occasion of serious reflection and self-examination. What is here said is very applicable to our being reconciled to God through Christ. While we are alive, we are in the way to his judgement-seat; after death, it will be too late. When we consider the importance of the case, and the uncertainty of life, how needful it is to seek peace with God, without delay!”

look at verse 22. Angry with his brother; in his heart, which is what? Its were God looks in our hearts. Without a cause; this does not mean without an occasion, but rather, in an unreasonable degree, or a mixture of malice hate twords someone. The judgment; the judgment of God. The Saviour's meaning is this: by the law of Moses literal murder is punished with death by common court; but in my kingdom anger in the heart will be regarded and treated as murder. Raca; vain fellow; blockhead. The Saviour puts a case where anger vents itself in railing. The council; the Sanhedrim, which was the highest Jewish court; but here it seems to represent the court of Christ, who will treat all railing accusations of one brother against another as offences of the gravest kind. Fool; vile wretch; the highest form of reproach in the mouth of a Jew.

But I say unto you. Christ assumes the right to amend it. Such a claim is based on a claim of divinity. Jesus goes back of the murderous act, and forbids the anger and the reproachful words that precede it and are likely to lead it. He places the murderous heart on the level of actual murder. Of hell fire. The term is often used in the New Testament (Mt 23:33; 5:29; 10:28; 18:9; Mr 9:43), and always denotes a place of future punishment. Murder lies within anger aqnde anger within murder; we wish harm to the object of our wrath, or even wish that he did not exist, and sometime it can even become a desire . Anger “without a cause” is forbidden by the command which says “Thou shalt not kill”; for unjust anger is killing in intent. Such anger without cause brings us under higher judgment than that of Jewish police-courts. God takes cognizance of the emotions from which acts of hate may spring, and calls us to account as much for the angry feeling as for the murderous deed. Words also come under the same condemnation: a man shall be judged for what he “shall say to his brother.” To call a man Raca, or a worthless fellow, is to kill him in his reputation; and to say to him, “Thou fool”, is to kill him as to the noblest characteristics of a man. Hence all this comes under such censure as men distribute in their councils; yea, under what is far worse, the punishment awarded by the highest court of the universe, which dooms men to “hell fire.” Thus our Lord and King restores the law of God to its true force, and warns us that it denounces not only the overt act of killing, but every thought, feeling, and word which would tend to injure a brother, or annihilate him by contempt. What a sweeping law is this! My conscience might have been easy as to the command “Thou shalt not kill;” because I didnt think I would ever be capable of such a thing. but if anger without just cause be murder, how will I answer for it? Well thankfuly in verse 23 & 24 Christ shows us what to do about it.

Mt 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Ok veres 23 Gift; what is a gift, a religious offering. Altar; what is an altar? A place where the offering was made. Aught; is any cause of complaint. If you about to offer a gift on the altar if you kneel down to pray or worship God, and you remember that a brother or someone hath aught against thee A reson for complaint aginst you, leave your gift stand up, go and make it right with that person, and then offer your gift. This verse shows that someone guilty of wrongs to there fellow-man cannot offer acceptable worship of God. Did you get that. Cannot offer aceptble worship to God! Stop go make it right then come back. Lord will have forgiveness rendered to our brother first, and then the offering presented. We ought to worship God thoughtfully; and if in the course of that thought we remember that

our brother hath ought against us, we must stop. If we have wronged another, we are to pause, cease from the worship, and hasten to seek reconciliation. We easily remember if we have ought against our brother, but now the memory is to be turned the other way. Only when we have remembered our wrong -doing, and made reconciliation, can we hope for

acceptance with the Lord. The rule is — first peace with man, and then acceptance with God

Mt 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Again Adversary; someone who has just claims against thee. Thi8s is a warning to us, to be reconciled while we are yet on the way to his judgment-seat. This opportunity should not wait It should not be neglected, or it may be a lost opportunity forever, because when we stand before the judgement seat of Christ Its to late. How can we expect to be reconciled with Christ when we wont recincile with our brother? In all disagreements be eager for peace. Thou shalt not come out from thence. After the debtor was cast into prison he was held until the debt was paid, and if it were not, he remained in prison until he died. The Lord would warn us to make everything right before it is too late. Before the judgment there is a chance; after it there is nothing but payment. Lets colse there. Let me ask you this if Christ came back right now has your debt been paid or will you suffer that payment at the judgement seat of Christ?

Fokes it you are here today and you know Christ as your savior let me ask you this. Is there someone you need to be reconciled to? We may not want to but is there someone we need to. We cant be compleately reconciled to Christ if we are not reconsiled to thoses who have an Aought aginst us.

Sermon on the Mount part 6

2009-12-22T11:23:00.002-05:00

8 Sermon Project Part six of Eight

The seventh commandment.

Mt.5:27-32

Hello last last time we took a look at Mt 5:20-26 And we seen how Christ Clarifyed the six commandment. How our anger can make us just as guilty as a murrder. this week we are going to continue on the sermon on the mount. In Mt 5:27-32 This portion of scripture will be the focus of our message.

Please turn in you Bible's to Mt 5:27-32.

Mt 5:27 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Verse 27 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: He is refering to the six Commandmet God Gave to moses. Found in Ex 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. Let me ask you this, Honestly how many of you notice the Sexualy cruppt socity we live in today? We cant turn on the TV, Walk down the road, go in a store, as a socity we are surrounded by lustful images, every were we turn boom there it is staring us right in the face. even most of our PG movies out today have little images of cartoons wering the Short skirts, tank tops ect.... It seems like we just cant avoid it. So what do we do? Well most of us unfortuntly do nothing. What should we do? How do we avoid these temptations? I cant just stay in my house forever can I? Well before I go on many of you are probly saying well yea you right but what does that have to do with adultry? Everything lets read the next verse. Verse 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Well there it is. See Christ is telling us there is the act of commiting adultry in your flesh, and there is also the act of commiting adultry in the heart. Thou shalt not commit adultery. The Jewish rabbies held that a man was guiltless who did not commit the act. And the here comes Christ, as he always did, lays the laws out straight and in fullness for them. He is telling them If it is impure, full of unholy desires, Guess what your guilty. It is our duty to keep our heart pure. Our desires, our imagination's can be our worst enemy. Thankfully Christ reaches into the depths of our very hearts and revials our inward lusts to us.

I love this How sovereignly and devinly he puts it: “But I say unto you”! “But I say unto you”! Who else but Christ could say it that way? being he has absolut authority to speak in this fashion? I cant help but think Christ must have known many of the listners were saying to themselves well rabbi joe said this or so and so said this. Christ puts a stop right to that and says “But I say unto you”! His word is law. So it ought to be so. If sin were not allowed in the mind, it would never be made manifest in the body. If we did not think it we would not do it. Irregular looks, unchaste desires, and strong passions are of the very essence of adultery; and who can claim a lifelong freedom from them? Yet these are the things which defile a man. In his heart; the laws of God extend to the thoughts of our minds ; and we may violate them in our hearts without manifesting them in an outward conduct of our flesh. We can be just as guilty by thinking it as actully doing it. Our lustfull flesh is recorded throgh out the Bible. Ge 34:2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. Look at David 2Sa 11:2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. David came across a women bathing from a distance did he look away no his lust got the better of him. What happened davied sent her husband off to war to be killed so he could have his wife. His thoughts of his lust manifested in his flesh. And he paid a dear price as consaquence to his action. Look at verse 29. Mt 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. Now he is not saying pop out your eye he is saying if it Offends thee; if it cause you to sin. If there is something that causes you to sin wether it be a TV, Computer, Magazing, anyting that you know makes you weak, or vanerable to most likely cause you to sin. ok. Now Profitable for thee; it is better to put away the causes of sin than to suffer its consequences. You need to avoid of sin by self-denial, and if need be, by great sacrifices, such as get rid of your computer, Shut your TV off even if it is a Show you like what ever it is that puts that cause in you seperate yourself from it. It may be a great sacrafise such as it would be to lose an eye but in the end it will be a great gain. Remember anything that tempts you to sin, whether thoughts within, friends, or surroundings. Pluck it out. Cast far from you that which would lead you to sin. Why, because Christ tells us It is profitable. It is better to suffer deep mortification by our own self-denial than to be judged for it. Its not evial to have an eye, a computer ,or TV, or ect, but if it causes us to sin trust what God says get rid of it. Yea you might make someone in the family mad by getting rid of your computer but it cause you to sin whats gonna be worse someone in the family being mad for a short time? Or being judged by God for your sin? Personally id rather have my wife mad me than to have God mad at me. Anything, however harmless, what ever leads you to do, or think, or feel wrongly? You are to get rid of It as if it were evil in itself. Someone once said Better a blind saint than a quick-sighted sinner. Better to do without than to do with that which leads us to sin. Its hard but you can do it turn in your bibles to Job 31:1 I would like to share with you how job abstained from such things. And I encourage you to reflect back on this verse when you may find yourself tempted. Job 31:1 ¶ I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? You see Job made a conevnant with his eyes. I can see him doing it too. Sitting there he says to himself ok eyes were gonna have a talk. Lokking at these things are bad and I know it and from this point on we arnt gonna do it anymore you got eyes. Do what job did make a covant with your eyes, be determined in your mind not to sway no matter the cercomstances. Back to Mt 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. If thy right hand. Here The same thought as in verse 29, with a new illustration. The most dexterous hand must not be spared if it encourages us in doing evil. It is not because a certain thing may make us clever and successful, that therefore we are to allow it: if it should prove to be the frequent cause of our falling into sin, we must have done with it, and place ourselves at a disadvantage for our life-work, rather than ruin our whole being by sin. Holiness is to be our first object: everything else must take a very secondary place. Were are you at today are you allowing the things that cause you to sin around you because they better your job, of family life, because they bring you some other gain. You see the six commandment begings in our hearts, were is your heart today, are you pleaseing God. Or do you have things that enable you at every turn to do wrong? I want you all to wright this down or remember it. Right eyes and right hands are no longer right if they lead us wrong. Were are you being lead?

8 Sermon Project Part 4 of 8

2009-11-23T22:38:00.001-05:00

8 Sermon Project Part five of Eight

The sixth commandment

Mt.5:21-26

last time we took a look at Mt 5:17-20 this week we are going to continue on the sermon on the mount. In Mt 5:21-26 This portion of scripture will be the focus of our study.

