Taste-That-Which-is-Good: First Peter

Showing posts with label First Peter. Show all posts

Saturday, June 6, 2009

MBC 05/31/09 Sermon on 1Pet 2:11-12

O Great God - A Puritan Prayer Put to Music

Words and music by Bob Kauflin
As recorded on Valley of Vision

Lyrics

O great God of highest heaven
Occupy my lowly heart
Own it all and reign supreme
Conquer every rebel power
Let no vice or sin remain
That resists Your holy war
You have loved and purchased me
Make me Yours forevermore

I was blinded by my sin
Had no ears to hear Your voice
Did not know Your love within
Had no taste for heaven’s joys
Then Your Spirit gave me life
Opened up Your Word to me
Through the gospel of Your Son
Gave me endless hope and peace

Help me now to live a life
That’s dependent on Your grace
Keep my heart and guard my soul
From the evils that I face
You are worthy to be praised
With my every thought and deed
O great God of highest heaven
Glorify Your Name through me

© 2006 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

1Pe 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Our Status: Strangers and Pilgrims. This is the third already in this epistle Peter has brought up this truth and we are only beginning chapter two.

Paraphrasing Dr. John Piper:

We must cultivate the mindset of exiles -- sober us up and wake us up so that we don't drift with the world.
Don't assume what is on TV is helpful to the soul.
Don't assume that any of this is gloryfying to God.
We got our bearings from God's word.
Ponder what is good for the sould and honours God.
Be aliens who get their cue from God and not the world.

1Pe 2:11 we learn that: The Christian life is a war to be fought.
1Pe 2:12 We learn that: The Christian life is a witness to the world.

What does it mean to glorify God?
1Co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Jerry Bridges paraphrased:

The Glory of God is the sum of all his infinite excellencies.
Ascribe the honour and adoration due him - which is worship - worth-ship
So that you may proclaim his excellencies and praise-worthiness.
Reflecting his glory to those around us by our actions.
We are to be mirrors that reflect God's excellencies to those around us.

1Pe 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

They speak falsehoods.
But this is to be expected:
Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Bad mouthing the Christians for no good reason.

Does our Culture portray Christians in a positive light????? or as Hypocrites, intolerants, weird. And the CULTURAL TREND SAYS GET READY FOR MORE.

TWO-FOLD Approach to this SLANDER:
1) Keep your behaviour above reproach. Sometimes christians are hypocrites, unloving, silling, obnoxious and abraisive. Live so that no one will believe the slander leveled against you.

Remember in the movie fire proof - it was said of the promonient christian in the fire house: "He is the real deal."

SEEK TO HAVE THIS KIND OF REPUTATION:
Dan 6:3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
Dan 6:4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.
Dan 6:5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

It's hard to find anybody in this category. think of the nominations and political offices currently inhabited and how hard it is to find men of integrity with a Daniel-like reputation. As soon as they are nominated out come all the ghosts of their past and present.

THE GOAL is not just to avoid slander. THE GOAL is to CALL ATTENTION TO GOD. When seeing you -- they then glorify God.

Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

DAY OF VISITATION:
1Pe 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Similiar to Phil 2:11:
Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

But when does this or will this happen?

1) In mercy maybe in this life - when they come to Christ.
2) or in the day of judgement when people must acknowledge god and God's work.

Let your light shine.
Do your deeds give God the Glory?

GOOD DEEDS:
The American view - everybody goes to heaven and especially those that do good deeds are more likely to go to heaven as a REWARD for their own good deeds.

But:
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Good works have nothing to do with entering into a right relaltionship with god. But one in -- good works are the fruit salvation.

Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

FOR BELIEVERS: you are representative of God all week long and whatever you do keep your behaviour excellent.

Monday, May 18, 2009

MBC 5/17/09 Sermon on 1Pet 2:9-10

Causing wonder or astonishment.
Miraculous; supernatural.
Of the highest or best kind or quality; first-rate: has a marvelous collection of rare books.

He has called us out of darkness INTO marvellous, wonder producing, astonishing light.

Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Rom 9:25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
Rom 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

2nd Part of a Chosen Race:
Deu 7:6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

A chosen race who is a Holy Priesthood, a royal priesthood. Called to offer spiritual sacrifices: ie. ourselves, our bodies, thanksgiving and praise, the fruit of our lips, starting from the heart and coming forth from the mouth.

3rd Holy nation, ethnos, ethnic:
We are now part of a new dinstinct ethnic group with a unifying characteristic. Not our skin color, not our accent, our country but this --- HOLINESS.

