Author: Stan Cox
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 2:1-2
Here the apostle Paul wrote an important admonition to Timothy. “…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (1). It seems that Paul wanted Timothy to always be mindful of the extended grace of God given through Jesus Christ. This serves as a great source of strength for the child of God. Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:3).
The wonderful thing about such strength and conviction is that it can be passed along to others. Paul wanted Timothy to do this in his work. “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2). It is like a never ending reaction. One thing continually leads to another. The gospel, if it is embraced and shared propagates quickly and well. We do well if we plant and water (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:6), knowing that God will give the increase. Paul knew it, and he wanted his ward to know it too. It was true then, and it certainly remains true for us.
Total Commitment
Sometimes Christians don’t get it, but the Bible very clearly reveals that our walk with the Lord pleases Him only if it is characterized by total commitment. This truth was made very clear by the Lord in Luke 18, where Jesus admonished the young ruler. The young man was diligent is keeping the 10 commandments, revealed in Exodus 20. He said, “All these things I have kept from my youth” (21).
Jesus wanted more from the man. He was very rich, and apparently liked his riches. Jesus knew they were too important to him, so he said, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (22). Continue reading “Total Commitment”
Sermon: Fellowship
Ian Tilley gives a good lesson on the subject of Fellowship, using the rebellion of Korah as an illustration of the concept.
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Sermon: Jesus Prays for His Disciples
In the second of three lessons covering Jesus’ prayer in John 17, the emphasis is placed upon the petitions made to the Father on behalf of Jesus’ present disciples.
Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians Elders
There is much we can learn from the life of Paul. His previous life, his apostleship and his writings contain much to encourage, teach and admonish us in our own lives.
While our examination of his epistles supply us with much of the doctrine that accords with Christ, there is likewise much to be taken from Luke’s account of his life and ministry. Here we wish to consider his final address to the Ephesian elders in Miletus before going on to Jerusalem. He had spent much time in Ephesus (cf. Acts 19), and no doubt had a close relationship with these men to whom he spoke in Acts 20:18-35. Continue reading “Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians Elders”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Timothy 1:8-11
Paul did not have a dislike for the law of Moses. Though his reputation was often attacked, Paul realized the main purpose of that Law. It is “to bring us to Christ” (cf. Galatians 3:24). It was good. But, it had to be used correctly. It had to be obeyed. The law of Moses is not where redemption is found, it was given to prepare and lead to redemption.
The law is abused by the disobedient. He includes in this passage a sampling of that. He references the unholy and profane. Individuals like murderers, fornicators, sodomites, kidnappers, liars, perjurers. These are not exclusive, they are representative of all types of sin.
But, the law is contrasted with what Paul refers to as “the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust” (11). The abuse of the law does teach an important truth, such sins are “contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel” as well, and worthy of judgment, (cf. Romans 1:28-32). The law also is not the end all. The glorious gospel of God, committed to Paul, is.
The Pleasure of God
What makes God happy? This is an important question, and one that most people do not understand. In fact, such misunderstanding has been used as an argument against either God’s existence, or at the least His goodness. Such arguments are shallow, and do not accord with what we understand and apply to other parts of our society. Regardless, a proper discussion of the matter is important to establish some important truths. Continue reading “The Pleasure of God”
Sermon: The Fullness of Christ
A discussion of Colossians 1:9-19 discussing what makes Jesus unique.
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Being Nice!
The book of Ruth shows a trio of characters who understand what it means to be kind in your treatment of others.
Abundant Grace
The apostle Paul was always quick to acknowledge from where he came. He was a Pharisee, and one who sought to do violence to those who followed Jesus. He serves as a significant witness of the Christ, as one who formerly fought against Jesus, who became His Savior.
Paul knew that his position as one of the redeemed came despite the evil he did as a young man. One of the places where he made this clear is in his first letter to Timothy. In the first chapter, he wrote the following: Continue reading “Abundant Grace”
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Thessalonians 2:5-12
Our text gives more details concerning the “son of perdition” (3) whose coming predated the final day of judgment. While the passage is a difficult one, the previous teaching that Paul had given to the Thessalonians when he was with them (5) would have made it clearer to them.
For us, it is important to note that the day of the Lord hadn’t come because the “son of perdition” had not yet been revealed. This individual, whoever he was, was to be defeated before the day of judgment. Up to that point, something (we do not know exactly what) had been holding back the revelation of the “son of perdition.” It has been suggested that some power (maybe God, maybe Satan) has held him back, but when revealed, God would defeat him.
Regardless, he would deceive many before his fall. This is the reason Paul wrote his letter. He wanted warn of the danger, and dispossess some of the view that the day of the Lord had come. He was successful on both counts.
Solomon and Modern Criticism
The text of 2 Chronicles 1:11-17 gives the Biblical view of the glory of Solomon’s reign in Israel. The son of David, and the last king to reign over a united Israel, was rich. We are told “he made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as sone, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland” (15). He was powerful. He had 1,400 chariots, 12,000 horsemen. His fame went forth over the world at that time. The queen of Sheba visited him, enthralled by his reputation. She said, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. However I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard” (2 Chronicles 9:5-6). Continue reading “Solomon and Modern Criticism”
Universal Judgment
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
A concise verse, establishing several important truths:
- Judgment is universal. It says “we must all appear before the judgment seat. The word “all” is inclusive. No one will escape judgment.
- Christ is the judge. We are thankful that the one who “died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us” (Romans 8:34) is the one who judges us.
- We will receive at judgment exactly what we deserve. “whether good or bad.”
- The judgment has a standard by which we will be judged. “The things done in the body.”
Finally, Paul writes of the consequence of these truths found in this verse. Our purpose should be His. We should make it our aim “to be well pleasing to him” (9). It makes no sense to offend the one who is our judge. Our primary purpose in life it to please Him. Because we know the “terror of the Lord” we do as He desires. His desire is that we persuade men, cf. Mark 16:15; Romans 1:15.
Seek to please Him in your life. It matters!
Sermon: Are You Carnal?
The flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh. You should have a spiritual mindset. Are you instead carnally minded? How do you fix this?
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How the World Identifies Me
Christians in our world are often identified as hateful and prejudiced. But, false accusation were raised to Christians in the first century. And even to Jesus Himself.