Please turn in you Bible's to Mt 5:21-26

Mt 5:21 ¶ Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: {by: or, to}

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Keep in mind what Jesus had said earlier in Mt 5:16

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

From this verse and Mt5:20, what follows is 6 segments in found in Mt 5:21-48 which serve at least a twofold purpose: (1) To teach what righteousness looks like that surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees and (2) To describe the righteousness when lived out in the power of the Spirit which gives us a proper opinion of our heavenly Father. Keep the command in Mt 5:16 in mind as you meditate on todays sermon. Ask yourself in each case "Do my attitudes and actions in this area of my life give others I meet a proper opinion of my Father Who is in heaven?" Again remember we are called to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect that the world might see His glory in and through us. This is a "big task" but best of all it is a holy calling which Christ has enabled Christians under the New Covenant to carry out by virtue of our new hearts upon which the Law is written, and the indwelling Spirit Who causes us to walk according to His statutes.

It is interesting that Jesus begins with an emphasis on the sanctity of every human life and the call on Christians to do all they can to honor that sanctity.

So what is the problem with what the Scribes and Pharisees had taught? The problem is that they were not good inductive bible students and because of inadequate observation (the rabbis had taught as "tradition"), Hence they arrived at an inaccurate interpretation of the Law, consequently, and most importantly, they prescribed inappropriate application's based on their willfully inept analysis of the Old Testament Scriptures. Their misinterpretation lead to misapplication of the Law which then led to a liberal attitude toward murder, adultery, divorce, etc... Therefore we see that Jesus calls His listeners and we the readers of His sermon on the mount to exhibit allegiance to a higher standard, a standard of righteousness that far surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees and which shines a beacon of light that points the lost soul to our great and holy Heavenly Father. There is the note I said to remember. ( Mt 5:16)

Latter in Mt: 5:48 we will see Jesus climaxes this section with the incredible statement to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect. Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven are called to measure themselves not by others but by our Father Who art in heaven. Amen.

Real quick lets define murder. You say pastor we all know what murder is you don't have to define it. Well if we all knew what it is there would be no need for the sermon today. Right. The Webster (modern version) says that murder is the crime of unlawfully killing a person especially with malice. In the OT passages ( Exodus 20:13 ; Deuteronomy 5:17) the Hebrew word for "murder" refers to pre-meditated, deliberate, intentional murder not accidental killing.

The 1828 edition of Webster's Dictionary defines murder as "The act of unlawfully killing a human being with premeditated malice, by a person of sound mind. To constitute murder in law, the person killing another must be of sound mind or in possession of his reason, and the act must be done with malice pretense, aforethought or premeditated; but malice may be implied, as well as express."

Gen 9:5,6 Moses records God's decree after the flood...

The Mathew Hennery commentary says this “ The Jewish teachers had taught, that nothing except actual murder was forbidden by the sixth commandment. Thus they explained away its spiritual meaning. Christ showed the full meaning of this commandment; according to which we must be judged. All rash anger is heart murder. By our brother, here, we are to understand any person, though ever so much below us, for we are all made of one blood. "Raca," is a scornful word, and comes from pride: "Thou fool," is a spiteful word, and comes from hatred. Malicious slanders and censures are poison that kills secretly and slowly. Christ told them that how light soever they made of these sins, they would certainly be called into judgment for them. We ought carefully to preserve Christian love and peace with all our brethren; and if at any time there is a quarrel, we should confess our fault, humble ourselves to our brother, making or offering satisfaction for wrong done in word or deed: and we should do this quickly; because, till this is done, we are unfit for communion with God in holy ordinances. And when we are preparing for any religious exercises, it is good for us to make that an occasion of serious reflection and self-examination. What is here said is very applicable to our being reconciled to God through Christ. While we are alive, we are in the way to his judgment-seat; after death, it will be too late. When we consider the importance of the case, and the uncertainty of life, how needful it is to seek peace with God, without delay!”

look at verse 22. Angry with his brother; in his heart, which is what? Its were God looks in our hearts. Without a cause; this does not mean without an occasion, but rather, in an unreasonable degree, or a mixture of malice hate twords someone. The judgment; the judgment of God. The Saviour's meaning is this: by the law of Moses literal murder is punished with death by common court; but in my kingdom anger in the heart will be regarded and treated as murder. Raca; vain fellow; blockhead. The Saviour puts a case where anger vents itself in railing. The council; the Sanhedrim, which was the highest Jewish court; but here it seems to represent the court of Christ, who will treat all railing accusations of one brother against another as offenses of the gravest kind. Fool; vile wretch; the highest form of reproach in the mouth of a Jew.

But I say unto you. Christ assumes the right to amend it. Such a claim is based on a claim of divinity. Jesus goes back of the murderous act, and forbids the anger and the reproachful words that precede it and are likely to lead it. He places the murderous heart on the level of actual murder. Of hell fire. The term is often used in the New Testament (Mt 23:33; 5:29; 10:28; 18:9; Mr 9:43), and always denotes a place of future punishment. Murder lies within anger and anger within murder; we wish harm to the object of our wrath, or even wish that he did not exist, and sometime it can even become a desire . Anger “without a cause” is forbidden by the command which says “Thou shalt not kill”; for unjust anger is killing in intent. Such anger without cause brings us under higher judgment than that of Jewish police-courts. God takes cognizance of the emotions from which acts of hate may spring, and calls us to account as much for the angry feeling as for the murderous deed. Words also come under the same condemnation: a man shall be judged for what he “shall say to his brother.” To call a man Raca, or a worthless fellow, is to kill him in his reputation; and to say to him, “Thou fool”, is to kill him as to the noblest characteristics of a man. Hence all this comes under such censure as men distribute in their councils; yea, under what is far worse, the punishment awarded by the highest court of the universe, which dooms men to “hell fire.” Thus our Lord and King restores the law of God to its true force, and warns us that it denounces not only the overt act of killing, but every thought, feeling, and word which would tend to injure a brother, or annihilate him by contempt. What a sweeping law is this! My conscience might have been easy as to the command “Thou shalt not kill;” because I didn't think I would ever be capable of such a thing. but if anger without just cause be murder, how will I answer for it? Well thankfully in verse 23 & 24 Christ shows us what to do about it. Mt 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

OK verses 23 Gift; what is a gift, a religious offering. Altar; what is an altar? A place where the offering was made. Aught; is any cause of complaint. If you about to offer a gift on the altar if you kneel down to pray or worship God, and you remember that a brother or someone hath aught against thee A reason for complaint against you, leave your gift stand up, go and make it right with that person, and then offer your gift. This verse shows that someone guilty of wrongs to there fellow-man cannot offer acceptable worship of God. Did you get that. Cannot offer acceptable worship to God! Stop go make it right then come back. Lord will have forgiveness rendered to our brother first, and then the offering presented. We ought to worship God thoughtfully; and if in the course of that thought we remember that

acceptance with the Lord. The rule is — first peace with man, and then acceptance with God

26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

Again Adversary; someone who has just claims against thee. Thi8s is a warning to us, to be reconciled while we are yet on the way to his judgment-seat. This opportunity should not wait It should not be neglected, or it may be a lost opportunity forever, because when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ Its to late. How can we expect to be reconciled with Christ when we wont reconcile with our brother? In all disagreements be eager for peace. Thou shalt not come out from thence. After the debtor was cast into prison he was held until the debt was paid, and if it were not, he remained in prison until he died. The Lord would warn us to make everything right before it is too late. Before the judgment there is a chance; after it there is nothing but payment. Lets close there. Let me ask you this if Christ came back right now has your debt been paid or will you suffer that payment at the judgment seat of Christ?

Fokes it you are here today and you know Christ as your savior let me ask you this. Is there someone you need to be reconciled to? We may not want to but is there someone we need to. We cant be completely reconciled to Christ if we are not reconciled to those who have an Ought against us.

Christ came to confirm the law.

2009-11-23T22:27:00.000-05:00

8 Sermon Project Part Three of Eight

Christ came to confirm the law.

Mt.5:17-20

Good morning last study we took a look at Mt 5:13-16 this time we are going to continue on the sermon on the mount. In Mt 5:17-20 This portion of scripture will be the focus of our study.

Ok lets get started. Please turn in you Bible's to Mt 5: 17-20

Mt 5:17 ¶ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Many of us work or have worked for a company that has gone through a restructure or change in management or in a line of products etc.. as a worker when the big boys of business come in and tell you we are going to make some adjustments, whats the first thing we think? Oh great more layoffs or I might lose my job. OK now granted that happens in many cases but lets take this debate up to the big boy level. Your employers all meet together and determine whether or not the company is gaining or losing money. If it is losing money they usually come up with a plan to rectify that problem. Now that they have a plan they send someone to the plant to carry out that plan and to fulfill those duties. They are not there to change everything for the worker but to make sure the new plan is put in place not changing anything but to make sure the plan is fulfilled.

OK now in Mt 5:17 Christ says Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. What exactly is He saying here? First you need to realize the preceding verses which we discussed last week were so opposed to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees that some thought that he was a destroyer of the law that he had literially come to change and due away with the old testament law. He replies that he has not come to destroy it, but to fulfil. He does not say that he has come to perpetuate it but to fulfill it. Now as we talked about the big boys of business coming into your work not to change but to fulfill there plan right. well like so Christ took care to revise and reform the laws of men; but the law of God he established and confirmed. The Old Testament stands in all its parts, both as to “the late and the prophets.” The Lord Jesus knew nothing of “destructive criticism.” He establishes in its deepest sense all that is written in Holy Scripture, and puts

a new fullness into it. Before he proceeds to make remarks on the sayings of men of old time and the Old Testament He says He, himself is the fulfillment and substance of the types, and prophecies, and commands of the law. He was not going to change but to fulfill and to clarify. He was to To complete its purpose. He was the end of the law and the beginning of Grace. Since Christ we are no longer under the law but under grace. Does this mean we should not follow the law? Well Paul says Ro 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. See being under grace does not give us a get out of jail free card. Because we are under grace we should all the more obey the law. OK now Christ came to rightly explain the nature and to perfectly enforce the precepts of the moral law, as well as perfectly obey them in his own person as an example, bear the curse which was prefigured in the ceremonial law, and thus fulfil the predictions of the prophets concerning the Messiah. Christ came not to make void the moral law, but to establish it, and give it practical efficacy over the hearts and lives of men, by leading them to love and obey it under grace.

OK lets move to the next verse. Verse 18. Mt 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. What He is saying here is that no part of the moral law or of the obligations to obey it shall be done away; nor shall any part of the ceremonial law, till its end is accomplished. Again I feel the need to stress we are not under the law we are under grace but simply because we are under grace does not mean we shouldn't obey the law being under grace gives us so much more the reason to obey the law. Now One jot or tittle. "Jot" means the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet, while "tittle" refers to a simple turn by which one letter is distinguished from another. Till all be fulfilled. "Till," Dr. Schaff, say "Till implies that after the great events of Christ's life, and the establishment of Christ's kingdom, the old dispensation, as a dispensation of the letter and yoke of bondage, will pass away, and has passed away while the spirit and substance of the law, that is, love to God and man, will last forever." Even to the smallest letters, the dot of every “i”, and the crossing of every “t”, the law will outlast the creation.

