text: There Is A Season Bob Harding Table of Contents Lesson LESSON TITLE Page 1 A Time To Give Birth And A Time To Die…………………………….. 3 2 A Time To Plant And A Time To Uproot What Is Planted…………… 12 3 A Time To Kill And A Time To Heal………………………………… 17 4 A Time To Tear Down And A Time To Build Up……………………. 22 5 A Time To Weep And A Time To Laugh…………………………….. 29 6 A Time To Mourn And A Time To Dance…………………………… 36 7 A Time To Throw Stones And A Time To Gather Stones……………. 42 A Time To Embrace And A Time To Shun Embracing 8 A Time To Search And A Time To Give Up Searching……………… 47 A Time To Gain And A Time To Lose 9 A Time To Tear Apart And A Time To Sew Together……………….. 54 10 A Time To Be Silent And A Time To Speak…………………………. 65 11 A Time To Love………………………………………………………. 71 12 A Bad Hatred………………………………………………………….. 77 13 A Time To Hate (Good Hatred)………………………………………..84 14 A Time For War………………………………………………………. 91 15 A Time For Peace……………………………………………………... 99 2 There Is A Season (1) Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 – Introduction ―A time to give birth and a time to die‖ INTRODUCTION A. The first eight verses of this chapter have often been quoted by poets and songwriters. 1. On the surface this seems like a nice poem, but Solomon didn't consider this a comforting poem to the person insistent on living completely ―under the sun.‖ 1) Rather, here is another example of earthly vanity – life without God. B. Ch 1-2: First Discourse: The vanity of human wisdom, wealth and pleasure. Ch 3-5: Second Discourse: Coming to terms with the laws that govern life. 1. Solomon continues his quest for meaning in life by looking at God providential government (control) of the world. 1) He makes various observations from this which has practical application to life. C. God is the absolute ruler over His creation. 1. Man is to take his life day by day from the hand of God, realizing that God has a fitting time for each thing to be done. 1) Solomon lists the various things which occur in life, noting that there is a place in God's providence for every one of these activities. 2) 9-10: Therefore we must learn to accept them. 3) 11: Man should recognize his inability to understand the depths of God's wisdom and His providential control of the world. 4) 12-13: In life there is work to do – good to participate in – therefore enjoy life's good things. 5) 14: Even those things which we dread have been used to God's glory and to accomplish His purposes – ―God has so worked that men should fear Him.‖ 6) God's purpose will stand and ―remain forever.‖ 7) ―There is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it.‖ 8) We must learn to accept God's purposes in life – Impossible to change them. D. How should these observations affect the way we live? 1. One disturbing conclusion is that things will happen not of our own making. 1) Man is responsible to discern the right times for the right actions. 2) When he does the right action according to God's time, the result is ―appropriate (beautiful)‖ (11). 3 2. Most people, whether they realize it or not, have made themselves prisoners of time. 1) Their life is reduced to filling up time, marking time, living day-in, day-out, with no greater purpose in life than to get through the day. 3. Another lesson that will help us with what our priorities should be is the fact that nothing we pursue in this life has any permanence. 1: ―There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.‖ 1. This verse is not intended to suggest that man has no choice in arranging certain times and events. 1) It this were true, the distinction between the ―good man‖ and the ―sinner‖ would be inappropriate. 2) In addition, there would be little meaning given to admonition, rebuke and discipline. 2. God has an interest in all of man's affairs. 1) The God of eternity enters man's realm which is governed by time. 2) Man has only so much time to accomplish his purpose on earth. 3) God is there to influence and help man in every good work. 3. An one ages, he becomes more and more conscience of time. 1) Its not that we're unaware of time in our younger years – but our perspective and priorities change – or does it? 2) As a child we are governed by time – by some power beyond our will. * ―The Force‖ says, ―It's time to get up.‖ ―It's time to eat.‖ ―Time to go to school…study…chores.‖ 4. When we grow up – many things take up our time and keeps us from doing what we WANT. 1) Doing things that we don't want to do can be frustrating at times. 5. The things in this chapter basically happen to every generation. 1) These activities are great in number – from the cradle to the grave. 2) They are manifold in variety. 3) We are involved in constantly shifting experiences. 4) We can't always know ahead of time what will happen. 5) These human experiences are unavoidable and unalterable by man. 6) There are many things in life that are beyond our own control. 4 6. People may try to laugh, when it's a time to mourn, but they will only experience frustration and failure. 1) The sinner becomes frustrated at life, realizing that they are not marching to a tune of their own making. 2) But the Christian seeks to accept the fact that many unexpected things will happen in life. 3) Life isn't going to always follow our game plan. 2: ―A time to give birth (be born) and a time to die‖ 1. The boundaries of life under the sun are mentioned first. 1) Everything else happens between these two events. 2) Life – includes all of its highs and lows, successes and failures, hopes and disappointments. 2. Human life appears to be a mass of contradictions. 1) Birth, even under the most ideal circumstances, sets a human being on an unavoidable march toward death. 2) We couldn't choose the time of our own birth and we are not at liberty to choose the time of our own natural death. 3. The Hebrew language uses the word ―children‖ (ben) to describe life before birth (in fetus-abortionists say no life until born). 1) Gen 25:21-23: ―Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD answered him and Rebekah his wife conceived. But the children struggled together within her; and she said, ‗If it is so, why then am I this way?' So she went to inquire of the LORD. The LORD said to her, ‗Two nations are in your womb; and two peoples will be separated from your body; and one people shall be stronger than the other; and the older shall serve the younger.'‖ * At conception, the 23 chromosomes of the sperm unite with the 23 chromosomes of the ovum, forming a new 46 chromosome cell. * This cell is now either male or female. * This cell is complete. Nothing will be added but nutrition and oxygen. * This is not merely ―potential life‖, it is life with vast potential! * 18 days after conception the heart begins to beat. * 8 weeks after conception all the baby's body systems are present. * 50% of all abortions are performed at 8 weeks. * 44% of all abortions are performed between 8-20 weeks. * 2% of all abortions are performed after 20 weeks. 2) 2 Kings 19:3: ―They said to him, ‗Thus says Hezekiah,' ―This day is a day of distress, rebuke, and rejection; for children have come to birth and there is no strength to deliver.‖ 5 4. So precious was this life, even in the womb, that God protected it the same as he would protect any other human life (Ex 21:22-25). ―If men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she gives birth prematurely, yet there is no injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman's husband may demand of him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.‖ 1) The recipient of an injury could be either the child or the mother. 2) A blow to the mother's abdomen could cause premature birth of a live child. 3) There certainly is no indication here that the fetus was born dead. 4) As a matter of fact, there was no Hebrew word for fetus. 5) Yeled is the Hebrew word for child, either born or unborn. 6) The implication of this passage is that under the Law of Moses, the unborn child was considered a living being. 5. Ps 139:13-16: ―For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was (Lit. ―bones were‖) not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.‖ 1) Job 10:10-12: ―Did You not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese; clothe me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews? You have granted me life and lovingkindness; and Your care has preserved my spirit.‖ 2) Jer 1:5: ―Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.‖ * God has plans for us all even before we are born. 6. The Greek language in the NT uses the same word ―babe‖ (brephos) to describe life before birth and life after birth. 1) Luke1:41: ―When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.‖ 2) Luke 1:44: ―For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.‖ * Luke 1:36: ―And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.‖ * Movement indicates life. 6 3) Luke 2:12: ―This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.‖ 4) Luke 18:15: ―And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.‖ 5) Acts 7:19: Luke, a physician (Col 4:14) used this same word to describe the infants put to death in ancient Egypt under the command of Pharaoh: ―It was he who took shrewd advantage of our race and mistreated our fathers so that they would expose their infants and they would not survive.‖ * If Elizabeth had had an abortion, they would have been doing the same thing that was done by Pharaoh (Ex 1:15-22). 7. The unborn child and the born child were considered the same in the NT, just as they were in the OT. 1) What Bible passage suggests that the terms ―children‖ (ben) and ―babe‖ (brephos) should be understood differently when used of the unborn fetus as opposed to the newborn infant? 8. Where there is life there is a spirit. 1) Jas 2:26: ―For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.‖ 2) Certainly a fetus may die at birth (or before), but as long as he is alive, the human spirit is within him, for without the spirit, his little body would be lifeless. 9. Human life is made in the image of God. 1) Gen 1:26-27: ―Then God said, ‗Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.‖ 2) Jas 3:9: What was true of Adam and Eve in the very beginning is true of all men: ―With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;‖ 10. Today, we live in a country in which a million such lives are snuffed out every year and few even stop to take note. 1) Abortion has been a legal practice, a matter of privacy according to the Supreme Court, since 1973 and over 50 million souls have skipped both their births and their lives because of it (and not by their own choosing). 2) 1.6 million abortions are performed in the U.S. every year (55 mil in world). 3) Almost every 3rd conception in America is ended by abortion. 4) Three-fourths of women getting abortions are unmarried. 5) 66% stated they could not afford a child–(convenience, social or economic). 7 6) 1% are victims of incest or rape. 7) 1% for fetal abnormalities. 11. A poll was conducted in 1989 to determine the attitude of Americans toward abortion. 1) 82% approved of abortion where there was a danger to the mother's health. 2) 72% for rape and incest. 3) 68% for serious birth defect. 4) and only 30% for other reasons. 12. What these statistics tell us is that most people do not understand these issues and are very tenuous in their personal feelings about abortion. 1) Why do we as a nation give majority consent and allow our courts to mandate pro-abortion decisions when only 30% approve of abortion on demand? 2) How can we defend abortion on demand, knowing that only 2% of all abortions are performed for these ―special cases‖? 3) Does that make sense to you? 13. The case of rape and incest is really a non-issue because of its rare occurrence. 1) It is estimated that in 5,000 to 10,000 rapes, only one pregnancy will result. 2) In a typical U.S. city with a population of 500,000, that would be one case every 10-20 years. 3) Can we justify 1.5 million abortions per year based on one pregnancy in 20 years or even one every year? 4) A second act of violence (abortion) should not be used to correct the first (rape). 5) Not only do two wrongs not make a right, but the narrowing of the legal cause for abortion to rape might well lead to the trivializing of a serious crime by those who simply wanted to be rid of an inconvenient pregnancy. 6) It needs to be noted, too, that there is treatment available after rape in the first 36 hours that will prevent conception—not pregnancy! 14. What about the handicapped fetus? 1) For the most part, fetal deformities are rarely discovered before birth. 2) Nature usually deals with such deformity through miscarriage (natural abortion). 3) Unless sophisticated testing is done on every fetus, the rate of discovery will remain very low at best. 8 15. Society often feels burdened by the handicapped, but their right to life is the same in God's eyes as the most flawlessly normal human being. 1) If we are to do away with the handicapped fetus, why not do away with the handicapped who are already born? (Doctors push the aged aside). 2) The Nazi Holocaust began with the elimination of almost 300,000 German citizens who were considered ―defective.‖ Before Hitler was finished, his Nazi machine had murdered 6 million Jews, plus another 6 million Gypsies, Poles and prisoners of war. 3) True story (David Padfield, preacher in IL): ―Our oldest son was born about three months premature and weighed a little over three pounds. He was born a ―blue baby‖ (i.e., not breathing). The doctor who delivered him decided not to resuscitate him, but to let him die. The anesthetist in the delivery room, one of the deacons from church, insisted that the doctor revive our son. For this we will be eternally grateful. Though my son is deaf and partially blind, he is a wonderful boy who enjoys life, and he made his parents very proud when he achieved the honor roll at school. Some parents have told me they wished their children would have never been born. I never heard this from the parent of a handicapped child, and I know a lot of them. In fact, these parents are the most militant anti-abortionists I have ever met. They believe life is worth living, even with physical impairments.‖ 16. Though the Bible does not give an example of someone who aborted their child, it does tell us about an ―unwanted‖ pregnancy: the case of David and Bathsheba (1 Sam 11-12). 1) David, the king of Israel, coveted his neighbor's wife, stole her from her husband and committed adultery with her. 2) To avoid the embarrassment of an illegitimate child, David murdered Uriah the Hittite. 3) David's solution to his problem was the same as many fornicators today: KILL THE INNOCENT TO PROTECT THE GUILTY! 4) This means the 75% of all abortions performed on unmarried women the baby is murdered to hide the sin of its parents! 17. Abortion: WITHOUT NATURAL AFFECTION (Rom 1:31) 1) Rom 1:26-32: ―For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 9 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving (without natural affection), unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.‖ 2) Prov 13:15: ―Good understanding produces favor, but the way of the treacherous is hard.‖ 18. The Bible says there is a time to be born, but sinful people have aborted His will and adopted their own, victimizing the most innocent of innocents in the process. 1) Pharaoh, Herod or Hitler in all their bloodthirsty insanity never approached such a high death toll as this. 2) Abortion is not practiced today because people enjoy the procedure, but mostly, because people failed to exercise self-control and in order to ease the consequences, they are eliminating the life they accidentally created. 3) The time to be born should not be to two young people who are not married. ―and a time to die‖ 1. To the Christian death is not so scary after all – only dying is troublesome. 1) But death itself is a welcomed release from pain and decay. 2) Because the time to die holds such eternal stakes, we must always be prepared to face it (Heb 9:27-28). 3) What we do with this vapor of time will determine where we spend all eternity. 4) Death leads to paradise for the redeemed, but to torment for those who did not know god or did not obey the gospel. 2. The time to die promises a future in those mansions that Jesus went to prepare for us. 1) John 14:1-6: ―Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.‖ Thomas said to Him, ―Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?‖ Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.‖ 10 2) 2 Cor 5:1-11: ―For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--for we walk by faith, not by sight--we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.‖ 3. Because Jesus was raised from the dead all those who trust Him can have the confidence to ―walk through the valley of the shadow of death‖ (Ps 23:4) knowing that the real abundant living which was begun in this life will continue unto perfection into eternity. 1) This certainly enables us to see ―Death‖ as our friend. 2) Even though there will always be a natural desire to avoid pain and suffering it can be transcended by the view from the heights as we look back on our completed work, and our Father's continuing efforts to bring us to perfection. 4. For us ―Death‖ has become the last frontier that opens up a life for which we were made and to which we have journeyed all of our lives. 1) To miss it is to miss life. 2) To die is to begin to really live! 11 There Is A Season (2) ―A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted‖ INTRODUCTION A. God has set certain laws in order – we should learn to operate within those laws. 2: ―A time to plant and a time to uproot (pluck) what is planted.‖ 1. The planting season and harvest season can not be exchanged for one another or experienced without the other. 1) This tells us that not only a healthy harvest depends upon a zealous effort, but also that plucking is as productive and necessary as planting. 2. Every spring, hope and life are renewed in a world that is often devastated by the cleansing force of winter. 1) Death and decay are swept away, along with disappointment and even accomplishment, as everything done becomes necessary to do again. 2) This is the time when seed is to be sown, when preparation is to be made for the future. 3. We should recognize that God is trying to teach us things in nature. 1) He reveals His divine fingerprint on creation and uses the natural world as a parable for the spiritual. 2) Rom 1:26-27: ―women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function…‖ 3) 1 Cor 11:14: Paul asks, ―Does not even nature itself teach you…?‖ 4. If the farmer becomes lazy and does nothing, his future will become most bleak. 1) Prov 24:30-34: I passed by the field of the sluggard and by the vineyard of the man lacking sense, and behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction. "A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest," Then your poverty will come as a robber And your want like an armed man. 2) If this is true physically, could it also apply spiritually? 3) If we neglect to tend the garden of our souls, could it happen that we arrive at harvest time fruitless and unprepared? 12 5. Gal 6:7-10: One important thing God tries to teach us in the natural world is the immutable law of sowing and reaping. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. 1) No one sows tomatoes and gets peppers. 2) No one sows nothing and gets something. 3) No one sows something bad and gets something good. 4) You can plant crops or tares as you prefer, but don't expect to reap anything other than what you have sown. 6. Luke 8:11: ―The seed is the word of God.‖ 1) Jesus compared the gospel message to a seed that is sown in very different types of soil – heart (Luke 8:12-15). 2) 2 Cor 6:1-2: And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain-- 2 for He says, "AT THE ACCEPTABLE TIME I LISTENED TO YOU, AND ON THE DAY OF SALVATION HELPED YOU." Behold, now is "THE ACCEPTABLE TIME," behold, now is "THE DAY OF SALVATION"— 3) Now is the time to sow that gospel seed upon as many hearts as possible. 4) We must also understand that the produce will have to fight for its very survival and that many will fall short of fruitfulness. 5) That good seed can be swallowed up by the grackle of misunderstanding, wilted by the heat of tribulation and persecution, or choked out by the twin thorns of the deceitfulness of riches and cares of this world. 6) The only hope of a healthy yield is to sow as much seed as possible (Eccl 11:5-6). 7. Jas 1:21-25: James used the figure of the seed to describe the effect that God's word has upon the heart. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. 13 1) If we can overcome misunderstanding, tribulation and persecution and avoid being consumed with the cares of life or being deceived by materialism, we can know that the word has been implanted in our hearts and is bearing fruit. 2) 1 John 1:8-10: If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. 1 John 3:7-10: Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 3) John makes a distinction between those who occasionally fall into sin and those who regularly and willfully practice it. 4) If God's seed remains alive within us, we will not continue to make sin our practice, and although we will occasionally err, we will penitently seek to be aerated anew by grace. 