Author: Stan Cox
Sermon: My Time Has Not Yet Come
Lesson 17 in Series:
Jesus converses with and corrects His brothers in John 7:1-9, as they seek to press Him to go to Jerusalem for the feast of the Tabernacles.
The Patternists: Is There a Difference Between Gospel and Doctrine?
Back in the 1970’s, brethren were troubled by the teaching of men, the most famous being Carl Ketcherside, who taught a bifurcation of the gospel of Christ and the doctrine of the church. This has long been a popular view held by many in the denominations. If you have ever heard someone say that unity in doctrine is not important so long as we all accept Jesus as our Savior, you have heard this position taken.
Some say, “You have to believe in the resurrected Jesus, but you don’t have to agree on whether baptism is for believers or it can include infants too.” Or, “You can differ on whether to take the Lord’s Supper every Sunday or twice a year.” Or, “God doesn’t care if you use an mechanical instrument in musical worship or not!”
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The Patternists: Entrusted with the Gospel
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). He contrasted the “gospel of God” (vs. 2) with error, uncleanness, deceit, flattering words, and a cloak of covetousness. He wrote, “So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (vs. 8).
This careful treatment of the gospel of God is described by the apostle as devout, just and blameless behavior (cf. vs. 10). It must be understood that his work was the work of an apostle, having been given the responsibility to witness Jesus to the world. Paul had been given the gift of inspiration, joining others in writing the scripture which constitutes the new covenant of Christ (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). Peter noted the nature of this work, writing, “knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21). This work was also contrasted with false apostles. Notice Paul’s words about them:
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Persuasive Words
In Colossians 2, the apostle Paul expressed his desire for the church in Colosse as well as Laodicea, that they might have an understanding of the mystery of God. His reason for this is simple:
“Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words” (Colossians 2:4).
The nature of religious and philosophical error is that it can be persuasive. I once heard a gospel preacher talk about a particular false teacher who had some influence in the 1970’s. Regarding this errorist, and his effect on young college students, the preacher said that if you gave him 20 minutes he could convince those vulnerable students that white was black and black was white.
This is how error works. It exploits (2 Peter 2:3). It entices (2 Peter 2:14). It consists of “great swelling words of emptiness” (2 Peter 2:18).
False teachers “allure” (2 Peter 18). They serve “only themselves” (Jude 12). They “mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage” (Jude 16).
Edification is the only protection we have against such evil influences. We must be “building [our]selves up on [our] most holy faith” (Jude 20). Using the language of our text, “attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in who are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3).
May we all work at having such an understanding of the truth.
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Sermon: No Hurry
Complacent individuals believe that they can wait until later to begin to serve the Lord. This malady affects Christians and non-Christians alike. The gospel is replete with admonitions to urgency in obeying God!
Sermon: The Big Picture
Justin Carrell exhorts the brethren to careful self-examination. In this way, we can be sure what our talents, purpose and position is in the Lord’s church, and ensure we are living up to our capabilities.
Longsuffering
Longsuffering is an attribute that should be present in every Christian. Paul prayed that the Colossians, as a part of their worthy walk, would be strengthened that they might be longsuffering, and maintain their joy. It is needed for the Christian because of the inevitability of provocation as a result of the faith. Because the child of God is different and non-conforming, he will be mistreated. Longsuffering is self-restraint in the face of that provocation. It is typical to seek revenge or act with wrath and anger when mistreated. However, the longsuffering Christian does not hastily retaliate against those who are in conflict with him. “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).
Longsuffering is characterized by Paul in Galatians 5:22 as fruit of the Spirit of God. The Greek term used there (makrothumia) is defined by Thayer using words such as: “patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs.” These terms clearly indicate a characteristic attitude that should be present in every Christian. In our interactions with our fellow man, we truly should be slow to respond to provocation and sin committed against us.
The Patternists: The Act of Water Baptism
When discussing the topic of baptism, it is necessary to discuss mode, subject and purpose in order to have a scriptural understanding of the matter. Let’s consider the following:
MODE
By mode, we mean how the act of baptism in water is accomplished. It may seem obvious, but traditions of men have clouded the matter.
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Paul’s Love and Concern
“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved” (Philippians 4:1).
The apostle Paul had a wonderful relationship with the church in Philippi. A faithful group, the brethren there had great affection for the apostle, and they showed that love through diligent care.
They sent Epaphroditus to Rome with a gift for Paul. Because of their support, his incarceration was easier to bear. Paul acknowledged their support in his letter, showing his appreciation for their generosity.
“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity” (4:10).
“Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities” (4:14-16).
Because of their love for him, Paul loved them in return. He was invested in their spiritual welfare. His primary concern, as seen in (4:1), was for them to “stand fast in the Lord.”
Who do you love? Who is most important in your life? Have you told them that you are concerned for their soul? Have you let them know how important it is for them to “stand fast in the Lord.” Have you shown them how to do that? If not, why not?
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Sermon: Fall Meeting 2020, Jeremiah Cox
The following lessons were preached from November 1-6, 2020 during the West Side Fall Meeting.
Brother Jeremiah Cox is the evangelist for the Elm Street church of Christ in El Reno, Oklahoma. He and his wife Zoe and little girl Collins live in Yukon, OK.
Sunday Sermon in two parts
Boldness to Enter the Holiest (Hebrews 10)
Sunday Class
Asking for Wisdom in Faith (James 1)
Monday
The Defense for My Hope
Tuesday
Walking in the Light (1 John 1)
Wednesday
Memories from Home
Thursday
The Generic Jesus
Friday
If They Were Here, What Would They Say?
Sermon: Stop Waiting in Line!
The spiritual blessing we receive in Christ, we do not have to wait to receive. We must only seek them diligently, and God will provide. This includes the salvation of our souls!
Sermon: Disrupt, Dismantle Destroy
The proper response of a child of God when confronted with evil is not to compromise or accomodate it. Instead, the Christian must be militant, battling evil with the power of God and His word.
Sermon: I Have Set the Lord Always Before Me
The Psalmist depended upon God as should we. However, sometimes we struggle in this matter. However, attention to nature, God’s word and prayer will help us to do the same.
Sermon: One Another
An examination of both the Lord’s words, and Paul’s writings, showing how Christians are to treat one another.
Sermon: Emulating Christ
As our example, Christ suffered for us, taught us how to deny Satan, forgave us and extended us merccy, showed compassion, and showed humility. He serves as a wonderful example for us.