The Old Testament is as sacredly guarded as the New. “The Word of the Lord endureth for ever.” Modern critics have set themselves an impossible task in their endeavor to get rid of the inspiration of the whole sacred volume, or of this book, or that chapter, or that verse. Critics even now conspire ways to change word or meanings of word in God Holy Book, but have had great difficulty in doing so lets take a quick look at Lu 16:17 Luke writes And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Did you get that it is easier for heaven and earth to pass. The law will not fail, it cannot fail because it is of God.

Verse 19 Mt 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. You see the Pharisees taught that some commands were more important than others, and that it was a trivial matter to break the smallest commands. The papists still divide sin into mortal and venial. Christ shows that the spirit of obedience does not seek to make such distinction. Our King has not come to abrogate the law, but to confirm and reassert it. His commands are eternal; and if any of the teachers of it should through error break his law, and teach that its least command is nullified, they will lose rank, and subside into the lowest place. The peerage of his kingdom is ordered according to obedience. Not birth, knowledge, or success will make a man great; but humble and precise obedience, both in word and in deed. “Whosoever shall do and teach,” he is the man who “shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Hence the Lord Jesus does not set up a milder law, nor will he allow any one of his servants to presume to do so. Our King fulfills the ancient law, and his Spirit works in us to will and to do of God’s good pleasure as set forth in the immutable statutes of righteousness.

Lets pray Lord, make me of this thy kingdom a right loyal subject, and may I both “do and teach” according to thy Word! Whether I am little or great on earth, make me great in obedience to thee.

If we break one of the least we may get into the kingdom, possibly, but such a spirit will give you a very low spiritual rank. Look at Jas 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. To break a little commandment is the same as to being guilty of the greatest. No precept of God's law may be set aside on the ground of its comparative unimportance; for the least disobedience to any command of God is highly offensive to him, while obedience in all things is his delight. The least; of the least repute as a teacher, because both by his example and his doctrine he dishonors God's law. Great; worthy of honor as a teacher, because he honors the law by obeying it and teaching others to obey it. Hold yourselves and other responsible for all of Gods commandments not letting the least of them escape. This was the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees they listed the commandments in there hearts from great to no big deal, well it is a big deal to God. Mt 5:20 Christ says For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Their righteousness was selfish, and consisted in externals; while the righteousness which God required is internal as well as external, and consists in conformity of heart and life to his revealed will. In Mt 3:7 there righteousness is referred to as that of vipers. They claimed to be the teachers and examples of righteousness, but they lacked the humble spirit of true obedience. Believers are not to be worse in conduct then non believer's. In heart,

and even in act, we are to be superior to the law-writers, The kingdom is not for rebels, but for the exactly obedient. It not only requires of us holiness, reverence, integrity, and purity, but it works all these things in our hearts and lives. The gospel does not give us the outward liberty to sin because we are superior in our righteousness but the rather it produces an outward sanctity through working

in our inmost part of our soul. What a glorious freedom in the law of the Lord. What a king we have in Jesus! What manner of persons we ought to be who avow ourselves to be in his holy kingdom! How conservative ought we to be of our Father’s revealed will! How determined to allow no trifling with the law and the prophets! Let me show you in Ro 10:3 Paul write what many of us find ourselves doing let read For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

God's righteousness; that which he has provided in Jesus Christ. Their own righteousness; by their outward obedience to the law. Have not submitted themselves; not given their hearts to God, or accepted his salvation through Christ. They had no knowledge of God's plan of righteousness, righteousness by believing upon Christ, but rejecting it they sought a righteousness of their own, of works, secured by keeping the law, and by obeying the traditions of men. On the other hand, they refused to submit to God's righteousness through faith.

Quick points I want to point out. #1 Christ came to fulfill the Law in the world and in our hearts.

#2 The law has not and will not ever change as it was clearly pointed out. #3 breaking one of the least commandments makes you just as guilty as someone who broke a greater commandment. #4 your position I heaven will be determined by your obedience not your righteousness because you have no righteousness the righteousness in you is not yours but is that of Christs. And #5 it is through the Grace of Christ you will be entered into His kingdom not by your works, or your own righteousness.

In closing let me say this Let none of you suppose that Christ allows his people to trifle with any commands of God's law. No sinner partakes of Christ's justifying righteousness, till he repents of his evil deeds. The mercy revealed in the gospel leads the believer to a deeper self-abhorrence. The law is the Christian's rule of duty, and he delights therein. If a man, pretending to be Christ's disciple, encourages himself in any allowed disobedience to the holy law of God, or teaches others to do the same, whatever his station or reputation among men may be, he can not be a true disciple. Christ's righteousness, was imputed to us by faith alone, is needed by every one that enters the kingdom of grace and of glory; but the new creation of the heart to holiness, produces true change in a man's temper and conduct conforming them more to the image of Christ.

8 Sermon Project Part Three of Eight

2009-11-09T21:44:00.001-05:00

Exhortations and warnings
Mt.5:13-16

Good morning last time we took a look at Mt 5:3-12 this time we are going to continue on the sermon on the mount. In Mt 5:13-16 These will be the focus of today's sermon.

Please turn in you Bible's to Mt 5:13-16 Lets Read
Mt 5:13 ¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Let start by talking about salt because part of this passage we are studying today talks about salt. Most of us like some salt. Do we not? Today salt is considered a seasoning, most of us like our high cholesterol food, French fries always good with salt yummy in fact the more salt the better the flavor right? You name it, and we like to salt it. It good. Isn't it? Well did you know in the old days salt was not only used for seasonings? Yea before refrigerators salt was used as a preservative, to keep foods from rotting, to keep them good to eat. Let me ask you when the salt they used to keep there foods eatable lost it's saltiness what do you think happened to the food? What happened to the salt? Thats right they through it away. Why? Would you eat it? No it became worthless, uneatable, rotten and good for nothing. I wouldn't eat it and I don't Imagen you would either.

Well in Mt.5:13 the Bible says Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Did you get that? Christians we are the salt, we are the seasoning, we are the preservative of the earth. As believers in Christ it is our responsibility to to add flavor to introduce Christ to the lives of others, to be a preservative to keep and uphold Christ among the world. It's our Job because thats what salt does! And I must say most of us are pretty lazy about it. We have lost our savor. If we have lost our savor then who are we going to share God's word with others, how can we hold Christ up in our lives so others may be preserved by His salvation offered to them by His grace? You can't, you have become worthless, good for nothing, and should be thrown away.

Salt preserves from corruption. Salt is worthless if it has lost its qualities. It preserves no longer. It is fit only to be cast out and trodden under foot. So, if those who are the salt of the earth cease to communicate the saving power through Christ, they are fit only to be cast out, and Christ will cast such out of his mouth we read this in Re 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.
Now as Christians our character should be a preserving force to keep the rest of world from utter corruption. But if we are Christians only in name, then the real power is gone, nothing can save them, and they are of no use to whom they are around. There is a secret something, which is the source of the believer’s power. that something is our savor Whats our savor you ask? Faith our faith is our savor. it is not easy to define it, but yet it is absolutely essential to usefulness. A person may be of some use even if he fails in certain aspects. but a Christian who is not a Christian is bad all round, he is “good for nothing”, and utterly useless to anybody and everybody and Utter rejection awaits him. He will “be cast out, and trodden under foot of men.” That person is no preservative, they do not even preserve themselves from contempt. The text is very clear and positive upon that point. What unscriptural nonsense to tolerate man’s being born again, and yet losing their salvation, and then getting it again. If it were so then man would be for ever hopeless. We could not be born again, and again, and again. We would be beyond the reach of mercy. But who is hopeless? Is there anyone to whom it is impossible to restore? Real quick Mr 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. Lets look at one more Lu 14:34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Are you hearing?Are you listing? The great lesson here is, that if grace itself fails to save a man, nothing else can be done for him. “If the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted?” You can salt meat, but you cannot salt salt: if grace fails everything fails. Father do not permit us to lose our my savor, but ever keep us full of thy grace and truth. Amen..

Verse 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
A city set on a hill. OK lets take new York do you think we could hide a city from the world the size of new York? Not a chance. Lets look at this another way. Did you now when other countries think of the US they think of new York, or LA the large cities. Why do you think that is? The large cities set an example to how the rest of the world see us. Just as you a servant of Christ set an example as to how the world See's Christians. As a Christian we need to make sure the light of Christ is visible in us. When we run around in sin how do you think others will preceive Christians? There gonna think they are all Hippocrates, and sadly many of us are. The scriptures say in Mt 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? We are known by our fruits and others will see us for what and who we truly are. We set the example for the unbelievers, It is Christ working through us that brings light to the world. We are the vessels carrying the knowledge of salvation to those whom are lost. You go to work one day professing Christ yet the next day you are cursing, and making or laughing at perverse jokes, or being judgmental twards your coworkers, well stop it, thats not setting your city on a hill for all to see that is bringing shame to the very name of Christ. Romans chapter six pops into my mind let me share it with you real quick. I'm not just going to read this verse to you im telling it to you because this is what many of you expect. Ro 6:1 ¶ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? You live in sin you continue in sin yet you want God to abound grace in your life well it don't work that way God forbid. Through Christ we are dead to sin and free to glorify Him and share His word to people he bring into our lives. A few years ago it was about a week before Christmas, me my wife and two children were in myers to get my daughter a pair of pants, we had $25 to our name and after looking we found the least costly pair of pants they had cost $18.00 we looked at each other and said how can we affored this its only going to leave us with $7 for the hole week, we havent even got any presents for the kids on christmas morrning yet, but we knew our daoughter had to have the clothes so we stoped and said a quick prayer and told the lord our sittuation and said we leave it in your capible hands. Well as we headed to the check out a lady came running up to us. We had never meet or seen her before, but she opened her mouth and said excuse me I was walking out of the store and I seen you and your family and had an overwhelming feeling that God wanted me to give this to you that you really need it right now, and also to let you know he is with you and love you. We were speechless as she handed us an envelope, at the moment we did not know how to react we just said thank you as she walked away, you know we never saw her again. But as we opened the card inside was a Gift card for $100 we got all teary eyed and praised the lord that he new our needs. That lady that had the courage to listen to God as he spoke to her heart had a great impact on our lives and our faith. You see she was letting her light shine, her city was not hid but was set on a hill. We were able to by a few outfits for the kids, and even a toy or two for under the Christmas tree, But guess what 2 weeks later we had the same thing happen in the grocery store were another lady we did not know came up to us and gave us $20 to help with our groceries. There is no doubt this was God shining his grace through complete strangers. Let me ask you this, Do you let your city be seen on a hill? Or have you hid it in a valley so people just pass by? Every person God brings into our liefs is an opportunity to shine for Christ. Let your city be seen.

