“BLESSED IS HE WHO READS AND THOSE WHO HEAR THE WORDS OF THIS PROPHECY….REV 1:3

“THY WORD HAVE I HID IN MY HEART…. PSALM 119:11

     We should read the Bible from cover to cover. We should want to know what the Lord said.
Many of us, while acknowledging that the Bible is the word of God, have not read it in its entirety. We have been hindered from reading the Bible completely for several reasons. It is my hope and prayer that we would be rid of all obstacles to the hearing and reading of God’s word.
We must realize that the Lord expects us to read all the Bible. The Lord said on one occasion, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God‘” (Matthew 4:4). Not live by some words,  but by every word  of God. Thus we need to read every word  of God. We need to be like the Bereans who “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
These Scriptures should dispel the idea that we need only read some of the scriptures. This notion would cause us to be judges of what in the Bible was important. But “every word of God is pure” (Proverbs 30:5).
Then, we may make ourselves a promise to read all the Bible, but it does not get done. But other things are getting done. Television shows are watched, other books and magazines are read, and our time is spent on other things. If this happens, then we simply have not made the precious words of our Creator a priority. Whatever is most important should be done first.
But isn’t understanding the Bible important? But can you understand what you have not read? Paul, commenting on what he wrote, said,”By which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:3-4). If we are not careful, we may get the idea that our understanding comes from something or someone else apart from our reading God’s word, which would be contrary to what the Bible says. In order to enter the house of understanding, we must go through the door of reading or hearing the word for ourselves. Thus, Timothy was told to “give attention to reading” (I Timothy 4:13).
When Jesus was confronted with a question, He showed where we should seek answers for spiritual inquiry.  “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?  He said to him,  What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” (Luke 10:25-26).
Let us also notice that Jesus did not refer the questioner to his own dreams for an answer (see Jeremiah 23:28). Jesus did not suggest the man’s own opinions as a source for the answer to his question. Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to trust the Lord, which is to trust what He says in His word. In this way our steps are guided as we follow God’s Word.  “Your word is a lamp to my feet. And a light to my path“  (Psalms 119:104).
To this question, Jesus did not appeal to other non-Biblical religious writings. Let other books be read, but do not use them as a substitute for the reading of the Bible. And never believe that the reading of the Bible is incomplete without these other books.
There may be many of us who agree that all the Bible should be regularly read. We might say, ”I read the Bible every day, but I simply have not read it all.” If I believe that I can seriously read the Bible for several years and not complete it, I have one or both of two problems. Either I am reading the same passages of scriptures, thus not “adding to my  faith virtue, to virtue knowledge” (II Peter 1:5) or I am not reading as much as I think I am.
There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible. If I read 4 chapters of the Bible every day starting January 1, I would have read the entire Bible by October 26. If I can read the whole Bible in as short a time as a year by reading as few scriptures as four chapters a day, it should become clear that within 10 or 15 years I ought to have read all the Bible, God’s Holy Word.
Any of us who go a lifetime without reading all of the Bible while believing we are working toward that goal are not spending as much time in God’s Word as we have made ourselves believe.
I am not contending that we read the whole Bible only one time. Rather, we must make the reading of the whole Bible a regular part of our lives. If we do not read the entire Bible for ourselves, then we have only the opinions of others and they are doing our thinking for us.
Lets let our attitude be that of David writing in Psalm 119. ”Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, than fine gold” (vs 127).  “How sweet are your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth” (vs. 103).  “Oh how I love Your law  It is my meditation all the day” (vs. 97). If we truly are “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6), then we will read the Bible from cover to cover
“Blessed is he who reads …“  (Revelation 1:3).

 

WHAT WE NEED TODAY IS SOUND OR (healthy) TEACHINGS ABOUT NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY

                  Does Doctrine Matter? (2)
1.  Review Part 1:  Sound doctrine is essential to our relation with God & Christians; Doctrine matters!

  a.  Sound doctrine comes from God…Christ…Apostles…Scriptures.

  b.  Sound doctrine is good (1 Tim. 4:1-16).

  c.  Sound doctrine must be held fast (2 Tim. 1:13).

2.  Must also understand how deadly false doctrine is in order to accept & appreciate why sound doctrine is necessary in our lives.

