Category: Godliness
Subject: Godliness
From the Preacher’s Pen: A Good Tired
I remember when playing sports in high school, one of the coaches referred to the fatigue after a workout as being a “good tired.” There was a feeling of accomplishment, and the realization that while the muscles were fatigued, progress had been made.
I must confess after the last month to feeling a “good tired” spiritually. Having preached several gospel meetings, listened to a week of preaching at the feet of brother Jerry Fite, and then attending meetings in Stonewall, LA, and at Woodmont, we then had our quarterly singing last night. So, I am ready to take a breath, and rest for a little while. But, it is a good tired. We have had many opportunities the past several weeks to exercise our spiritual muscles, and I hope that you too have taken advantage!
The apostle Paul once wrote, “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance” (1 Timothy 4:7-9).
How do you exercise yourself toward godliness? Meetings, Bible study, singing and prayer are all important. However, in the context, the contrast is between godliness and the profane. It is in the application of God’s standard of righteousness that spiritual muscles are strengthened. Think of how silly it would be for someone to read about exercise, and think the reading to be sufficient to build physical muscles. You have to apply the principles by actually doing the work! The same is true with applying the principles from God’s word (cf. James 1:25). Try it, it’s a “good tired!”.
Sermon: Fall Meeting 2013 (Jerry Fite)
The following wonderful lessons were preached by Jerry Fite at the West Side church from November 2-7, 2013. There were 9 lessons in all, with sermon audio and PPTX files supplied for each.
Unity in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12)
(Saturday, November 2, 2013)
- A study of 1 Corinthians 12 explaining in the context of spiritual gifts, that the purpose of a unified spiritual body is edification. The Corinthians were to exercise their spiritual gifts to edify all, as they were united in loving care for one another.
The New Testament Canon
(Sunday Bible Class, November 3, 2013)
- The lesson discusses the canon of scripture, and how it is obtained. The point is made that the church did not determine what books were conanical. Rather, they acknowledged what all understood to be true.
Why Do You Do Good Works? (Ephesians 2:10)
(Sunday AM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- We are to do good works as a second opportunity to truly live. We are alive by the grace of God, and therefore should be zealous for good works.
Applying the Minister’s Checklist (1 Timothy 4:15-16)
(Sunday PM Worship, November 3, 2013)
- Paul revealed to Timothy certain things that should be present for him to be effective as an evangelist. In application, brother Fite asks, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every child of God in the local church observed the checklist as well?
Hold to the Pattern of Sound Words (2 Timothy 1:13)
(Monday, November 4, 2013)
- In application, brother Fites calls for faithfulness to the gospel pattern in areas such as Music in worship, Benevolence, Evangelism and the plan of Salvation.
Must I Forgive? Then How?
(Tuesday, November 5, 2013)
- Jesus indicated in Matthew 6 that we must forgive others if we wish to be forgiven. The lesson examines the obligation to forgive, and what to do if a person is unwilling to ask forgiveness of us.
Pay Attention to Your Speech (James 3:1-12)
(Wednesday AM Class, November 6, 2013)
- An expository lesson discussing James 3. Brother Fite calls for us to pay attention to our speech. Our speech should bless, edify, give grace to those who hear, and be full of thanksgiving.
A Plan for Raising Children to be Joyous Christians
(Wednesday PM, November 6, 2013)
- How do we raise joyous children? By helping them to know: The Lord is the Creator of all; their Savior from sin; their High priest; and the presenter of the Crown of Eternal Life.
Before the Judgment Seat
(Thursday, November 7, 2013)
- When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, some will be surprised. Because they are classed among the wicked; they will be the last rather than the first, they will be lost because they were not abounding in the work of the Lord. Live so that you will not be surprised at the judgment seat of Christ.
In the News: Used Car Salesmen
Senator Harry Reid was quoted this past week as saying that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was like a used salesmen, in that he was willing to say absolutely anything to get elected. (Just like a used car salesman is stereotyped as being willing to say anything to sell a car).