Lets read Mt 5: verse 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Candles and candlesticks were not used in Scripture times. It would be foolishness to light a lamp and put it under a bushel. You would not get any light, the light would be covered. I mean really what would be the point? Just plain foolishness. When you accepted Christ as your Saviour he put a light in you for the purpose of shining so that other may see clearly the way to salvation. If you hide the light so it don't shine then the light really ain't doing you, it ain't doing God, and it ain't doing others any good because they cant see it, you just never know there may be someone in our lives whom their only chance to see the light of God may be through us, and if we are not letting that light shine we not only have missed a great opportunity to lead someone to Christ but we may have deprived them of there only chance to hear the truth about Christ and salvation. Scary thought to think we may be responsible for someone not hearing the word of God. Think about this how many opportunity's have you missed? If we let our light shine then all around can see and we can see those whom need the light and can help or guide them so they don't stumble or fall.
Mr 4:21 says And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
Is not the light of Christ that was freely given to you suppose to be set in the open for all to see, absolutely it is. Look at Lu 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
Our light is to be set on a candle stick so that who ever enters or crosses our path may see our light and see Christ. One more Lu 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. Not just for strangers but also our light in Christ should be seen by everyone whom enters into our lives.

Is your city on a hill or a valley? Does our light shine for everyone whom passes through our lives to see? Or is it hidden under our sin, behind a bushel or under a table?when you are out in public and your looking around and you know God points out someone to you do you let them keep walking past or do you share your light with them?

In closing Let your light shine, the more you study Gods word and pray the brighter your light will be. Don t skip out on an opportunity to help others to show them the way to Christ, it may be there only chance to hear Gods word or to see Gods grace in action. Don't hide your light. Your light is not yours to hide but it is that of Christ in you. Put their to bring others into His kingdom.

Invitation into His kingdom
Brothers, sisters, let your light shine, if your reading this today and your not sure if you have that light you can! It is available to you, Christ died for our sins that we may be made holy through Christ, all you need to do is accept Christ for who he is the son of God, and for what he has done for you on the cross, and he will put his light in you. Don't wait he is speaking to you today let him in.

Sermon on the Mount part 2

2009-09-28T21:54:00.002-04:00

Sermon On The Mount Part Two

The Kings Devin Benediction

Last time we took a look at Mt 5:1-2 Now we are going to continue on the sermon on the mount. In Mt 5:3-12 these passages will be our focus.

Let's start by reading

Mt 5:3-12. 5:3 ¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you

Lets recap the last message briefly. We discussed a kings anointing, and his duties at the anointing, We saw how Christ took his seat among the people on the hillside in a position that a king would also take so all that surrounded him could see and hear Him as he was about to address them. We also seen that by doing so He established His divine authority as the Christ, and king to the people. This week we are going to look at how Christ begins addressing the people. Also most importantly we will take a look at what Christ wants us to lean about what He said. Lets title this message Whom are the Blessed?

As we read Mt 5:3-12 I want to point this out to you. Our Saviour here gives eight characters of blessed people, each one represents to us the principal graces of a Christian. The King’s first statutes to the people are Benedictions. He begins his teaching with blessings. When a king addresses his people usually it began with praise or blessing of the people or kingdom. Just as we see Christ begins His teaching with blessing's also called the beatitudes. Did you know the Old Testament ended with “a curse”: And the New Testament opens with “Blessed.” The word blessed is often rendered as “happy”. But we like blessed best. OK so in verses 3-12 Our Lord brings to men what we call the Beatitudes. Spiritual poverty is both commanded and commended. It is the basis of Christian experience. Now we are not talking about worldly poverty, But spiritual poverty. We are not to assume ourself s a very spiritual or more spiritual than others around us. Lets look at Mt 5:3 ¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The word "blessed" is first applied to God, and means more than "happy," as it has sometimes been translated. Happiness comes from earthly things; blessedness comes from God. It is not bestowed to everyone as we can see reason follows each beatitude. The poor in spirit. Who are the poor in spirit? They are humble and lowly in their own eyes. They see their want, bewail their guilt, and thirst after a Redeemer. The kingdom of grace is of the same. The kingdom of glory is for them. Some of you may still say to your selfs I still don't understand what being poor in spirit means. I'm gonna help you the best way I can to understand. The humble are those who feel their dependence on God in all things, temporal and spiritual, and look to him for the supply of every want, more especially those who feel their need, as sinners, of spiritual blessings, and look to Jesus Christ to grant them. Full dependence on Christ.

Mt 5:4 (says) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. There is a lot here that could be said I will try to narrow it down a bit. Most of us have been to a funeral of a loved one, We may have cried or wept, thats OK God made us to mourn over the death of a loved one we read in Joh 11:34-36 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! Even Jesus wept knowing he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. It's natural. But guess what! He is not speaking of physical mourning but of spiritual morning. They that mourn; over their spiritual wants, and over sin as the guilty. Who long for spiritual blessings, and come to Jesus Christ for them, according to his directions. This beatitude includes also all the mourning to which God's children are subjected by the chastening through which God prepared them for the everlasting joy of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn. Not all mourners, for there is "a sorrow of this world that worketh death." Godly sorrow is meant, a mourning over sinfulness. How great a blessing is sorrow, since it gives room for the Lord to administer comfort! Our griefs are blessed, for they are our points of contact with the divine Comforter.

Moving on Mt 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Just to clarify no you will not get the earth as a possession as your own personal playground. What is meant then? Who are the meek? The meek are those who are gentle, forgiving, submissive, teachable, patient under injuries, don't do evil for evil, but overcome evil with good, They are the mild, the gentle, opposed to the proud and ambitious, lowly-minded, and are ready to give up their portion in the earth. They neither boast, nor contend, or exult over others. These are the meek. To Inherit the earth simply means to receive and enjoy every earthly and spiritual blessing that is for our good here, and in heaven with Christ for eternity. The sinful and lost condition of men will not hinder them from being truly and for ever blessed. It is the heavenly land especially that is inherited. The especial reference is to the Messiah's kingdom.

Mt 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Hunger and thirst after righteousness, They desire to be and to do right because it is right! Not trusting in their own righteousness, but in the righteousness of Christ. Which by the apostle is called the righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ which is unto all and upon all them that believe. Ro 3:22. Hunger is a felt want, in this case a want of righteousness before God, the righteousness that comes from the forgiveness of sins through Christ. Simply put the hunger and thirst are those who are continually seeking Him. ''For they shall be filled'' when you seek Him when you desire righteousness through Christ you will be filled. They receive what they desire, and are satisfied. This is their longing for goodness, that it is as if their “hunger and thirst” were their passion for righteousness. Where God works such a hunger in us we may be quite sure that he will satisfy it. To be filled is our assurance and joy in our salvation through Christ.

Let keep going Mt 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Again lets look at who the merciful are. The merciful are those who feel for the sufferings of others, instead of resenting injury, are ready to forgive for their injury they have suffered. The fifth petition of the Lord's prayer implies that we must forgive if we expect to be forgiven Mt 6:12. Help those who need help. Some of us find it easy to help others. But some find it more difficult because no one has ever helped them. The blessing here is not just in the act of having mercy but also in having a merciful disposition. This is one that is easy to understand but hard to practice. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. God requires us to exercise the compassion towards others and in doing so it will be exercised towards us. If you have trouble showing mercy, or forgiving others, ask God to help you to offer that mercy just as it was offered to you by Christ.

Alright! Mt 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Great I want to see God were is He? No,... not speaking of physical seeing Him with your eyes. But seeing Him with your Heart through His eye's. Let back up. First who are the pure in heart? Well the pure in heart are those freed from the dominion and pollution of sin in their lives. A pure heart begets a pure life. an impure heart, a corrupt life. To clear the eye we must cleanse the heart. Only purity has any idea of God, or any true vision of him. Ro 6:12-13 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. This is what having a pure heart means, Not letting sin reign your life. They will see God, Jesus is saying if you have a pure heart then you will have a right view of who God is and enjoy his presence in and around you. How great is that to know you see Him the right way to not need glasses to see him, many people use glasses to see God. What do I mean by this? Well some of us only look for Him at Church, or through a pastors message, or on a holiday, that is looking through glasses, your not seeing all of Him nor do you see Him as He is if you are looking through Glasses.

Mt chapter 5 Verse 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Peacemakers are those who desire and seek to have all men at peace with God, with their own consciences, and with one another. They do not start fights with people around them. There not the soldiers of a warrior king, such as the Jews expected. No, they are the one's who proclaim peace and good will among men. The verse before, this speaks of purity, and this of peace. First pure, then peaceable: this is God’s order, and it should be ours. What is a child of God? Christ is the great Peacemaker. A child of God is one who imitates Him, and whom he will make heirs according to his promise. Men are Known by their likeness to their Father. So hereby is our son ship known to ourselves and others. Men of peace are the children of the God of peace, and their Father’s blessing rests in them.

Let's move to the last three verses Mt 5:10-12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Well when we are being persecuted it don't much feel like a blessing does it? It can be painful emotionally, and even physically. The Jews expected a conquering kingdom, and its citizens to be lords among the nations, but Christ pronounces a blessing on those who are persecuted, not for misdeeds, but for righteousness. This is the peculiar blessing of the elect of God. The only homage which wickedness can pay to righteousness is to persecute it. Those who in the first blessing were poor in spirit, are here despised as well as poverty stricken, which for the second time ensures to them “the kingdom of heaven. Ishmael mocks Isaac; but nevertheless Isaac has the inheritance, and Ishmael was cast out. It is a gift from God to be allowed to suffer for his name. When we are persecuted we should count it a Joy, because they also persecuted Christ and if we are persecuted for His name's sake then we are truly blessed. Boy, almost makes you want to be persecuted now don't it? Blessed . . . when men shall revile you. This is a personal application of what has just preceded. Some of those who listened were reviled by the Jews, and persecuted unto death. Persecution of the tongue is more common, but not less cruel than that of the hand. The rule seems to be, “Throw plenty of mud, and some of it will stick.” Just as they persecuted the prophets. It seem's to be the heritage of the Lord’s messengers. they killed one, and stoned another, Put some in prison. The honor of suffering with the prophets, for the Lord’s sake, is great. To this succession it is our high privilege to belong; and we are happy that it is so. Our joy and gladness are to exceed all ordinary bounds when we are honored with the decoration of this blessing.

Quickly I would like to point out that just as a king begins his address to his people with good tidings, Christ also began with a statue of Blessing's. As Christians we should fit into these beatitudes And should inherit the blessing's by His Grace. If you want a clear definition of Righteousness you have it. These Beatitudesicteristics of true Righteousness.