3.  Reasons why we can & must know sound doctrine.

 

II. FALSE DOCTRINE IS SIN, cf. Acts 20:28-32; 2 Jno. 7-9.

  A.  It Deprives a Person of Truth, 1 Tim. 6:3-5.

  B.  It Removes a Person from Grace, Gal. 1:6-7.

  C.  It Overthrows People’s Faith, 2 Tim. 2:14-18.

  D.  It Enslaves, Corrupts & Curses, Rom. 6:15-18; Gal. 1:8.

  E.  It Deceives & Sears Consciences, Eph. 4:14; 1 Tim. 4:1-2.

  F.  It Causes Division & Stumbling, Rom. 16:17.

  G. It Destroys Souls & Defames Truth, 2 Pet. 2:1-2.

 

III. CAN WE KNOW (DISCERN, IDENTIFY & OBEY) SOUND DOCTRINE?

  A.  Yes, because Jesus Said we can Know His Doctrine, Jno. 7:16-17.

    1.  Right heart (will) +hearing = Understanding.

    2.  Must want to learn before we can!  (Isa. 30: 9-10; Matt. 13:14-17)

    3.  Objection:  “How do you know what you are learning is the truth?” (“What is truth?” Jno. 18:38)

      a.  Examine the Scriptures, Acts 17:11.

      b.  Study to be approved, rightly divide the word, 2 Tim. 2:15.

      c.  We must test all things (1 Ths. 5:21; 1 Jno. 4:1).

  B.  Yes, because Jesus Said we can Know the Truth, Jno. 8:31-32.

      -Objection:  “You have to have perfect knowledge.  No one knows everything!”

      a.  Can we know anything?  (Yes)

      b.  Then, we can know truth (Jno. 8:32; Eph. 3:4).

  C.  Yes, because we can Identify the Doctrine of Christ, 2 Jno. 9-10.

      -Test what is taught against the apostles’ doctrine, 1 Jno. 4:1, 6.

  D.  Yes, because of the Christian’s Relation to Truth, 2 John.

    1.  Love is expressed “in truth,” 2 Jno. 1, 6 (Jno. 14:24).

    2.  Truth abides in us & will be with us forever, 2 Jno. 2.

    3.  Grace, mercy & peace with us “in truth,” 2 Jno. 3.

    4.  Can walk in truth; commanded to walk in truth, 2 Jno. 4.

    5.  Truth does not deceive, but brings reward, 2 Jno. 7-8.

    6.  Abide in doctrine of Christ to have fellowship with God, 2 Jno. 9 (1 Jno. 2:3-5).

    7.  We must “bring” doctrine of Christ or we advance evil, 2 Jno. 10.

  E.  Yes, because we are to Teach no Other Doctrine, 1 Tim. 1:3.

    1.  Means there is a true doctrine that can be taught!

    2.  Apostolic doctrine taught & learned, Rom. 16:17; 2 Tim. 2:2.

  F.  Yes, because Sound Doctrine is the Basis of Fellowship, Worship & Life in Christ, Jno. 17:20-21; Acts 2:42; 1 Jno. 1:7; 2 Jno. 9-11.

 

Conclusion

1.  The word that is preached must be mixed with faith in order to profit us (save us), Heb. 4:1-2, 6.

2.  Sound doctrine doesn’t profit us until we have the faith to obey it!

 

YOU CANNOT; MUST NOT; “SEPARATE JESUS FROM DOCTRINE” LISTEN TO ME; IT WILL NOT WORK!!

Does Doctrine Matter? (1)

INTRO:
1.  Doctrine means instruction, that which is taught.

2.  Many different doctrine among believers.  This is not as it should be; such is not the will of God. (Jno. 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10)

3.  Sound doctrine:  The teachings of Jesus, 1 Tim. 6:3.

4.  Does doctrine really matter?  Yes.  Necessity of sound doctrine is seen when we understand its source & what it accomplishes in our lives. 

5.  Questions:  Do you believe doctrine matters?  How committed are you to sound doctrine?

 

I.  DOCTRINE IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR RELATION WITH GOD & CHRISTIANS.

  -(Doctrine of Christ & doctrines of demons, 2 Jno. 9; 1 Tim. 4:1.)