A people for God's own possession: Belonging to God by, we Don't belong to the world, to Satan, to ourselves, but to God. This was part of the reason for the cross.

Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

In addition to taking away sin by the cross we are purchased to belong exclusively to God.

LET THIS TRUTH SINK IN. LET THESE WORDS SETTLE DOWN INTO YOUR HEARTS.
Does it amaze you?

We were in darkness but called into marvellous light.

We didn't deserve mercy - yet he bestowed it upon us as a gift.

Chosen race, holy nation, his own possession.

Now we should ask: "Why did God do that?"

Was it to make us feel special?
Was it only that we should escape hell?
What reason does Peter list in verse nine.

SO THAT: We show forth his excellence.
SO THAT: We proclaim his excellence and make it known.
Isa 43:21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

PROCLAIM: clearly, with energy and conviction.

Bob Kauflin: "proclaim is to announce something officially, publically...Why God is SO GREAT,...what he has promised and accomplished"

Bob Kauflin goes on to write that "everybody is proclaiming some sort of message." What message am I proclaiming?

Proclaim the Excellency of God with all your being - at the center of who you are - of who I am let this be the focus.

Excellency: outstanding quality that shows god is the greatest being in the universe, god is worthy. This our job. It doesn't just belong to the star of heaven.

Psa 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
Psa 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

So is this the message we proclaim? Do people around us hear this from us and NOT "I'm a pretty good person, God will accept me.
Rom 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

We natually assume we are acceptable but we must acknowledge that we're not. There is nothing that we can contribute that would complete our acceptance with God most high.

God has already provided the one and only way, which is Jesus Christ.
Jesus died on the cross. Jesus lived a perfect life. Call on the name of the Lord and thou shalt be saved.

FOUR WAYS TO PROCLAIM GOD's EXCELLENCIES:
1st WORSHIP:
Worship, singing his praises, sunday school class, the preaching of the word, all that we do as we come together on Sunday designed to worship God and proclaim his excellencies.

Psa 29
Psa 96

John Piper: "worship is showing God to be blindingly glorious,...Limitless in knowledge...infinite in mercy...terrible in wrath..... and strong doses of truth" are needed to bring about "intense emotion" in the praise and worship and proclaiming of God's excellencies.

So in anticipation of coming together each week we need to be concerned to prepare our hearts, making them ready thru sober reflections upon our God, and serious consideration of the awesome privelige and the great duty of delightful, joyful worship.

2nd CONVERSATIONS WITH BOTH BELIEVERS AND UNBELIVERS:
Give God the credit.
After talking with someone will they conclude that God is important to you. Will they have heard something of the excellencies of God.

Consider the man possessed with the legion:
Mar 5:18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
Mar 5:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
Mar 5:20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.

We ought to get this paradigm into our hears.

3rd How we Serve and Work:
We ought to serve and work so that they would say "Wow, what a God they must have."
1Pe 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

There is a connection between good deeds and glorifying God.

4rth Missions:
Psa 96

Psa 96:3 Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.
Psa 96:4 For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.

WE HAVE A GREAT GOD WORTHY TO BE PROCLAIMED.

By His grace and for His glory.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

MBC 04/26/09 Sermon on 1Pet 2:1-3

Sunday, March 15, 2009

MBC-03/15/09 Sermon on 1Pe 1:8-9

Continuing our series from First Peter, this post is a summary of the most recent sermon preached at Morningside Baptist Church (MBC) by Pastor Dave Sowers. The audio of the sermon can be found at the "Sermon Audio Podcast" link of the website http://www.morningsidebaptist.us/. Pastor Sowers pictured to the left. As much as is possible it is hoped that these notes honor both the intent and the content of Pastor Sowers' original message. Please compare to the sermon audio podcast.

ASSUMPTIONS: Perhaps you, yourself, or you have witnessed individuals making certain assumptions only to find out later they were incorrect. For example, this week we read of the devastating financial consequences of many who placed their trust in Bernard Madoff and whereas they thought to make a good financial income, discovered they instead lost all their lives savings, or a great amount of money on someone unworthy of their trust. They assumed the relationship they were in with Madoff was good one, but it proved otherwise.

With Today's text we have an opportunity to examine where we are in our relationship with Jesus Christ or if we are trusting in faulty assumptions.

FIRST PETER 1:8-9

1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Peter shows us here, that people he has never met, a people abiding in what is now northern Turkey, yet not meeting, not having seen he knows some things to be true about them.