8. ―Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother?‖ 1) When the gospel seed takes root within us, it begins to bear fruit and part of that fruit is sowing the same seed elsewhere. 2) Matt 13:31-32: He presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR come and NEST IN ITS BRANCHES." 3) Compared to the veneer of grandeur coating the philosophies of the great thinkers and mysticism of Eastern religions, the gospel of Jesus Christ may seem small and insignificant like the little ordinary ―mustard seed‖ 4) But while those doctrines create nothing more than deluded unsaved people, the gospel seed grows into something tremendous and reflective of divine glory (Eph 3:8-―the unfathomable riches of Christ‖). ―and a time to uproot what is planted‖ 1. ―Uproot‖ might refer to harvesting (pluck), but probably more refers to cutting down trees, clearing land, ripping out the old landscaping, etc. 1) Everything physical has a beginning and an end. 2) Eventually even the physical universe will be uprooted (Heb 1:10-12; 2 Pet 3:9-11). 3) And if man doesn't uproot, the natural forces of this world will, - floods, fires, landslides, volcanoes, earthquakes, tornadoes. 14 4) And this pattern cannot be stopped. 2. There is a time to pluck the sons of the devil out of the world, but it is not yet and it is not ours to do. 1) Matt 13:24-30: Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away. But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also. The slaves of the landowner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?' "And he said to them, 'An enemy has done this!' The slaves said to him, 'Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?' But he said, 'No; for while you are gathering up the tares, you may uproot the wheat with them. 'Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn."'" 2) Matt 15:6-14: And by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition. "You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you: 'THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. 'BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.'" After Jesus called the crowd to Him, He said to them, "Hear and understand. "It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man." Then the disciples came and said to Him, "Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement?" But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted. "Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit." 3. Self-examination sometimes reveals weeds in the gardens of our souls and then we must work hard to overcome them. 1) Sometimes the fruits of the spirit are fighting with the works of the flesh for superiority and the Christian has to swallow hard and prune away that which is decay. 4. There are times when we must do the uprooting (plucking). 1) Jer 1:9-10: Then the LORD stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. "See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant." 2) Jeremiah's Israel was overrun by false prophets and heartless religion and it was his mission to uproot the error. 15 3) Our spiritual Israel today is harassed by false teachers and a religion evolving into a hybrid of scripture and sectarian tradition. 4) Clearly, pruning is indicated when the bloom is off the rose due to complacency, compromise and ignorance. 5. We are not only authorized to do the uprooting or plucking but we are required. 1) We must mark the one who teaches false doctrines which will cause tender plants to perish (Rom 16:17-18). 2) We must mark also those who introduce error into the church which causes division (Tit 3:9-11). 3) We must even withdraw from an unruly brother who refuses to repent of his sin (2 Thes 3:6). 4) We are not personally turning these ones over to the reaper for spiritual destruction, but are delivering their bodies to Satan that they might be shamed and their spirits saved (1 Cor 5:5). 6. Everyone has seen the wind or a child blow the dried petals of a dandelion and seen the harmless looking wisps scatter across the field. 1) Those harmless looking wisps will be dozens of weeds in a short time. 2) When we pluck our error or faction or sin, we identify and prevent their spread and this is GOD'S WISDOM! CONCLUSION 1. This is a time for Christians to be planting seed in their own lives and in the hearts of others. 1. There is a little uprooting for us to do from time to time. 2. The harvest is coming on when we will all be subject to the reaper's work. 1. Will you be ready? 16 There Is A Season (3) ―A time to kill and a time to heal‖ INTRODUCTION A. 3:1-8: There is a proper time for each one of these activities. 1. 3:3: God explains that there is a time for killing and a time for healing. 1) He is the Great Physician and has within His power the ability to do both at will. 2) Even among mankind, including His servants, there is a proper time to engage in each of these. 3) Wisdom – practicing the right activity at the right time. B. Ex 20:13: The sixth commandment is ―You shall not murder (KJV, kill).‖ 1. The intent of the Hebrew word was more precise and was limited to murder. 1) Later translations recognized the difference. C. As a matter of fact, the OT is filled with killing, much of it demanded by God Himself and those killings were not sinful. 1. The patriarchs and their families killed animals both to eat them and to sacrifice them and this was not sinful. 1) There is a time to butcher livestock. 2. Israel fought a major war in conquering Canaan and millions of pagans were killed off the land to make room (trying to thwart the will of God). 3. The same law which contained the 6th commandment also legislated capital punishment for certain offenses against God's will, among them murder. 1) So there is a distinction between killing done in the name of thievery, vengeance, pride or malice and killing done in the name of justice. 2) This distinction will help us understand the propriety of capital punishment today. 3) Ex 21:15-16: Difference between murder and accidentally killing someone. 4) There is a time to execute criminals (Rom 13:4). 3: ―A time to kill‖ 1. Some right times to kill. 1) Achan was killed because he stole the riches of Jericho and hid them in his tent when God had said to leave them alone. 2) When Jericho was conquered, only Rahab and her family were preserved from the Israelite army. 17 3) Sweet Samuel hacked King Agag to pieces when Saul refused, for it was God's will that the enemy be punished. 2. All this occurred under the OT code, which was both a religious and civil standard. 1) One theocratic governance covered both social and spiritual matters. 2) The OT was becoming obsolete when Christ was born, for the Law of Moses could only be heeded with the frame work of the Roman occupation of Israel. 3. The emperor and his deputies replaced the Davidic kings upon the throne of Jerusalem and limited what the elders could do in answer to the Law of Moses. 1) This arrangement would evolve over time and around the world, but remain basically the same. 2) The NT age (kingdom-spiritual Israel) would not be a civil government, but a spiritual one only. 3) Laws of the states would exist separately from the unchangeable law of Christ. 4. Therefore, the members of the spiritual body of Christ were not authorized to execute wayward members or wage physical wars over land or principle. 1) The inquisitions and Crusades of the last millennium were misguided attempts to maintain or transfer spiritual authority to a physical realm and they failed. 5. The right to kill humans was invested solely in the state. Rom 12:16-21: ―Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. "BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.‖ 13:1-7: ―Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an 18 avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.‖ 1) Sometimes Christians, by occupation, become agents of the state as police officers, correction officers, soldiers or special agents. 2) There were some in the Bible as well, for soldiers came to John the baptizer asking what they needed to do to be right with God. Luke 3:3, 12-14: And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins;…And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Collect no more than what you have been ordered to." Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, "And what about us, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.‖ 3) Cornelius believed and was baptized for the remission of sins by Peter and company without a word being spoken about him giving up his soldiering for Rome. 4) Acts 25:11: Paul said that if he had done anything worthy of death he was ready to die. 5) If acting as an agent of a legal authority, the Christian has as much right as anyone else to execute the ultimate measure of justice as soldier, officer or agent. * If not – sinner can do one good thing that a Christian can't! 6. Figurative murder – Although there is a time to kill, it is not through hatred of a brother. 1 John 3:13-18: ―Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.‖ 1) Again the word hatred here is defined more broadly than we might assume. 2) It includes not only outright malice but also indifference toward a brother in Christ. 3) Hatred is shown to a brother by doing him harm or by refusing to do him good. 19 Matt 5:21-26: "You have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good- for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. "Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. "Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. "Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent.‖ ―A time to heal‖ 1. The difference between Rahab and her neighbor. 1) We know that when the armies of Joshua approached Jericho to conquer it, they met a harlot named Rahab, whom they did not kill in the invasion even as they summarily sacked the rest of the city and all its people. 2) Why preserve Rahab and not her neighbor? 3) She unexpectedly assisted the Hebrew spies as an expression of her faith in Jehovah and submission to Him. 4) Because of her faith she was saved while people like King Agag and even her own neighbors were not. 2. Even in old Judah, there was a time at which God had a prescription for healing His people, but it was bitter and strong medicine and the prophets and sinners preferred an excuse, or something to relieve the pain without treating the source of it. 1) As the Babylonians approached to overthrow Judah, God said the defeat was inevitable and that the Jews should surrender. 2) But that hurt their pride and so they hired prophets to tell them what they wanted to hear. Jer 8:7-13: "Even the stork in the heavens knows her appointed times; and the turtledove, the swift, and the swallow observe the time of their coming. But My people do not know the judgment of the LORD. "How can you say, 'We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us'? Look, the false pen of the scribe certainly works falsehood. The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken. Behold, they have rejected the word of the LORD; so what wisdom do they have? Therefore I will give their wives to others, and their fields to those who will inherit them; because from the least even to the 20 greatest everyone is given to covetousness from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely. For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, saying ,'peace, peace!' When there is no peace. Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed, nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall in the time of their punishment they shall be cast down,‖ says the LORD. "I will surely consume them," says the LORD. "No grapes shall be on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things I have given them shall pass away from them."'" 3. On the operating table today, a man can come into surgery with a broken leg and blood pouring from the wound. 1) Through the power of suggestion, a doctor can give a terminal patient a pep talk to make his mind think the disease is improving when in fact it is not. 2) HE FEELS BETTER BUT HE IS DOOMED! 4. Christians have the same power to heal spiritually their hearers self-esteem without ever attacking the parasite, that germ that is the sin which afflicts them. 1) Teaching that heals is teaching that identifies the problem and presents the cure. 2) John told those drifting publicans and intimidating soldiers to repent and STOP NOW! 3) Jesus told the woman at the well that her domestic relationship was a sin. 4) Paul told Peter that his dining habits were hypocritical. 5. To paraphrase Foy E. Wallace, Jr., when we develop better manners than the NT or become more dignified than the apostles, we are worth nothing to the defense of the truth or to the cause of Christ. 6. Prior to Paul's rebuke, the church at Corinth was on its way to being every bit as tolerant and big-tent as the self-help social gospel churches of today. 1) There is a time to comfort when one repents. 2) There is a time to care for the wounded or nurse a sick animal back to health. 3) There is a time to truly accept, repent and obey to heal the soul – NOW! CONCLUSION 1. There is a time to kill and a time to heal among Christians. 1. When it comes to that old man of sin, he should be burned once and left there. 1) Perhaps, you are prepared to come to Jesus right now and leave the old man of sin behind to take on a new life in faith. 2) He is buried in baptism and that act of faithful obedience separates you from newness of life. Be united with Christ–B-R-C-B-raised a new man in Christ. 21 There Is A Season (4) ―A time to tear down and a time to build up‖ INTRODUCTION A. This is often something that we dislike. 1. When old familiar landmarks are torn down in the name of progress. 1) But these are things which cannot be stopped. 2) Eventually, even the most beautiful and meaningful structures will find themselves replaced. 3) Buildings become damaged and dangerous and useless in its present form. 4) In their current condition, they are beyond repair. 5) Before the property can be used for anything productive again, it has to be torn down. B. Spiritually, we find likewise the rebellious, sinful and worldly souls are much like a building that must be torn down. 1. Before anything spiritually productive can occur or exist there, an attitude of defiance has to be broken down by the gospel wrecking ball. 1) The God's word can begin to edify, to build up a person fit for service. 2. Many times there has to be a tearing down before there can be a construction of something good. 1) This also applies to nations (Jer 1:9-10; 18). 3: ―A time to tear down‖ A. God has a long and exciting history of breaking down the constructions of men when they interfered with His will. 1. Eccl 7:29: ―Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices (inventions).‖ 1) Devices to defy righteousness and serve self. 2. The flood in Noah's day was nothing more than God's attempt at spoiling the corruption man had inflicted upon the earth. Gen 6:5: ―Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.‖ 1) It was a time to break down and start over – Beyond repair. 22 3. No less notably, God broke down a later generation's attempt at self- deification (Humanism). Gen 11:1-9: ―Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words. It came about as they journeyed east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. They said to one another, ‗Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly.' And they used brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar. They said, ‗Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name, otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.' The LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. The LORD said, ‗Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another's speech.' So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of the whole earth; and they stopped building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of the whole earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of the whole earth.‖ 1) These folks believed that they could mimic the pagans and approach God on THEIR WAVE LENGTH! 2) God objected and sent them back down. 4. Because of its widespread sin, God broke down Sodom and Gomorrah and replaced them with ashes. 1) Useless in its current condition. 5. During the conquest of Canaan, God directed Israel to break down one city after another, from Jericho to Ai and all the way to Jerusalem. 1) Why? So He could build something productive in its place. B. Fleshly Israel. 1. When Israel's sins multiplied and could not be turned back, God broke down the temple and all of the city, to preserve only a faithful remnant who could return and rebuild. 2 Chron 36:15-21: ―The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them again and again by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place; but they continually mocked the messengers of God, despised His words and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, until there was no remedy. Therefore He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no 23 compassion on young man or virgin, old man or infirm; He gave them all into his hand. All the articles of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king and of his officers, he brought them all to Babylon. Then they burned the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and burned all its fortified buildings with fire and destroyed all its valuable articles. Those who had escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon; and they were servants to him and to his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its sabbaths. All the days of its desolation it kept sabbath until seventy years were complete.‖ 1) The last verse hints at the edification that would follow when God was ready. 2 Chron 36:22-23: ―Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia--in order to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah—the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, ‗Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, ‗The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up!'‖ 2) Yet this second temple and even a third were built and then torn down in due time. 3) Finally, when Christianity had taken hold and it was time for Judaism to be abolished. C. Application: 1. The mission of Jesus when He came to earth was first predicted at the fall of Adam and Eve. Gen 3:14-15: ―The LORD God said to the serpent, ‗Because you have done this, cursed are you more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you will go, and dust you will eat all the days of your life; and I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise Him on the heel.'‖ 1) This cryptic language predicts that Eve's descendant would deal a fatal blow to the devil's authority, despite being slightly afflicted by the devil's wickedness. 2) Gal 3:16: Paul identifies this Seed as Christ and the gospel revealed that the power of the devil was torn down – brought to ―0‖ (Heb 2:9). 24 D. Some things that need to be torn down. 1. So many people walk through life in tents of ease that prevent them from ever approaching God. 1) Some have built scaffolds of pride, of material sufficiency, of atheism, of idolatry, of complacency, etc. 2) Around them, they perceive a wall of protection, but it is truly no more infallible than the walls of Jericho that fell by the hand of God. 3) The things that we think are providing security may in fact be keeping us from the sufficiency of God and hope. 2. There is a man of sin (old man to a Christian) within us that rejects God and instead seeks contentment and purpose in things that all perish with the using. 1) This is the inner part of man that needs to be torn down if anything productive is ever going to come from life. 2) Eccl 12:13: The purpose of life is to ―fear God and keep His commandments.‖ 3) Whatever towers we build up that harms this objective is property that needs to be condemned, dynamited and laid desolate so that something good can be built in its place. 4) 2 Tim 4:1-5: ―I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.‖ * Suggestion Box – Topics, ―A time to build up‖ A. Examples 1. Our God is known for His massive building projects. 1) Not even the Titanic – rivals the ark of Noah. 2) From the seed of Abraham and Sarah, God built a family as numerous as the stars in the sky. 25 3) And once God had conquered Canaan, he set about rebuilding the land in His glory; altars to idols were destroyed and a temple was constructed at great expense in Jerusalem. B. Building saints where sinners had been. 1. When sinful things are broken down, even in the hearts of people, it becomes fit property to rebuild something to bring glory to God's name. 1) Imagine the change in the character of the land of Canaan after the Israelites took it over from the pagans – devoted to Divine law. 2) The gospel has the same power to replace that crucified man of sin, that torn down person of pride, with something that can be pleasing to God and accepting of grace. C. Edifying the saints. 1. Like Noah's ark and the tower of Babel, but justified, the church and the Christian becomes a construction project separated from a life of sin and aimed at heaven, and ongoing until it arrives. 