Author: Stan Cox
Mining the Scriptures: Jude 24-25
Jude ends here with a doxology. A doxology is an expression of praise and glory to God. It is fitting that this conclusion is given at the end of an epistle that exhorts all to contend for the faith. The false teachers Jude warned about in the epistle were in their doctrine undermining God.
Redemption is possible only through God’s grace. Praise Him. He is able to expunge our sin through the sacrifice of His Son, and we can be reconciled to Him for eternity with such purity.
God is the One who saves us. God is the One who is wise. This is clearly seen in His revealed scheme of redeeming us, formed before our very creation, as indicated in Ephesians 1:3-14.
It is only right and proper that we praise Him. We ascribe to him glory, majesty, dominion and power. We acknowledge that such a preeminent position is well deserved (as our Creator), and as our Savior. It is a position that is eternal, and one we rejoice in. There is no other God, “Both now and forever. Amen”
The Practice of Your Faith
In the last chapter of Colossians, after giving some specific instruction regarding familial responsibilities, the great apostle ended his admonitions to his readers with some general instruction in living the Christian life. Note the following, in Colossians 4:2-6:
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
These verses serve as an inspired explanation of James’ contention, “But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). These admonitions of Paul in Colossians 4 begin to flesh out that of which a life of faith should consist. Continue reading “The Practice of Your Faith”
The Saint and Judging
“Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge?” (1 Corinthians 6:1-4).
The idea of judging is not welcome in society today, though it is necessary and prevalent. The question is, who should judge, and how should they do it?
The answer is found in these words. Judging is to be done carefully and righteously. Jesus said the same in Matthew 7:2-5. Fortunately, Christians are the most capable in this area, or at least should be, as they are to conduct themselves righteously, with ethics and honesty.
Though differences exist regarding the true meaning of the phrases, “the saints will judge the world” (2) and “we shall judge angels” (3) it is evident that Paul was elevating the place and ability of the saints above both of those groups.
So, what is the lesson? Act and think as a saint should act and think! (cf. 1 Peter 4:3-6). Doing so will allow us to make right and proper decisions, in every relationship whether it be family, friends, or brethren.
Christian discernment is a good thing!
Sermon: A Present View Help by Young People
The Lesson discusses both the commendable and condemnable aspect of the young generation’s views concerning Judgment and Kindness.
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Sermon: Dan – A History of Idolatry
(Judges 18) Our discussion of Judges 18 shows that the northern city of Dan was founded in idolatrous practices, and remained idolatrous throughout her history. The sins of Idolatry and Anarchy are discussed.
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Seven Sons of Sceva
There are many passages of scripture that tangentially teach principles of authority, even though the primary purpose of the text may concern something entirely different.
In Acts 19, we are told of the miracles that Paul did, powerful miracles that included healings and exorcisms. We are told that even pieces of clothing, aprons or handkerchiefs, that had touched Paul’s body, were brought to the sick and healed them (12). Such power was effective in proving Paul’s authority was from God, and caused many at Ephesus to believe in Jesus. We are told, “So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed” (20). Continue reading “Seven Sons of Sceva”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 John 2:12-14
There are several ways to explain the text. The most simple is to consider that John is writing to three groups of Christians, little children, young men, and fathers. It is not dogmatic, but Barnes suggests years to approximate 20 & below, 20-40, & above 40.
The little children (note, there are two different words translated in this way in 12a and 13b which may or may not have any significance), are told by John he writing was “because your sins are forgiven you” and “because you have known the Father.” John was certainly writing to young Christians to mature them in faith.
Young men, “because you have overcome the wicked one,” and “because you are strong and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.” This indicates valiant and strong Christians, who receive strength from John’s words.
Fathers, “because you have known Him who is from the beginning.” This is repeated twice, a confirmation of their long held faith, close acquaintance, and trust in God the Father.
Continuing in Sin
It is sad that a statement by Paul “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that race may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2), should need explanation and defense. And yet, because of error and the current cultural climate, it certainly does.
Paul taught salvation by grace, which just about every religious person believes. He taught that sin precludes any individual being saved by perfect obedience, which just about every religious person accepts as a true statement. Here he taught that continuing to sin after being saved by grace was unacceptable. This truth, which is clearly stated, can’t be accepted by individuals who believe the Calvinistic precept of the Perseverance of the Saints, colloquially known as “Once saved always saved.” Continue reading “Continuing in Sin”
Sermon: Complaining
Our discussion on Complaining does not question whether it is sinful, but whether any particular expression is an example of complaining. It takes discernment to know!
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Sermon: Live from the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14)
In 1 Corinthians 9:14 the apostle indicated God’s intent that the preacher of the gospel should be materially supported while doing his work. The principle is examined here.
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Sermon: God Approved Zeal
Zeal is an important and approved aspect of being a disciple of Christ. But only if that zeal is directed by God rather than man himself.
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Sermon: The Prosperity of the Wicked (Psalm 73)
The Psalm reveals that our perception that the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper is not accurate. Ultimately, the wicked will suffer God’s wrath as the righteous are rewarded.
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Praise Or Flattery?
Consider Romans 16:17-18:
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Paul here describes insidious actions by Christians. They are insidious for two reasons. The first is that these actions are self-serving, and thus sinful. Those who engage in these behaviors have ulterior motives. They do not serve Jesus, but rather their own belly. They are doing what they do because it serves their purpose. It is not to please Christ, to edify, to build up. It is to accomplish their own desires, whatever those desires may be. Continue reading “Praise Or Flattery?”
The Platform of Unity
Ephesians 4:1-6 describes a basis for our unity as Christians. Jesus prayed for His followers to be unified in John 17. Paul relates that desire of our Lord by writing, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called… endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1,3). He indicatesa the way that unity can be attained, by lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering and love (2). But, the unity is not merely a “getting along”! It is something that has a basis, a standard that all adhere to. Unity would not be obtainable without this commonality. Verses 4-6 describe that standard. Continue reading “The Platform of Unity”
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Peter 2:12-14
Here Peter begins describing the false teachers about which he is warning his readers. First, Peter expresses disdain about their nature, comparing them to wild (and irrational) animals whose purpose is only to be caught and destroyed. Second, their actions are based on ignorance, criticizing and demeaning when they have no real knowledge of a matter. He argues that such actions will eventually be the cause of their own ruin, “will utterly perish in their own corruption” (12).
Third, their evil actions will receive “the wages of unrighteousness” (13). As Paul noted, the “wages of sin” is spiritual death (cf. Romans 6:23). Fourth, they are stains, “spots and blemishes” that sully what otherwise should be pure and white “with you” (13).
Fifth, they are unfaithful, here described as having “eyes of adultery.” They not only continually sin, but are guilty of “enticing” others. Sixth, and finally, they are covetous (greedy desire).