1) He knows of their Love in Christ
2) He knows of the Trust in Christ
3) He knows of their Rejoicing in Christ.

Peter knows these things to be true, because these are things true about every true believer in Jesus Christ.

We learned last week that even in the midst of great hardship and trial there is still much to rejoice in. Things to rejoice in no matter how hard or bad the circumstances.

How can we not rejoice, and see how much grounds of rejoicing belongs to us: 1Pet 1:1-5

Loved by God.
Washed Clean.
Born Again.
Were dead but God caused new Life.
Having an imperishable inheritance.
God keeping me to the last day

BUT REJOICING in 1Pe 1:8 though is of a more specific nature. Rejoicing in knowing Christ.

Robert Asty: [Rejoicing in the Lord Jesus in all Cases and Conditions]

"There is enough in Christ Jesus alone for the soul's full rejoicing and triumphing in all cases and conditions....Let things go how they will in the world, as to my outward concerns, yet the ground of my joy is never taken from me. . . . It is not in the creature, it is not upon earth, but it is in heaven; it is not in man, it is in the Lord; it is not in the confluence of these things that are coming and going, and in an uncertain enjoyment, but it is in the Lord who never fails."

There is joy and rejoicing both now and a fulness even reserved for later:
Psa 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

But don't we have a taste of the fulness of joy and rejoicing even now. Sometimes as we are driving in the car, in a quiet place by ourselves, thinking upon Christ and we are overcome with such joy, struck by the great grace that abounds towards us, a view of our beautiful saviour, and thinking upon such things overwhelmed and filled with great rejoicing. DO YOU NOT TASTE such rejoicings even now - in HIS PRESENCE IS FULNESS OF JOY.

BELIEVING YET NOT SEEING:
Joh 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

BELIEVING IS MUCH MORE THAN AN ACCUMULATION OF INTELLECTUAL FACTS:

Demons have a very orthodox theology.
Luk 4:33-34 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

Mar 1:23-24 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

In my own experience every Sunday we would recite the apostles creed, except on the day we had communion and then we would recite the Nicene Creed. I, myself, had acquired an accumulation of facts and could profess an orthodox theology. Yet, I did not know Christ.

John Gill:

"Faith is looking on him and to Him"...."committing our all unto Him"..."and expecting our all from Him."

A TRUE CHRISTIAN LOVES CHRIST:
Is this true? The statement has been made but first is it really true?

There are some today, who in the name of Christ deny this very statement.

By way of example, we will consider two:

One prominent teacher in discussing Rom 8:28 tells us here that when the verse says that all things work together for good to them that love God, we should learn that there are indeed different classes of Christians. This verse is only for that certain class of believers who "Love God - who Love Christ." When I read this conclusion, I wrote in the margin of the book, "WHAT!!!" Christians who don't love God!

There is also another populuar illustration involving a train in which the various parts are described and applied thus:

The engine is Fact.
The coal car is Faith.
The cabbose is feeling or emotions.

The conclusion being, the train can run without the caboose, so don't worry if you have no feelings, no particular love for Christ, no passion for Christ.

Thus in some circles loving Christ is not considered essential in order to finally arrive in heaven or to consider oneself a true Christian.

WHAT DOES THE TEXT SAY?
1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Notice it does not say: "Ye should love Christ."
It does not say: "Ye ought to love Christ."

No, Peter can assure and state as a fact, if you are bought with his blood, and really experienced from him true salvation, you cannot help but love Christ.

John 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Jesus asks Peter, "Lovest though me...?" Contrast this with a scene from Fiddler on the Roof when the husband asks the wife, "Do you love me?" She responds with a "how can you ask that..." and then begins to relate all that she has done for him, in cooking and washing, and keeping home. But once more after that the husband asks again, "Yes, but do you love me?" And again she gives a further list of the various duties and activities she has fulfilled as his wife.

We to, could answer the question with, "Of course I love Jesus. I go to church, I give, I read the bible, I do this thing and that thing, I fulfill all the duties presented before me. How can you ask, 'Do I love you?'"

BUT ALL THESE THINGS we can do without loving Christ.

Can we say like Peter, "you know all things --- you know that I love you."

THE QUESTION ON THE TABLE THEN IS: DO WE LOVE CHRIST?
Luke 14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Speaking here of a Love that makes the other love look like hate because so SUPREME is our Love for Christ.

