Author: Stan Cox
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).
Esteem Others Better Than Himself
The apostle Paul gives some very helpful instruction and insight on how Christians should get along with Christians in Philippians 2. It basically is a call for every child of God to be humble. Humility impacts our decisions and actions toward others. But, it should be true humility! Consider verses 3 and 4. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
The phrase, “let each esteem others better than himself” is an interesting one. First, the word esteem is used to indicate authority or control. One who is esteemed is a leader, one who is in control or important. In our context it is relative to how we view ourselves. We do not consider ourselves as important as our brother in Christ. He is more important than us. So, our motivation is not self, but what is best for our brother. If all Christians acted in this way, most of the issues that cause division would not exist.
This is seen in the phrase “better than self”, indicating that in our eyes, our brother is more important or superior. And, in the verse to follow, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (2:4).
Sermon: Please Inquire for the Word of the Lord
We discuss Jehoshaphat’s inquiry of God’s will in 1 Kings 22 before going to war with his ally, king Ahab of Israel. Applications are made to today, with the proper appeal to God’s authority and will.
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Sermon: The Great Commission
A study of Matthew 28, detailing Jesus’ instructions to his disciples to go into the world and MAKE disciples.
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Sin Leading to Death
“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).
Many articles have been written and sermons preached about the destructive nature of sin. It seems that the concept is accepted by other religions too. On Facebook the other day I came across a quote of Mahatma Ghandhi. Ghandi was Hindu, well known, a political activist and successful leader in accomplishing India’s independence from British rule. The title of the meme attributed to him, is “7 blunders of the world that lead to violence.” Though the language of “sin” is not contained in the meme, the points mirror what is taught in the word of God. Consider the following: Continue reading “Sin Leading to Death”
Not Tedious, But Safe
How do you feel about gospel preaching? Admonition? Chastisement? The Bible is replete with passages condemning sin, warning about sin, detailing what sin is, and discussing ad naseum the consequences of sin. Do you get tired of it? Do you wish the emphasis was different than it seems to be? Continue reading “Not Tedious, But Safe”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:17-19
The text continues the call for righteous living by noting that each person is treated the same way by God. He judges “without partiality”, and “according to each one’s work.” This is imminently fair. God does not play favorites. Your standing before Him is a result of appropriate rules He has established that are the same for all men.
So, our sojourn on this earth should be characterized by a respect for the rules of God. Anarchy or rebellion is not acceptable, and will be judged harshly. The gift of grace is much too precious to be treated with disdain. How precious? Our redemption is purchased with something far greater than worldly treasures.
Our redemption is purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. He who lived perfectly died a sacrificial and vicarious death. He died for us! Isaiah wrote, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (53:5).
Trained by Grace
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” (Titus 2:11-13).
The grace of God has implications far beyond our redemption as the elect of God. It also indicates an ought. In effect, the grace of God teaches or trains us to know how we ought to act and focus our thoughts in response to its effectiveness in saving our souls
We owe a debt we simply can’t pay, “salvation.” But, we are to indicate clearly our thankfulness for the gift of redemption, (cf. Luke 17:11-19). The haunting words of Jesus, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine” (17).
Our show of appreciation for the gift of grace must be seen in our life’s response. We have spent enough time living in sin (cf. 1 Peter 4:3), and in response to God’s grace must live soberly, righteously and godly. This not only involves doing righteousness, but primarily denying ungodliness and the illicit desires that characterize the worldly. Our motivation? An eternal reward in heaven, given at His second coming. Anything less is ungratefulness on our part!
Sermon: God Requires Obedience (Deuteronomy 5-9)
A discussion of Deuteronomy 5-9, showing that God always requires obedience of His children. This is the basis of the 10 commandments, the entireity of God’s Old Covenant, as well as what is required as a part of Faith in Christ.
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Sermon: Hearing the Word
A description given by James in James 1:21-22 as to the correct way to approach the preaching of the gospel.
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