Author: Stan Cox
The Peril of Adultery
This past week I taught six elderly ladies the 5th chapter of Proverbs. While the truths are important, and they appreciated the hour of study, the lessons are of greater importance to the young, so I share them with you here. Also, with our society changing so clearly and quickly, the truths are important and applicable in other ways.
The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom. A father is teaching his son its importance, so that he will avoid conflicts and errors in his life. He wrote in verse 1-2, “My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge” (Proverbs 5:1-2). This is the universal plea of fathers to their sons. Listen to what I say so that you don’t make mistakes. Those mistakes are often mistakes the father has already made. Continue reading “The Peril of Adultery”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
Our text brings to mind the common saying, “A picture is worth a 1,000 words. In verse 8 of the passage, Paul affirms that their example had traveled far and wide, so that “we do not need to say anything.”
It is indeed powerful to note that the Thessalonians had turned away from serving idols, and embraced God due to the preaching they had received from Paul. They had readily received him and the gospel (though not all did, cf. Acts 17). They were content to bear their burden until the coming of the Lord.
This is something we all need to emulate. A good example is of great importance, as is steadfastness. God has promised, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). Remember that the world (and the Lord) are watching. We have spent enough time living as the Gentiles (1 Peter 4:3). Now we are to glorify God in our life (Matthew 5:16).
The Example of Those in Thessalonica
There is a section of Paul’s first letter to Thessalonica where he praises their faith and example to others. It is found in the latter part of the first chapter, and is an interesting read. “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7). Consider some truths found in the text. Continue reading “The Example of Those in Thessalonica”
Sermon: Lust, Marriage and Divorce
A lesson discussing an aspect of the radical teaching Jesus taught in His sermon on the mount. This section covers Matthew 5:27-32.
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Sermon: Paul and the Gospel
A discussion of 1 Corinthians 9, the value of the gospel of Christ to the Apostle Paul.
Sermon: Beware of False Prophets
Josh Cox preacher. A discussion of Matthew 7:15-20
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Sermon: Who Wanted a King?
The People of Israel were unhappy, and wanted a king like the nations around them. God has foreknowledge, and an ability to use men for his purposes. (1 Samuel 8:1-ff).
Mining the Scriptures: Colossians 1:19-20
It pleased the Father. This truth radiates throughout the scriptures. God’s intent, and pleasure in redeeming man through Jesus Christ. Paul wrote that it was in His mind since before time began, cf. Ephesians 1:4. So, when it happened, the Father was pleased. He said as much in Matthew 17:5, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
It is in Jesus that all “the fullness should dwell” (19). In this context is has reference to the preeminence of Christ. He fulfilled the Father’s intent in redemption. He is the Lord. He is the Savior. He is the “word” that became flesh (John 1:14) and created all. As verse 20 of our text states, Jesus is the one who reconciles all things to the Father, “whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Jesus accomplished this by shedding His blood on the cross of Calvary.
This is the proper answer to any ecumenical tendency. It is not what we think or wish. It is what pleased God the Father. And it pleased Him to reconcile all things through His Son.
The Exhortations of Paul
Paul recognized that the acceptance of his exhortation was in part dependent upon acceptance of his person. He told the Thessalonians, “For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit” (1 Thessalonians 2:3). Walton Weaver in his commentary on this book I think had it right when he said that this verse in Paul’s writing had to do with motive. He basically states that he was not deceived (teaching error) nor did he seek to deceive. In addition he had no unclean motives in his teaching.
Paul was given his apostleship by God (cf. 2:4). He did not seek to please men, only God. So, the Thessalonians could accept and regard his teaching as pure.
Note that Paul stated this to make his exhortations effective, that they would be accepted by his readers. However, it is incumbent upon a child of God to accept exhortation, admonition or criticism regardless of who gives it, or their motivation.
When anyone speaks to us, our first and most important question should be, is what they sat valid? Regardless of motivation, slant, or personal integrity, is the criticism or exhortation just? If so, it should be accepted because our desire is only to be right!
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Sermon: The Mystery Revealed
What do the words mystery and revelation entail? A discussion of the text of Colossians 1:24-29.
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Paul’s Letter to the Galatians
Paul always had a purpose in his writing. When writing to the churches in the province of Galatia, he sought to correct some errors they had been led to, by men who opposed Paul just about everywhere he went.
These men were Judaizers, desiring to bind the covenant of circumcision and adherence to the law upon the Gentiles. They opposed what Paul taught, and sought to both contradict him, and delegitimize him in the eyes of others.
So, Paul began by defending his apostleship. He was not a usurper, but had been chosen by Jesus Himself (cf. Acts 9). What he taught had been accepted by the church in Jerusalem, and sanctioned by God (cf. Acts 15:1-35).
Mining the Scripture: Revelation 1:4-8
In our text we have the identification of the author, John. It is almost unanimous that this refers the the apostle. This depending upon the writing, would make John and old man. One of the prevalent views is that the book of Revelation was written at the end of the century, about 96 AD.
Also identified are the ones to whom the book was written, the 7 churches of Asia. The number 7 is a complete or holy number in Jewish literature, and would signify the same in this letter. This is not to say that their were only 7, but the 7 mentioned in chapters 2 and 3 are representative.
Jesus is identified here as the one who washed us from our sins with His own blood, and made us kinds and priests before God. His return is predicted, a time of judgment for all (cf. 2 Peter 3:11-13).
Jesus is the “Beginning and the End” and His Deity and eternal nature is established as true. He is the Almighty, which foreshadows the conflict and end of the entire book.
The Process of Temptation
In James 1:12-15, the Lord expresses the process that occurs that leads to temptation, and if is not checked, ends with eternal death.
Following is the passage: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Continue reading “The Process of Temptation”
Confidence in Prayer
The apostle Paul was the recipient of prayers on his behalf while imprisoned in Rome. The church in Philippi was concerned about him, and in addition to sending help were praying for him in his imprisonment. Paul wrote about it in Philippians 1:19-20). He wrote:
“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:19-20).
Notice the phrase, “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer…” How could he know such a thing? He was imprisoned, and had been so for some time. He was there at the whim of the most powerful person in the world, the Caesar of the Roman Empire. It is very simple, the petitions had been made to one who is more powerful than the most powerful human on earth, God Himself.
Paul was convinced that his work was not done, that God had more for him to do. As such, he knew that God was able to easily deliver him from bondage. If God wills it, it will be done!
The same is true for us. If God wills it, it will be done. Let us ask with confidence without doubting. (Matthew 21:22).
Sermon: Cannot See Afar Off
The list of 2 Peter 1 is described, and the consequences of not adding the attributes are discussed.
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