Author: Stan Cox
Sermon: Effective Sacrifice (Romans 12:3-21)
Our lesson discusses the text of Romans 12. where Paul begs the Romans to be effective, living sacrifices. Verses 3-21 details this can be accomplished.
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Sermon: Our Calling (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)
A discussion of “choosing” and “predestination” using 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 as the primary text, with references to Ephesians 1.
- No Video was recorded for this sermon.
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A Good Marriage
Marriages can look very different. This is because each union is between unique personalities. You have heard that opposites attract. That is true for some. Others are comforted by common proclivities or interests. Some are loud, some are quiet. Some are voluble, some are taciturn. Some may exhibit great passion, where the emotions of others resemble a placid body of water.
These differences have little to do with the success or failure of any marriage. Likewise, it does not determine the effectiveness of parenting. None of this is “one size fits all,” and those who so claim need to be carefully examined before any advice is accepted and implemented. Continue reading “A Good Marriage”
Mining the Scriptures: Philippians 1:27-30
Paul appreciated the Philippians greatly. Here in this text is the caveat he expressed. His great appreciation was contingent “only” with their continued “conduct” being “worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
There needed to be unity, standing fast “in one spirit, with one mind.” There needed to be effort, “striving together” for the gospel. There needed to be courage in the face of their opponents, here probably referring to non-Christian Gentiles, as Philippi was a Roman city.
Consider of what these things were proof. First that the Christian’s lack of fear showed their understanding that God was with them. It would indicate to the pagans surrounding them that perdition (ruin) followed those who opposed God, but that salvation from the one true God would be granted to the brethren in Philippi. Great conviction creates doubt in the mind of the enemy!
Yes, we will suffer, but in the end is glory! (cf. Matthew 10:28).
An Epistle of Christ
In 2 Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul discussed his reputation toward the Corinthians. They knew him well, having received letters and strong teaching from him in the past. So, he did not need to introduce himself to them in an attempt by reputation to make his letters more influential to their faith. First, he stated in verse one to have no need to “commend” himself to them. They knew his authority and the truthfulness of his words to them. Continue reading “An Epistle of Christ”
Kindness Rewarded
In Ruth 2, Boaz came upon Ruth, and found out who she was. He encouraged her to stay nearby, promising protection, food and drink. He was a good man, and his mercy toward Ruth was commendable.
But Ruth, a stranger to the country, had a hard time understanding why he would be so kind to her, so she asked, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” (2:10).
Listen to the answer Boaz gave, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge” (2:11-12 ).
Ruth’s kindness was rewarded by Boaz with kindness returned. This does not always happen, but rest assured that good and decent people respond well to kindness on our part! And, more importantly, remember that if your kindness is not well received by men, it is nevertheless seen and accepted by God!
“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High…” (Luke 6:35).
God’s Pleasure in Our Prayers
Paul wrote a test in 1 Timothy 2 that is no doubt familiar to many:
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4 ).
The passage establishes several truths. First, we are to pray for others. These prayers are divided up into supplications (asking God to fill a need), intercessions (petitions made on behalf of), and giving of thanks (thanking God for the express blessings that come from any particular individual). Continue reading “God’s Pleasure in Our Prayers”
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).