I got a kick out of the appearance of a used car salesman on FOX News following the remark. The man strenuously objected to how he and his fellow used car salesmen were characterized, and suggested that their reputation far surpasses the current view the American people have about the U.S. congress.
Sermon: A Little Profit
The sermon uses Paul’s exhortation to godly living in 1 Timothy 4:7-9 as a basis for needed admonitions. Paul contrasted godly living with physical exercise. Things such as physical exercise, money, education and tradition all have a “little profit.” However, they are also subject to abuse. In contrast, godliness is “profitable for all things.”
Sermon: Reputation or Character?
This lesson by Stan was based on an article written by Joe Price. In recognizing that one has no control over his reputation, Stan establishes that the most important thing is to establish yourself as righteous in character. Reputation is only what others think you to be, Character is what you are, and God knows how you truly are.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: Spiritual Maturity
This sermon by Josh Cox examines the text of 2 Peter 1:5-11 to determine the characteristics that make for Spiritual Maturity. (Virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love).
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Mining The Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:5-11
2 Peter 1:5-11
Here the apostle Peter calls Christians to add to themselves various righteous characteristics. The list includes: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.
Peter indicates they are to do this for “this very reason”, referring back to the previous verses where eternal promises are alluded to as being given by God’s divine power. In effect, the promise of redemption and hope of heaven are our motivation to living a godly life. Considering what God has done for us in sending Jesus leads us to diligence, that we might mature into the disciples God would have us to be.
Verses 8-11 indicate that these promises are conditional, but sure. If we add these characteristics to the foundation, faith; there is no doubt as to what we will receive. “For so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom…” (vs. 11).
It is our choice. Will we choose apathy, leading to spiritual blindness and apostasy? Or, will we choose zeal, leading to a sure standing with God, and an eternal abode with our “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”?
Sermon: The New Man of God
Sermon based on the text of Ephesians 4:17-24. The new man of God is to live a life characterized by righteoueness.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: Does the Lord Require Too Much?
Jeroboam convinced the Northern Tribes that it was too much to ask them to return to Jerusalem to worship God. Instead he fashioned golden idols, and introduced idolatry to the nation of Israel. (cf. 1 Kings 12). It is often claimed that God requires too much of us. Is it true? This sermon establishes that what God requires is reasonable and doable for the Christian.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
AOTS: A Higher Calling
AOTS Number 24
As Christians, we are held by our God to a higher standard. It is appropriate for us to work on our faults, and conquer them that we might please God.
To listen to this Podcast, click here .
To subscribe to the AOTS feed, click here .
Podcast: The Sin of King David
Podcast Number 43
King David was an adulterer and a murderer. Still, the Bible calls David a man “after God’s own heart”. How could this be?
To listen to this Podcast, click here .
To subscribe to the podcast feed, click here .
Podcast: Cleanse Yourself
Podcast Number 29
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 7:1 admonishes Christians to purify themselves from filthiness,
and perfect holiness. This lesson describes and explains how this can be accomplished.
To listen to this Podcast, click here .
To subscribe to the podcast feed, click here .
In The News: T.O. & Lord Byron
A couple of weeks ago two events happened on the same day, that represented the best and worst of our society.
First, former pro golfer Byron Nelson passed away from natural causes after having led a long and eventful life. Second, Dallas Cowboy wide receiver Terrell Owens was admitted to the hospital after overdosing on pain medication.
Podcast: The Ideal Christian
Podcast Number # 15
The twelfth chapter of Romans gives a list of characteristics, identifying the ideal for a Christian.
To listen to this Podcast, click here .
To subscribe to the podcast feed, click here .
Sermon: I Can Do It!
The Apostle Paul stated in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The Christian, with the help of the Lord, is able to accomplish what Christ requires in the areas of: Courage, Selflessness, Influence, Godliness & Steadfastness.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