1) We are to build upon the foundation rock of Christ and remain stabilized by constant increase. 2) Jude 20-25: ―But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your mostfaith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.‖ 3) 1 Thes 5:11: ―Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.‖ D. Encouraging words. 1. The song ―Angry Words‖ warns us against the harm that discouraging words can do. 1) Jas 3:9-12: We need to recognize the need to speak good of others, as we do of God. ―With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. 26 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.‖ 2) Eph 4:29: Each of us can do great good with the gift of speech. ―Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.‖ E. What are some of the encouraging and edifying words we can speak? 1. Words of gratitude. 1) There is no better feeling than to know that others are thankful for us. 2) We do our best when we know we are appreciated. 3) Paul was genuinely grateful for his brethren (1 Thes 1:2-3; 2:19-20). 4) Gratitude needs not only to be genuinely felt, it needs to be expressed. 2. Words of trust/faith (1 Cor 13:7). 1) We need to believe the best of one another and express that sentiment. 2) Paul had great confidence in his brethren. Rom 15:14: ―And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.‖ Phile 21: ―Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say.‖ Heb 6:9-10: ―But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way.‖ 3. Words of hope (Eph 1:18; 1 Pet 1:3-4) 1) Hope in Christ is one of our most precious possessions. 2) We can do much good by building hope in others, rather than quenching it. 4. Words of love 1 John 4:20-21: ―If someone says, ‗I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also. 1) The need to be loved is deep and strong. 2) We cannot love God without loving His children – our brothers and sisters in Christ. 3) Words and actions that express our love can do good that is simply incalculable. 27 CONCLUSION 1. God created you upright, but if you destabilized the structure through pride, sin and false security, it is time to tear down your effort and start over again in faith. 1. Bring Christ your broken life, so marred by sin, and allow the gospel to create for you a new man. 2. As a new man in Christ whatever other abilities we may or may not have, we all can do significant good by the sincere use of encouraging words. 1. Prov 25:11: ―A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.‖ 2. Phile 7: ―For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.‖ 1) May our goal be to have a refreshing effect on those we deal with. 28 There Is A Season (5) ―A time to weep and a time to laugh‖ INTRODUCTION A. All of us from time to time have either thought, said or heard others remark about this or that, "It's not fair!" (restriction; evil harming good; tragedy). 1. It is pure childishness to expect that everything should always go your way and that times of disappointment or melancholy can be completely eliminated. 1) Hopefully, as adults, we learn to accept the fact that there are expected times for both weeping and laughing, and that both can be done in the best interest of the spirit. 2) There is a time to weep and laugh and we must be ready to respond justly, whether it seems fair or not. B. The Scriptures teach the need for balance in one's life and attitudes. 1. Being a Christian does not mean a life without sorrow or troubles. 1) It does not mean that expression of sorrow is a sign of weakness. 2) It does mean that we, with the help of God, maintain a balanced perspective in all of life's circumstances. 2. Eccl 3:1-8: Is a good passage concerning proper balance. 1) It tells us that there is a time for everything under heaven. 3. The Scriptures talk of this balance in many places. 1) The man or woman of strong faith experiences sorrow, but not so much that life is ruined. 2) People of faith also experience joy at the proper times, but not to the extent, nor in the sense of frivolity so that the serious things in life are treated without reverence. 4: ―a time to weep‖ A. TEARS CAN BE CAUSED BY A VARIETY OF SITUATIONS: 1. Tears can be deceptive. 1) There are those who can cry on cue, they cry for effect. 2) Actresses, preachers and religious personalities on TV, to make some impression. 2. Tears can be genuine. 3. Tears can be real or for show. 29 4. Tears can be restrained ("men don't cry") or unstrained ("she cries all the time"). 5. Tears can be appropriate or out of place. 6. Tears can produce compassion and result in help or they can be tears in vain. 7. Tears can be brought on by sorrow and pain, or by joy and happiness. 1) Have there been tears when there should not have been? 2) Have there been no tears when there should have been? B. THERE ARE TIMES OF SORROW. 1. There are three occasions in the N.T. where it is stated that Jesus shed tears. 1) John 11:35: Jesus weeps at the grave of Lazarus – tears of sympathy. 2) Luke 19:41-44: Jesus weeps over Jerusalem – tears of sorrow regarding others (Mark 9:48). 3) Heb 5:7: Jesus weeps at the prospect of His own death – tears of anguish. 2. All three occasions have their own deep significance. 1) They prove that Jesus was a ―man of sorrows and acquainted with grief‖ as was foretold by the prophets (Isa 53:3). 2) They prove the humanity of Jesus. * As well as being God, He was a human being like you and I. * He shed tears, as all humans do from time to time. * Evidently, the Lord had the very human disposition of heartache, the ability to express deep feelings about life and its disappointments. * John – Deity of Christ – 1:1: ―Word was God‖ 14: ―Word became flesh‖ 4:6-7: ―wearied from His journey‖ – ―Give Me a drink.‖ 19:28: ―I am thirsty.‖ * John shows that the divine and human nature of Christ became fully united (Col 2:9: ―For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.‖). * The relation of the two natures to one another will forever remain a mystery, far above our comprehension. 3. People who weep do not generally have much of a following. 1) People are looking for laughter and lightheartedness instead. 2) An old poem says, ―Laugh and the whole world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone.‖ 30 C. IN FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS, WE'LL KNOW HOW TO LIVE. 1. When Christ left us an example for us to follow, that example not only leads us to a time when He was a 12 year old boy, but it also leads us to His baptism, to His temptations on the Mount, to the temple-the place of worship, through the dusty roads of Palestine, along the Galilean Sea, to the Garden of Gethsemene-Garden of Prayer, and to His sayings and death on the cross. 1) Though we may not know all that He did as the carpenter's son of Nazareth, but what is recorded for us of what He did do is an example for us. 2. And I believe it's very easy to learn from the teachings of Jesus what a teen- ager ought to be and what an adult ought to be. 1) Not only in a religious setting but in all situations and circumstances that we find ourselves in. 2) And as Christians we must be persuaded to appreciate and understand the value of being able to follow Jesus. 3) Jesus not only told us how to be saved but He also told us how to live our life on a daily basis. I. JESUS WEEPS AT THE GRAVE OF LAZARUS – TEARS OF SYMPATHY (John 11:1-15, 32-36) A. 11:3: ―The sisters therefore sent to Him, saying, ‗Lord, behold, He whom you love is sick.'‖ 1. Jesus often stayed at Bethany in the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus when He was in Judea. 1) He and the family had become close. 2) Loyal friendship was something important to Jesus. 3) He often talked about it. 4) In fact, Jesus later uses the term ―our friend‖ to describe Lazarus (11). 2. Jesus' friend, Lazarus, had died. 1) 15:13: Jesus taught that there is no greater love than this, ―that one lay down his life for his friends.‖ 2) This is what Jesus was (is) willing to do for us. Heb 4:15-16: ―For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.‖ 31 3. Matt 11:19: His enemies described Him as ―a friend of tax-gatherers (publicans) and sinners‖ and Jesus proved them correct when He gave His life for us. 1) They meant it as an insult, but Jesus was willing to suffer insult and so much more for His friends. 2) John 15:14: He also said that we are His friends if ―you do what I command you.‖ 3) Do you fit Jesus' definition of ―friend‖? 4) Lazarus did; he was Jesus' good friend. B. John 11:33-36: Jesus knew that He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead, so why was He so disturbed by the events of that day? Probably for several reasons. 1. First, there was His great sense of compassion for His beloved friend. 2. He hurt to see others hurt. 1) His emotions were pushed to the limit by witnessing the sorrow of Mary. 3. Also, there is the fact that death is the consequence of sin. 1) Shortly, Jesus would be dying on the cross to release us from the sting of death, which is sin (1 Cor 15:55-57). 2) But sin is ugly, and the suffering caused by sin is enormous. 3) Sin is something to cry about. C. I think that most boys, had a very definite opinion of themselves and manhood. 1. One thing that a man isn't supposed to do is cry. 1) Pain was something that men didn't cry about. 2) Not to show emotions was a mark of a real man. (not smile). 2. There was never a more manly man than Jesus Christ. 1) Kids make a difference between getting something in the eye and cry and crying real tears. 2) Jesus cried real tears. 3) He was touched in His heart. 4) He wept openly and unashamedly. 5) He cried because it was the right thing to do – ―time to weep.‖ 3. Sometimes crying at funerals doesn't reflect the right attitude or it doesn't reflect the right relationship with that person. 1) Some may cry out of shame – not a good relationship. 32 2) Jesus cried real tears because of the loss of a loved one – good relationship. D. I am afraid that sometimes we are misled into believing that emotions of sorrow and disappointment are somehow not allowed in the Christian. 1. Although we seek to be a joyful people and resign ourselves to the occasional hardship while anticipating the glory of heaven, we can become convinced that it is wrong to mourn and weep in difficult circumstances. 1) ―Well, if you are a Christian, then you ought to always be counting your blessings. If a situation arises that troubles you, it must be because you are doubting or weak in faith. The Bible says, 'Rejoice in the Lord always!' You need to be more trusting in the promises of God and in His care; people of faith do not feel distress.‖ * Such counsel may sound good, but it is wrong. 2) One Christian actually heard another Christian even scold those who would mourn over the passing of a Christian, reasoning that such was pure selfishness and a lack of faith. * Yet here is Jesus weeping over the passing of a disciple, joining His tears to those of Mary and Martha. 2. A hope for life after death does diminish the terror of death and sadness at the passing of a loved one, but it does not immediately relieve the sense of loss. 1) Tears shed for the deceased do him honor and do not damage the faith of the living at all. 2) Death is a time to weep. ―a time to laugh‖ A. John 11:15: ―I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe.‖ 1. John 11:40-44: Jesus experienced both weeping and laughing (joy) that day. 1) The Scriptures not only speak of Jesus' sorrow, but also of His joy. 2) He wanted us to share in His joy. John 15:11: ―These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.‖ 3) John 16:20-22: Following His death and resurrection, He spoke of the apostles' ―sorrow turned into joy‖ when they would learn that Jesus was alive again and said to them that ―no one takes away your joy from you.‖ 33 4) We recall how that later, even when facing persecution, the apostles would still rejoice. Acts 5:41-42: ―So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.‖ B. The Lord means for us to be glad about our lives. 1. This does not mean that we are giddy or silly about it, or that we do not give sober consideration to serious things. 1) It does mean that there is an ever present joy, even during difficult times, that comes from the realization of God's purpose and love at work within our lives as we dedicate ourselves to His calling. 2) Again, like Jesus, who though sorrowful at Lazarus' death, there was also a gladness within Him that God's purpose would be fulfilled. 2. John 11:23-25: Jesus wanted Martha to have the proper balance. 1) In order to have a successful life, there must be the balance that comes through our confidence in Jesus and His power – that He is ―the resurrection and the life.‖ CONCLUSION 1. This faith gives us the ability to maintain our balance. 1. The tragedies we face are not crushing; they cause us sorrow but they are unable to destroy us. 1) 1 Thes 4:13: Paul said that the resurrection enables us to ―not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope.‖ 2) 2 Cor 4:8-9: He also spoke of being ―afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.‖ 2. Yes, the Lord brings balance to our lives, and this in turn gives us hope; which in turn gives us strength. 1. There is a time for everything; good times and bad times. 1) But there is never a time to give up. 2) Rom 12:15: There is a time to ―weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice‖ but there is never a time not to live by faith. 3) To be touched by the despair of one's brethren is sure evidence that the body is knit together in love and mutual concern (1 Cor 12:20-27). 34 4) Gal 6:2: It is the law of Christ that we bear one another's burdens and this we cannot do unless we are in communication with one another and so mutually connected that one harms you cannot help but harm me 3. In fact, please note that obedience of the gospel of Christ is necessary for this balance to be achieved and maintained. 1. 1 John 5:2-3: ―For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that overcomes the world-our faith.‖ MAINTAIN YOUR BALANCE! 35 There Is A Season (6) ―A time to mourn and a time to dance‖ INTRODUCTION A. This couplet is strongly related to the previous one which considered a time to weep and laugh, but there are enough distinctions to draw a second lesson. 1. In this lesson we want to focus our minds on the blessings inherent in participating in both joy and pain. 4: ―a time to mourn‖ A. Eccl 7:2-4: ―It is better to go to the house of mourning.‖ 1. This same book extols the good lessons that can be learned in the time to mourn. 1) No doubt when we first saw the title of this lesson, we thought that the time of laughter would be the better, but perhaps the time of mourning holds more blessing within it. 2) Too often we want to feel good all the time and avoid anything that might bring us sorrow. 3) But whether we like it or not, tragedy, heartache and suffering will affect all of us. 2. It is sad to say but man learns far fewer life lessons from blessing than he does from hardship and the death of a loved one is often the most stunning teacher of all. 1) How many have reconsidered their complacency and rededicated themselves to Christ because a faithful loved one has passed on to Paradise or an unfaithful loved one has gone to torment? 2) The sight of a spiritless body and a room full of mourners must always remind everyone of us that some day we shall trade our place for his and only our life's legacy and a date with the judgment seat on high will remain. 3. The writer of wisdom argues that mourning heals the heart, that ignoring that ultimate fact of life only prolongs the injury. 1) Great wisdom is granted in the house of mourning and so it is not to be avoided due to its discomfort (Acts 9:36-42). 2) We often do something at funerals like those widows did for Peter showing forth the great things that exemplified the character of the departed one. 36 3) It is so wonderful when the life of a person can be eulogized and marked as a pattern of good works (Phil 3:17). B. A time of mourning actually occasioned the first tiny possession of a part of the promised land by Abraham. 1. In Genesis 12, God promised to give Abraham and his descendants a great land and this promise was fulfilled once Joshua's raiders invaded Canaan and expelled the heathen squatters. 1) But it was Abraham's mourning over the death of his wife, Sarah, that led him to purchase the first plot of land in Canaan (Gen 23:1-20). 2) Abraham thought he would only be able to purchase the cave which would have left the surrounding land in the hands of another, but Ephron offered the field also for free but valued at an apparently inflated rate. 2. Abraham refused to take the land for free, perhaps because such charity would have dishonored the worth of his wife. 1) His mourning caused him to deposit Sarah's remains in Canaan. 3. We wish that the time of mourning could always be about depositing spirits in Paradise with the promise of heaven awaiting, but, despite the verbiage of so many funerals, we know it is not so. 1) The time of mourning is eased when we have some degree of certainty about the deceased's eternal fate and we can hope for a blessed reunion over there. 2) But still we know that as only a few of the original pilgrims from Egypt ever reached the promised land, so only a few who are born will actually arrive at heaven's pearly gates (2 Cor 5:1-10). C. The lesson learned. 1. Some who mourn at funerals rededicate themselves to righteousness and carry through with their resolution while others soon forget like any made on New Year's Eve. 1) John 16:8-13: Working through the agency of His sword, the word of God, the Holy Spirit endeavors to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. 2. The beatitudes teach that ―Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted‖ (Matt 5:4). 1) Mourning does not ever seem to be pleasant when it occurs, but afterward it yields wisdom through advancing experience and applying knowledge. 37 2) It is the mourning over one's sin that leads to the blessing of the comfort of grace. 3) Acts 8:18-24: Simon the sorcerer is told by Peter that he is in sin and at risk of damnation and he fearfully prays for mercy and grace and receives comfort and renewal. 4) The church at Corinth is excoriated for tolerating sin and makes up its mind to withdraw from their unruly brother (2 Cor 7:6-16). ―a time to dance‖ A. An act of praise. 1. Some words in the Bible have very broad definitions that can be misunderstood and misapplied without caution. 1) The word ―wine‖ includes both fermented (intoxicating) and unfermented (non-intoxicating) juice from the grape and thus is used both ways, but never to uphold the validity of intoxication. Prov 23:29-35: ―Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long over wine, those who go to taste mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things and your mind will utter perverse things. And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea, or like one who lies down on the top of a mast. ‗They struck me, but I did not become ill; they beat me, but I did not know it.'‖ John 2:6-11: ―Now there were six stone water pots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. Jesus said to them, ‗Fill the water pots with water.' So they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, ‗Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.' So they took it to him. When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, and said to him, ‗Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.' This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.‖ * One passage condemns its use and another approves of it. * Would Jesus make a wine that would produce drunkenness? * Would one be able to drink freely without getting drunk? 38 * The only logical answer is that the alcoholic content were not the same. 2) The words ―elder‖ and ―deacon‖ can mean any older person or servant or an overseer of the church and an appointed worker, as the context defines it. 3) The word ―baptism‖ must be defined by the context. 2. So the word ―dance‖ may describe only an innocent show of praise in Old Testament times or a lewd display of sinfulness now. 1) Please understand that this passage is not advocating that there is a justifiable time to commit lewd movements. B. Dancing that was justified in the Old Testament always involved the praise of God in an expression of extreme joy, but the risk of crossing over to lewdness was always near. 1. Ex 15:20-21: Miriam led a dance of praise like the one that Ecclesiastes encouraged: ―Miriam the prophetess, Aaron's sister, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing. Miriam answered them, ‗Sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; the horse and his rider He has hurled into the sea.'‖ 1) ―Men and women never danced together, even on those occasions where both sexes participated in the sacred professional dances, they always danced separately. Dancing for sensual entertainment was unheard of among the Hebrews‖ (Nelson's Bible Dict., p. 276). 2. Jud 11:34: Jephthah's daughter also danced in this way – not to be lewd or suggestive or in concert with men – to show her happiness at the return of her impetuous father: ―When Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, behold, his daughter was coming out to meet him with tambourines and with dancing.