Matthew Henry:
They must be willing to quit that which was very dear, and therefore must come to him thoroughly weaned from all their creature-comforts, and dead to them, so as cheerfully to part with them rather than quit their interest in Christ, Luk 14:26. A man cannot be Christ's disciple but he must hate father, and mother, and his own life. He is not sincere, he will be constant and persevering, unless he love Christ better than any thing in this world, and be willing to part with that which he may and must leave, either as a sacrifice, when Christ may be glorified by our parting with it (so the martyrs, who loved not their lives to death), or as a temptation, when by our parting with it we are put into a better capacity of serving Christ. Thus Abraham parted with his own country, and Moses with Pharaoh's court. Mention is not made here of houses and lands; philosophy will teach a man to look upon these with contempt; but Christianity carries it higher. [1.] Every good man loves his relations; and yet, if he be a disciple of Christ, he must comparatively hate them, must love them less than Christ, as Leah is said to be hated when Rachel was better loved. Not that their persons must be in any degree hated, but our comfort and satisfaction in them must be lost and swallowed up in our love to Christ, as Levi's was, when he said to his father, I have not seen him, Deu 33:9. When our duty to our parents comes in competition with our evident duty to Christ, we must give Christ the preference. If we must either deny Christ or be banished from our families and relations (as many of the primitive Christians were), we must rather lose their society than his favour. [2.] Every man loves his own life, no man ever yet hated it; and we cannot be Christ's disciples if we do not love him better than our own lives, so as rather to have our lives embittered by cruel bondage, nay, and taken away by cruel deaths, than to dishonour Christ, or depart from any of his truths and ways. The experience of the pleasures of the spiritual life, and the believing hopes and prospects of eternal life, will make this hard saying easy. When tribulation and persecution arise because of the word, then chiefly the trial is, whether we love better, Christ or our relations and lives; yet even in the days of peace this matter is sometimes brought to the trial. Those that decline the service of Christ, and opportunities of converse with him, and are ashamed to confess him, for fear of disobliging a relation or friend, or losing a customer, give cause to suspect that they love him better than Christ." [I am not sure of the exact quote Pastor read from Matthew Henry at this place in the sermon, this is taken from Luk 14:25 as found in Matthew Henry's Commentaries.]

THE HORRIBLE CONDITION OF NOT LOVING CHRIST:
1 Corinthians 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

Anathema - CURSED. If you do not love the Lord Jesus Christ, your are accursed!

Loving Christ is not an optional extra in the Christian life.
Loving Christ is not the uneeded caboose attached to the end of the train.

If not Loving Christ we are accursed.

This is not another class of Christian -- to not be loving Christ is then have NO HEAVEN.

LOVING CHRIST does not earn heaven..... BUT:
John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

If this is true: That God is your Father, then this is true "ye would love me."

The evidence of being in God's family then is if YOU LOVE CHRIST.

Eph 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

John Fawcett, Christ Precious:
"Love to the divine Redeemer is the distinguishing characteristic of a real Christian...the parent and promoter of everything excellent and amiable in the Christian character...The eloquence of men, or even of angels, the gift of prophecy, the knowledge of all mysteries, the power to work miracles, the most extensive liberality to the poor, and even the suffering of martyrdom, are all insignificant and unprofitable without love." [editors note: quote taken from book by John Fawcett (1739-1817), Christ Precious, a treatise on 1Pet 2:7. I did not find the exact copy from which Pastor Sowers quoted. This taken from a description of quote taken from the book. Boldface matches exactly what I wrote in the notes taken during the service.]

In other words: REAL CHRISTIANS LOVE CHRIST.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I TRULY LOVE CHRIST?

We sang the same in a number of our hymns this morning. "thee will I cherish" and "Oh, how I love Jesus." But it is certainly possible to honour Christ with our lips but our hearts are actually far from him.

Mat 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

When I was young I purchased a "Honk if you love Jesus" bumper sticker and attached it to my Mother's car. As we were driving every now and then someone would honk. We didn't know if they loved Jesus or if something was amiss. But that doesn't prove anything, it is totally possible to honk without loving Jesus truly. Honking isn't a good test.

IS JESUS PRECIOUS TO YOU:
1 Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

IS HE Your treasure your pearl of Great price?
Mat 13:44-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

What are your Affections for Christ:

John Piper:
Heartfelt love for Jesus.
Abiding enjoyement in his fellowship.
Strong gratitude for loving us before we loved him.

These attitudes out to be in us.

Think of your spouse doing for you every good thing a wife should do, a husband should do. So careful in all the duties of marriage. And then saying: "though I do all these things I truly feel nothing for you." What would all the doings of marriage amount to without love?

