Author: Stan Cox
Mining the Scriptures: Ephesians 2:1-3
Paul here expresses the cause of spiritual death, “trespasses and sins” (1). This is to note our past position, before “you He made alive” (1).
That past position is one what all have experienced, as indicated by Romans 3:23. It is described as a walk here. But, not a walk of righteousness, rather one that is characterized by a following of the devil.
Devil worship is not the point. When we live our lives without obeying God’s will, by default we are in the camp of the enemy. It is for this reason that defenses such as, “They do more good than bad”, or “They are generally a good person” hold no credence to God.
Paul put it clearly in Romans 10. The righteousness invented by men do not properly substitute for the righteousness of God. Living for self is being a child of wrath, just like everyone else.
Instead, as Christians, we are to live according to His will!
Praise and a Plea – Not Flattery
Paul’s letter to Philemon is an interesting example of proper diplomacy in accomplishing a desired response in another. There is not doubt that Paul was trying to get Philemon to respond to his plea for Onesimus positively, some may say using flattery and other forms of manipulation. This, I think is unwarranted.
The Bible concept of flattery is praise that is insincere for false. For example, “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet” (Proverbs 29:5). This means he is attempting to trap, or cause another to stumble.
This was neither Paul’s method nor motivation. First, Paul was sincere. Philemon was truly a good man worthy of praise. Sincere praise is an encouragement the recipient, and there are many examples of such in the Bible. Think, for example, of “Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement)” ( Acts 4:36).
It is also true that Paul’s request of Philemon to receive back his escaped slave Onesimus with love and understanding was also a righteous request, one that Paul had no doubt Philemon would honor (21). Onesimus had been converted by Paul (10), and was willingly returning to his master Philemon. He was now a brother in Christ, and it was appropriate to treat him as Philemon would any other Christian.
It is good to praise others. It is also acceptable to make righteous requests, especially when you are interceding for someone else. What Paul did was defensible and a good example for us to follow!
Sermon: Weeping and Laughing (Luke 6:21,25)
A discussion of the text of Luke 6:20-26, esp. 21b and 25b, as Weeping and Laughing are discussed. This lesson shows the wisdom of living a sober life in anticipation of the joy of heaven.
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Sermon: Love for the Brethren
An examination of passages that both call for us to love one another, describe what that love is, and how it is to be demonstrated to our brethren.
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Sermon: God’s Greatness Examined (Psalm 145)
A study of Psalm 145, showing the wondrous attributes of God, and our proper response to them.
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Being Deceived and Cheated
No one likes to be lied to, or to be cheated out of what they deserve. If this is so regarding worldly matters, how much more so spiritual concerns.
This concerned Paul, and he warned about those who would come in and do this to his brethren. He wrote in Colossians 2, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power” (8-10). Continue reading “Being Deceived and Cheated”
Mining the Scriptures: Galatians 2:17-21
Here, Paul refers to himself and other Jews (as contrasted to Gentiles) and especially Peter as themselves sinners. So, there was nothing in that regard to separate them from the Gentiles. But, did it follow that Christ made them sinners? Absolutely not! Instead, Christ simply reveals what is already so, we are all in need of the grace of God.
It was this truth that made Paul “die to the law that I might live to God” (19).
His purpose was to live for Christ. In his conversion, his own will became irrelevant. It was Christ who determined his life. Such should be so for us as well. “I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (20).
Christ’s death was useless (vain) if a man could appear just before God as a result of the law of Moses. But, all have sinned, and there was no provision for grace and mercy under the old law. Christ is needed, and His death has value for every man.
Who Is This King of Glory?
In Psalm 24, David testified to the glory of the Lord — the earth and all that is in it belonging to Him. In verses 7-10 he proclaimed:
“Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory” (Psalms 24:7-10).
In establishing that the earth belongs to God, and His is the “King of glory”, the question is who will be accepted by Him? Who will have a place of honor in the kingdom of the King of glory? This question was actually answered by David earlier in the Psalm, which in turn gives us a clear understanding of God’s values. “Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalms 24:3-4).
God requires loyalty and purity from those who He will allow to approach and serve Him. His own righteousness requires the same from us. We are to be holy, because He is holy! (cf. Leviticus 11:44-45).
Sermon: The Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36)
Luke 9 narrates an amazing event, the transfiguration of Jesus, and His conversation with Moses and Elijah. The event ends with the Father’s endorsement of His Son. “Hear Him.”
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Sermon: The Progression of Sin (Romans 1)
A Discussion of Romans 1 showing how sin grows worse and worse, and the end of those who refuse to repent
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Sermon: Transporting the Ark of the Covenant (1 Chronicles 13,15)
When David determined to move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, he first disregarded the “proper order” but later acknowledged his error as the Ark was brought by the Levites into the city.
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Sermon: But Now After You Have Known God (Galatians 4:8-9)
Jehovah God is knowable through His person and His actions. It is an honor to know Him. Question is, does He know you?
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The Passion of Gospel Preaching
In 1 Corinthians 4:13, the apostle Paul referred to the constant criticism of the apostles, and their response. “Being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.”
The Greek word translated entreat in the passage is parakaleo?. It is define as a strong invitation or invocation, and is also translated beseech in various places in scripture. Literally, “to call near”. It is a word of passion, that can rightly bring the image of begging. Notice the use of the term in Romans 12:1-2:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Mining the Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 2:12-17
Two major points are to be taken from our place in the text. The first is God’s providential care in supplying opportunities to share the gospel of Christ. Paul had a “door” opened by the Lord, indicating an opportunity to preach in Troas that was divinely supplied. God helps in the efforts to share the gospel message (cf. Acts 14:27; 1 Corinthians 16:9; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 3:8). This is not to belittle Paul’s efforts, but he made clear at every opportunity being blessed and furthered in his efforts by the Lord.
The second is that the gospel is perceived in two different ways, depending upon the heart of the one who receives it. It is referred to as the fragrance of Christ both to those who accept it and those who reject it (15). However, to those who reject it, it is “the aroma of death leading to death.” For those who are willing to open their hearts to it, it is “the aroma of life leading to life.” (16). The lesson? The gospel is sufficient to save souls! If it does not, the gospel or the preacher are not at fault, it is the hearer instead!
A Mistaken View of the Old Testament
Some religious people believe the Old Testament to still be in effect. If not for all men, then at least for the Jewish people. While we believe the Law to be from God, and an important part of our story of redemption, Paul made it very clear that its authority was only temporary. This truth is taught time and again in scripture, but a very interesting argument on the matter is made by Paul in Galatians 3:15-18:
“Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. 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. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise” (Galatians 3:15-18).