‖ 1) ―Biblical dancing was the unrehearsed, spontaneous exuberance resulting from a great physical victory, or some festive occasion‖ (Kidwell, p. 75). 2) The word ―dance‖ means to leap or skip about. 3. As much as the Psalms validate the use of instrumental music in worship under the law of Moses, they also validate dance: Ps 149:3: ―Let them praise His name with dancing; let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.‖ Ps 150:4: ―Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.‖ 39 C. Dancing that would not fall under Ecclesiastes 3, however, is also indicated in the Bible. 1. The Hebrews back at the camp while Moses and Joshua waited for the ten commandments used dance as a way of playing with idolatry and provoking God's wrath. 1) It was an act lacking restraint. 2. At Herod's birthday party, his stepdaughter danced, not to praise God, but to please the man. Matt 14:6-7: ―But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod, 7 so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.‖ 1) Unlike Queen Vashti in the book of Esther who refused to become a spectacle before a band of drunken men, this young woman whom Josephus identifies as Salome, happily agrees to perform for them. 2) L.A. Stauffer comments that the ―rash vow made by Herod after the dance implies either a semi-drunken state, a fever's pitch of carnal lust, or a combination of the two. It is difficult to view this in any way other than a sensual dance and a carnival atmosphere.‖ 3. The kind of dancing that was employed to praise God and was justified in the Old Testament was not of a lewd nature, nor did it involve males and females coupling to dance socially. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. II, p. 1170) 1) Such a dance is lewd and there is no time for lewdness. 2) Gal 5:19: Listed among the evident (explicit) works of the flesh in is lewdness (from the Greek aselgeia, defined by Thayer as ―wanton acts or manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females, etc.‖ 4. Dancing is not prescribed by the New Testament as an authorized act of worship any more than instrumental music and in its lewd forms are clearly forbidden. 1) There is no time for lewd, lustful dancing. D. The time to dance is a time to rejoice. 1. Christians are sometimes accused of being a sour and morose people, often scowling and always pessimistic. 1) I suppose that is just the prejudiced opinion of unbelievers, for the children of God should be the happiest people on earth. 40 Rom 14:16-18: ―Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.‖ 2. As the Ethiopian eunuch went his way rejoicing after his conversion, we ought to treasure up such satisfaction and anticipation in our hearts that no sorrow can destroy our contentment and joy. 1) It is a time to rejoice when our brethren are blessed, so that we might rejoice with them (Rom 12:15). 2) It is a time to rejoice when angels rejoice over the reclamation of one lost soul (Luke 15:7). 3) It is even a time to rejoice when death takes the aged saint, for after the mourning there is strengthened hope (1 Thes 4:13). CONCLUSION 1. There are times to mourn and times to dance throughout life, but don't be afraid of either one. 1. Learn from sorrow and live in joy and you will be blessed in this life and the next. 41 There Is A Season (7) ―A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.‖ INTRODUCTION A. Eccl 3:1: ―There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven— 5: ―A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones‖ 1. OT punishment of stoning was useful in executing justice in ancient Israel. 1. If had 2 witnesses – ―throw stones‖ 1) If not have 2 witnesses – Don't ―gather stones.‖ 2) Sometimes stoning was done unlawfully as in the case of Stephen. 2. Depending on what your mission is at the time. 1. The presence of stones can be either valuable material for construction or annoying hindrance to planting. 1) Therefore, there is a time to throw away stones when planting and a time to gather them up when building. 3. Matt 13: Parable of the Sower. 1. Jesus was preparing His disciples for the often frustrating results of spreading the gospel seed. 1) Among the troubles presented to the sower was the fact that some seed would fall upon hearts likened to shallow soil concealing layers of rock beneath. 13:3-6: ―Behold, the sower went out to sow; and as he sowed, some seeds fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on the rocky places, where they did not have much soil; and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil. But when the sun had risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.‖ 20-21: ―The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.‖ 2. There was no room to establish deep roots. 1) The seed could not descend far into the ground and so the plant sprang up immediately. 42 2) The initial eagerness showed what appeared to be great promise. 3) But almost as quickly wilted away. 3. Some new converts appear to be joyous and zealous at first, but at the first hint that not everything about Christianity is positive and pleasant, they wither away. 1) Some have hearts just soft enough to be touched by truth for a moment, but just hard enough also to maintain an unhealthy skepticism about faith and allegiance to the material. 2) Shallow soil over rocky layers is the heart that is always only moments away from casting its lot back with the devil when the matter of the cost of true faith is about to be tested. * They are souls like Demas, who forsook Paul because he ―loved this present world‖ (2 Tim 4:10). 4. Rom 8:5-8: Harboring a carnal mind in a body supposedly committed to the spiritual is the shallow soil hiding in a rocky layer. ―For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.‖ 1) Matt 6:24: You cannot go in opposite directions at the same time. 2) You have only one mind–can't do both with the same mind at same time. 5. Some may be unwilling to consider some Bible passages because of years of being taught the same error. 1) Others have been hardened by the presence of hypocrisy in the church around them – fled the church and sentenced themselves to eternity surrounded by even greater hypocrisy – BECAME THE ULTIMATE HYPOCRITE! 2) Hard-heartedness is a condition that can develop in the Christian, if he indulges his carnal impulses just enough and becomes talented at excusing his failures and justifying his apostasy (Eph 4:17-21). 6. Every day brings opportunity for both throwing or gathering stones. 1) It may be the time to throw some rocks out of our heart. 2) Now is the time to gather the living stones to enlarge the church, the holy temple which is God's dwelling place (Eph 2:19-22). 43 ―A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing‖ A. Prov 1:7; 4:1-9: Embrace wisdom. ―Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, and give attention that you may gain understanding, for I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my instruction. When I was a son to my father, tender and the only son in the sight of my mother, then he taught me and said to me, let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live; acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a garland of grace; she will present you with a crown of beauty." 1. The writer asserts that if we embrace divine wisdom, she will crown us with glory and grace. 1) Wisdom is affordable to acquire – and priceless when embraced. 2. Jas 3:13-18: The challenge (hard part) in acquiring wisdom and understanding is distinguishing it from earthly wisdom. ―Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.‖ 1) The wisdom of this world is about looking out for number one. 2) It exposes itself as being motivated by self-interest. 3) Its origin is clearly seen – therefore we can recognize it. * Divorce rate – ―grew apart‖ – ―unfulfilled‖ – seek joy and youth. * Absentee parenting – catchy lies – ―quality time‖ * Can live with one foot in the church and one foot in the world. 3. The wisdom from above is more clear and focused. 1) It makes no excuses for the narrowness of truth. 2) Divine wisdom in the heart of man will keep God's commandments and will use the Bible as a manual for both life and worship. 3) Embracing wisdom is about giving yourself over to its control and yielding your own opinions to its truths. 44 4) When we embrace wisdom, we crave her and exemplify her. B. Embrace the brethren in Christ. 1. The closeness that develops between brothers and sisters in Christ, sometimes for no other reason than the faith, is beautiful. 1) 2 Pet 1:1: ―received a faith of the same kind as ours.‖ 2. We should not be afraid to risk getting into that kind of relationship. 1) We must not be content to exist on the fringes of the church and remain a mystery to the others (Prov 28:1; Jn 3:19-21). 2) If we refuse to embrace our brethren, we are forfeiting one of the blessings that Jesus emphasized as a reward for faith. Mark 10:28-31: ―Peter began to say to Him, ‗Behold, we have left everything and followed You.' Jesus said, ‗Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.'‖ 3) When you are separated from your family because of distance or your beliefs, you can always have fathers and mothers and brothers and sisters in God's house (1 Tim 3:15). 4) Some Christians who do not have children or grandchildren of their own end up adopting some by faith because they embrace their brethren. 3. The scriptures demand it (EX: father instructing children to embrace step- mom). 1) Rom 12:10, 15-16: ―Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference (outdo) to one another in honor…Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.‖ 2) 1 Cor 13:4-7; Jas 5:20: Love covers a multitude of sins. ―a time to shun embracing‖ (1 Cor 6:18). A. Flee the embrace of immorality like Joseph fled the enticement of Potiphar's wife (Gen 39:12). 1. Embrace at weddings and funerals – refrain when alone. 1) EX: Counseling – hug to give comfort led to adultery. 45 2) Uphold the sanctity of your marriage relationship. B. Don't embrace ash heaps [the past] (Lam 1:1; 4:1-5). 1. The Jews were embracing ash heaps because they had ignored God's warnings and pressed ahead with their idolatry and iniquity until He quit embracing them and allowed the Babylonians to destroy their nation. 1) Their choice of rejecting God's warnings – consequences. 2) Some have experienced the tragedy of watching their own homes be destroyed by fire – pictures, memories, clothing, pets, people. 3) Jeremiah witnessed this on a national scale. 2. A day is coming when those fires will seem like nothing and God will destroy the entire world (2 Pet 3:1-13). 1) Even the ash heaps will be obliterated in that day and lost souls will be beyond embracing. 2) As Jesus wanted to embrace Jerusalem the way a mother hen hides her chicks, so not He wants to embrace you. 3) Jerusalem was not willing, are you? CONCLUSION 1. Don't embrace immorality or the past. 2. Embrace wisdom and the brethren. 1. Become a child of God – God's family. 2. John 3:5: Must be born again = water and Spirit. 1) Mark 16:16: Believe and be baptized. 3. It may be a time to throw rocks out of heart. 1. Or it may be a time to gather with the living stones. 46 There Is A Season (8) ―A time to search and a time to give up as lost; (A time to gain and a time to lose) a time to keep and a time to throw away.‖ INTRODUCTION A. We all wish that life that could be nothing but gain from beginning to end, but we all know that sometimes we are required to be the gracious loser. 1. In life, there are seasons for gaining and there are seasons ruined by loss. 1) While we can rejoice with gain, we can be educated by loss. 2) The key to a successful life in God's service is learning to make the most out of the least. 6: ―a time to search (gain)‖ A. Eccl 12:1: ―Remember also the Creator in the days of your youth before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, ‗I have no delight in them.'‖ 1. 2 Pet 3:18: ―But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.‖ 1) The bitter irony of youth is that you wish it away hoping to be older, only to get your wish in time and regret it terribly. 2) Every single day of our lives should be considered a unique gift, one that will never be repeated exactly again. 3) Time is not a replenishable resource and eventually, we will all run out of tomorrows. 2. Eph 5:16: For this reason, we are taught to ―walk carefully (circumspectly), not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.‖ 1) How many have a purse or cupboard full of coupons, many expired because you did not redeem them in time? 2) Like every day of our lives, once they pass, they can not be bought back. 3. Eph 5:17: Because life is so short and opportunities to gain are so few, we must spend our days finding out the will of the Lord. 1) No day should be counter to spiritual growth, but certainly no day should be stagnant either. 2) A plant that does not grow will die and a fig tree that does not bear fruit is destined to wither. 47 3) Every day on earth should take eternity into account and do nothing to hinder that progress (2 Pet 1:5-12). 4. 2 Pet 3:16-17: ―…some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,‖ 1) If you do not progress in truth, you will digress into error, ignorance or complacency. 2) Acts 17:11: We are reminded of the Bereans who were more noble- minded than the Thessalonians because they searched their scriptures daily to consider the doctrines that were brought to them. 3) These are the words by which we shall be judged and they need not be a mystery to us. 4) Prov 23:23: Truth is worth searching for and holding on to for dear life. B. Harvest souls (John 4:34-38). 1. 34: Jesus gives them perspective of what drives Him. 1) Jesus takes His disciples to another level of spiritual development (Matt 4:4; 5:6). 2) Involvement feeds the soul – nourishes when feeding others. 3) Giving to others gives yourself purpose and drive to continue. 2. 35-38: Jesus prepares His disciples for the job just at hand. 1) He wants them to see things as He does. 2) Be involved in the purpose of God. 3. 35: Harvest time being a very important day, it was natural to measure time in relation to it. (―It is yet four days until payday.‖) 1) Jesus is building them up for a shocking statement. 2) He points out that men view the harvest as still being 4 months away. 3) The disciples may look up and see green, but He sees white and ready for harvest right now, in the middle of December. 4) What does He see that causes Him to say the fields are ―white for harvest‖? (30). 5) By looking up, the disciples could see the towns-people coming in their white garments. 4. This account certainly suggests a soul-searching question for modern disciples: 1) What do you see when you look upon a great city? 48 2) What should you see? What does Jesus see? 5. Jesus gave His disciples at least 3 distinct commands. 1) ―Look‖ – Opportunities for soul-saving are always available if we will look around. Learn to recognize those that are without Christ and who need Him – There are masses of people that are lost. 2) ―Pray‖ – (Mt.9:37-38) – Can never have too many laborers. 3) ―Send out‖ – ―Go‖ – Put action into our belief – our world may be across the street, at the store, school – but we must try. 6. In 1970 the corn belt was hit by the corn blight, and the crop was far below normal. Even worse was predicted for the following year. 1) So, expecting a poor yield, what did the farmers do? They planted more! 2) God's people should do as the farmers did – Plant more. 3) Not say – ―There is no use. The people won't hear. So few are baptized.‖ 7. 36: Harvest was a time (season) of joy (Deut 16:13-15; Ps 126:6; Isa 9:3). 1) In order to have a harvest there must first be a sower. 2) The one that sows does so that fruit may be gathered, so does one who harvests. 3) Both the sowers and the harvesters rejoice when the fruit is gathered. 4) The work of soul-saving is done by many, some ―sowing‖ at the same time (or many years later) others are ―reaping‖ what was sown. 5) Temporal rewards have a limited shelf life – Soul-saving is eternally rewarding. 8. 37-38: The prophets had labored in this country as well as John the Baptist. 1) Now Jesus and His disciples are harvesting the fruit of that labor. 2) Jesus is the sender in all cases, and now He is explaining that the disciples are enjoying what others before them have worked so hard to produce. 3) Only people who had been prepared could receive such great truths in so short a period of time. 9. One day, our hands will be weakened with age and our minds won't compute the way they once did and then one day, we will be silenced forever by death. 1) Or it may that the final trumpet will sound first and the day of judgment will descend upon man like a thief in the night. 10. However the end of our toil comes, it will come, and the opportunity to make converts for Christ will close forever. 1) How many of us will want to race to loved ones with whom we had never shared the gospel when we hear that horn? 49 2) The time to work, though, is upon us and with all the urgency that the end will have (Matt 9:35-38). 11. 1 Cor 9:19-23: Do all you can lawfully do to make the point and win souls. 1) Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother? C. Invest talents (Matt 25:14-30). 1. God has endowed us all with talents and abilities which relate to those in the parable, some which are public and others which are less obvious, but so many of which can be used in service to God and men. 1) We invest our abilities and increase our prospects for gain whenever we use them to benefit the kingdom or bless our neighbor. 2) God is not satisfied that we merely return to him what he gave to us. 3) He did not give us our gifts to maintain the status quo, but to storm the devil's compound and drive the darkness away with the light of truth. 4) We bury our talents in the ground when we refuse to use them and they deteriorate from lack of use. 2. Sometimes the ability we have is to share (1 Tim 6:17-19). 1) Other times, we can be exhorters (Heb 3:12-13). 2) Some can serve publicly and others can serve privately, but all can serve, for all have talents. 3. There are things worth searching (gaining) for. 1) Lk 13:24: ―Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.‖ 2) 2 Tim 2:15: ―Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.‖ 3) Eph 4:2-3: ―being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.‖ ―a time to give up as lost (lose)‖ A. The cost we counted to be a disciple (Luke 14:25-33). ―Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them, ‗If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who 50 observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ―This man began to build and was not able to finish.‖ Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.‖ 1. The thing about counting the cost is that eventually, you may be required to pay it (Phil 3:8). 1) Some will strain family relationships because the cross is controversial and religion is very personal. 2) Others will find struggles in the work place, persecutions in school and discomfort on the playground because of the cross. 2. When you prepare to obey the gospel, you must count the cost and make certain you are willing to pay it, so that you will not begin the project and end up abandoning it when the going gets tough. 1) Sometimes the costs are intangible, but not less painful to pay. 2) Being a Christian means entertaining guilt over sins that the world would just overlook. 3) It means caring when no one else cares anymore. 4) It means turning the other cheek when others would derive base satisfaction from pursuing their own revenge. * There is a time to win an argument and a time to lose one. 3. The cost you counted implied you would pay even this and now it is required of you. 1) Will you be true to your commitment or slink away under the devil's hand? B. A lost harvest (Father of prodigal son had to let him go-Luke 15:11-13). 1. While there are souls to be gained, the soul-winner quickly realizes that some he labored with and rejoiced over have withered on the vine and fallen away like a scorched rose (1 Cor 3:5-15). 1) Truly it is God who gives the increase as it is God who prospers the vine and adds fruit to its branches. 2) But God has made His increase dependent upon the toil of us His servants, for we must sow the gospel seed and water it through constant admonition. 2. When we see fruit borne in conversions to Christ, we rejoice. 51 1) Sometimes, however, those same souls wander back into the world and we weep doubly, for one is lost and that one was our work. 2) But that loss will not endanger our souls at all. 3) Our work--those souls--may be burned up, and we will suffer their loss, but we will be saved on the basis of our relationship with Christ, not someone else's. 3. Then there are times to give up, to cut your loses and admit failure. 1) Eccl 2:11: Solomon had to admit failure. 2) There will be wealth, things, friendships, loved ones, and opportunities which will never be seen again. 3) Look for the good and lose the bad. 4) If honest = gain - if not = lose. C. Make the most of the least. 