If you don't have these blessings then your not living your Christian walk the way that Christ intended. If you do not poses these, you need to come to Christ ask Him to give you meekness, ask Him for a pure Heart, ect...These are the attitudes of Christ Jesus, and as Christ is the son of God and a son is known by His father they are also the attitudes of God the Father, and for those of us who have salvation through Christ we have been adopted by the father to be as his son's and share in His inheritance with Christ there for they should be our attitudes also. And we should count them with joy. If you don't know Christ He is waiting for you. He wants to share His blessing's with you, He has paid the price for your sin's all you need to do is accept Him for who He is. The Son of God and for What He has done. He died on the Cross for your sin's,

Mt. 5:3-12 study of Sermon on the Mount

2009-08-31T23:59:00.002-04:00

Part one. Sermon on the mount
study of Mt 5:3-12
By. Bro. Cook

As we read Mt 5:3-12 I want to point this out to you.
Our Saviour here gives eight characters of blessed people, each one represents to us the principal graces of a Christian. The King’s first statutes to the people are Benedictions. He begins his teaching with blessings. When a king addresses his people usually it began with praise or blessing of the people or kingdom. Just as we see Christ begins His teaching with blessing's also called the beatitudes. Did you know the Old Testament ended with “a curse”: And the New Testament opens with “Blessed.” The word blessed is often rendered as “happy”. But we like blessed best. OK so in verses 3-12 Our Lord brings to men what we call the Beatitudes. Spiritual poverty is both commanded and commended. It is the basis of Christian experience. Now we are not talking about worldly poverty, But spiritual poverty. We are not to assume ourself s a very spiritual or more spiritual than others around us.

Lets look at Mt 5:3 ¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The word "blessed" is first applied to God, and means more than "happy," as it has sometimes been translated. Happiness comes from earthly things; blessedness comes from God. It is not bestowed to everyone as we can see reason follows each beatitude. The poor in spirit. Who are the poor in spirit? They are humble and lowly in their own eyes. They see their want, bewail their guilt, and thirst after a Redeemer. The kingdom of grace is of the same. The kingdom of glory is for them. Some of you may still say to your selfs I still don't understand what being poor in spirit means. I'm gonna help you the best way I can to understand. The humble are those who feel their dependence on God in all things, temporal and spiritual, and look to him for the supply of every want, more especially those who feel their need, as sinners, of spiritual blessings, and look to Jesus Christ to grant them. Full dependence on Christ.

Mt 5:4 (says) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. There is a lot here that could be said I will try to narrow it down a bit. Most of us have been to a funeral of a loved one, We may have cried or wept, thats OK God made us to mourn over the death of a loved one we read in Joh 11:34-36 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! Even Jesus wept knowing he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. It's natural. But guess what! He is not speaking of physical mourning but of spiritual morning. They that mourn; over their spiritual wants, and over sin as the guilty. Who long for spiritual blessings, and come to Jesus Christ for them, according to his directions. This beatitude includes also all the mourning to which God's children are subjected by the chastening through which God prepared them for the everlasting joy of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn. Not all mourners, for there is "a sorrow of this world that worketh death." Godly sorrow is meant, a mourning over sinfulness. How great a blessing is sorrow, since it gives room for the Lord to administer comfort! Our griefs are blessed, for they are our points of contact with the divine Comforter.

Moving on Mt 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Just to clarify no you will not get the earth as a possession as your own personal playground. What is meant then? Who are the meek? The meek are those who are gentle, forgiving, submissive, teachable, patient under injuries, don't do evil for evil, but overcome evil with good, They are the mild, the gentle, opposed to the proud and ambitious, lowly-minded, and are ready to give up their portion in the earth. They neither boast, nor contend, or exult over others. These are the meek. To Inherit the earth simply means to receive and enjoy every earthly and spiritual blessing that is for our good here, and in heaven with Christ for eternity. The sinful and lost condition of men will not hinder them from being truly and for ever blessed. It is the heavenly land especially that is inherited. The especial reference is to the Messiah's kingdom.

Mt 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Hunger and thirst after righteousness, They desire to be and to do right because it is right! Not trusting in their own righteousness, but in the righteousness of Christ. Which by the apostle is called the righteousness of God by faith of Jesus Christ which is unto all and upon all them that believe. Ro 3:22. Hunger is a felt want, in this case a want of righteousness before God, the righteousness that comes from the forgiveness of sins through Christ. Simply put the hunger and thirst are those who are continually seeking Him. ''For they shall be filled'' when you seek Him when you desire righteousness through Christ you will be filled. They receive what they desire, and are satisfied. This is their longing for goodness, that it is as if their “hunger and thirst” were their passion for righteousness. Where God works such a hunger in us we may be quite sure that he will satisfy it. To be filled is our assurance and joy in our salvation through Christ.

Let keep going Mt 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Again lets look at who the merciful are. The merciful are those who feel for the sufferings of others, instead of resenting injury, are ready to forgive for their injury they have suffered. The fifth petition of the Lord's prayer implies that we must forgive if we expect to be forgiven Mt 6:12. Help those who need help. Some of us find it easy to help others. But some find it more difficult because no one has ever helped them. The blessing here is not just in the act of having mercy but also in having a merciful disposition. This is one that is easy to understand but hard to practice. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. God requires us to exercise the compassion towards others and in doing so it will be exercised towards us. If you have trouble showing mercy, or forgiving others, ask God to help you to offer that mercy just as it was offered to you by Christ.

Alright! Mt 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Great I want to see God were is He? No,... not speaking of physical seeing Him with your eyes. But seeing Him with your Heart through His eye's. Let back up. First who are the pure in heart? Well the pure in heart are those freed from the dominion and pollution of sin in their lives. A pure heart begets a pure life. an impure heart, a corrupt life. To clear the eye we must cleanse the heart. Only purity has any idea of God, or any true vision of him. Ro 6:12-13 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. This is what having a pure heart means, Not letting sin reign your life. They will see God, Jesus is saying if you have a pure heart then you will have a right view of who God is and enjoy his presence in and around you. How great is that to know you see Him the right way to not need glasses to see him, many people use glasses to see God. What do I mean by this? Well some of us only look for Him at Church, or through a pastors message, or on a holiday, that is looking through glasses, your not seeing all of Him nor do you see Him as He is if you are looking through Glasses.

Mt 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Peacemakers are those who desire and seek to have all men at peace with God, with their own consciences, and with one another. They do not start fights with people around them. There not the soldiers of a warrior king, such as the Jews expected. No, they are the one's who proclaim peace and good will among men. The verse before, this speaks of purity, and this of peace. First pure, then peaceable: this is God’s order, and it should be ours. What is a child of God? Christ is the great Peacemaker. A child of God is one who imitates Him, and whom he will make heirs according to his promise. Men are Known by their likeness to their Father. So hereby is our son ship known to ourselves and others. Men of peace are the children of the God of peace, and their Father’s blessing rests in them.

Let's move to the last three verses Mt 5:10-12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Well when we are being persecuted it don't much feel like a blessing does it? It can be painful emotionally, and even physically. The Jews expected a conquering kingdom, and its citizens to be lords among the nations, but Christ pronounces a blessing on those who are persecuted, not for misdeeds, but for righteousness. This is the peculiar blessing of the elect of God. The only homage which wickedness can pay to righteousness is to persecute it. Those who in the first blessing were poor in spirit, are here despised as well as poverty stricken, which for the second time ensures to them “the kingdom of heaven. Ishmael mocks Isaac; but nevertheless Isaac has the inheritance, and Ishmael was cast out. It is a gift from God to be allowed to suffer for his name. When we are persecuted we should count it a Joy, because they also persecuted Christ and if we are persecuted for His name's sake then we are truly blessed. Boy, almost makes you want to be persecuted now don't it? Blessed . . . when men shall revile you. This is a personal application of what has just preceded. Some of those who listened were reviled by the Jews, and persecuted unto death. Persecution of the tongue is more common, but not less cruel than that of the hand. The rule seems to be, “Throw plenty of mud, and some of it will stick.” Just as they persecuted the prophets. It seem's to be the heritage of the Lord’s messengers. they killed one, and stoned another, Put some in prison. The honor of suffering with the prophets, for the Lord’s sake, is great. To this succession it is our high privilege to belong; and we are happy that it is so. Our joy and gladness are to exceed all ordinary bounds when we are honored with the decoration of this blessing.

If you don't have these blessings then your not living your Christian walk the way that Christ intended. If you do not poses these, you need to come to Christ ask Him to give you meekness, ask Him for a pure Heart, ect...These are the attitudes of Christ Jesus, and as Christ is the son of God and a son is known by His father they are also the attitudes of God the Father, and for those of us who have salvation through Christ we have been adopted by the father to be as his son's and share in His inheritance with Christ there for they should be our attitudes also. And we should count them with joy. If you don't know Christ He is waiting for you. He wants to share His blessing's with you, He has paid the price for your sin's all you need to do is accept Him for who He is. The Son of God and for What He has done. He died on the Cross for your sin's. Please accept Him today.

Parable Of The Barron Fig Tree

2009-05-20T22:08:00.001-04:00

Bare The Fruit Or Get An Axe!!

Luke 13:6-9

Parable Of The Barron Fig Tree

When I was a builder I had a few employees that worked for me one in particular comes to mind, his name was Roy was good guy, young. But also was clumsy and very lazy. I remember once he was using a skill saw with gloves on, he started talking to another worker and they got kidding around and he forgot what he was doing and stuck his hand in the saw,luckily he only cut the end of his ring finger off. he worked for me for 3, years 3 years I kept him on. Why because I saw that he had potential if he would just make an effort. Eventually I told him he needed to shape up or ship out, a few months later I had to let him go, because he just would not put in the effort to be the employee I needed him to be. When those who enjoy the means of grace neglect them, and bring forth no fruits of righteousness, God, in time will remove all blessings from them, and leave them to barrenness and death.

Luke is here emphasizing grace, one more year of grace!

Lets read Luke 13:6-9 Then we will take this part of scripture and put it under a magnifying glass for a closer in depth look.

Lu 13:6 ¶ He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

Real quick a fig tree is a common fruit in Palestine. In this parable It represents the Jewish nation. The nation even though it was shown continuous Grace did not glorify God. No fruits of righteousness were being produced. For Three years, which was the period of Christ's ministry among the Jewish there were still no major changes in the Jewish nation. When your gardens don't grow you cut them down as they are worthless if they bear no fruit.

The vineyard by grace is given one last year of opportunity to bear fruit. After that year and the final rejection of Christ the doom of the nation would be sealed. If those who enjoy the means of grace neglect them, and bring forth no fruits of holiness, God, in due time, will remove all such blessings from them, and leave them to endless barrenness and death.

