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1 Timothy 6:10-12 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Vs 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Vs 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
As Christians we are engaged in a spiritual warfare. We are to battle against the things that would war against our souls. One of those things the Bible mentions is “fleshly lust.” 1 Peter 2:11 “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;” There are many Christians who are not as serious about the things of God as they used to be because they have been entangled with the affairs of this life; making money the priority rather than making Jesus preeminent. Don't Quit When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out; Don't give up though the pace seems slow-- You may succeed with another blow. Often the goal is nearer than, It seems to a faint and faltering man, Often the struggler has given up, When he might have captured the victor's cup, And he learned too late when the night slipped down, How close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure turned inside out— The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit— It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.—Anonymous 2 Timothy 2:1-4 “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Vs 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Vs 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Vs 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” Remember the fight that we are in is a “good fight;” do not be distracted from the things of God. Keep eternally focused. 1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life…”
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So far we have seen that God’s grace is His unconditional love that is demonstrated by His sacrifice. God makes His grace ready and available for all who will receive Him. For God to give a chance to get right with Him is grace. Today we will look at how amazing His grace is:
G = God’s Gift R = Ready/Available A = Amazing God’s grace is amazing because we are undeserving of it. After all, God did not seek after us because we were desirable. He sought after us because of His grace that desired to save sinners. Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God didn't have to do what He has done. He didn’t have to sacrifice His only begotten son. He didn’t have to make Himself of no reputation to become a servant. The psalmist knew the grace of God was so amazing when he said… Psalm 8:4 “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Think about this for a moment… God gives us the opportunity to experience life. He desires a relationship with us. After we have rebelled against His ways, God graciously makes a way for us to be saved from our sin and become right with Him. Then when we receive His gracious gift, He calls us to be part of His ministry. This is so amazing because we did nothing to deserve this. James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Notice what Paul states: 1 Timothy 1:12-15 “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; vs 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. Vs 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. Vs 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” Another thing that is amazing about God’s grace is how He desires to work in our lives to make us like Him. It is God’s desire to do a work that we can never do within our own strength, and that work can only be done by His amazing grace! Ephesians 3:20 “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Notice what John Newton (the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace”) states: “I am not what I might be, I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, I am not what I hope to be. But I thank God I am not what I once was, and I can say with the great apostle, “By the grace of God I am what I am.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am..” A few weeks ago we saw that God’s grace is unconditionally demonstrated by His love toward us. He has demonstrated that love by giving us gracious gifts that are so amazing and undeserved. Today, we will look at how God’s grace is available and ready to be received.
G = God’s Gift A = Available The fact that God has made His grace available is grace. God is not obligated to give us His rich grace and mercy, but He does so because He is a good God. However, many fail to receive the grace of God either for Salvation or for Sanctification because of relying on their own efforts, works, and goodness. Notice what Paul mentions to the Church in Galatia. Galatians 3:1-3 “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? Vs 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Vs 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Receiving God’s grace will help us “Grow in Grace” How do we receive God’s grace? 1. By Faith – Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 5:4-6 Receiving God’s grace is believing and resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ. It is believing that God is gracious and that we do not deserve His grace, but we understand that He loves us, and so therefore we receive His grace with thanksgiving. Galatians 5:4 “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Vs 3 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. Vs 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” 2. By Humility – Proverbs 3:34, James 4:6 Martin Luther once said “A man must completely despair of himself in order to become fit to obtain the grace of Christ.” Have you ever asked God to humble you? God will do a better job in humbling us than we can, because when we think that we are humble enough for His grace we have then been lifted up in pride. “God alone knows how to humble us without humiliating us, and how to lift us up without flattering us” — unknown 3. By the Knowledge of God – 2 Peter 1:2 The grace of God is multiplied to us as we grow to know more and more about Jesus; more of His love divine. God’s love is unfailing, undying, and is the very thing that should keep us by His side. a. An unfailing and undying love – Jeremiah 31:3a b. Love draws me closer to God – Jeremiah 31:3b. Romans 2:4 “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” God’s desire is that all His Children grow in His Grace. The Christian’s conversion is the start of God’s grace, but the Christian life is growing in God’s Grace.