1. Rev 2:8-11: The church at Smyrna made the most, although they had the least. ―And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this: 'I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.'‖ 1) While poor in things, they were rich in faith and works. 2) The richest person here may have the least in his wallet, but the most in his heart. 2. Acts 16:25: The apostles made the most of being imprisoned by singing hymns and praying and by sharing the gospel with anybody who would listen. 1) Paul converted some in Caesar's household while a prisoner. 3. There is a season for life to hand you a bag of lemons. 1) What you make with them will determine what kind of person you become. 2) Some make the best of a bad situation and learn from mistakes or hardships to appreciate the good times. 3) Others make bad times worse, or become ungrateful complainers. 52 ―a time to keep and a time to throw away‖ A. While things are useful and productive, they should be kept and maintained. 1. When they become counterproductive, their time to be thrown away has arrived. 1) Old watch that no longer keeps time. 2) Spiritual gifts (1 Cor 13:8-13). B. The Bible gives good advice concerning what qualities and other things in life we need to hold on to and what to get rid of (Col 3:5-14). 1. Throw away sinful relics and traditions. 2. This principle also applies to various friendships (1 Cor 15:33). CONCLUSION 1. There is a time for every purpose under heaven, ―a time to search (gain) and a time to give up as lost (lose); a time to keep and a time to throw away.‖ 1. Learn from these and you will be better prepared both for life and afterlife. 53 There Is A Season (9) ―A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; INTRODUCTION A. Eccl 3 teaches the principle that we are to live and work within the laws of the universe. 1. 1: ―There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—7: ―a time to tear apart and a time to sew together;‖ 7: ―a time to tear apart‖ A. Frustration and problems – tearing up the wrong things. TEARING UP THE WORD OF GOD. 1. We would expect atheists and various radical groups condoning tearing up the word of God, but in fact it happens every day. 1) Individuals tear it up when they go their own way, churches tear it up when they leave its authority and denominations tear it up when they elevate their creeds over it. 2. Jer 10:23: "O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.‖ 1) It is easy to trace trouble with God throughout the Old Testament on both an individual and national level to a violation of this sacred precept. 2) When men and women begin to think it is within them to direct their own steps they begin to experiment with error and suffer the inevitable explosions and poisonings. 3) Eve ate the fruit, although God said it was poisonous, because the serpent convinced her that a better plan was to be found outside divine authority. 4) King Saul pretended to be a priest when Samuel delayed his coming, although he knew it be unlawful, because situation ethics suddenly looked better than having to face fear (1 Sam 13:5-14). * Just having a king in the first place was a deviation from God's plan, but the people demanded to be like the heathen nations instead of being like God (1 Sam 8:1-22). 54 3. Jer 36:20-25: One king (Jehoiakim the son of Josiah) in Jeremiah's day went so far as to tear the scripture and then burn it, but all he destroyed was himself, not the word. ―So they went to the king in the court, but they had deposited the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe, and they reported all the words to the king. Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it out of the chamber of Elishama the scribe. And Jehudi read it to the king as well as to all the officials who stood beside the king. Now the king was sitting in the winter house in the ninth month, with a fire burning in the brazier before him. When Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king cut it with a scribe's knife and threw it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier. Yet the king and all his servants who heard all these words were not afraid, nor did they rend their garments. Even though Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah pleaded with the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them.‖ 1) It is a shame that men of power are often corrupted by their positions, which leads them to reject the call of God to repentance. 2) Enemies of truth have made concentrated efforts to keep all or part of God's word from the common people. 3) ―Read three or four columns‖ – People say they gave the Bible a chance and decided that it was not for them. 4) Many people will read a few verses and base their entire opinions of God, religion, Christianity, morals and faith on an incomplete understanding of the Word! 5) The king's action was one of folly and rage – reveals our sins and requires repentance. 6) The words of God are still torn today for the same reason, - people just don't like them. 7) People hate the Bible because they know that it is speaking to them, and they don't want to change. 8) Proud people cannot stand to be told they are wrong or have chosen a doomed path and so they attack the messenger or dispute the message. 9) The Bible is effectively torn up and cast into the fire. 10) Jeremiah rewrote his words of truth and God added to them and the king met his fate. 11) Whether we attempt to destroy the entire Bible at one cutting and burning, or whether we do it piecemeal, the end result is still the same. Isa 28:9-13: ―To whom would He teach knowledge, and to whom would He interpret the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just taken from the breast? For He says, ‗Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line, a little here, a little there.' Indeed, He will speak to this people through stammering lips and a foreign tongue, He who said to them, ‗Here is rest, give rest to the weary,' and, ‗Here is repose,' but they 55 would not listen. So the word of the LORD to them will be, ‗Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line, a little here, a little there,' that they may go and stumble backward, be broken, snared and taken captive.‖ * The Bible will survive, but the sinner will perish without it. B. The right time to tear up the right things. TEARING SOILED ROBES (Ezra 9:1-6) ―Now when these things had been completed, the princes approached me, saying, ‗The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, according to their abominations, those of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians and the Amorites. For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race has intermingled with the peoples of the lands; indeed, the hands of the princes and the rulers have been foremost in this unfaithfulness.' When I heard about this matter, I tore my garment and my robe, and pulled some of the hair from my head and my beard, and sat down appalled. Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel on account of the unfaithfulness of the exiles gathered to me, and I sat appalled until the evening offering. But at the evening offering I arose from my humiliation, even with my garment and my robe torn, and I fell on my knees and stretched out my hands to the LORD my God; and I said, ‗O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen above our heads and our guilt has grown even to the heavens.'‖ 1. Ezra was himself innocent but he wept and tore both his garments and his own beard over the sin in the nation that he loved. 1) Ezra discovered that day that his countrymen were stained by unlawful marriages. 2) Those in Ezra's day were compelled by law and by penitence to put away the wives they had no right to – foreign nations. 3) It is a combination of anguish, frustration and assumed guilt that lead a man to behave this way. 4) He did not tear his robes symbolically or melodramatically, but sincerely in a state of sorrowed amazement. 5) Sin should cause us to tear the robes of our hearts (old man of sin) and commit to doing whatever it takes to get washed. 56 ―a time to sew together‖ A. One of the most cherished metaphors for grace is the notion of washing one's garments in the blood of Jesus Christ. 1. Rev 1:4-6: ―John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood--and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.‖ 7:9-17: ―After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‗Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.' And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‗Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.' Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, ‗These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?' I said to him, ‗My lord, you know.' And he said to me, ‗These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.'‖ 1) Gal 3:26-27: We put on white garments in baptism. 2) Rev 19:7-8: ―‗Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.' It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.‖ 57 ―a time to tear apart‖ A. TEARING APART BAD INFLUENCES (1 Cor 15:33-34) ―Do not be deceived: ‗Bad company corrupts good morals.' Become sober- minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.‖ 1. On just a few occasions, Paul prefaces some statement by saying, ―Be not deceived.‖ 1) He does this to add emphasis to the utter truth of the statement and the fact that the majority of the people will ignore it anyway. 2) In all of the texts where it is found, the admonition of God is to beware of the false sense of security given by the devil to trust: * In other gods (Deut 11:16). * Believe that sin will not be found out. * And that it matters little what we do in this life. 3) When Jehovah gave law to the children of Israel, He warned them of having their hearts deceived to turn and serve any other god but Himself. * Deut 11:1: Exhorts the Jews to ―love the Lord thy God, and keep His charge and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, always." 2. 1 Cor 15:33 tells us that bad company corrupts good morals and that the light of your faithfulness can be extinguished if surrounded by people living blissfully in darkness. 1) Their coarse language, low standards, weak rationalizations and rebellious attitude can gradually be transmitted into your heart if they become your major influence. Ps 1:1-3: ―How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.‖ 3. There are people in the world who would lead you into and encourage you to: 1) Lie to and about other people 2) Cheat other people 3) Dress immodestly, music, movies 4) Use filthy language 5) Use alcohol and drugs 6) Throw sexual purity out the door. 58 4. Sometimes those influences are not human, but are material. Phil 3:8-9: ―More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,‖ 1) Wrong book, religion and traditions. 2) Position, power and things. 5. Most people recognize that we can be subtly and slowly influenced by those around us, but most will also consent to flirt around the flame anyway. 1) It is for some the hardest sacrifice to make, to realize that your faith is in jeopardy to your friends and one or the other will have to go. 2) While we cannot go out of the world or cut ourselves off entirely from this corrupt civilization, it does become necessary that we protect our hearts on another plain. 3) We remain available to teach and to shed influence, but we protect our hearts with the breastplate of righteousness, lest we be led away into sin. 2 Cor 6:14-7:1: ―Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‗I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,' says the Lord. ‗AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,' says the Lord Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.‖ 6. If you sleep with dogs, you will get fleas. Prov 6:27: ―Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?‖ 1) Our friends will determine the type of conduct we follow. 2) Do not deceive yourself in believing that your friends do not influence you life! 3) You are influenced as much by those who are your associations as any part of your life. 59 4) The attitude teenagers have toward their parents is often influenced by their friends. 7. Prov 1: The wise man warned against following after the wrong crowd. Prov 1:7-19: ―The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Hear, my son, your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching; indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck. My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, ‗Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause; let us swallow them alive like Sheol, even whole, as those who go down to the pit; we will find all kinds of precious wealth, we will fill our houses with spoil; throw in your lot with us, we shall all have one purse,' My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path, for their feet run to evil and they hasten to shed blood. Indeed, it is useless to spread the baited net in the sight of any bird; but they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives. So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; it takes away the life of its possessors.‖ 1) The attitude teenagers have toward their parents is often influenced by their friends. 2) Rom 13:12-14: ―The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.‖ 3) 2 Tim 2:22-24: ―Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. * Pursue knowledge, develop abilities, teach others, peacemakers without compromise. 4) Eph 4:14-16: ―As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.‖ 60 * Who influences you the most – God or Satan? 5) Eph 5:10-14: ―Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.‖ 6) Prov 12:26: ―The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.‖ * Friendships are so important—we must not let them develop ―by chance.‖ ―a time to sew together‖ A. Sewn together in friendship. 1. 1 Sam 18:1-4: ―Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself. Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father's house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt.‖ 1) It is possible to be brethren in Christ without being friends, but there is so much more to be gained and shared by being both. 2) The friendships we will treasure the most will be the ones that are built on a like, precious faith and maintained by heavenly wisdom. 3) We cannot expect others to make all the effort and do all the giving. 4) We must show ourselves friendly. B. Sewn together in brotherhood. 1. Col 2:1-3: ―For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.‖ 1) 1 Pet 2:17: ―Love the brotherhood.‖ 61 2) The brotherhood is the fraternity of believers throughout the world and is not limited by any line other than primary fellowship with the Father in heaven. 3) We are knit together with brethren throughout the world so that if travel far and wide, we are extended trust and love by otherwise perfect strangers. 2. But brotherhood exists within the congregation's members as well, who must be knit together in love in order to depend upon one another from day to day 1) This knitting is accomplished when we assemble and admonish one another in song and when we study together in Bible classes. 2) But it also accomplished when we spend time together outside the meeting house and become intimately acquainted with each other so that we develop that trust and mutual concern. 3) Sharing hard times and good times knits people together in a way that helps withstand attempts to sever them down the road. Col 2:18-19: ―Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.‖ C. Sewn together for battle. 1. Israel had a claim against Benjamin and was preparing to make war. Jud 20:8-11: ―Then all the people arose as one man, saying, ‗Not one of us will go to his tent, nor will any of us return to his house. But now this is the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up against it by lot. And we will take 10 men out of 100 throughout the tribes of Israel, and 100 out of 1,000, and 1,000 out of 10,000 to supply food for the people, that when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, they may punish them for all the disgraceful acts that they have committed in Israel.' Thus all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, united as one man.‖ 1) You might expect victory to come in the next verse, but instead defeat follows for united Israel. 2) They lick their wounds and ask God if they should pitch another battle and He says yes and they lose again. 2. Now you might expect them to come apart at the seams and surrender but instead they inquire of God and are sent back to battle. 1) Jud 20:29-37: ―So Israel set men in ambush around Gibeah. The sons of Israel went up against the sons of Benjamin on the third day and arrayed 62 themselves against Gibeah as at other times. The sons of Benjamin went out against the people and were drawn away from the city, and they began to strike and kill some of the people as at other times, on the highways, one of which goes up to Bethel and the other to Gibeah, and in the field, about thirty men of Israel. The sons of Benjamin said, ‗They are struck down before us, as at the first.' But the sons of Israel said, ‗Let us flee that we may draw them away from the city to the highways.' Then all the men of Israel arose from their place and arrayed themselves at Baal- tamar; and the men of Israel in ambush broke out of their place, even out of Maareh-geba. When ten thousand choice men from all Israel came against Gibeah, the battle became fierce; but Benjamin did not know that disaster was close to them. And the LORD struck Benjamin before Israel, so that the sons of Israel destroyed 25,100 men of Benjamin that day, all who draw the sword. So the sons of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. When the men of Israel gave ground to Benjamin because they relied on the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah, the men in ambush hurried and rushed against Gibeah; the men in ambush also deployed and struck all the city with the edge of the sword.‖ 3. When Christians are knit together for battle, they are better prepared for the occasional defeat, an embarrassment or failure. 1) We are Christian soldiers marching as to war, not as a guerrilla force or a lone sniper, but a company of the redeemed. 2 Cor 10:3-6: ―For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.‖ 2) Through Christ, we are more than conquerors. Rom 8:36-39: ―Just as it is written, ‗FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.' But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.‖ 63 CONCLUSION 1. There is a time not to tear apart – Word of God. 1. Never a right time to ignore what it says. 2. There is a time to tear apart sinful things that are not working righteousness. 1. Always the right time – old man, bad companions, other influences. 3. And a time to sew together relationships that will rebound to glory. 1. Gal 3:27: Now is the time to put on Christ, love the brotherhood, united in battle – bride ready with white robes of righteous acts. 64 There Is A Season (10) ―A time to be silent and a time to speak‖ INTRODUCTION A. Wherever men and women have gone with the hope of restoring Christianity to its New Testament pattern, the plea has been to "speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent." 1. Truly we find that throughout life, there are times to keep silent and times to speak, but that we should always be quicker to hear than we are to speak. 1) Silence may get you into trouble, but it takes longer than words spoken hastily. 7: ―a time to be silent‖ A. Where The Bible is Silent. 1 Pet 4:11: ―Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God;‖ 1. Until recent years, most every professing Christian recognized the Bible as a standard of authority to some degree. 1) Differences existed as to whether or not the Bible was inerrant and especially as to how a reader should treat the silence of God on certain matters. 2. Nowadays discussions of Bible authority are rare and many have placed doctrinal importance only upon matters that they consider important. 1) Controversy is not limited to areas in which God has not spoken, but such areas should be easier to recognize. 3. Martin Luther set the stage for most of today's Protestant denominations by arguing that ―whatever is not contrary to scripture is for scripture and scripture for it.‖ 1) In other words, as long as the Bible does not specifically say ―Thou shalt not,‖ you may engage in it. 4. Luther was not ready for how far his ideas would eventually go, but it enabled him or those who followed to justify instrumental music in worship, denominationalism and sprinkling in place of immersion for baptism. 1) We would happily confess that ―Thou shalt nots‖ do not exist for many of these and others including having milk and cookies on the Lord's Table and calling the church ―Lutheran.‖ 65 5. We would also recognize, however, that no ―Thou shalt not‖ prohibited a Jew from acting as an Old Testament priest, but that absence of condemnation did not condone it. Heb 7:12-14: ―For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.‖ 1) Since Moses spoke nothing concerning a Jewish priest, there was no authority for it, despite the fact that there was no explicit condemnation. 6. Some today in denominations object to big orchestras in their worship, yearning instead for the old days of a simple organ, but the same authority that gets you your organ gets them their orchestra. 