What we see so far is a man is disappointed that a fig tree in his vineyard is unfruitful. Just as God is disappointed when we do not bear the fruits of righteousness he has provided. Next we see he wants to cut it down, but is persuaded by the keeper of the vineyard to give it one more year. That is Christ interceding on our behalf, saying give them one more chance to turn to righteousness. Then if no fruit is borne, then the tree is to be cut down, Fruitlessness will not be endured forever by our lord!

Those who heard Jesus would appreciate the point. But do we today appreciate the point? There is application to us as well in our fruitfulness. God left us here to be fruitful that is our the purpose so why not cut us down and take us on home if we don’t bear fruit?

WHERE GOD HAS EXTENDED PRIVILEGES,

HE EXPECTS RETURNS!!!!!

Lets look at it this way

The owner of the vineyard expected the fig tree to bear fruit
He had given it good soil to grow on, and patiently waited for three years. Three years it had been provided and cared for.
He was ready to cut it down but because the keeper of the vineyard interceded the master was giving it an extra year, but only for the purpose of bearing fruit.

You see God blessed Israel, and He was greatly disappointed when they did not bear fruit.

Lets Read

Isa 5:1-7

Isa 5:1 ¶ Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:

2 And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.

3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.

4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

5 And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:

The point is God has blessed us through His Son Jesus, and we are to glorify God by bearing fruit
Do you utilize the privileges God has given you?

Yes the Lord is long suffering, but it wont last forever
We see the long suffering of the owner of the vineyard, He had given the fig tree three years to produce fruit. He was persuaded to give it another year. But that last year would be the final opportunity the tree would be given. We see the long suffering of the Lord in His dealing with the nation of Israel, in the wilderness. The Lord has been long suffering to us because He does not want anyone to be lost

2 Pe 3:9 […not willing that any should perish…]

His long suffering has been for our salvation

2 Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

But we all need to realize the long suffering of God will one day end, and the "day of the Lord" will come.

2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Jesus warned His disciples that such would happen to them if they did not bear fruit.

Jn 15:2a "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He taketh away;"
Jn15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. "

Even Paul warned the Gentile Christians that they would be cut off if they did not remain faithful to God.
Romans 11:19-23
Jesus’ teaching on this is clear, He is patient and long suffering, and wants to give us time to turn our life's around and be fruitful. But we don't know how much time of grace we have.

The basic lesson of the parable of "The Barren Fig Tree": repent.

1. For the Lord has been long suffering already
2. And what time you have left may be short!

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
James 2:10 Even just one sin makes one guilty of all...

Unlike the barren fig tree, we may have less than a year to repent and bear fruit! And since Jesus died on the cross we have been in the grace period of that fig tree. And the grace period could end at any moment, so don't keep putting it of you know God is calling you. Answer him today.

Bare The Fruit Or Get An Axe

2009-05-10T22:11:00.001-04:00

Luke 13:6-9

Parable Of The Barron Fig Tree

Luke is here emphasizing grace, one more year of grace!

Lets read Luke 13:6-9 Then we will take this part of scripture and put it under a magnifying glass for a closer in depth look.

Lu 13:6 ¶ He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

WHERE GOD HAS EXTENDED PRIVILEGES,

HE EXPECTS RETURNS!!!!!

Lets look at it this way

You see God blessed Israel, and He was greatly disappointed when they did not bear fruit.

Lets Read

Isa 5:1-7

Isa 5:1 ¶ Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:

3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.

4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?

5 And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:

The point is God has blessed us through His Son Jesus, and we are to glorify God by bearing fruit
Do you utilize the privileges God has given you?
Yes the Lord is long suffering, but it wont last forever
We see the long suffering of the owner of the vineyard, He had given the fig tree three years to produce fruit. He was persuaded to give it another year. But that last year would be the final opportunity the tree would be given. We see the long suffering of the Lord in His dealing with the nation of Israel, in the wilderness. The Lord has been long suffering to us because He does not want anyone to be lost

2 Pe 3:9 […not willing that any should perish…]
His long suffering has been for our salvation
2 Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
But we all need to realize the long suffering of God will one day end, and the "day of the Lord" will come.
2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Jesus warned His disciples that such would happen to them if they did not bear fruit.
Jn 15:2a "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He taketh away;"
Jn15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. "
Even Paul warned the Gentile Christians that they would be cut off if they did not remain faithful to God.
Romans 11:19-23
Jesus’ teaching on this is clear, He is patient and long suffering, and wants to give us time to turn our life's around and be fruitful. But we don't know how much time of grace we have.
The basic lesson of the parable of "The Barren Fig Tree": repent.
1. For the Lord has been long suffering already
2. And what time you have left may be short!

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
James 2:10 Even just one sin makes one guilty of all...

Casting The Net And Drawing In Good And Evil

2009-04-28T22:42:00.003-04:00

Casting The Net And Drawing In Good And Evil

Mt 13:47-50
By Brother Jim Cook

When the net is drawn which side will you be on ? Good or Evil!

The parable of the draw net is the sixth out of seven parables Jesus spoke about the mysteries of Heaven. As we begin this study, I hope by the time we are done you will know which side of the net you will be on when it is drawn in.
Mt 13:47 -50
Mt 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

First lets look at the details of the parable, A "draw net" was cast into the sea. What is a draw net? It is defined as a large fishing net equipped with a weighted bottom edge for dragging the river or lake bottom. The top would have wooden floats allowing the net to be spread across a large area of water.
(Isa 19:8)
These type of nets were normally let down from a boat and then drawn to shore by a crew on the beach. If there was a large catch the net was hauled to shore by boat.
(Jn 21:6-8)."
After the draw net was drawn to shore, the fish would be separated. The ones good for eating were saved, the inedible ones were discarded. Now lets take a look at the meaning of the parable. The kingdom of Heaven, in its current state, will be a mixture of good and bad, just like a draw net gathers in both good and bad fish.

2 Ti 2:20-21 “some vessels are "for honor and some for dishonor
Mt 13:49 But in the future there will be a separation -
Mt 13:39-40 It will occur "at the end of the age"
Mt 13:41 The agents of this separation will be the "angels"
Mt 13:41 The "wicked" will be separated from the "just"
Mt 13:50 The punishment of the "wicked" is described
Mt 13:42a "cast...into the furnace of fire."
Mt 13:42b "There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

Jesus, in giving His explanation, we see the emphasis of Jesus in the parable. The emphasis is upon the future separation of those in the kingdom, and the punishment of the wicked. "The Parable Of The Draw net", also reinforces the spiritual truths taught in "The Parable Of The Wheat And Tares", especially those relating to the coming judgment and condemnation of the wicked. But that will be a later study. Jesus emphasizes the judgment and condemnation of the wicked in this parable and it ought to impress upon us that the "good news" of the kingdom of Heaven, also contains "bad news" for those who reject it. "Gathered every kind", here again, it is taught that, at the end of the world, the angels shall sever the wicked from the just. In the parable the sea is the world, and the net is the gospel with its ministers and ordinances. This parable shows the mixture of good and evil which will always exist in the visible church on earth. We should not get discouraged on account of the mixture of evil with good in God's church, for it has always been so, and will be so to the end of time. However we should make it our mission to bring the bad to the good by God's grace and salvation through Christ. Now stop and imagine the fisherman separating their catch. It is unremarkable. Imagine a couple of fishermen sitting on the beach tossing fish into different containers, while a couple more fishermen pull the nets in tighter as the fish get separated out. The ocean waves would be lapping onto the shore and the fishermen would be laughing and joking with each other, at ease because their day was almost done. If you try you can easily imagine such a scene. This is a very strange image of the last judgment, but it is the image that Jesus offers us in this context. From it we can begin to appreciate the insignificance of evil in the larger scheme because in the end God will remove it. But once the victory was accomplished, by Christ on the cross there was absolutely no question as to the final outcome. The kingdom of Heaven was established and the reign of God continued at a more profound level because now there was union between God and man through Jesus Christ. Evil is insignificant and it must be dealt with, but it has already been dealt with, the battle was won. But there is still simply the matter of separating the evil from the righteous, a housekeeping matter at the end of the day. While this particular image of the judgment is not a large matter from the perspective of the fishermen, it is certainly a big deal from the perspective of the fish. They will be separated and thrown in the fire of Hell where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. The picture of judgment will be terrible for those involved. This parable is very well a dire warning of the potential consequences if we are on the wrong side of the net. There is a second striking characteristic about this parable. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous. People will be judged. It is people who will be wailing and gnashing their teeth. It is the evil things being removed from the kingdom of Heaven. God searches after sinners, God waits patiently for sinners to return and then runs to meet them. It would logically follow that God mourns the loss of any sinner at the judgment, but once our decision to reject a relationship with God is made, we become like garbage fish separated from the good fish. Getting rid of that stuff is a necessary task at the end day. And in the end evil will be sorted out from righteousness, and those people who are unwilling to part with their pleasure will end up in the fire because they would not let go of the object that was being thrown in. God loves the world. God seeks the lost. In the parable of the prodigal son, God watches for the return of the sinner, and when he returns, throws propriety to the wind and runs to greet him. The real amazing thing is not that we are saved, but that some humans are so self-centered that they can resist and turn away from the reality of the kingdom of Heaven. A note to end on, put simply, let go of the sin in your life and and pick up the righteousness God has given through Christ Jesus. On that final day when the net is drawn and the separation begins be a trout, or a bass or something, don't be a jelly fish, put your faith in Christ. You want to be in the good pile that day. Amen!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU

The Road To The Cross !

2009-04-10T22:26:00.001-04:00

The Road To The Cross

Study of Christ's sufferings on the way to Calvary for our Salvation.

Mt 27:25 -54

by Bro. Cook

My friends, you need to know what Christ suffered on the way to the cross. Ever since the birth of our Lord, he was on the road to the cross, but I want to take your hearts to the point in history when Christ was taken to a place called Golgotha and was nailed to a Cross. Lets start in Mt 27:25 which is just after the people chose to release Barabbas and to crucify Jesus.

Mt 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

“His blood be on us and our children.” We will take responsibility. We will suffer any divine punishment that comes upon us and our children. Thats a fearful statement, because they did and still do suffer because of this one statement they made. The history of the Jewish people from that day on has been the darkest recorded in all human history. They have been the most persecuted people on the earth, just to name one, Hittler tried to destroy them by attempting genocide, and others have also tried.

I don't want to spend to much time on giving examples, you can research them any time you like. What I would like to explain is, they had no idea that their sins actually would be passed on for all their generations to come, that just as Christ was persecuted by them, they and their children would be persecuted by the world. Read what David says in

2Sa 1:16 And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.

