Author: Stan Cox
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:16-21
The calling in Christ is described by Paul here. In calling, we must determine how we are called. It is through the gospel of Christ. God is not capricious, giving his grace to some, but denying it to others. The reason why so many who are humanly wise, mighty and noble are not of the elect is they choose not to be! They trust and depend upon themselves rather than upon God (cf. Proverbs 16:18).
God champions the humble. What He considers to be valuable differs greatly from the world’s definition of value. God chooses that which indicates man’s dependence upon Him, rather than things which promote selfishness and arrogance. Why? “That no flesh should glory in His presence” (29).
Accepting God’s wisdom, His righteousness (cf. Romans 10:3), and the blessings that accrue from our relationship to Him, this is what God desires for us. Don’t glory in yourself (pride); instead, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (31).
“…We could no longer endure it”
Paul was a man motivated by love and concern for others, especially his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. This is evident from his life of ministry, going to various congregations to preach to them, writing letters, and sending his companions when he couldn’t go himself to help them during trials or difficulties. One example of this is 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3:
“Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.”
Can you imagine a love for your brethren so strong that concern for their well being troubles you beyond the point of endurance? So, Paul sent Timothy to help them by establishing them in the faith, and encouraging them.
He did not want their faith to be shaken. It is the lot of all of us to suffer tribulation. The help of our brethren can aid our maintaining faithfulness despite such trials.
To our point, do you have the same love for your brethren that Paul exhibited? We are spiritual family! (cf. Matthew 12:46-50).
Sermon: Meditations on God’s Laws
A wonderful passage of scripture, Psalm 119:97-104 is discussed, showing the benefits of immersing yourself in God’s law, and proper attitude of the disciple.
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Sermon: (Short) Useless Wrangling (1 Timothy 6:5)
In this short lesson, Stan examines Paul’s teaching, showing that as a Christian we must honor others rather than acting in self-centered, divisive ways.
Talking about Covenants
There are some terms that are used in scripture to explain how God’s authority works, and how it affects the Old and New Testaments.
In the NKJV of the bible, there are three primary words that are used to describe what these are. They are the words testament, covenant and will. Let’s define each.
In Galatians 3:17 Paul wrote, “And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.” The word covenant (diatheke) is a term with legal ramifications, defined by Thayer as “a disposition, arrangement, of any sort, which one wishes to be valid…especially the last disposal which one makes of his earthly possessions after his death, a testament or will.” Continue reading “Talking about Covenants”
The Problem of Pride
The problem of pride is one with which we all struggle. It ultimately causes all sin. We want what we want, and we decide to do what we want rather than what God wants us to do. It is a struggle for all of us, and so the righteous strive to heed God’s admonition, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8). Continue reading “The Problem of Pride”
Mining the Scriptures: Romans 1:26-28
This text is unpopular in our time, but it is very simple, clearly revealing God’s view of homosexuality and lesbianism. Paul wrote, as inspired by the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17), that women with women is unnatural and vile. Sex ultimately is established by God as a means of propagation, (cf. Genesis 3:28). It is not possible for women, in a same sex relationship, to “fill the earth”. God designed sexuality to be not only with a man and a woman, but a husband and a wife, (cf. Genesis 3:23-24).
The same is true regarding relationships between two men. It is an action of lust, it is shameful, and the one who does such suffers penalty from God (cf. Romans 2:32).
As verse 28 reveals, homosexuality and lesbianism are (in addition to other sins) actions which emanate from a debased mind, and are not fitting. Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who revealed only the things which came from Jesus and the Father in heaven (cf., John 16:5-15). The truth is very simple in this matter. It is only that some are unwilling to submit to it.
Euodia and Syntyche
The love letter that Paul wrote to the Philippians had a single sour note, revealed in Philippians 4. We know nothing of the circumstances, but in the midst of the righteous efforts of this faithful congregation, there was some kind of strife between two women of the number.
Paul wrote, “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2). Paul wrote with love and gentleness, but there was a problem of some type. It seems that if the problem were doctrinal, Paul would have arbitrated the issue by revealing God’s will on the matter. Most probably the strife that existed was something else. It may have been a matter of personality, perceived slight, or another inconsequential matter, though it may have seemed large to the ladies.
Regardless, it was something that could not rightly stand in the way of their unity. Paul had already encouraged the Philippians, “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2). He now called upon those mature Christians in Philippi to “help these women” (3) gain a unity that was not present. The next time you think your issue is important enough to strive against your brother, think twice!
Sermon: How the Devil Works
A discussion of Genesis 3:6 and Luke 4:1-13, showing how the Devil works to tempt men, and what can be done to deal with the enticements he places before us.
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Sermon: The Triumph of Our Faith (Romans 5:1-11)
A discussion of Romans 5:1-11, discussing salvation, obtained by God’s grace through our faith in Jesus, bringing us a firm hope of eternity with God.
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Are You an Enemy of God?
I don’t think anyone would admit that he is God’s enemy. We each want to consider ourselves “friend[s] of God”, like Abraham (2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23). Or one after God’s “own heart”, like David (1 Samuel 13:14). However, it can be safely said that most make themselves enemies of God because they embrace the world rather than righteousness.
“Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). Continue reading “Are You an Enemy of God?”
Mining the Scriptures: Acts 2:1-4
Acts 2 begins with one of the most significant events in the plan of God to redeem man, the establishment of Christ’s church. As the first verse indicates it was on the day of Pentecost. (The first Pentecost following Jesus’ resurrection from the dead). This was in accord with Jesus promise, “..and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
The events of the day were accompanied by signs from God, to establish the legitimacy of the events. As indicated in Peter’s words later in the chapter (cf. vss. 16-21), these events were the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy of Joel 2:28-32.
The sound of a rushing mighty wind filled the place where they sat. Divided tongues, as of fire, sat upon each of them. (Both audible and visual signs of God’s validation of the apostle’s words. Finally, they (the twelve, now including Matthias) were filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in languages they didn’t know.
His Glorious Body
Here we write of things for which we have little information or knowledge. Paul promised in Philippians 3:20-21, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” There are a few things this reveals, and many things we will one day know when we meet Jesus in the end.
First, our change is according to the working of our Lord. Jesus will exhibit at that time a power which is the same power He will use to put “all enemies under his feet” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:25).
Second, the change He will render in us is a transformation. Our bodies will be changed. We will not be as we are now. Think of a tadpole’s difference from a frog, or a caterpillar from a butterfly.
Third, our new body will glorious, as Jesus’ body is now. It will be suited to a new existence with Jesus in heaven. Can I describe it? No. But, there is no need for me to explain it away, because Paul revealed it to be so! In 1 Corinthians 15, he said, “There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (44). He wrote, “And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man” (49). Hallelujah for His promises!
Sermon: Invest in your Faith
Stan talks about the need for faith to grow, and shows via 2 Peter 1:5-8, the eternal consequences of a strong faith. Then actions and resources are examined to show how faith can be strengthened.
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Sermon: “May the Lord our God be with us” (1 Kings 8:57-61)
At Solomon’s dedication of the newly erected Temple, he reveals important truths concerning the relationship that God has with His people.
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