  A.  The Source of Sound Doctrine Shows it is Essential.

    1.  God the Father, Jno. 7:16-17 (12:48-50).

    2.  Jesus the Son, Jno. 7:16-17 (18:19); Tit. 2:10; 2 Jno. 9.

    3.  Holy Spirit, Jno. 14:25-26; 16:13.

    4.  Apostles, Acts 2:42 (1 Cor. 2:13); 1 Tim. 1:10-11; 2 Tim. 3:10.

      a.  Delivered God’s doctrine, Rom. 6:17; 1 Ths. 2:9; 1 Tim. 2:7.

      b.  Speech & Scripture (words & writing), 1 Ths. 2:13; 2 Ths. 2:15; 3:4, 14 (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

  B.  The Nature (traits) of True Doctrine Shows it is Essential.

    1.  Sound (healthy, wholesome), 1 Tim. 1:10; 2 Tim. 1:13.

    2.  Faithful word, Titus 1:9.

    3.  Nourishes us, 1 Tim. 4:6.

    4.  Good, 1 Tim. 4:6 (cf. doctrines of demons that deceive, 4:1).

    5.  Accords with godliness, 1 Tim. 6:3.

    6.  Saves, 1 Tim. 4:16.  (Without it we are lost!)

  C.  How we Should Respond to Sound Doctrine Shows it is Essential.

    1.  Spread it, Acts 5:28.

    2.  Obey it from the heart & be set free from sin, Rom. 6:17-18.

    3.  Command & teach it, 1 Tim. 4:11.

    4.  Give attention to it, 1 Tim. 4:13.

    5.  Continue in it, 1 Tim. 4:16 (Acts 2:42).

    6.  Carefully follow it, 2 Tim. 3:10.

    7.  Abide in it, 2 Jno. 9.

    8.  Test all things that are taught, 1 Ths. 5:21-22; 1 Jno. 4:1, 6.

   -Doctrine matters!!

 

Application:

1.  Doctrines concerning salvation matter & can be known (Acts 16:30).

2.  Doctrines concerning worship matter & can be known (Jno. 4:23-24).

3.  Doctrines concerning the church matter & can be known (1 Tim. 3:15).

4.  Doctrines concerning morality matter & can be known (Tit. 2:11-12; mdr, modest dress, speech, worldliness, etc.).

 

Conclusion

1.  NT teaches us good doctrine; sound doctrine (1 Tim. 6:3).

2.  Hold it fast & be blessed by God (2 Tim. 1:13).  Cast it off & be lost.

 

WHAT ABOUT THE TRUE GRACE OF GOD? A SCRIPTURAL FRAMEWORK THAT OFFERS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING

THE TRUE GRACE OF GOD!!

INTRO.
1. Christians stand in the true grace of God – Rom. 5:1-2; 1 Pet. 5:12.
2. There are false views of the grace of God:
a. Irresistible & selectively applied (Calvinism).
b. Continuous cleansing (neo-Calvinism) – Cleansed even as we sin. This view of grace tends to minimize doctrinal correctness while championing unity in doctrinal diversity. (Applied in mdr, morality, denominationalism…)
3. What is the true grace of God? How does standing in grace affect our lives?
4. A scriptural framework in which to understand & be blessed by the “true grace of God.”

I. THE TRUE GRACE OF GOD IS UNIVERSALLY AVAILABLE, BUT NOT UNIVERSALLY RECEIVED – Titus 2:11; Rom. 5:15 (12).

II. THE TRUE GRACE OF GOD IS ACCESSED THROUGH CHRIST BY FAITH – Rom. 5:1-2; Eph. 2:8.

III. THE TRUE GRACE OF GOD TEACHES US TO OBEY THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST – Titus 2:11-12.
· Cf. Noah (grace, faith, obedience) – Gen. 6:8-9, 14, 22; Heb. 11:7.
· 1 Pet. 5:12 – The “true grace of God” includes…
-Obedience in holy living – 1:13-16.                 -Abstinence from fleshly lusts – 2:11-12.
-Submitting to civil government – 2:13-17.       -Spousal responsibilities – 3:1-7.
-Putting away worldliness – 4:1-3.                    -Abstaining from idolatry – 4:3.
-Fervent love for one another – 4:8.                  -Hospitality – 4:9.

IV. THE TRUE GRACE OF GOD DOES NOT TOLERATE SIN — Rom. 6:1-2, 15.
· Grace does not say, “in spite of your sin you will be cleansed & saved.”
· Grace calls us to repudiate & repent of sin – not let it live in us & reign over us – Rom. 6:11-12.
· “What about one sin just before I die??”
-Sin condemns……even one – Mk. 10:21.
-Hypothetical “what ifs” do not justify an ongoing practice of sin (Col. 3:9).
-Grace is greater than sin when we repudiate sin! – 1 Jno. 1:8-9.

V. THE TRUE GRACE OF GOD DOES NOT MAINTAIN FELLOWSHIP WITH FALSE DOCTRINE – Heb. 13:9; Gal. 1:6-9; Jude 3-4; 2 Jno. 9-11.