David Livingstone once said “I’ll go anywhere provided it is forward”. G = God’s Gift Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: vs 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” God’s grace is His unconditional love toward us. He has demonstrated that love by giving us gracious gifts that are so amazing and undeserving. We have a God that is too good to us, and His love is better than anything this whole world can offer. The Psalmist said “…thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” AW Tozer said “Grace is the good pleasure of God that inclines Him to bestow benefits upon the undeserving. Its use to us sinful men is to save us and make us sit together in heavenly places to demonstrate to the ages the exceeding riches of God’s kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” 1. God’s Gift of Love – Romans 5:8 This amazing love is found in Jesus Christ. Through His love, He grants us forgiveness of sin and eternal priceless treasures that fade not away. a. Jesus – Romans 3:24, 2 Timothy 2:1 b. The Gospel – Acts 20:24 c. Salvation – Ephesians 1:7, Acts 15:11 d. Eternal Life – Romans 6:23 e. Divine Royalty – Romans 8:6-17 f. Repentance – Titus 2:11-12 Note: For God to give all people everywhere the opportunity to turn back to Him is great grace. 2. God’s Gift in Prayer – Hebrews 4:16 It is an absolute privilege to be able to talk to God through prayer and cast our care upon Him. Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” 3. God’s Gift in His Calling – Ephesians 3:7, Philippians 3:14 There is no greater calling in life than to have the Creator give us various abilities to use for His glory! Ephesians 3:7 “Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.” 4. God’s Gift in His Service – 1 Peter 4:8-10 1 Peter 4:10 “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 5. God’s Gift of His Strength & Power 2 Corinthians 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” There is an unbiblical teaching today that is leading many people astray and giving them a false hope. The main verse used by those who believe you must be baptized by water to be saved and forgiven from your sins is found in Acts 2:38. Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Though we see the command clearly in this verse, we must acknowledge that repentance must first take place. Being baptised by water without repentance is useless. Remember what Phillip the Evangelist said when the eunuch requested to be baptized. Acts 8:37 “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Notice what Jesus mentions. Luke 5:32 “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Question: What part does Water Baptism play? 1. It is a Picture of the Gospel. Romans 6:5 “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” 2. It is a Practice that God commands after you believe and are saved. This is where Acts 2:38 can be righty applied. Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 10:47-48 “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Vs 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord…” 3. It is a Prominent first step of faith that demonstrates your love toward God. John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Acts 2:41 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized…” Acts 18:8 “And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.” 4. It is a Public testimony that pleases God and brings Him glory. Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The Heavenly Father was pleased with the Baptism of Jesus. Jesus is our example, so shine the light of your testimony of what God has done in your Life! God is glorified when you follow Jesus! John 3:1-3 “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: vs 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Vs 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
It is amazing how Jesus answers Nicodemus’ statement. Nicodemus identifies the power of God upon Jesus by the miracles He has performed, and Jesus cuts to the chase regarding a very important factor. There was no beating around the bush with Jesus. If there was anything that would be so important in a person’s life it would be their current relationship with the Creator and their Eternal Destiny. By the way, when Jesus demonstrated miracles, it was for the glory of God but also that the World would believe on Jesus for their soul’s salvation. Jesus makes it very clear to Nicodemus that a person cannot see the “Kingdom of Heaven” without being “Born again.” In John 3:5-6, Jesus will explain what it means to be “Born again.” John 3:5-6 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Vs 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” To be born again is to be born of God. We all have been born in the flesh (by our parents) and we need to be born again (by His Spirit) into God’s family. Part of the reason we must be born again is because we have inherited the sinful nature from Adam and Eve. Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” God will not let a natural sinful man into His Kingdom. They must be born again from His Spirit. They must become a child of the Living God. How does a person become a child of God, and born into God family? There are many people that think being a good/religious person or keeping the Ten Commandments will get them to Heaven. This concept of being born again to Nicodemus would have been confusing to him, as good works and keeping the law is what Pharisees lived by to earn God’s favour. I heard a story "In June of 2008 Phuljharia Kunwa, a rich 80-year old Indian widow, spent thousands of dollars on a feast for 100,000 people hoping it would please the gods and open the doors of heaven for her. She fed lunch to people from surrounding villages and towns for two consecutive days. She has no family or relatives to bequeath her property to. Mrs. Kunwar spent $37,500 on the feast." Isaiah 64:6 says that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags in God's sight. No amount of benevolence can earn someone the right to dwell in Heaven or forgive their sin. Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: vs9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” The only way a person can have their sin forgiven is through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is having faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Jesus died in our place, receiving judgment for our sin, giving us eternal life and God’s righteousness. This is the greatest gift ever given. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Proverbs 3:1-2 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: vs 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”
King Solomon once again is instructing his son to take heed unto Wisdom. This portion of Scripture among many is not only addressed to Solomon’s son but to us also, because the Wisdom given by Solomon is the Word of God. Notice the first part of Verse 1. “My son, forget not my law…” We are to: A. Remember the Word of God The reason we are encouraged not to forget the Word of God is because we are forgetful people. We have the tendency to forget especially when it comes to God’s Word and the things of God. Here are some helpful ways which may help you remember the Word of God: 1. Purposely place yourself under the teaching of the Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:14 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned…” 2. Understand that the teachings of the Bible are the very “WORD of GOD” 2 Timothy 3:14 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; When you hear the preaching and teachings of the Word of God, keep in mind that your are being taught the Wisdom and Word of God. This will help in remembering the Word of God. 1 Thess 2:13 3. Delight in God’s Word Psalm 119:15-16 “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. Vs.16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. B. Retain God’s Commandments Proverbs 3:1 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:” The purpose of remembering the Word of God and keeping it in our hearts is for the vital purpose of keeping it! We are to keep God’s Word, not with our lips, but with our hearts. Warren Wiersbe has called the heart, “The master control unit of the body.” The heart controls our thoughts, emotions, and will. C. The Result of Obedience Proverbs 3:2 “For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” 1. Length of day, and Long life. It is God’s desire is to give quality of life here on earth - life and health to our families, marriages, churches, and relationships. But most importantly an abundant life through Jesus Christ. John 10:9-11 2. Peace True peace is found in Jesus Christ – John 14:27 True peace is found in God’s Word – Isaiah 26:3
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