You see their very own mouth testified against them and continues today.

Mt 27:26 ¶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Here we see they have released a murderer, Barabbas. And Jesus was scourged, now it was custom for one to be scourged whom was condemned to die. Usually it preceded the crucifixion. It was a horrible punishment, inflicted by soldiers, and didn't stop until the victim was fainting due to the pain. This was straight out torture. What is scourging exactly, well in the Roman method which would have been the method they used, the person would be stripped, stretched with cords or throngs and beaten with rods, or a handle with three lashes or throngs of leather, sometimes with pieces of metal fastened to them.

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Christ did not have to endure such pain, he did this because he loves us, it was the only way we as sinners could be healed.

Mt 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.

After the scourging was inflicted on our Lord, they took him to the common hall, which most likely was the governor's palace. The whole band would have been from four hundred to six hundred soldiers on duty at the palace at any given time. All of them gathered to mock Christ. There was great cruelty mixed with mockery. These Roman soldiers were men who took amusement in such things, most considered it sport. Not only was there a prisoner delivered to them, but he was charged with making himself the king of the Jews. Talk about putting a kettle on a fire, that really gave them something to use as sport in mocking Him. They were not moved or persuaded by his gentleness, but they sought to inflict all manner of scorn towards our Lord.

Mt 27:28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.

29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

His clothing which had been stripped off at the scourging, had been replaced, but was now removed again so they could wrap him in a scarlet (purple) robe which were the royal colors. They did this out of mockery and scorn. Next they made a crown of thorns and put it on his head as a way of torture and mockery. Many of us have been poked by a thorn, it hurts. Well Christ had a crown of thorns pushed onto his head, the pain had to have been great. Thats not the end, they continued. Next for a scepter they placed a reed in his right hand. After they arrayed him, in a royal robe, a crown of thorns, and fake scepter, the mockery continues. They kneel before him and shout out in laughter, “hail, King of the Jews.” Then they began spitting in his face, striking Him in the head. How much Christ suffered for us. I can't help but to ask what if you or me were one of those soldiers, would we have participated in the acts they committed against our Lord? Before you answer. hear me out. With so many soldiers there was probably a lot of peer pressure for everyone to join in. Have you, or do you give in to pressure to do things you know are against Christ, cursing, drinking, smoking, pornography, making fun of someone passing by, ect... Well then you and I are guilty just as the solders are, and just as the Jewish people are.

Ro 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Do you truly understand, whether you answered yes or no to whether or not you would have joined in with the soldiers, you already did because of your sins!

Mt 27:31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

After hours of being mocked and beaten Pilate presented the bleeding prisoner once more to the people, to try and secure their pity, and made one more effort to release him, but it was in vain. They then put his own clothes back on him. And Christ was led as a lamb to the slaughter, as a sacrifice to the altar where he would pay the ultimate penalty for our sin.

Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Could you stay silent through what Christ went through? I know I would not have been able to.

Mt 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

Cyrene was a city in the northern part of Africa. At first the cross was laid on Jesus, it was custom for a prisoner to carry their own cross to their Crucifixion. As you can imagine after all Christ was put through the scourging, the beating, the mocking, He surely was very physically weak and could hardly hold himself up let alone His cross, this is why they persuaded Simon. Simon was the father of two known Christians Mr 15:21 Alexander and Rufus. Can you imagine yourself in the place of Simon how heart breaking it must have been for him to see his Lord and carry his cross.

Mt 27:33 ¶ And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

Golgotha, A Hebrew word, meaning a skull. From its Latin equivalent, calvaria, from which comes our English word Calvary. Golgotha was the common place of execution, outside the gate of the city.

Mt 27:34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

It was a bitter drink designed to lesson the suffering, but Christ refused. Here we see the prophecy in

Ps 69:21 was fulfilled.

Ps 69:21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

The treatment of the Saviour was foretold in the Old Testament, and the exact fulfillment of the description is proof that it was God inspired.

Mt 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Being crucified has to be the most terrible and shameful death known to man. The Jewish never crucified another Jew. The Romans never crucified another Romans. That the Jewish would demand the Romans to inflict this on Jesus shows the intensity of their hate for Him. To be crucified meant

driving bolts of iron through the hands and feet, and fastening him to the cross,. Then lifting him up to hang there as though he was a felon. Next another prophesy was fulfilled

Ps 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

The Roman soldiers who crucified Christ were not trying to fulfill the Scriptures when they parted his garments, and were casting lots. Yet they fulfilled the Scripture just as it was foretold. They sat under the cross and gambled for his garments. The nerve they had, to imagine this being done to anyone is heartbreaking enough, but to know it was done to our Lord troubles the heart so much more. The suffering, the humiliation, the mocking, the beating, the stripes, the nails being hammered through his hand and feet. Oh what my Lord has suffered for me, if only I were not a sinner my Lord would not have suffered.

Mt 27:36 And sitting down they watched him there;

37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

This was customary, to sit down and to watch to see that no one would come and take down those who were crucified till it was ordered. Some watched Him out of curiosity, some to make sure that He really did die, some even delighted in His sufferings, and there were some who wept for Him. Even still many mocked him. It was Roman custom to place a sign over the criminal's head stating the crime for which they suffered. Christ's read THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. One day all men will profess Christ as king whether it be in Heaven by his side, or from a lake of fire. We all will acknowledge Him.

Mt 27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,

42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

Now we see as said in

Isa 53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

To show that they regarded Christ as the worst of the three criminals, they put him between the two thieves, giving him the place of dishonor. Thus was the prophecy fulfilled, "He was numbered with the transgressors.'' The two with Christ were paying the price for their sins, but Christ was paying the price for the sins of the world"He bare the sin of many." Now as people passed by they shook their heads as to show there approval in the shame that was put on him. Also foretold in

Ps 22:7 All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head,

Their false accusation, “Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross”. The chief priests, with the scribes and elders, despite their high standing, joined in mocking Jesus in his death. Every word that was spoken cut and pierced our Lord to the heart. They mocked him as a Savior:."He saved others; himself he cannot save." They mocked him as a King: "If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and, we will believe him." They mocked him as a believer: "He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him." They mocked him as the Son of God: "For he said, I am the Son of God." Unknowingly they were admitting his deity, even the testimony that Christ's enemies bore against him it also revealed him. "He saved others;" "He is the King of Israel" "He trusted in God."

Mt 27:45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Well the sixth hour would have been twelve o'clock noon. The ninth hour would have been three o'clock in the afternoon. So for 3 hours darkness covered the land.

Am 8:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

About three o'clock Christ calls out to the Father. He was left to struggle without a sense of his Father's presence. “My God, my God!” shows that he was still his Father's own and had complete faith in his Father's will. I believe this is literally the point at which our sins were transfered to the body of Christ.

Mt 27:47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.

48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.

49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

The resemblance between the word "Eli" and the name Elijah is very close, they believed he was calling for Elijah because they had an illusion that Elijah would come before the Messiah. When in fact he actually said Eli, Eli which means My God, My God. One of the men had compassion and ran and gave him vinegar to drink. Fulfilling yet another prophesy in

Ps 69:21 They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

Next we read

Mt 27:50 ¶ Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Jesus Christ retained his life and endured his agony till he had finished God's work. He suffered all that was needed in order to become the Savior to all who believe in him. He then voluntarily gave up his life. Now Christ's strength was not exhausted, his last word was spoken with a loud voice, he shouted out the words, “It is finished.” Willingly dying, laying down his life

Joh 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

The veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom, this was no coincidence. The veil of the temple separated the most holy place from the other parts of the temple. The veil being rent in twain from top to bottom signified that now the way into God's presence was opened by the blood of Jesus Christ for all to come in unto the Father. The tombs were opened. The saints were raised. Their rising was a testimony that the death of Christ is life to the saints. The Centurion or (captain) was the Roman officer in command, and admitted this was the Son of God as he had professed to be. The scenes at the cross had convinced him that Jesus was more than man, that he was the son of God. It was truly strange that those men should confess what the chief priests and scribes and elders denied. Yet even today it is often found that the most profane have acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God while many religious rulers still deny Him. Our study ends here, but as you go about your day remember the suffering that your Lord went through, so that you might come to Him and accept his salvation which he has offered freely to you and to me. Don't deny him, Don't wait, or you may wake one day to find it is to late. Though he has offered salvation freely it does have an expiration date. Once Christ returns it will be to late.

God bless you, And I will be praying for you all.

The Prodigal Son

2009-04-05T22:53:00.000-04:00

In Depth Study KJV
by Brother James Cook

This study was written to bring

my lost brothers home to our Father in Heaven.

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes

were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:13

Before We Start:

I have found the best way to start a study
is just by diving in.
The parable Jesus tells of the prodigal son,
lets divide it into six parts.
We will take an in depth look at each part.
We will call them the departure, the misery, the repentance,
the return, time to rejoice, and the Pharisee's.
Let's begin each part by reading the corresponding Scripture.
Then we will take a closer look at each section.
The prodigal son is a parable Jesus spake to the pharisees and scribes,

but also in the presence of publicans and sinners.

The parable begins in Luke 15:11.

Part one: The departure

Lu 15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:

Lu 15:12 And the younger of them said to his father,

Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.

And he divided unto them his living.

Lu 15:13 And not many days after the younger son

gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country,

and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

The parable of the prodigal son shows the nature of repentance and the Lord's readiness and willingness to welcome those who return to him. Something in this inimitable parable always seems to draw in and cut to the core of the heart and soul. In this section we need to understand who is a representation of who. In this parable the father is Our Heavenly Father (God). The elder son, is representative of the self-righteous or in this case the Pharisees and Scribes. The younger son is representative of the sinful, or in this case the Publicans and Sinners.

Try to keep that in your mind as we continue.

Now in verse 12 we see the son says to the father,

“Give me the portion of thy substance.” Now, he was not asking.

This was a selfish and unfilial demand that the son had made. Sound familiar?

Just like a sinner who demands of God to give, but returns no gratitude.

The younger son returned no gratitude. He felt it was rightfully his

and that he had the right to demand it, just as many of us do today.

So thats what the father did. The father gave him his part.

Now as it was custom in that day the elder son would receive two shares,

and the younger son one share, we learn this in

But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn,

by giving him a double portion of all that he hath:

for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

Deuteronomy 21:17

The father, who is yet living, out of love and grace, concedes to the younger son's demands,

and divides their inheritance before their due time.

The father gave to the younger son his portion, but held the elder son's portion in his own hand's.

Many men wish to have their concerns, rewards, and control of their lives in their own hands and want to direct their own course in life, rather than have God do it for them. And it will always end in great disappointment, disaster, or even death.