1) The Bible is silent concerning infant baptism, sprinkling or pouring, Baptist churches, church gymnasiums and many other things, but that is not permission to go ahead with them. 7. You see how we can be united when we respect the silence of scripture and refrain from rushing in to fill some void that we imagine exists because God has not seen fit to speak on something we consider important, but he did not. Rev 22:18-19: ―I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.‖ 1) Nadab and Abihu tried to speak where God had been silent. Lev 10:1-3: ―Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective fire pans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said to Aaron, ‗It is what the LORD spoke, saying,' ―By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored.‖ So Aaron, therefore, kept silent.‖ 2) Intruding into God's silence is like bursting into a king's court and demanding to be heard. 3) Why should such disrespect be overlooked? 66 B. Before God. Hab 2:18-20: "What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it, or an image, a teacher of falsehood? For its maker trusts in his own handiwork when he fashions speechless idols. Woe to him who says to a piece of wood, 'Awake!' To a mute stone, 'Arise!' And that is your teacher? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all inside it. But the LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him.‖ 1. The Israelites who were given over to idolatry would craft their gods and then pray to them and never get any response, because their masters were their own lifeless creations (Isa 44:6-20). 1) You can see them there shouting at these things, begging like idiots for any response. 2. On one occasion, Elijah challenged them to a contest on Mount Carmel to prove who was the true God (1 Ki 18:22-29). 1) When it was Jehovah's turn, Elijah simply announced that fact and God proved his presence undeniably. 2) One was better off learning when to keep silence before the true God than spending his days beating on his idol to get it to do something. 3. We spend so much of our time trying to make a lot of noise to get God's attention that we often miss it when He answers our prayer. 1) Sometimes we should even be thanking God for saying no when it turns out we were asking for the wrong thing and he did not comply just to make us temporarily happy. 2) Sometimes He answers providentially and we do not realize it because we are only tuned in to the asking, not the receiving or thanking. 4. If you are living a meek and humble lifestyle, the whole world may forget you are there, but God will know. 1) Your prayers do not have to be on the street corner to get His attention and actually what you say to Him in private is as likely to bring a sweet aroma to his throne. 2) Keep silence before him: give him a chance to respond and learn to identify His answer. C. Turn The Other Cheek (Matt 5:39). 1. Prov 15:1: says that ―a gentle (soft) answer turns away wrath.‖ 1) The meek and humble spirit we just mentioned is becoming so rare that many people would rather confront and enjoy wrath than turn it away. 67 2) Both men and women can be seen and heard involved in explosive arguments over issues minor and major. 3) Some progress into violence and it gets to the point that nowhere is safe. 4) Whatever happened to turning the other cheek? 2. Prov 26:4: ―Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him.‖ 1) Realize that you will be thought wise until you open your mouth to return his insults and expose that you are no better than he. C. Be Slow To Speak. Jas 1:19-21: ―This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.‖ 1. Jesus says that we shall be judged for every idle word that we speak and how many times do we put our feet in our mouths by speaking without thinking first? 1) There is a time to keep silent and we must all acknowledge that before we start World War III in our homes and in the church. Prov 17:27-28: ―He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.‖ ―a time to speak‖ A. Where The Bible Speaks (1 Pet 4:11). 1. If any man decides to speak in the service of God, he should speak only as the oracles of God have revealed the divine will. 1) No man should make up his mind to add to or subtract from God's word by means of human creeds. 2) Speak what we read not what we feel. 2. This obligates us to be true to all of God's counsel whether it happens to be in season or out. Acts 20:25-27: ―And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.‖ 68 1) Paul was innocent concerning all men's souls because he had never shunned to tell them what they needed to hear, even when it was not what they wanted to hear. 2) He told dying men they were dying when sin had overwhelmed them, regardless of their wealth or power or kinship. 3. It is always easy to preach about love and salvation, but often is hard to preach about sin and condemnation. 1) Preach it anyway (2 Tim 4:1-5). B. The Good News. Acts 4:8-22: ―Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‗Rulers and elders of the people, if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead-- by this name this man stands here before you in good health. ―He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone.‖ And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.' Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, saying, ―What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.‖ And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‗Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.' When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.‖ 1. Someone said, ―All evil needs to prevail is for good men to do nothing.‖ 1) Had the apostles and early disciples feared the Jewish stones or Roman nails greatly enough to shut their mouths, the gospel would have spread more slowly and the saved would have been fewer. 69 2) When it becomes apparent that men are willing to speak for and to die for such a cause, others are motivated to take that risk as well. 3) Acts 5:29: All the apostles were arrested this time. 2. When you are willing to speak the good news of a risen Savior to any and all who will hear you, the gospel will see its chances of spreading improved day by day. 1) If good men and women choose to keep their faith a secret, then cultism and denominationalism will fill the void and infect people who might have believed otherwise. 2) Don't wait for preachers or elders to visit your workplace, schoolhouse or neighborhood; Or for false teachers. 3) Take the name of Jesus with you wherever you go and resist the pressure to keep silent when the gospel should be spoken. Luke 19:37-40: ―As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, shouting: ‗BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!' Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, ‗Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.' But Jesus answered, "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!‖ 4) Be living stones that cannot help but cry out! 70 There Is A Season (11) ―A time to love‖ INTRODUCTION A. What is Biblical love? 1. Allow me to say at the very outset that biblical love is a terribly misunderstood and perverted subject. 1) Love as taught in the Bible is not simply a sentiment, platitude, or indefinable emotion. 2) Love is not a warm spot in one's chest to which one can point and identify ―salvation.‖ 3) In this study, we shall consider biblical love (mostly the noun agape and the verb agapao). B. Let us begin with a dictionary definition of love. W. E. Vine states the following lengthy but substantive comments regarding agapao and agape (love): "Verb, agapao and the corresponding noun agape (B, No. 1 below) present the characteristic word of Christianity, and since the Spirit of revelation has used it to express ideas previously unknown, inquiry into its use, whether in Greek literature or in the Septuagint, throws but little light upon its distinctive meaning in the NT. Cp., however, Lev. 19:18; Deut. 6:5. Agape and agapao are used in the NT (a) to describe the attitude of God toward His Son, John 17:26; the human race, generally, John 3:16; Rom 5:8; and to such as believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, particularly, John 14:21; (b) to convey His will to His children concerning their attitude one toward another, John 13:34, and toward all men, 1 Thess. 3:12; 1 Cor. 16:14; 2 Pet. 1:7…. Love can be known only from the actions it prompts. God's love is seen in the gift of His Son, 1 John 4:9,10. But obviously this is not the love of complacency, or affection, that is, it was not drawn out by any excellency in its objects, Rom. 5:8. It was an exercise of the Divine will in deliberate choice, made without assignable cause save that which lies in the nature of God Himself, Cp. Deut. 7:7,8. Love had its perfect expression among men in the Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Cor. 5:14; Eph. 2:4; 3:19; 5:2; Christian love is the fruit of His Spirit in the Christian, Gal. 5:22…. In respect of agapao as used of God, it expresses the deep and constant "love" and interest of a perfect Being towards entirely unworthy objects, producing and fostering a reverential "love" in them towards the Giver, and a practical "love" towards those who are partakers of the same, and a desire to help others to seek the Giver. See BELOVED" (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). 71 Greek Words for Love Greek Word Category Character Agape / Christian Will / Volition Agapao Philia / Phileo Friendship Affection / Emotion Storge / Stergo Family Natural / Unbidden Eros Sexual Physical / Passion 44 1. Agape love is not simply an emotion that rises unbidden in our hearts. 1) It is an expression of the will – a principle by which we live. 2) It causes us to seek the highest good of another. 2. The agape love of the NT is unparalleled. 1) Man has no love on his own that even comes close to duplicating biblical love. 2) Biblical love is so qualitative and quantitative that it produces many marvels. 3) It is, for instance, a marvel that God loves man when man is a sinner (Rom 5:8). 4) Biblical love elevates the husband's affections for his wife to the point of loving his wife ―as his own body.‖ I. THE EXCELLENCE OF BIBLICAL LOVE A. Love is the greatest underlying principle of the universe. 1. 1 John 4:8: God, the greatest being, is love. 1) The laws of the universe are the manifestations and outgrowths of His love. 2) The excelling nature of biblical love is repeatedly taught in the Scriptures. 3) Love is the ―first and great commandment‖ upon which all other laws and requirements depend. Matt 22:34-40: 34 But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. 35 One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, 36 "Teacher, which is the 72 great commandment in the Law?" 37 And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38 "This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' 40 " On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." 4) We are most like God, the greatest being, when we love. 1 John 4:19: ―We love because He first loved us‖ 5) To love is to conform to the laws of God. John 14:15: ―If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.‖ John 14:23:―Jesus answered and said to him, " If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.‖ B. Love is the greatest! 1. In the controversy in the church at Corinth, over spiritual gifts, the apostle Paul injected teaching on love in order to show the proper reasons for desiring and using spiritual gifts. 1) 1 Cor 12:31: Love is a ―more excellent way.‖ 2) 13:13: Of faith, hope and love, the greatest of these is love.‖ 2. Love will exist in heaven whereas faith and hope will cease to exist. 1) Faith will end with sight. Heb 11:1: ―Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.‖ 2) Hope will stop with realization. Rom 8:24-25: 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. 3) Love will only be perfected in the state of glory when we shall see Christ as He is and be like Him and it will be eternal. 1 John 3:2: ―Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.‖ 3. Love is the one thing from which faith and hope spring. 1 Cor 13:7: ―bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.‖ (NASU) 1) Paul begins the chapter by showing the utter futility of the absence of love. 73 13:1-3: If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 2) Regardless of the extent of the accomplishment or sacrifice, without love it is a wasted effort. 3) 13:4-6: When love is present, the characteristics of patience, kindness, is not jealous, does not brag, not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. C. Love motivates the required obedience. Heb 5:8-9: 8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, 1. 1 Thes 1:3: ―constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,‖ 1) The expression ―labor of love‖ is simply labor that love produces. 2) Gal 5:6-7: For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. 7 You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you 2. Love that is strong enough moves us to actions that can't be stopped. Song of Sol 8:6: ―Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death,‖ Song of Sol 8:7: ―Many waters cannot quench love, nor will rivers overflow it; if a man were to give all the riches of his house for love, it would be utterly despised." 1) True Biblical ―love never fails.‖ 2) John 15:13-14: Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 "You are My friends if you do what I command you. 3) When we love God and each other, we can fulfill every one of the Lord's commands. Rom 13:8-10: 8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9 For this, "YOU SHALL 74 NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 4) Both law and love are necessary because ―love is the fulfillment of the law.‖ D. Love is the foundation. 1. Show me a house worth keeping and I'll show you a houst that is built on a firm foundation. 1) Eph 3:17-19: so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. 2) Paul summed up the excellence of love when he wrote in Col 3:12-14: 12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. CONCLUSION 1. 1 Cor 14:1: ―Pursue (follow after) love.‖ To love is to live! 1. You will obey whether it makes since or not. 2. You will follow Jesus and cleave to Him in times of doubt and trial. 3. You will do what the Lord wants you to do in spite of hindrances and obstacles which may seem insurmountable. 4. You will make the Lord, His will and His body the most important things in your life. 5. You will have the proper attitude toward God, Christ, their word, your brothers and sisters in Christ, your family, your neighbor, the lost, your enemy, etc. 6. You will make being with the Lord your primary goal. 7. You will realize what following Christ is all about. 1) The more we love, the more we are like Christ, the more we will be pleasing to Him. 2) Love's superiority is clearly seen. Therefore let us follow Paul's advice. 75 2. It is possible to lose the right kind of love. 1. Matt 24:12: ―Because lawlessness is increased, the love of many will grow cold.‖ 2. Rev 2:4: To the church at Ephesus, ―But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 3. Could it be that Biblical love will prompt someone to serve God now? 1. Rev 3:20: ―Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.‖ 1) Open the door by being baptized and let Jesus be the Lord of your life. 2. John 14:23: ―If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.‖ 1) If your love for God, church, brethren, etc. has grown warm or cold… 76 There Is A Season (12) A Bad Hatred INTRODUCTION A. Does this verse surprise you? 1. Is there really a time for Christians to hate? 1) Most people have a pretty negative view of hate. 2. We tend to think of it as a bad emotion. 1) There are many today who shout that Christianity is a religion of hatred and that any moral judgment about the lifestyle or practice of another is evidence of that hatred. B. The conflict between love and hate arise on two different accounts. 1. First, sometimes we love people so much that we learn to tolerate a little evil instead of hating it and that just perpetuates error. 2. Second, sometimes we hate evil so much that we forget to love the person and treat him despicably and ruin our chances of reforming him and winning him to Christ. C. The Bible says that ―God is love,‖ and his capability and yearning to love cannot be exaggerated. 1. While God is love, God does not love everything. Prov 6:16-19: ―There are six things which the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.‖ 1) There is a concept that the God of the OT is somehow different than the God of the NT. 2) This is false for He is the same God with the same eternal qualities. 3) God's wrath and hatred of sin is mentioned in both Old and New Testament. Hos 5:10: ―The princes of Judah have become like those who move a boundary; on them I will pour out My wrath like water.‖ Rom 11:22: ―Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. 4) God has a different people, law, law-giver, etc., but He is the same. Mal 3:6: ―For I am the LORD, I do not change;‖ 77 D. Hate itself, is not any better or worse than love. 1. Both love and hate have proper objects. 1) They are both appropriate feelings to have toward certain things at certain times. 2. There is a time to love and a time to hate and no Christian is complete without observing both, but in their proper seasons and for the proper reasons. 1) God hates evil and expects His children to hate it just as much. 2) When is hate appropriate and when is it self-destructive? I. BAD HATRED A. In Galatians 5 Paul list hatred among the works of the flesh which prevents entrance into heaven. 1. Gal 5:20: ―idolatry, sorcery, enmities (hatred-KJV; NKJV; NIV), strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,‖ 1) This kind of hatred is bad! B. What is hate (hatred)? It almost defies definition because it is so abstract at its root and yet we all know what it involves. 1. We often express ourselves with the characterization of this strong emotion toward things or activities we dislike. 1) ―I hate broccoli.‖ ―I have school!‖ ―I hate driving in traffic.‖ 2. But if we voice this toward a person it stirs even stronger response. 1) ―I hate you.‖ I hate Muslims.‖ 3. The New Testament uses the word, miseo, which means – ―A feeling of strong antagonism and dislike, generally malevolent (malicious, BH) and prompting to injury (the opposite of love); sometimes born of moral resentment‖ (International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia). 1) Vines Expository Dictionary says it is ―malicious and unjustifiable feelings towards others, whether towards the innocent or by mutual animosity.‖ 4. Hatred is often borne out of prejudice or envy. 1) We learn to hate people because they are different than us or because they are rich or poor. 2) There is no place for racial or social prejudice in the life of the Christian. 3) Jas 2:9: James says if we show partiality we commit sin and are convicted as transgressors of the law. 78 C. Overcoming hatred begins by recognizing that we are as unlovable as the person we are tempted to hate and we have to learn to see the good in him and remember that he is God's creation as much as we. 1. Tit 3:1-3: Paul tells Titus to remind Christians – ―Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one (to speak evil of no one), to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.‖ 2. Can We Hate Those Who Hate Us? 1) John 15:18-19: Jesus told his apostles that they would be hated by the world because they were not of the world and the world hated Him. 2) We have heard the mantra long enough to know it by heart: ―Hate the sin, but love the sinner.‖ 3) It is so easy to do in principle, but often so difficult to do when the sinner is intent upon his sin and dissatisfied that you choose only to love him instead of or in addition to his sin. 3. Matt 5:43-45: One of the unique and profound characteristics of Jesus' teaching (as opposed to the moral teachings of other religions) is that Jesus demanded His disciples to go beyond what others considered right. 1) Beyond justice to mercy – ―You have heard that it was said, ‗YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.‖ 2) As victims of so much hatred, bigotry and persecution, we cannot be guilty of the same sin we expose in others. 3) Hating those who hate us makes us of the world, not of our Father. 4) Never hate people. D. How Does Hatred Affect Us? 1. Sometimes the damage of hate is easily seen. 1) When terrorists bomb innocent people or when violence exposes the emotion of the mob against an innocent person we attribute the actions to hatred. 2) We even designate certain crimes as ―hate crimes‖ and attempt to legislate against the emotion that preceded the actions. 79 3) The greatest ―hate crime‖ of all time was committed at Calvary by individuals who hated Jesus, and resorted to the violence that hate generates. 2. Hatred is a problem of the heart. 1) As such it does its damage within, sometimes imperceptibly. 2) Have you ever had to fight against the emotion of hatred? 3) Sometimes in dealing with that certain intolerable person you really have to discipline your mind against that one, first, small sensation of hatred. 