Think of your husband, your wife, relating to you all the nice things they like about you. A good list and it makes you feel good. So you reply, "this is nice, let's go on a date together, have some time alone." to which your husband or your wife responds, "though I said all these nice things I like about you, yet I really don't want to spend any time with you."

Is there any desire to spend time with Christ? Are you like the brother I talked to recently who has been spending more time with Jesus and yet can say: "I wish I could spend more time yet with him."

IF YOU LOVE CHRIST THERE SHOULD BE A DESIRE TO PLEASE AND OBEY PRESENT IN YOU:

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

Love in the heart will express itself in obedience to his word.

As a fruit and evidence. Obedience, itself, is not love but the fruit of it.

LOVING CHRIST INCLUDES CARING ABOUT WHAT CHRIST CARES ABOUT:

Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

What does Christ care about? As I prepared this sermon, Three things came immediately to mind:

1) Glory of His Father. Such truth comes blazing forth as we read the scriptures.
2) Spreading of his kingdom everywhwere to all nations.
3) His church and the right relations between brothers within His Church, loving one another.

TO KNOW CHRIST IS TO LOVE CHRIST:

John Piper:
Admire him above all.
Enjoy his ways and words above all others.
Desire his approval far above all others.
Desire to be with Him.
Trust his words more fully than the words of any other man.
Being more glad in HIS exaltation than the exaltation of any other man including myself.

Thus we conclude:
A REAL CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO LOVES AND TRUSTS CHRIST

It is possible to be deceived in this. We need to really get at what this means. Where does these words find you:

1) Maybe you havent met Christ. Maybe you don't know him. And therefore because of this don't Love him.

Acknowledge you have not loved and trusted Christ which is an infinitely serious matter.

Acknowledge nothing you can do to repair the matter. No self-effort, no doing more, or trying harder.

Trust in Christ alone for change. Trust Christ who died. Trust in Christ who rose from the dead. Trust in Christ who alone can take care of the penalty and judgement against you on account of your sins. Trust in Christ alone who can give a new heart. Look for the righteousness of Christ alone as a gift and do not trust in your own righteousness.

2) But others of us having begun well may find the following to be our case:
Revelation 2:2-7 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Don't take this lightly. The word in verse four which some of you may have in your translation, "somewhat" is actually in italics and is in no way intended to lessen the severity of the charge.

You have done many good things. Works and labors of love, patience, intolerance for them that are evil, testing false apostles, not fainting... YET ...... YOU HAVE LEFT THY FIRST LOVE.

All the good does not make up for this. Many good things does not make up for failing to continue in the LOVE FOR CHRIST.

Christianity is not just works-to-do and things-to-know.

Without love for Christ in the heart all these good things are worthless.

HAVING LEFT THY FIRST LOVE -- WHAT TO DO????

The answer is contained in three R's:

1) REMEMBER
Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

REMEMBER what it was like then, when you couldn't get enough, what it was to enjoy prayer, when you couldn't wait for fellowship with brothers, when you couldn't wait to hear the word preached and to learn more of your precious saviour.

2) REPENT
Rev 2:5... and repent, and do the first works

Repent (twice repeated in this verse). It is not simply remembering but also to repent. If you are not loving Christ, repent, be sorry that the intensity of your first love has declined, diminished, and disappeared. Do not be content with lukewarmness, or cold affection.

3) RETURN
Do the deeds you did at first. Not just remember and repent but get back to that which you did at the first. Go back to having the fellowship that was then encouraging that then stoked the flame of your passion for Christ. Remembering the deeds you did at first which fueled your love for Christ, return to doing them again.

HAVING EARS - THEN HEAR:
Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

This letter is not just for the church at Ephesus, but for the churches. For the churches down through these 2000 years. Hear what the Spirit says to the churches, to Morningside Baptist Church, what the Spirit is saying to YOU.

Glory to God, By His Grace and For His Glory

Sunday, March 8, 2009

MBC-03/08/09 Sermon on 1Pe 1:6-7

This post is a summary of the most recent sermon preached at Morningside Baptist Church (MBC) by Pastor Dave Sowers. The audio of the sermon can be found at the "Sermon Audio Podcast" link of the website http://www.morningsidebaptist.us/. Pastor Sowers pictured to the left. As much as is possible it is hoped that these notes honor both the intent and the content of Pastor Sowers' original message. Please compare to the sermon audio podcast. [Original Title was appearing with incorrect date, post edited on 3/10/09 to clear up grammar at one point and separate verse references at another.]