Next we see the younger son takes his belongings and leaves his father's house with giving no word to his father, as to him leaving, or as to where he is headed. So he wandered far away from his father's house. Just as the sinner wanders from God and partakes in his own gratifying desires. We also see the son (sinner) wasted his substance (blessings and gifts) on foolish and sinful things. A worldly life is a wasted life. It is much worse for us to waste our spiritual opportunities and gifts than it is for us to waste earthly goods.

Take a quick look at what Proverbs 28:7 Says,

Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son:

but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

The younger son by doing what he did had brought great shame to his father, just as a sinner professing Christ but continuing in a sinful way of life is shaming God.

Jeremiah 2:5 Says, Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

The son was walking in vanity. He was selfish and only wanted to please himself.

How many of us only focus on what we want, or on what pleases ourselves?

Part Two: The misery

Luke 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose

a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country;

and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks

that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

Now here is where the trouble begins for the younger son for trying to go his own way in life. First, he squandered all he had been given by his father and to his surprise there was now a famine in the land. The Bible says “he began to want”, which many preachers would say, he was so distraught he may have wanted to end his life. Now stop and think about that in today's world, basically he is saying he has hit rock bottom and he can see no way out. The same applies to sinners. Eventually, after living for themselves for so long, things fall apart and the sinner can't seem to see any way to restore themselves to what they had. Many of us find ourselves in similar situations yet today. Take a look at

Ezekiel 16:27 Behold, therefore I have stretched out my hand over thee,

and have diminished thine ordinary food, and delivered thee unto

the will of them that hate thee, the daughters of the Philistines,

which are ashamed of thy lewd way.

Next, we see the son had no where else to go, so he met up with a citizen of the far off county he was in. Why did he do this? Simple. To find work so he could eat. But he was unable to find work and the only thing that was available was for him to go into the fields to feed swine. Well, you need to understand to the Jewish in that time, feeding the swine was one of the lowest means of work, many considered it shameful and a degrading means of employment. He was over taken by hunger yet no one would give to him, so he fed himself with the same food he fed to the swine, husks. Husks were large pods that grew on the Carob trees. They have small seeds like beans, and a sweetish pulp. They were fed to the swine, but poor people sometimes also would eat them.

Psalm 142:4 Says, I looked on my right hand, and beheld,

but there was no man that would know me:

refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

I think something similar to this verse goes through our minds when we read this.

PART 3: Repentance

Luke 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said,

How many hired servants of my father's have bread

enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him,

Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and before thee,

19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son:

make me as one of thy hired servants.

I have titled this section the repentance and I will tell you why. The phrase “he came to himself”; means he came to have just views of things. You see men must feel that they are lost, before they are found. And unless they believe that without God they will perish, they will never truly come to him. Yet even if they do believe this, they will not return to him until they truly make the resolve to do so. Okay, so in verse 17 we see he finally realized what he has done.

Lets look at the start of his recovery from his sin. This begins by his coming to himself. That is the turning point in the sinner's conversion (salvation). The Lord opens his eyes and heart, and convicts him of sin. After his eyes are open, he views himself and every object in a different way or light than what he did before. Therefore, the convicted sinner sees that the worst servant of God is happier than he is. Hence, he realizes he must go to his father, confess and repent of his sin.

Psalm 51:3 Says, For I acknowledge my transgressions:

and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:

that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest,

and be clear when thou judgest.

PART 4: The return to the father

Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

At this point we see the son has finally headed home. But for a sinner to come home, he must first turn, and leave the far country, sinful associations, and enter into spiritual union with Christ. A sinner comes by faith, repentance, and obedience to Christ by baptism.

Romans 6:3 Says, Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized
into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

As the son draws nigh, the father sees him from afar. How did the father see him coming? Good eye sight? No. He saw him because he was continuously watching for him every day since he had left, just as God is continually watching for the sinner to return. He is constantly watching and waiting for you to come to him.

The next phrase “He Ran and fell on his neck”, this represents the readiness with which God receives returning sinners. But it also has another meaning. In the days of Christ, the men wore robes that went down to there ankles. Well, in order for the father to run to his lost son, he would have had to hold his robe up above his knees and run through the village past onlookers. This just was not done, exposing there legs, it was humiliating. The father willfully humiliated himself and ran to his son. Just as Christ was humiliated as he was led through Jerusalem to calvary to pay the price for our sins.

Now, when the son saw his father humiliating himself in such a manor, I can't help but to think this was his true moment of repentance, him seeing the willingness and readiness of his father to receive him. “He had compassion.” The father does not even wait for the confession the son had resolved to make. The father's love cannot wait when it recognizes the purpose. Take a look at-

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes
were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Next, we see the son's confession and plea for mercy and grace to the father.

Just as the son, we are not worthy of God's grace or mercy, nor of the sacrifice Christ made on our behalf. But through God on behalf of Christ it is freely given to us. There are no strings attached. We just have to believe in Christ, and accept Him as our savior, and we too, can be restored with Him.

“The father said.” He interrupted the confession of the prodigal son. He had returned in rags and the father had the best robes of white put on him. Just as God gives the repented sinner robes of the righteousness of Christ. He covers our sin with his righteousness, this would be the blood of Christ that was shed to cleanse and cover our sins. He pardons them freely, and bestows upon them the blessings of his salvation. Next, we see he put a ring on his hand. A ring with a seal was a symbol of authority, of son ship, to show all, that this is his son. I believe the ring he put on his hand represents God giving us his Holy Spirit as a sign of our salvation.

“Shoes on his feet.” Servants went barefoot, but the shoes were a symbol of freedom. By the resurrection of Christ we are free from the bonds of sin. We are no longer servants under sin's control. Lets briefly read Romans 6:6-11, as I think it applies well here.

Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him,
that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more;
death hath no more dominion over him.

10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once:
but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead
indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

You see the cost for our rebellion and sin has been paid. and Jesus says we are now free from sin. The chains have been broken and a new path he has put before us.

Part 5 Time to rejoice

23 And bring hither the fatted calf,
and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again;
he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

You see the father was rejoicing because his son had returned and he receives him with great joy and absolute forgiveness. When in humility, a person returns to God, trusting in Jesus Christ as their savior, He rejoices to receive them with exceeding great joy, and notwithstanding their transgressions. He pardons them freely, and gives them the blessings of his salvation. The calf was for a welcome home feast as a measure of rejoicing in the son's return. Such preparations and feasts were common in the life of those in the East.

“My son was dead-lost.” He was dead to excellence and to happiness and dead to his father's house. He was lost to goodness, to duty, the honor of his father, and to Heaven.

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened,
who were dead in trespasses and sins;

“Alive-found.” He has returned with repentance and humility to his father and friends, and is of great joy to them. He was no longer lost to goodness, and would now be a partaker of their joy. “For my son was dead, and is alive.” This symbolizes a spiritual resurrection with God, for by Christ's death we also were resurrected with him in a new likeness. “They began to be merry”, great joy should be manifested by all saints at the repentance of a sinner just as we read in

Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven
over one sinner that repenteth,
more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

All sinners need to know:

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection,
and the life: he that believeth in me,
though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Here are a few more verses I would like to share with you before we move on to the final part of the parable.
They are as follows:

Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead
indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus
hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

2 Corinthians 5:15 And that he died for all,
that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves,
but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek
and to save that which was lost.

I'm not going to go into detail on each of those verses, but it is my hope you see the connection between them and this parable. Okay, moving on.

Part 6 The Pharisees

Luke 15:25 Now his elder son was in the field:
and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come;
and thy father hath killed the fatted calf,
because he hath received him safe and sound.

28 And he was angry, and would not go in:
therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

29 And he answering said to his father,
Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I
at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid,
that I might make merry with my friends:

30 But as soon as this thy son was come,
which hath devoured thy living with harlots,
thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me,
and all that I have is thine.

32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad:
for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again;
and was lost, and is found.

Well as you can see this part of the parable is a bit longer than the previous parts, but there is a good reason why, as we will see. Now remember the elder son represents the Scribes and Pharisees, who found fault with Jesus for receiving and treating sinners who came to him.

The elder son is in the field working, and he hears music. I would imagine he was confused and didn't know what was going on, so he asked a servant. The servant told him his brother had returned and his father received him back unto his house and was throwing a welcome home feast. This made the brother angry and he did not go to the feast. So his father came out to him. Now you notice how the brother was angry and did not accept his brother's return, well that is how the Jewish, in general, showed the same spirit towards the converted Gentiles. They didn't want to accept them, just as the Pharisees were angry and sought against Christ for receiving sinners to repentance. In the parable the father coming out to the son shows Gods longsuffering, and his will for all to come in unto his house.

Real quick take a look at:

Act 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes,
they were filled with envy, and spake against those things
which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

Does that verse sound like what the elder son was doing? It was exactly what he was doing. Next we see the elder son saying “Neither transgressed I.” This is the very spirit of the Pharisees, a self-righteous spirit. This shows while he was present with the father, he was far away from him in spirit. Just to clarify, next the elder son says “yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:”. When he says kid he is not speaking of a child. The elder son is referring to a young goat, in that his father has never even slaughtered a goat for him, but yet the father has slaughtered the fattest calf for the younger son. We can see a bit of jealousy here in the elder son because of the attention that was given to the younger. “This thy son;” was an expression of scorn and pride. He refuses to say my brother. Despite the elder son's jealousy and pride the father is still loving towards him and tells him “Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” The father is pleading with the envious brother and tries to bring him to a proper frame of mind, just as Christ pleads with Israel. I feel Christ was leading us towards what Paul would later write in:

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs;
heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;
if so be that we suffer with him,
that we may be also glorified together.

Now the last verse in the parable. The father says “It was meet;” meaning suitable, and proper. Now had the elder son's heart been right, he would not have murmured against his brother, and would have partaken in the joy of his return with his father. Now with the Scribes and Pharisees, had they been of a right heart, instead of murmuring at Christ for receiving sinners, they would have rejoiced with him at the conversion of each one with exceeding joy. Now then the returned sinner is his brother. But unless he too, can welcome him, then he has also become a lost son.

As we end this study together I would like to end with some scripture.

Hosea 14:9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things?
prudent, and he shall know them?
for the ways of the LORD are right,
and the just shall walk in them:
but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Have you truly accepted Christ as your savior or are you a lost son? No matter how great your sin he will welcome you home.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned:
but he that believeth not is condemned already,
because he hath not believed in the name
of the only begotten Son of God.

My brother now is the time. Don't wait any longer. The Father is running to meet you, all you need to do is believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, and pray that He will give you true forgiveness and salvation through His love, grace, and mercy. I beg you wait no longer. Christ died on the cross to pay the cost of your sin. Ask Him into your heart today,
He will change your life with his love...