4) If allowed to germinate the seed of hatred will grow. 5) You will find more and more reasons to justify your feelings of animosity. <> ―You just don't know what he did to me.‖ <> If it is Ok for you to hate one person for one moment, you can hate him forever. 3. Is it OK to hate someone if I never let them know my feelings? Prov 10:12: ―Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions (sins).‖ Prov 26:24-26: ―He who hates disguises it with his lips, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart. Though his hatred covers itself with guile, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.‖ 1) John said that the person who was angry with his brother without cause was a murderer (1 John 3:15). 2) How can that be true? 3) We will only understand that statement as we understand the true battleground of right and wrong. 4) Mark 7:18-23: It is the heart – ―And He said to them, ‗Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?' (Thus He declared all foods clean.) And He was saying, ‗That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.'‖ 5) The sin already exists within – Eventually it will show itself. 4. Eph 4:26-27: I am always challenged by Paul's admonition here – ―BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. 80 1) I cannot give place to the devil. 2) This is the confrontation that takes place in my thoughts (heart). 3) Prov 29:11: ―A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back.‖ – Didn't say to hold it in! 5. Gen 4:6-8: God warned Cain against the anger and hatred that was left unconfronted in his thoughts. ―Then the LORD said to Cain, ‗Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.' Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.‖ 1) Hatred is well connected with other sins of the heart. 2) Carnal considerations are often at the root of hatred. 3) Sometimes hatred is caused by envy or covetousness. 4) This brand of hatred is cured only by learning contentment, and giving what we have to others. E. Hatred is Darkness. 1. Certain things are absolutely opposed to each others – They are mutually exclusive. 1) John concentrates our attention on these opposites often in his writings. 2) Life vs. Death; Light vs. Darkness; Love vs. Hate. 1 John 2:9-11: ―The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.‖ 3) You cannot be in the light and hate your brother. 4) Hatred is evidence of darkness and blindness. 2. Luke 9:51-56: Compare Luke's statements with John's. ―When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, ‗Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?' But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‗You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.'] And they went on to another village.‖ 81 1) The Jews hated the Samaritans. 2) It was easy for John to envision violence against those who had rejected Jesus. 3) What Jesus tell the disciples? ―You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.‖ 4) They were blind of the spirit of being Jesus' disciple. 5) They did not know the Son of Man or His purpose as they should. 6) It doesn't matter how much we know the Bible – if we do not love each other we are as blind as the world around us. F. The eternal consequence of hating my brother. 1 John 4:20-21: ―If someone says, ‗I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.‖ 1. Do you love God? 1) Hatred is a journey into spiritual darkness that destroys the Christian's relationship with the God of love. 2) Hatred of God's wayward creation is a work of the flesh which ensures that we will spend all eternity with the one whom we could not stand to spend a single moment with on earth. 3) Hatred tortures the soul of the hater more than the hated. 4) We must exercise physical and mental self-control to go on hating the sin, but wishing repentance for the sinner. G. Never hate God – Why would anyone hate God? 1. Because they misunderstand the origin of sin and misery and blame God for the whole devilish package. 1) Have you not seen people in times of great tragedy blame God for not averting the disaster or come right out and accuse him of causing it? 2) Sin was not God's creation; it came from the devil and was given legs by man (Jas 1:12-17). 2. There is a time to hate, but God should never be its object, for God does nothing worthy of disdain, but offers hope and life to all who want it while punishing those who choose evil over good. 1) God did not cause your problems, but He is the answer to overcoming or dealing with them. 82 2) He is a benevolent Father who would work no evil upon his children, but sometimes suffers them to face the consequences of their actions or the natural and unnatural effects of nature and wicked men. 3) Times of tragedy call for the patience of Job, who likewise was afflicted by the devil and protected by God (Jas 5:10-11). CONCLUSION 1. This is a love & hate, life & death struggle. 1. We must strive to be like Christ because God is love. 1) But God also hates evil. 2. Next week we will look at what the Bible says about ―Good Hate‖. 1) Hating the things that God hates. 83 There Is A Season (13) ―A time to hate‖ (Good Hatred) INTRODUCTION A. Last week we talked about hatred as it appears from the context of Gal 5, where the apostle Paul listed it among the works of the flesh. 1. We saw it from the dark side, in fact we concluded by noticing that hating our brother was synonymous with walking in darkness, rather than light. 1) Hatred is of the world. 2) God is love and God does not hate people, He loves them. 3) He calls us to follow Him in loving our enemies, and disciplining our hearts against hatred. (not give place to the devil). B. So, God children are never to hate anything, right? Is that what the Bible teaches? Eccl 3:8: ―A time to love, and a time to hate‖. 1. Does this verse surprise you? Is there really a time for Christians to hate? 1) There are many today who shout that Christianity is a religion of hatred and that any moral judgment about the lifestyle or practice of another is evidence of that hatred. C. This lesson is about hatred, when it is appropriate and when it is self- destructive. 1. This verse indicates that there is a proper time to hate. 1) How can we determine the application of this passage? 2) What should I hate and when? 3) The simple answer may be, I must hate what God hates. I. GOOD HATRED A. Does God hate anything? 1. Deut 12:29-32: When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations which you are going in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, 30 beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, 'How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?' 31 You shall not behave thus toward the LORD your God, for every abominable act which the LORD hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. 84 32 Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it. 1) Moses warns the Israelites against adopting the idolatrous practices of their enemies, saying that He hates the ways that they worship. 2. Prov 6:16-19: Here are six things which the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, 19 a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers. 1) These things are very destructive and damaging to God's will, others and self. 3. Isa 1:14: ―I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, they have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them.‖ 1) God tells Israel that He hates their new moons and feasts (even though He had instituted them) because they observed them hypocritically and ritualistically. B. God's people are called to hate evil. 1. Ps 97:10: ―Hate evil, you who love the LORD, Who preserves the souls of His godly ones; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.‖ 1) Sometimes love and hate are two sides of the same coin. 2) Love for one thing might require hate for something else. Matt 6:24: ―No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.‖ 3) What good does it do to claim love for anything if you hate nothing? 4) If we love God, we must hate sin. 2. Prov 8:13: ―The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverted mouth, I hate.‖ 1) We show reverence for God when we hate sin and refuse the counsel of sinners. 2) Three times God describes Job as a man that was ―blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil‖ (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3). 3. Ps 119:104: ―From Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.‖ 1) We must hate sin in ourselves and in others, and hate it with an intensity of passion that is equaled only by the intensity of our love for God. 85 2) Heb 5:14: ―But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.‖ II. PRACTICING THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN SINNERS AND THEIR SIN A. Heb 1:8-9 explains how this hating by God should be understood. But of the Son He says, "YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM. 9 YOU HAVE LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATED LAWLESSNESS; THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS." 1. Jesus was approved by God for His love of righteousness and hatred of evil. 1) God doesn't hate the individual. 2) It is the hatred of the sin the individual is involved in. 3) Rom 5:8: ―But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.‖ 4) 10: Christians were ―His enemies.‖ 5) God loves the sinner but hates his sin. 2. What does this distinction mean practically? 1) It does not mean that sinners are not responsible for their sins. 2) God does not excuse the sinner as though he couldn't help it. 3) God's love is not an excuse for sin. 3. It does not mean that God does not fight against the sinner in the practice of sin. 1) Ps 5:4-6: ―For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil dwells with You. 5 The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity. 6 You destroy those who speak falsehood; the LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.‖ 2) God does not hate the sinner in the sense of seeking his destruction or doing what is evil towards him. 3) God is merciful and gives every person the opportunity to do good. 4. This same concept when practiced by Christians is often misunderstood by others. (We hate drunkenness, not the drunkard, etc.). 1) People can understand this principle when their children are involved. 2) They love their children, but are severely displeased with their activities. 86 B. It is sometimes stated that God's people must hate sin, but love the sinner. 1. I believe this properly expresses God's reaction to sin and sinners. 1) In fact it may be one of the most difficult aspects of God's nature for us to duplicate consistently. 2. We must love the evildoer even when his evil is against us. Matt 5:44-45: ―But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.‖ 1) Our generation increasingly accepts hateful treatment of others as a right way to react toward those who wrong them Matt 7:12: ―In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.‖ 3. God has not given us the right to take vengeance upon evil. Rom 12:17-21: ―Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‗VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,' says the Lord. 20 ‗BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.' 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.‖ 1) Look to your enemies good – may cause shame and remorse. 2) Overcome evil with good – Otherwise we will be ―overcome by evil.‖ 3) We must seek to overcome evil with good, and not be consumed with hatred when evil is committed against us! 4. Those who love, and do not hate, the sinner seek his good, even when it means judgment and rebuke. Gal 4:16: Paul asked the Galatians, ―So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?‖ Prov 3:12: ―For whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.‖ 1) If I really love the sinner I will point him to the word of God and call him to repentance. 2) The true hope of the homosexual or adulterer is not to accept his lifestyle but to rebuke his choices and show him the way out of his sin. 87 III. HATRED OF SIN DEMANDS A TOTAL COMMITMENT A. Why does God hate sin so much? 1. Because God is absolutely holy. 1) Hatred of evil is as much an element of holiness as the promotion of good. 2) But we must understand that God is fully committed in His hatred of sin – We are sometimes not. 2. Our excuses betray our lack of hatred for evil. 1) Some sins are detestable and intolerable. 2) But OUR sins are simply weaknesses that others must put up with. 3) Do you hate every evil way? 4) Even our self-righteous excuses are sins we easily overlook. 3. Do you really hate sin – every false and evil way? 1) Do you really hate pride, arrogance and a perverse mouth? <>Common sins in our society – politicians, sports figures and sometimes in ourselves. 2) Do you really hate lying? 3) Do you really hate hearing God's name being taken in vain? 4) Do you really hate covetousness? It's a virtue in our society. 5) Do you really hate violence? <>Do you enjoy movies and songs that build these evil ways up? B. Our attitudes in regard to sinful things will either help or hurt us. 1. If we hate every false way, we will not see how many steps down its path we can take before committing ourselves to it, but will avoid the disastrous route altogether. 1 Pet 3:10-12: For, "THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. 11 HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT. 12 "FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL." 1) Avoiding evil will keep us from sin. 2) We tend to avoid the things we dislike – crowds, traffic, 3) Not tempted to do what we hate to do. 4) We need that attitude towards sin – if we hate sin – stay away from it. 88 5) We are flirting with disaster when see how close we get to actually committing sin before we discipline our lives. 2. You cannot be good and love evil (Matt 6:24). Rom 12:9-10: ―Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.‖ 1) Pure un-hypocritical love is a state of mind in which evil is abhorred. C. A total commitment against evil demands that we not place a stumbling block in the path of others. 1. The worst thing that I could do would be to lead someone else to evil, instead of good. 1) Would you expect the president of the local AA chapter to drink socially or allow his children to drink socially? He would lose his credibility. 2) What about the Christian? How much does he have to lose? How much does he need his credibility? Eph 4:1-3: ―Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.‖ 3) Paul said that others have a right to expect that of a Christian. 2. Mark 9:42: ―Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.‖ 1) But how can I keep this from happening? 2) How can I be blameless here? 3) Read on and see how Jesus answers that question: Mark 9:43-48: ―If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than, having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire, 44[ where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.] 45 "If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame, than, having your two feet, to be cast into hell, 46[ where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.] 47 " If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into hell, 48 where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.‖ 4) Now that is a total commitment to the hatred of evil! <>Internet, friends, job, etc. 89 CONCLUSION 1. The most obvious conclusion is simply this – we need to avoid those things that we know God hates. 1. We also ought to do the things we know God loves. 1) These are ways that are right and cannot be wrong. 2. There is a time to hate and it is whenever evil appears. 1. We need to pray that God will help us see sin as He sees it. 1) Our age is defined by its ability to call evil good, and good evil (Isa 5:20). 2. We will be hated when we express our hatred for sin. 1) But we are called to be holy as God is holy. 2) Begin with the sin in your own life. 3. Do you hate sin enough to repent? Confess Jesus as Lord? Be baptized? 1. If not, another thing is also true – Don't love God enough. 1) The more we love God – the more we will hate sin, including our own. 2) Loving God and hating sin enough will move us to action – OBEDIENCE! 90 There Is A Season (14) ―A time for war‖ (Includes Section on Capital Punishment) INTRODUCTION A. Just like love and hate, war and peace seem to at times join in the same type of actions. 1. You love freedom, hate oppression, and therefore fight for freedom. 2. You love God, truth and the church, thus you ―fight the good fight of faith‖ (1 Tim 6:12). 1) The principle of war and peace also applies in the spiritual realm. 2) Through the victories over evil and error there can be peace in a local church. B. This principle also reminds us that while we might be peace-loving individuals, situations may force us to defend ourselves. 1. We might be drawn into conflict, when we really want peace. 1) It should also remind us that we can't remain passive or neutral in all circumstances. 2) There is a time when peace isn't possible. C. Our own nation is at war with an almost anonymous enemy. 1. In fact, though, Christians have always been at war with an invisible enemy, the devil, and peace from that struggle exists only on the other side of life. 1) The time for spiritual war is always now. Eph 6:10-17: ―Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.‖ 91 ―a time for war‖ A. As we contemplate fighting a war for the world against terrorism wherever it is found, we understand how difficult and costly the battle is going to be. 1. Peace often comes with the price of war – Not die for nothing. 1) Luke 14:31-33: ―Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.‖ 2. But we also wonder about the justification for going to war in light of the New Testament scriptures. 1) This war was spurred by a grave injustice committed on American soil. 2) A crime was committed and this war is an attempt to bring to justice all those who were involved and the government was given this duty by God Himself: Rom 13:1-4: ―Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.‖ 3) Although it may be hard to imagine, the United States would be shirking its responsibility if it did not wage this war to bring criminals to justice. B. Rom 12:17-21: ―Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‗VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,' says the Lord. 20 ‗BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.' 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.‖ 1. Vengeance belongs to God and He has shared none of that right with the individual. 92 1) But has enlisted the agency of government authorities to protect and prosecute when wickedness occurs. C. Religion and civil government under the Law of Moses. 1. The matter of religion and civil government has been an often-dividing issue for many. 1) Some believe that if the Bible is mentioned or found in a government building, there is a violation of the separation of "church and State." 2) Others believe "church and State" should be practically combined (the church over the State). 2. God created civil government. 1) The Law of Moses was a theocratic system in nature. 2) The Ten Commandment Code was to be implemented civilly and spiritually (Ex 20 ff.). 3) Hence, instructions were given for the carrying out of capital punishment. Ex 21: 12-17: ―He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death. 13 But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee. 14 If, however, a man acts presumptuously toward his neighbor, so as to kill him craftily, you are to take him even from My altar, that he may die. 15 He who strikes his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. 16 He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death. 17 He who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.‖ 3. Under the Law of Moses 1) Religious Law (sacrifices, etc.). 2) Moral Law (ruling the individual). 3) Civil Law (ruling the nation). <> Personal vengeance is banned – state applied justice (Num 35:9-35). D. The New Testament church was not designed to be a theocracy. 1. Rom 13:1: We read of the ―governing authorities (higher powers)‖ as being separate. ―For there is no authority (power) except from God, and those which exist are established by God.‖ 1) John 18:36: Jesus answered, ―My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.‖ 93 2) The church has no business in politics and the government has no business telling the church what to believe and practice. 2. America was founded for religious purposes and is based on religious principles, laws, and codes. 1) However, the church is spiritual in nature and work and must be distinguished from civil government (I Tim 3:15). 3. The NT teaches submission to civil government. 1) 1 Pet 2:13-14: ―Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.‖ (Different levels of civil government-federal, state, local). 2) Acts 5:29: The exception would be when government and God's word conflict. 4. Not only is obedience to government taught, but also honor is due. 1) 1 Pet 2:17: ―Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.‖ 2) Reverence for God should be found everywhere, including government. 3) Keep in mind, the contemporary government was Rome and the king was the infamous Nero. 5. Rom 13:2: Those who resist and disobey civil government are resisting God. ―Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.