First Peter 1:6-7

In any week we have sometimes minor and sometimes major trials. Such difficulties in living that cause us anxiety and distress. Sometimes the nature of this trial may cause us to ask: "What is God up to?" or to say, "I don't see how this difficulty can work for good." Today's text addresses these questions and brings us needed encouragement and counsel in the midst of trial.

1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

First let us learn from this passage: God knows our trials are distressing.

"ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations" or NASB: distressed or the ESV: grieved.

Consider the account of our Lord the night he was betrayed in the garden, where the scriptures tell us he was deeply grieved or exceedingly sorrowful.

Mat 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

Now in 1Pe 1:6 there is not a rebuke to the distress and heaviness that comes from trials. God knows trials are hard to bear.

Psa 103:4 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

God knows we are weak --- we are but dust.

Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Jesus Knows.

Second: God knows that trials are necessary. 1Pet 1.6
"if need be", "if necessary"

There will be trials if they are needed. God knows when this is the case. Trials are not random, not subject to luck or chance, not the devil who decides, they are designed by God.

1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Both of the above verses make clear, that trials come, suffering comes, "If the will of God be so" or "according to the will of God."

Suffering is not something outside of God's will but part of God's will for us. Something that is necessary.

Consider the experience of missionaries to India, David and Helen Seaman. Their baby son, Steve was born in India with a club foot. It was over one month before they were able to travel the 500 miles necessary to reach a hospital where proper treatment could be given. Because of the month long delay in treatment it was required that the parents for several years would provide therapy to their little baby in order to restore the club foot. Every day the babies father, David, would place the foot over a bottle and turn it the opposite way from the twist. The process was extremely painful for the toddler and heart wrenching for the parent. The child sometimes would cry out "I hate you Daddy." He was just too young to understand how this painful treatment was necessary to restore him to full health. Too young to know what good would the future held for him if the painful excruciating treatment is faithfully continued. Too young to know what happiness he would forfeit in the long term if he forsook this present trial.

In a similar way we don't understand the purpose of God's trials for us.

Thirdly: God knows our trials are temporary.
1Pe 1.6 "though now for a season, " or "though now for a little while".

Think of the end to which we wait described for us in Revelation 22 and following. In heaven there is no more pain, death, trials.

The world has a saying, "this too shall pass." The world knows this, how much more shouldn't we know this who wait for eternity.

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Jas 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

FOURTHLY: God knows that trials are beneficial.

1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

The proof of your faith...the trial of your faith is precious. God knows the great benefit - though we like that little baby of David and Helen Seaman, do not know the benefits and purposes of our trial, we have such a word here, the trail of our faith is much more precious than gold.

1) Trials Can demonstrate to us the authenticity of our faith.

How can we know that we do not merely believe in God as do the demons, not having true saving faith?
Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

How do I know my faith is a living faith?

How do I know the genuineness of my faith and that I'm not with those that fall away as described in the sower and the seed and not truly having the grace of faith?

Luke 8:5-15
Luke 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
The outworking of the trials we endure work to prove that our faith is genuine.

2) Trials also demonstrate that God is greater than we ever imagined. God who in our trials is near, and a very present help in time of need is greater in our eyes having gone through trial than we ever would have had without that trial.

A brother recently commented in an email: "We would now have a smaller view of God without that trial."

3) Also the purifying work of trials:

Isa 48:10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.

Job 23:10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.

2Co 1:8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.

From the trials we receive a purer faith. A refined faith.

REJOICE:
1 Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

Why do we rejoice?

This is the proper reaction of all that is true in 1Peter 1:1-5.

1PE 1:1-5
1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

How can we not rejoice, and see how much grounds of rejoicing belongs to us:

Loved by God.
Washed Clean.
Born Again.
Were dead but God caused new Life.
Having an imperishable inheritance.
God keeping me to the last day.

What this rejoicing is not.
We are not called to live in denial. Think of the hymns:

At the cross, at the cross Where I first saw the light, And the burden of my heart rolled away It was there by faith I received my sight, And now I am happy all the day!
OR

Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.

The hymn can lead one to think, we are never to have a place for heaviness, for distress, for deep grieving. After all we must be happy all the day. But this rejoicing is not a denial of current hard ship.

Don't pretend, don't look to your power of positive thinking to wish the trial away.

Don't deny the trial you might be walking through. For such a denial would also be a denial of the great blessing God intends.

SORROWFUL - ALWAYS REJOICING:
The scriptures show that we can be both sorrowful and always rejoicing.

2Co 6:10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

See the apostles who were both sorrowful and yet rejoicing:
ACTS 16:22-25
Act 16:22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. Act 16:23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Act 16:24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. Act 16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,
Paul was really hurting and in pain, truly sorrowful. Yet there they were also in the midst of that singing

Here the prophet was waiting for the invasion. Sorrowful - still in verse 18 the words "yet I will rejoice in the Lord" We are waiting perhaps for a coming persecution, or a coming economic collapse there is sorrow as we wait - and yet rejoicing knowing that God intends it for his own purposes. Knowing he rules the universe according to the highest reason.

Habakkuk 3:16-18 When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. 17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Matthew Henry on Hab 3:18
"But those who, when they were full, enjoyed God in all, when they are emptied and impoverished can enjoy all in God, and can sit down upon a melancholy heap of the ruins of all their creature comforts and even then can sing to the praise and glory of God, as the God of their salvation. This is the principal ground of our joy in God, that he is the God of our salvation, our eternal salvation, the salvation of the soul; and, if he be so, we may rejoice in him as such in our greatest distresses, since by them our salvation cannot be hindered, but may be furthered. Note, Joy in God is never out of season, nay, it is in a special manner seasonable when we meet with losses and crosses in the world, that it may then appear that our hearts are not set upon these things, nor our happiness bound up in them. "

DO YOU WANT MORE JOY LIKE THAT - Even in time of trial?

1) only by God's enabling grace and not by trying harder.

2) 2Cor 4:16-18 is a clue from one who lived this sorrowing yet rejoicing.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

We should be looking at things not seen -- eternal things.

Look: fix your eyes upon, gaze intently at, concentrate and focus upon.

This is the fight of faith: What will I focus on in this trial? God or the problem.

This fight of faith reminds me of trying to capture the beauty and grandeur of the mountains with my camera. There are the mountains and their are some people in the foreground. If I focus my camera on the people, center my picture and fill the lens with the people they become the object of the picture and the whole expansive beauty of the mountains behind is lost for the object in the foreground. But if I forget the people in the foreground and let the lens fill up with as much of the beautiful mountain range as possible I come closer much closer to capturing the grandeur and the greatness. So it is in the fight of faith. If we focus the lens of our perspective on the trial - the problem - the immediate we will lose sight of God. We will lose sight of heaven to come, it is a fight of faith to focus on things not seen - things eternal.

Rom 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

J.C. Ryle: [from Old Paths]
"There we shall find all that we hope for and find that it was a million times better than all our hope."

GLORY TO GOD, By His Grace and For His Glory
[This post composed from notes taken during the preaching of this same sermon by Pastor Dave Sowers.]

Sunday, March 1, 2009

MBC-03/01/09 Sermon on 1Pe 1:3-5

This post is a summary of the most recent sermon preached at Morningside Baptist Church (MBC) by Pastor Dave Sowers. The audio of the sermon can be found at the "Sermon Audio Podcast" link of the website http://www.morningsidebaptist.us/. Pastor Sowers pictured to the left. As much as is possible it is hoped that these notes honor both the intent and the content of Pastor Sowers' original message. Please compare to the sermon audio podcast. [This post partially corrected for grammar and spelling from orig posting on 3/2/09]

Continuing in our Series on 1 Peter, and being reminded that this letter written to aliens, those who are not in their own homeland, whose citizenship is in heaven Phil 3:20, those who are facing opposition and persecution, was written to them and to us to give us assurance, hope and encouragement. This also is the design of today's text in our second look at 1Peter from 1Pet 1:3-5.

1Peter 1:3-5
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Note the verb tenses from this passage:

Have been born again (past)
To Obtain an inheritance (future)
Are being kept. (present)

Q. What does it mean to be born-again?

Referred variously in different translations as born-again, born from above, born of the Spirit.

John 3:1-9

KJV John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 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. 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. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 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. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

It is not simply a "starting over."

2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

In John Chapter 3, Jesus stresses the absolute necessity of regeneration, new-birth, to be born-again. Note the words: "YE MUST..."