Conclusion
1. Do not be deceived by concepts of God’s grace which overlook sin & minimize the importance of faithful obedience & sound doctrine.
2. Acts 20:24, 32 – The gospel is the word of God’s grace. In order to stand in grace one must believe & obey the gospel!

 

“FOR BY GRACE ARE YOU SAVED…. EPH 2:8

By the Grace of God!!

INTRO:

1.  Grace and works of salvation (designed to merit/earn salvation) do not coexist, Rom. 11:5-6.

2.  But, grace and works of faith do coexist, Tit. 2:11-12; Gal. 5:6 (4).

3.  False doctrines about grace give comfort to and cover for sin, Jude 4.

Example: You can never be good enough to earn yourself a home in heaven, therefore, sin no longer affects your eternal life. Grace becomes cover for the sins that are committed (“nobody’s perfect” and “everybody does it”). Rom. 6:21-23

4.  These false doctrines include:

a.  Saved by “grace alone” (irresistible grace), Josh. 24:15; Matt. 11:28.

b.  “Cannot fall from grace”, Gal. 5:4.

c.   “Continual cleansing”, Rom. 6:1-2; 1 Jno. 1:9. (Imputation of the righteousness of Christ so that God does not see your sin.)

5.  Christians stand in and rejoice in “the true grace of God” as we follow the gospel, which commands obedient faith from us in order to be blessed by God in Christ, Lk. 17:9-10.

I.  BY THE GRACE OF GOD…

A.  Sinners are Saved, Eph. 2:1, 4-7, 8-9.

1.  By grace: the source, the gift of mercy and love.

2.  Through faith: the sinner’s faith, produced by the gospel.

3.  Not of yourselves; Salvation is God’s gift (charis, cf. 1 Cor. 16:3).

B.  We are Justified, Rom. 3:24 (Tit. 3:7).

1.  Condition: Through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

2.  Access into grace through faith (not the law of Moses), Rom. 5:1.

C.  We are Accepted in the Beloved, Eph. 1:6.

1.  Only in Christ is grace bestowed; by grace we are made gracious!

a.  charitoo: To make graceful; to honor with blessings.

b.  By means of Christ (grace) we are encompassed with favor (1:3).

2.  Saved freely by His grace, Rom. 3:24.

3.  Only when baptized into Christ, Gal. 3:26-27 (action of faith).

4.  Grace is applied and blessings are bestowed when the sinner is baptized, cf. Tit. 3:4-5, 7.

D.  I Am What I Am, 1 Cor. 15:10.

1.  Paul was appointed to be an apostle (gift, Eph. 4:7, 11).

2.  Note: grace labors (works)!

3.  Abundant grace saves the lost, 1 Tim. 1:12-16; Eph. 1:7.

 

Part 2

II.  NOT BY THE GRACE OF GOD.

A.  Grace does not make it Impossible for Christians to Sin and Fall Away (to be lost), Gal. 5:3-7; 1:6-9.

1.  Grace is greater than sin, but it does not prevent Christians from choosing to sin and losing our souls! Jas. 5:19-20

2.  Trusting in God’s grace means keeping oneself from sin.

3.  Trusting God’s grace is not ignoring sin as if it has no power to cause you to be lost! 1 Cor. 10:11-13

B.  Grace does not Turn Sin into Righteousness, Rom. 6:1-2.

1.  Trusting in God’s grace means you make a choice that sin will not reign over you! Rom. 6:11-14; Gal. 2:18

2.  Grace does not…

a.  Turn vain worship into true worship (as if how we worship does not matter), cf. Lev. 10:1-2 (Jno. 4:24).

b.  Turn immorality into purity (as long as we are sincere), cf. unscriptural divorce and remarriage without repentance and ceasing the sins, Rev. 9:20-21.

c.  Turn error into truth (word of His grace is true, Acts 20:32); Gal. 2:20-21.

C.  Grace does not Sanction Fellowship with Sin or with those who Condone the Practitioners of Sin.

1.  The heart is established (founded upon) grace; not upon false doctrines that bind where the Lord has not bound, Heb. 13:9.

2.  Nor is grace extended to those who loose where the Lord has not loosed (going beyond the doctrine of Christ forfeits God’s grace), 2 Jno. 9.

3.  Those who stand in the grace of God will not have fellowship with those who go beyond the doctrine of Christ, 2 Jno. 10-11.

Conclusion

1.  God’s grace does not and will not save you in spite of your sins.

2.  God’s grace has appeared and offers salvation to every sinner.

3.  The gospel of the grace of God calls the lost to salvation by grace through faith, commanding a willing faith that obeys the Master, Heb. 5:8-9.