‖ Rom 13:5: ―Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.‖ 1) Sin to break the law of government – break God's law of authority. 2) Punished if caught. E. God rules in dictorial governments. 1. Dan 2:20-21: ―Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. 21 It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding.‖ Dan 4:17: ―His sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers and the decision is a command of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men.‖ 1) King Nebuchadnezzar – God doesn't condone every action. 94 2) Elders are ordained by the Holy Spirit – can they go corrupt? 3) God has ordained governments just as He does marriage. 4) However He doesn't approve of everything done in the name of marriage. 5) If a Christian can't obey the government because some things are wrong (not to obey), then we can't marry because some marriages and elders do wrong. 2. Governments do not belong to Satan (God does allow Satan to corrupt them. 1) God would not tell us to obey Satan. 2) If government belonged to Satan – he would be fighting himself (Mark 3:23-26). 3) Acts 26:32: When Paul appealed to Caesar – was he asking for Satan to protect him? 4) Rom 13:2: ―Whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God;‖ – Resists God's authority and power – not Satan's. F. It is not as clear as to how involved in government the individual Christian may become. 1. Luke 3:14: ―Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, ‗And what about us, what shall we do?' And he said to them, ‗Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.'‖ 1) Hard and fast rules will not cover the infinite particulars of human life. 2) Whether we will act or be passive, whether we will speak or be silent, what will be our demeanor, and what tone we will take – MUST DEPEND UPON THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND A NUMBER OF NEW COMBINATIONS. 3) Every man must judge for himself, and must remember that there is great virtue in opportunities=WISDOM! 2. The question then often arises: does the Christian, as an individual, have the right or duty to participate in these approved acts of the state? 1) This is sometimes called the war question, but also encompasses the duties of a policeman and others who may be asked to kill for their governments. 2) Conscientious brethren have differed through the years in their application of these principles, but I believe the silence of the scriptures needs to be respected here. 3. Rom 13:3-4: ―For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; 95 for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.‖ 1) The mission of government is good. 2) Government is to be at peace with good and at war with evil. 3) It does two things – Protects and punishes (justice; vengeance for God). 4. Society is at war against crime – at the root is sin. 1) City – Police. 2) Nation – Soldier. 3) If a criminal takes over your house – Who will you call? Arrested? 4) If 20 criminals take over your house – Need more police. 5) If 1000 (army) – takes over city – need the National Guard – Army. 6) Correctional officers are needed to keep criminals from the good of society. 7) Eccl 8:11-13: ―Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil. 12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly. 13 But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.‖ 5. Note the following observations: 1) First, if it is right for the government to pursue and punish criminals and to wage wars of justice, then it cannot be wrong for Christians to participate, unless we have decided that we shall not convert so many people that the armed forces would be dangerously diminished in number. 2) Secondly, would we not be better off with Christians in command of these efforts since we could trust them more implicitly than worldly people? 3) Nicodemus or Cornelius was never told to get out of the Roman army. 6. Rom 13:4: ―not bear the sword for nothing (in vain).‖ 1) Acts 25:11-12: ― ‗If, then, I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die; but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar. 12 Then when Festus had conferred with his council, he answered, ‗You have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you shall go.' ‖ 2) Paul, as a Roman citizen asked the government for protection. 96 G. The origin of capital punishment. Gen 9:6: ―Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man.‖ 1. Capital punishment viewed under the three dispensations generally recognized in the Bible: 1) Patriarchal (Gen 3 - Ex 20). 2) Mosaic (Ex 20 - Acts 2). 3) The gospel (Acts 2 - judgment). <>We have already seen that God instituted the death penalty under or during the Patriarchal Age (Gen 9:6). <>Notice why the murderer's life is to be taken: ―for in the image of God He made man.‖ <>Hence, the reason for the introduction of the death penalty was not dispensational. 2. The subject of capital punishment or the death penalty is often an emotionally charged subject. 1) Much of the religious opposition to the death penalty is based on the argument that capital punishment is not pleasing to God and is itself murder. H. The nature of God. 1. It is contended by the opposition of the right of civil government to take the life of one convicted of capital offense on the basis that God is love. 1) God does love man, all men (John 3:16). 2) However, does love preclude God from being strict and just? 2. Man seems to forget or deny the harmonious duality of the nature of God: Rom 11:22: ―Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God…‖ 1) The writer of Hebrews is motivating those to whom he wrote (by implication, Christians today) to not forsake the assembling of themselves together (Heb 10:25). 2) Heb 10:27: ―but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.‖ 3) Heb 10:28: He then cites those who despised Moses' Law, ―Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.‖ 4) Heb 10:29: Arguing from the lesser to the greater, he then shows how those who disobey Christ shall have ―severer (sorer) punishment.‖ 5) Heb 10:31: He concludes by enunciating, ―It is a terrifying (fearful) thing to fall into the hands of the living God.‖ 97 6) The God of the New Testament is the same God of the Hebrew Scriptures who Himself on many occasions exercised capital punishment. Num 25:1-9: ―While Israel remained at Shittim, the people began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab. 2 For they invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 3 So Israel joined themselves to Baal of Peor, and the LORD was angry against Israel. 4 The LORD said to Moses, ‗Take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight before the LORD, so that the fierce anger of the LORD may turn away from Israel.' 5 So Moses said to the judges of Israel, ‗Each of you slay his men who have joined themselves to Baal of Peor.' 6 Then behold, one of the sons of Israel came and brought to his relatives a Midianite woman, in the sight of Moses and in the sight of all the congregation of the sons of Israel, while they were weeping at the doorway of the tent of meeting. 7 When Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he arose from the midst of the congregation and took a spear in his hand, 8 and he went after the man of Israel into the tent and pierced both of them through, the man of Israel and the woman, through the body. So the plague on the sons of Israel was checked. 9 Those who died by the plague were 24,000.‖ I Cor 10: 8: ―Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty- three thousand fell in one day.‖ CONCLUSION 1. One person in his time plays many different parts – day by day, hour by hour. 1. There is a time for all of these events. 1) We are not masters of every event in our lives. 2. Therefore we will experience disappointments and frustrations. 1) But these disappointments and frustrations will be manageable when we understand that we can't do something about everything that happens. 3. But let us not remain with a one-sided or loped-sided view of life. 1) But we can involve ourselves in the will of God and participate and respond accordingly. 2) Let us live balanced Christian lives so we work with God and be a positive influence with those around us. 98 There Is A Season (15) ―A time for peace‖ INTRODUCTION A. ―There is a time for war and a time for peace.‖ 1. One of the challenges we face is determining just what the times and circumstances require. 2. Jer 6:13-15: ―For from the least of them even to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for gain, and from the prophet even to the priest everyone deals falsely. 14 They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, saying, 'Peace, peace,' but there is no peace. 15 Were they ashamed because of the abomination they have done? They were not even ashamed at all; they did not even know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be cast down, says the LORD.‖ 1) Because of Judah's sins they were not at peace with God. 2) Therefore, they did not have genuine peace at all! 3) Peace is often misunderstood, which can cause a false sense of security. 1 Thes 5:1-4: ―Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3 While they are saying, ‗Peace and safety!' then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.‖ B. Peace with God must exist first before peace among God's people can flourish. 1. When one is not at peace with God, peace with God's people is adversely affected. 1) If we misunderstand peace we are more likely to mistake a counterfeit peace for the real thing! I. DEFINING PEACE (about 150 times in OT and over 80 times in NT – found in every NT book except 1 John) A. DUAL NATURE OF PEACE (difference between "cease fire" and peace). 1. Absence of conflict. 1) OT – Hebrew ―Shalom‖ 2) Completeness, soundness and well-being of the total person. 3) Everything that makes for a man's highest good. 4) Sometimes had a physical meaning: 99 <> Security – Ps 4:8: ―In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.‖ <> Contentment – Isa 26:3: ―The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.‖ <> Prosperity – Ps 122:6-7: ―Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. 7 May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces." <> Absence of war – 1 Sam 7:14: ―The cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even to Gath; and Israel delivered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. So there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.‖ 5) NT – Greeks ―eirene‖ 1 Cor 14:33: ―or God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.‖ 2. Inner state of the mind, tranquility, serenity, contentment. Isa 32:15-19: ―Until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field is considered as a forest. 16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness and righteousness will abide in the fertile field. 17 And the work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever. 18 Then my people will live in a peaceful habitation, and in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places; 19 and it will hail when the forest comes down, and the city will be utterly laid low.‖ 1) Product of righteousness: Quietness, confidence and safety. 2) God's people are securely at peace in the midst of conflict. 3) This is a prophecy about us – Righteous reign of Messiah. B. THE GOSPEL'S RELATIONSHIP TO PEACE. 1. Jesus came to bring this inner peace of mind. Isa 9:6-7: ―For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.‖ Luke 2:14: When the angels announced the birth of Jesus they sang, ―Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.‖ 100 John 14:27: ―When Jesus was speaking to the apostles on the night of His betrayal, He said, ―Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.‖ 1) Jesus is seen as the author of this peace in this final age. John 16:33: ―These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.‖ 1) Because of what Jesus did, they could have peace in the midst of tribulation, and so can we today have peace in Jesus. 2. Jesus is our peace. Eph 2:14-17: ―For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR;‖ 1) The gospel is the message of peace. Acts 10:36: ―The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)—‖ 3. Yet, Christ and His gospel often bring conflict! Matt 10:34-37: ―Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to ‗SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; 36 and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.' 37 He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.‖ 1) This peace that Jesus offers must be maintained even at the cost of peace with family or any other relationship. 2) Those unprepared for the conflict the gospel brings are likely to misinterpret that conflict and accuse Christians of not being ―peace- lovers‖ because they ―contend earnestly for the faith‖ (Jude 3). 3) Today we face the question: Will we surrender our lives to the Prince of Peace or will we close our eyes to the things that make for peace? 101 4. Those who reject truth are rejecting peace. Ps 119:165: ―Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.‖ 1) Great peace is revealed in God's word and comes not by man's own wisdom and ingenuity. 2) We need to note that this peace cannot be separated from loving God's law. 3) We are not going to find the great peace spoken of here in human wisdom, philosophy, psychology, sociology, drugs, self-deception, false religion, etc. 4) People desperately need and seek peace, but often in the wrong sources. 5. God's word is the last place some people even begin to think of looking for it. 1) The God who made us knows what great peace is and how it can be attained and maintained. 2) What kind of peace is this? – Is it world peace? 3) How do we get this peace? II. PEACE WITH GOD Peace with God is the most important peace of all. Those who find peace with God will have peace with themselves and peace as much as possible with all men. A. To enjoy true peace, man must not only be at peace with his fellow man but also with his God. 1. In fact, because of his very nature, man will not be at peace with his fellow man until he is first at peace with God and then himself. 1) Notice the order of events in the beginning. 2) As long as Adam and Eve were obedient and at peace with God, they were at peace with one another. 3) But once sin entered their lives, they knew little peace. 4) Their arrogance, presumption and disobedience separated them from God and immediately they began to fuss and the family relationship was never the same again. 2. From that time forward man was destined to live by the sweat of his brow and the woman was to be subject to her husband. 1) In due time the feelings between Cain and Abel became so strained that Cain killed his brother. 102 2) From that day till this, self-righteousness, hate, envy, jealousy and all the other emotions that destroy peace have been all to evident in the history and affairs of man. 3. What is behind all of this? 1) The answer is evident! 2) The nation is turning away from God. <> Our courts have outlawed God. <> Our grade schools teach evolution, homosexuality. <> Our universities have become lewd love nests. <> Anyone who speaks against immorality is all but a criminal. 3) From the least to the greatest, the cry is ―Peace, peace‖ but there is no peace. B. Jud 6:23: ―The LORD said to him, ‗Peace to you, do not fear; you shall not die.'‖ 1. Gideon was oppressed by the Midianites, etc. 1) How did he get from not understanding peace to having complete peace? 2) Jud 6:10: ―and I said to you, "I am the LORD your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live. But you have not obeyed Me.‖ 3) Too many wrong beliefs – idols. 4) Must put trust in God before you can have peace – all or nothing. 5) Isa 26:3:―The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.‖ C. Isa 119:165: What connection does ―nothing causes them to stumble (nothing shall offend them)‖ have to do with ―great peace‖? 1. The word ―offend‖ here means to ―stumble‖ or to fall away from the faith. 1) The thought is: those who posses this great peace of God will not allow anything to cause them to fall away from the faith. 2) These properly evaluate the ―great peace‖ of God and refuse to relinquish it for any reason. 3) When we fully appreciate the value of God's ―great peace‖ we will be faithful unto death (Rev 2:10). 103 2. Satan will attempt to persuade us that God's ―great peace‖ is not so valuable. 1) Luke 8:12: In the parable of the sower, Jesus proclaims that those who are "wayside soil" never come to understand the value of the great peace of God in the first place. They dismiss it and devil catches away the word immediately. 2) The "rocky soil" (8:13) see the value of the great peace and embraces it, but ―in time of temptation fall away.‖ 3) The "thorny soil" (8:14) are they who allow themselves to be ―choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life.‖ 4) They decided it was not worth it to be a faithful Christian and fell away. 5) The ―good heart‖ (8:15) represents the faithful Christian who understood the value of God's ―great peace‖ – holds the word fast, ―and bear fruit with perseverance.‖ III. PEACE WITHIN A. The highest peace is made possible by the gospel – peace with God – makes all other peace possible (within and with others). Rom 5:1-5: ―Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.‖ Rom 8:6-8: ―For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.‖ Col 3:15: ―Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.‖ Phil 4:6-7: ―Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.‖ 104 1. This ―inner peace‖ ―surpasses all comprehension‖ because it can flourish even when all around is chaotic. 1) The idea of contentment is related to inner peace. Phil 4:11: ―Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.‖ 2) Here is an inner peace that is not dependent upon outward circumstances. 3) Paul lived in a dangerous world – and so do we! 4) It takes a dedicated mind set that is committed to God. 5) God guarantees it! – TRUST HIM! 2. A person can find inner contentment with the knowledge that he has a pure conscience. 1 Tim 1:5: ―But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.‖ 3. Much inner peace is lost because people have such high, unreasonable goals that they can never accomplish the goals they set before themselves. 1) Interruptions interfere with their attaining their goals and create turmoil in their life. Luke 3:14: ―…be content with your wages.‖ Heb 13:5: ―Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‗I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,'‖ 2) The greedy will never find that inner contentment associated with peace. 3) One throws away his inner peace to sacrifice himself on the altar of his own ambitions. IV. PEACE WITH OTHERS A. The instructions to Christians are clear. Rom 12:18: ―If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.‖ Heb 12:14: ―Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. 1. A person cannot always control the circumstances about him. 1) But he can find more peace by focusing on his OWN ATTITUDES TOWARD THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES. B. Here are some things you can do. 1. Develop a sense of self-esteem that enables one to look at himself and know that he has done all that he can to promote and keep the peace. 105 1) You must not allow your own inner peace to await the approval of everyone around you – It will never come. 2. Be considerate of others. Phil 2:3-4: ―Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.‖ 1) Selfishness destroys peace. 3. Be forebearing – show tolerance – forgive those who sin against you. Eph 4:2-3: ―with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.‖ Col 3:13: ―bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.‖ 1) Pass over an infraction (Prov 19:11). 4. Go the second mile (Matt 5:41). C. Peter: An example of a peaceful life. 1. The gospels first introduce us to him as a most un-peaceful man. 1) He lacked peace with himself – While the great storm tosses Galilee's waves, fearful Peter joins the other disciples in criticizing the Lord for sleeping while they face imminent drowning (Mark 4:38). 2) Peter was also violent and un-peaceful toward others – The night of Jesus' arrest when he lashed out with a sword and cut off the ear of a servant of the high priest named Malchus (John 18:10). 3) Jesus' prophecy of Peter denying Him 3 times came true. 2. When Peter repented, he was a changed man–a source of strength for others. 1) Finding peace with God brought peace to himself – Sleeping peacefully the night before Herod had purposed his execution. <> An angel had to strike him in the side to awaken him (Acts 12:6-7). 2) He also found peace with others – When Paul publicly rebuked him, he didn't lash back with violence (Gal 2:12-14). <> Later he wrote of Paul as his ―beloved brother‖ (2 Pet 3:15). 106 3. Peter's life testifies that those who will submit to the Prince of Peace truly find―peace on earth‖ (Luke 2:14) and the ―peace that surpasses all comprehension‖ (Phil 4:7). CONCLUSION 1. How is it in your life? 1. Nothing in this world can compare to the peace Jesus offers. 1) Having this ―great peace‖ – will help keep you from stumbling (falling). 107