Category: Obedience

Sermon by Jeremiah Cox (Note: His first time preaching a full sermon, Age 19).

The scriptures are profitable to complete a man, and equip him for every good work (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Jeremiah identifies and applies the truths found in four verses designated by the Holy Spirit as “faithful sayings.”

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Paul’s gracious prayer for the Thessalonians acknowledges that it is according to God’s grace that they would be glorified in the Lord Jesus Christ (vs. 12). This statement brings to mind two important considerations. First, we are saved by grace. Our glorification is a direct result of Christ’s gift, as He died on the cross for our sins. Second, to be glorified, we must be recipients of that grace.

Paul prayed that the Thessalonians would be counted “worthy of this calling” by God. It is God alone who determines whether one is or is not worthy. As revealed in the preceding verses, those who are not found worthy are punished with “everlasting destruction” (vs. 9), while the worthy are granted rest, “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” (vs. 7).

Here Paul enlarges on the blessings of being found worthy. Those who are “fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness.” Again, it about God, not ourselves. Even when we have done all, we admit “We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10). When we live for Jesus Christ, His name is glorified in our obedience — and as a result, we too will be glorified as the result of our association with Him.

Invitation delivered by: Darren Johnson

One thing common to all Olympic athletes is that they practiced continually and diligently in order to become the best athletes they possibly could be. Darren points out, using passages such as 2 Peter 1:5-11, the importance of practicing the Christian faith. As we do so, we grow and mature, and benefit from God’s blessings.

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The Phrase “A personal relationship with God” is used often today. Unfortunately it is sometimes used to mean something other than what God requires for such a relationship. Such a relationship requires contact, spending time together, trust and nurturing.

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Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox

Ephesians 2:8-10 expresses the correct relationship sustained between faith and obedience in the salvation of man.

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Using John 15:1-ff, Josh Cox encourages his listeners to consider their responsibilities to bear fruit by asking “What can we do to bear fruit in the kingdom of God?”

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To resolve to do something is to earnestly determine to accomplish it. In James 4:14-16, the concept of “resolving” is accompanied with the phrase “if the Lord wills.” If the Lord wills, we should resolve to: Be courageous, Serve the Lord, Not grow weary, Carefully follow Him, and Remember that He is watching. (Note: Audio was not recorded for this lesson, Powerpoint only).

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Invitation delivered by: Roger Paulsel

In this talk, brother Paulsel asks an interesting question. Do we “hit the bullseye” regarding our spiritual activity because we are fulfilling our own expectations? Or because we are fulfilling God’s expectations?! It is only truly hitting the mark if we submit ourself to God’s requirements of us.

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Invitation delivered by: Armando Vera

Armando uses the text of Christ’s sermon (Matthew 5 & 6) to point out that we are to be the lights of the world, but not to bring attention to ourselves! The point is that good works are to be done, but we must take care both of our motivation, and the way in which we do those works.

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There is nothing more important in life than living for Jesus. The phrase, “playing for keeps” is often used to indicate that someone is serious about what they are doing. We as Christians should be serious about our obedience to God, as the Devil certainly is playing for keeps.

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The actions of Peter and John (recorded in Acts 4) indicated to the Jewish leaders that they had been with Jesus. The lesson explains the characteristics of those who walk with the Lord, and asks the important question, “Can people see that you walk with Him?”

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This lesson is a discussion of free will, and how it impacts our call to obey the Lord.

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Paul’s initial greeting to the brethren in Thessalonica is straightforward and concise. On behalf of himself Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, he greeted them and acknowledged their relationship in God and Christ. He bestowed upon them his customary greeting, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (cf. Ro. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3; 2 Cor. 2:1; Gal. 1:3; etc.).

It is also typical for Paul to proclaim his daily prayers for his brethren (as he does here), though he varies in the reasons for such prayers. This gives us some indication of the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. He gave thanks to God for their industry (based on their love of God), faithfulness (shown in their obedience) and patience (which had its motivation in their hope in Christ). For this Paul was thankful, and did not cease in his petitions to God for them. We too ought to pray without ceasing for our brethren, giving thanks to God.

Paul called them “beloved brethren” because they had been elected “by God” (cf. Ephesians 1:3-10). God had chosen them for salvation because of their obedient faith in response to the gospel.

How important is a love for truth? This is a legitimate question as we live in a culture that champions the concept of relativism. In the view of many, ultimate or actual truth is not attainable, at least not in spiritual matters. So, personal and subjective feelings (sincerity) have replaced the search for objective truth, as the standard of acceptability to God.

However, though men do not believe an adherence to truth to be of any great importance, a simple consideration of scripture shows that God does. Consider the following:

1. Love for God is paramount. Consider Jesus’ words, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).
2. But, Jesus defined love in a very specific way. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
3. His commandments (truth) is found in scripture. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

To rightly claim a love for God, we must keep His commandments. Since He has revealed His will for man in the Holy Scriptures, it is there we will find truth. What is truth? Jesus prayed to the Father, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” How important is a love for truth? Very! It is required! Do you have an encompassing love for the truth of God?

David Feherty is a former professional golfer who now hosts a talk show on the Golf Channel, and is known to be an entertaining and funny person. He is also an alcoholic, who used to down Irish whiskey and prescription pain killers in prodigious amounts. His addictions led to serious thoughts of suicide, and his self-destructive behavior continued for many years until he finally got it under control about six years ago.

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