That to be born-again is radical, and that being good does not come naturally, the following words from the Minnesota Crime Commission, a secular organization confirms:
"The Minnesota Crime Commission ... issued this report appointed by the governor back in 1926: "Every baby starts life as a little savage. He is completely selfish and self-centered. He wants what he wants when he wants it: his bottle, his mother's attention, his playmate's toys, his uncle's watch, or whatever. Deny him these and he seethes with rage and aggressiveness which would be murderous were he not so helpless. He's dirty, he has no morals, no knowledge, no developed skills. This means that all children, not just certain children but all children, are born delinquent. If permitted to continue in their self-centered world of infancy,given free reinto their impulsive actions to satisfy each want, every child would grow up a criminal, a thief, a killer, a rapist." click here for possible source reference, Grace-to-You website.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

For additional quotes, see online book by John Piper, Finally Alive. Click here
(search on "apart from amazing grace" or "our present condition")

In answer to the question, "what is it to be BORN-AGAIN?", some teach baptismal regeneration, while others teach there is something you must do to initiate this process. But Peter and the rest of the scriptures teach that this is a work of God.

God has caused us to be born again:
NAU 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Three times in John 1:12-13 John says it wasn't ultimately the excercise of my will to initiate the new-birth but God.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Peter also stating it was God's abundant mercy given to us even when were were dead.
1Pet 1:3 "according to His great mercy"

We were dead - God makes us alive:
Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

This new birth produces a living Hope. Before regeneration, we were without God and without hope.

1Pet 1:3 "born again to a living hope "

Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

FUTURE TENSE:
Note the text says in the Past-Pefect tense: Have been born again. But now with a look to the Future. Shall obtain -- in the future an inheritance -- reserved in heaven.

NAU 1 Peter 1:4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

Q. What is our inheritance? A. God Himself.
Psalm 16:5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

From Thomas Brooks, A String of Pearls: click here for reference
"If all these things will satisfy souls, then surely the inheritance reserved in heaven for them will satisfy them; for that inheritance takes in these things, and many more. The good things that this inheritance is made up of are so many—that they exceed number; so great—that they exceed measure; so precious—that they are above all estimation; and therefore it must needs be a soul-satisfying inheritance. "

Inherit a kingdom prepared:
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Paul is praying we should get a taste of how glorious this inheritance truly is.
Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

An Imperishable Inheritance - that does not perish.
It as Undefiled and Untainted by sin.
An Inheritance that does Not fade away - it does not grow old.

Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

PRESENT TENSE:

What about now -- I have been born again -- there is an inheritance I shall obtain. But what about now, can I blow it?

Now being kept:
1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Being kept - present tense -- by the power of God.

Kept: garrisoned or guarded as the city in 2Cor 11:32
2Co 11:32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

The city was surrounded by a military guard around it. Note -- God is using His power to KEEP us.

Both doctrines are true: We must keep believing to the end if ever we hope to be saved and God indeed will keep His Own unto the end - they will be the ones believing. He will lose none. They belong to him.

Verses affirming this truth of God's keeping power:
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (editors note: Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ by John Bunyan is an excellent extended exposition of this verse - highly recommended. click here for online version)

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

Q. Can Christ lose one of his sheep given to him by the Father?
A. How can Christ lose what the Father has given.

Paul is convinced that God will keep:
2Ti 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

The Lord will rescue, the Lord will preserve:
2Ti 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Preserved in Jesus Christ:
Jud 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

God is the one who can keep us from falling:
Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jud 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

God starts the work -- God completes it:
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

He is the author and finisher:
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising

RESPONSE:
Q. How should we respond to these realities?

First: Ask, "have I partaken? Do I have a living hope? Am I hoping in God alone? Not hoping I will make it but biblical hope which is a confident expectation? This is a question I cannot afford to be wrong on. There are eternal consequences.

So acknowledge you "I have forfeited all rights because of sin."

It is not good deeds, good intentions, nothing to offer to God for acceptance. Trust in Christ alone who is the only saviour. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.

Secondly for the child of God by Faith now: Note the language in 1Peter 1 and Eph 1, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Be like Job, blessed be the name of the Lord who gives and takes away.
Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Peter is rejoicing in what he is writing about and he wants us to join him in rejoicing.

The same with Paul in Eph 1:3, rejoicing in the content of what he is writing -- join him in blessing God, worshipping and praising God.
Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Such a message as the one you have heard this morning is not merely to pass on information. As though you were preparing for a quiz, making ready to answer the following:

1. What does it mean to be born-again?
2. What does it mean and what is a lively hope?
3. What inheritance awaits us?

No, our intention this morning is much greater. Knowing these things let us respond WITH WORSHIP. Thank you Lord, bless the Lord our God. Praise him. Praise to the Glory of His grace.

Yes, there ought to be praise and worship and blessing to God.

Glory to God, by His Grace and for His Glory.