Category: Subject Index
Study Material Categorized by Subject
Warped and Sinning
“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:10-11).
Paul’s description of the divisive man is a rather strong denunciation of the sin. In the NKJV, the word “warped” is used in translating the Greek ekstrepho. Other translations use the words words “perverted” and “subverted.”
Warped best reflects the etymology of the word. It literally means to twist or turn out. Thayer defines the word, “to change for the worse, pervert, corrupt.”
Picture a warped piece of wood. It is useless to the carpenter who desires a precise and square result for his project. Since it is twisted or turned from that which is straight, it can’t serve its intended purpose.
The purpose of the Christian is to reflect His God. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The primary attributes of God include love (John 3:16) and unity (John 17:20-21). A divisive man has turned away from these fundamental characteristics, to something that is much worse, something corrupt.
Brethren, we need to examine ourselves, and be sure that we are not guilty of bringing strife to God’s people. There is nothing more antithetical to being a child of God!
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Sermon: The Clarity of Revelation
The lesson answers two questions using the scriptures:
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Is scripture sufficiently clear to be understood by man?
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Is our understanding relative? Does a lack of understanding on our part excuse false teaching or sinful action?
We must defend the truth of God’s word against those who teach error. False doctrine cannot be tolerated among the people of God.
A Vital Church Grows
My copy of the New King James version contains paragraph headings. Sometimes they accurately describe the paragraph following, sometimes less so. I really like the heading placed before Acts 2:40-47:
“A Vital Church Grows”
Here Luke described the early days of the Lord’s church. Jesus told His disciples it would come in glory and power, and on Pentecost it certainly did! Peter and the other apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, preached the gospel message for the first time in mankind’s history. On that very day, in that very place, the promise of our Lord, “and on this rock I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18) was fulfilled. Three thousand souls were saved that day (Acts 2:41), and as the days progressed the gospel message retained its power. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).
Sermon: Radical Christianity
Speaker: Tommy Davis
Using young King Josiah as an example, Tommy notes the importance of being radical in our service to the Lord
Sermon: The Sad Short Reign of King Ahaziah
King Ahaziah’s short and sad reign helps to reinforce the toxic nature of evil influence. Ahaziah never rose above the culture of Ahab’s house, and in fighting against God he sealed his fate. There are great applications to be made to our lives as we learn from his sad example.
Sermon: Hearts of Servants
The Lord’s admonition of his disciples in Matthew 20:24-28 expresses very clearly that as Christians we should not seek exaltation, but should have the hearts of servants.
Sermon: Meditations on God’s Word
The text of Psalm 119:73-80 consists of a number of meditations of the Psalmist upon God’s revealed word, the holy scriptures. They teach the basis of our relationship with God, God’s justness, God’s provision for the obedient, and the shame of man’s disobedience.
The Patternists: How to View the Bible
There is a large disparity in thinking among religious people regarding how to view the Bible. Among those who self profess as Christians, some view the Bible as the product of ancient men who were plagued by superstition and fallibility. Others view the Bible as a simple declaration of love by God for man. While common in centuries past, few today consider the Bible God’s will for man, to be heeded, obeyed, and used as the guiding pattern for a life acceptable to Him.
Tedious
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe” (Philippians 3:1).
Tedious: too long, slow, or dull;
tiresome or monotonous.
Paul, as an apostle and preacher, continually exhorted Christians to faithfulness, and was committed to instruction in the ways of righteousness. As such, he often repeated himself, even to the same congregations. This was not irksome to him. It was a labor of love. It was important. He told the Ephesian elders, “For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God… Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:27,31).
Two certain motivations for Paul in the repetition were:
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The sense of debt he felt toward God and man because of the grace shown him, cf. Romans 1:15-16.
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As stated in our text, because such repetition was “safe” for those who heard and read him.
Being constantly reminded of God’s will for man provides Christians with security. It equips us “for every good work” (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). For the faithful preacher, it is never tedious to declare any aspect of God’s will, though it may have been preached thousands of times before. He knows its importance, and its benefit to God’s people.
The question for you… is it tedious for you? Or is it, (as it should be), appreciated, because of the security it provides?
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Sermon: Hagar – Sarai’s Handmaid
There are numerous lessons to learn from the Genesis narrative that includes Hagar, Sarai’s handmaid. We learn from the sins committed, as well as gaining hope regarding God’s provision for the outcast.
The Patternists: “Just as we heed Moses”?????
In Joshua chapter 1, following the death of Moses, it was time for the children of Israel at long last to inherit the land that God had promised to them.
Joshua was chosen by God to lead the people after Moses. God promised him, “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (1:5-7). Joshua had certainly shown himself to be a faithful servant of both Moses and Jehovah. Israel would be well served by his leadership.
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Learning Respect
2 Kings 2 is an interesting chapter. It chronicles the departure of Elijah, taken up in a whirlwind by God in a chariot of fire. It must have been quite a sight.
The chapter also contains a simple object lesson for our consideration. Elijah’s protégé, Elisha faithfully followed Elijah. (Note: Though younger than Elijah, Elisha himself was a mature man). Perhaps his maturity is what led him to act as he did as Elijah was taken up. In their last conversation, Elijah said, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” In response, Elisha requested, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me” (cf. vs. 9-15). Such an interesting request, showing the great respect Elisha had for his mentor.
Shortly after, some youths of Bethel came upon the prophet Elisha. They showed great disrespect for the prophet, and mocked him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” (verse 23). No doubt the youths thought themselves to be funny, but they (as is often the case with those who are young) showed horrible disrespect to this great man of God. In response, we are told that after Elisha pronounced a curse on them in the name of the Lord, two female bears came out of the woods and mauled 42 of the youths.
This narrative shows how important it is that we show proper respect for God, and for that which belongs to Him.
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Sermon: Lessons from Peter
Speaker: Tommy Davis
Tommy uses the text of Peter’s epistles to establish lessons to benefit God’s children.
Sermon: God’s Mirror
The text of James 1:22-25 teaches us that we must know how we look to God, that we should seek to improve our look, and that we must look to the reliable “mirror” to ensure that we please Him.
Jesus: An Example in Sacrifice
The apostle Peter calls upon Christians to follow the example of our Lord. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Paul agreed, encouraging the Corinthians, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Peter’s words specifically refer to the suffering of Jesus, as our sacrifice for sin. He did not revile in response when mistreated; He did not threaten; He bore our sins in His own body; He healed us by His own stripes.
As we contemplate the sacrifice of Jesus, it serves as a wonderful example for us to emulate, as His disciples. Consider the following points:
