WHAT MATTERS IN THE END?

1 Thessalonians 5

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

What matters in the end? That’s a great question. What matters now is because of what matters in the end. Does that make sense to you? Let us see the answers in the Word of God.

 

I. WHAT MATTERS IN THE END IS THAT THERE WILL BE AN END

 

1. It will Catch some by Surprise [v. 1-3]

 

2. Some should Know by Scripture [v. 4-5]

 

3. Therefore, Some, Who are Different, should Be Different [v. 6-11]

 

II. WHAT MATTERS IN THE END IS WHAT YOU SHOULD BE UNTIL THE END

 

1. Toward Other Christians [v. 11]

 

2. Toward Christian Leadership [v. 12-13]

 

3. Toward Christian Weaklings and Unbelievers [v. 14-15]

 

III. WHAT MATTERS IN THE END IS WHAT ALWAYS MATTERS

 

1. In Christ Jesus [v. 16-18]

 

2. In the Spirit [v. 19-23]

 

3. In the Trinity [v. 23-28]

THE COMMAND

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

This is a true statement. This is a legitimate command. This is not up for debate. It is not up for a vote.

It is right. It is reasonable. It is easy to understand and difficult to do but it is still right.

It is for us. It is for me. It is for you. It is for everyone whether they like it or not.

Let us take the matter up to understand it better, but, understand it or not, it is right and it is your solemn duty, and my solemn duty, to do it.

 And while it is our solemn duty if we do it like we are supposed to do it- we will rejoice while doing it.

What is the old joke – you will do it and you will like it? Well, here it is in reality, and it is no joke.

 

I. THE PREAMBLE TO THE COMMAND

 

1. This is Primarily for Christians [v. 1, 4-6, 8-9, 14-15]

 

2. This is a Priority for Christians [1-2, 4-8,14]

 

-priority for the lost is to become a Christian [3, 7-9]

 

3. This is the Preamble to the Command [v. 16-17]

 

II. THE SCOPE OF THE COMMAND [v. 18] “concerning you”

 

1. Despite Your Situation “In every thing”

 

2. Devotion to Your Sovereign “for this is the will of God”

 

3. Determined by Your Location “in Christ Jesus”

 

III. THE RESULT OF THE COMMAND

 

1. A Life in Submission to the Spirit of God [v. 19]

 

2. A Life in Study  and Submission to the Word of God [v. 20-22]

 

3. A Life in Sanctification and Usefulness by the Power of God [v. 23-28]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 The church in the city of Corinth seems to have had more heresy and divisons than most of the other churches. They divided over Paul, Cephas, Apollos and Christ (I Cor. 1:12). Some of them got drunk at the Lord's Supper (I Cor. 11:21). They kept in membership and fellowship a man living in open shame with his stepmother (I Cor. 5:1). Their women took too prominent a part in the church services and had to be rebuked by the apostles (I Cor. 14:34, 35).

And here at Corinth, the modern false and perverted tongues movement seems to have started. A study of Paul's rebuke in the 14th chapter of I Corinthians shows that the doctrine and practice of the Christians at Corinth of the tongues movement was not what the apostles had had at Pentecost. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 204]

The Pilgrim Fathers who had come to America to make a home in the wilderness where they might have freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their conscience, had the first harvest in 1621. So at Plymouth, Massachusetts, the little hand of devoted people, hewing homes out of the wilderness amid many perils, set apart a day of thanksgiving to God. And on that day they feasted and gave thanks. - John R. Rice [Count Your Blessings, pg. 2]

President Lincoln appointed the last Thursday of November, 1864, as Thanksgiving Day. Now the Thanksgiving Day tradition is firmly established in America, and every person who has a grateful heart should devoutly thank God and take stock and count his blessings. - John R. Rice [Count Your Blessings, pg. 2]

Thanksgiving day should only be one day to make official and public the praise that should resound in our hearts and testimonies throughout the year. By divine inspiration, David wrote, "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth"! (Ps. 34:1). Again he said, "And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long" (Ps. 35:28). - John R. Rice [Count Your Blessings, pg. 2]

So, Christian, count your blessings! Like David, say to yourself, "Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name." See that the prayer of your lips is praise from the heart. See that all your being is involved in this holy matter of thanksgiving and glory to God! Count your blessings. "Forget not all his benefits." - John R. Rice [Count Your Blessings, pg. 3-4]

So let every one who counts his blessings think of the unfailing favor of God who, day after day, has supplied food to satisfy the body, to delight the heart.

How fitting that, with bowed heads and reverent hearts, every home at mealtime should thank God for the food. What wicked ingratitude it is to eat like pigs with both feet in the feed trough, without a heartfelt thank-you to the Giver of every good and perfect gift! - John R. Rice [Count Your Blessings, pg. 21]

I have heard men pray most earnest and fervent prayers for sinners. They would say perhaps, "Lord, send the Holy Spirit over to that sinner and convict him so that he can't sleep, so he can't eat. Convict him deeper than sin has ever left a stain, so that he will have to come and be saved." But I have known such men who have prayed so earnestly and eloquently, who have never lifted a finger to keep anybody out of Hell, and who sat at home and read the newspapers while they wanted to send the Holy Spirit, like a Western Union messenger boy, over to do the work which God had commanded them to do. I am not minimizing the work of the blessed Holy Spirit. I know that no sinner will ever be saved who is not convicted and enlightened by the Spirit of God. But God's plan is that the Holy Spirit shall work through Christians. He is to make His appeal through the heart, and the voice, and the tears, and the handclasp, and the earnest entreaty of a Christian who loves Him. - John R. Rice [Golden Path of Successful Personal Soul Winning, pg. 96]

A TRUE FRIEND [3]

JOB 36-37

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Elihu, younger than Job and his 3 friends, continues to reason with them and the crowd.

 

I. A TRUE FRIEND WILL TALK ABOUT GOD [36:1-15]

 

1. Elihu Speaks on God’s Behalf [v. 1-9]

 

-God is righteous [v. 1-3]

-God is Wise [v. 4-5]

-God is Watching [v. 6-9]

 

2. Elihu Speaks on God’s Behavior toward Receivers [v. 10-12]

 

-the purpose [v. 10-11]

-the prosperity [v. 11]

-the purging [v. 12, Heb. 12]

 

3. Elihu Speaks on God’s Behavior toward Rejecters [v. 13-15]

 

-wrath [v. 13]

-wages [v. 14, Rm. 6:23]

-wisdom [v. 15]

 

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pain. It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” -C.S. Lewis

 

II. A TRUE FRIEND WILL TALK ABOUT GOD’S WORK [36:16-37:1]

 

1. Job Chose Wrong [36:16-21]

 

2. God Chose Job [36:22-25]

 

3. Men Choose Responses [36:26-37:1]

 

III. A TRUE FRIEND WILL TALK ABOUT GOD’S WAYS [37:2-24]

 

1. The Voice of God [v. 2-6]

 

2. The Counsel of God [v. 7-13]

 

3. The Works of God [v. 14-24]

BUT WHERE ARE THE NINE?

Luke 17:11-19

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE REQUEST OF THE LEPERS

 

1. It Was a Request of Desperation [v. 11-12, Romans 5:6]

 

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

 

2. It Was a Request of Designation [v. 13, Luke 18:13]

 

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

 

3. It Was a Request of Determination [v. 14, John 2] “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.”

 

II. THE REALIZATION OF THE SAMARITAN

 

1. God Had Healed Him [v. 15]

 

2. Jesus is God [v. 16, Acts 9:5-6]

 

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?

 

3. He Put His Faith in Christ [v. 19, Eph. 2:8-9]

 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 

III. THE REACTION OF THE SAVIOUR

 

1. He Noted the Absence of the Others [v. 17]

 

2. He Noted the Actions of the Samaritan [v. 18]

 

3. He Noted the Activity of Faith [v. 19]  

 

sozo,  to save, i.e. deliver or protect, heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole. [103 verses in the New Testament]

Some example from Matthew

1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. [salvation of the soul]

8:25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. [salvation of the life]

9:21-22 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. [salvation of the body]

10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. [life]

14:30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. [life]

16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. [lifetime]

18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. [soul]

19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? [soul]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

 I do not recommend that churches open their doors to take anybody whether they are scripturally baptized or not. That scriptural requirement is proper and right, but I do not mean that it shuts out from love and fellowship, in the Christian sense, all those who are born again but not in the same local church. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 97]

There are boundaries that are inevitable and sometimes necessary and right between me and many other Christians. I cannot join with Dr. Billy Graham when he has a Bishop Pike on his platform or when he has Bishop Kennedy as his chairman of his campaign, or when his campaign is under the auspices of the modernistic Protestant Council of New York City. I cannot join with him when he sends the inquirers back to Catholic churches to pray to Mary and confess to a priest and go to mass. I am saying that there are barriers which I do not think I ought to cross. But I ought to love Billy Graham. He is born again. He believes the Gospel and preaches it. Perhaps he doesn't preach as strong on Hell and judgment as I think he should. He is not as plainly against modernism as I think he ought to be. But then he would doubtless find things wrong with me, too. So I love Billy Graham. I prayed for him day by day for many a year. I rejoiced in his campaign in Korea recently when multiplied tens of thousands heard him. He is God's man. I believe he is saved and going to Heaven, and I love him. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 106]

We are commanded, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). If "go" is not the biggest word in the Great Commission, it is certainly the basic one. Nobody ever catches fish without going fishing. Nobody raises a crop unless he goes out to the field. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 114]

One never has to sell out the Gospel in order to get people to hear it. People never have to betray Christ and His great standards in order to get more people saved. It is never right to do wrong in order to get to do good. The Bible plan is still right that Christians should not yoke up with unbelievers. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 146]

Our Christianity ought to show. If one is a Christian, he ought to be different than others. A Christian ought to smell like a Christian instead of like a tobacco barn. A Christian ought to talk like a Christian instead of having a dirty, foul tongue. And a Christian certainly ought to dress like a Christian if there is a difference between the Devil's crowd and the Lord's crowd. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 181]

Sometimes people are urged to relax everything, loose everything and let the Holy Spirit speak through them. They are told that then the Holy Spirit will speak through them. They are told that then the Holy Spirit will speak through their mouth a heavenly language that they do not understand. But that is NOT what happened at Pentecost and that is not what the Bible teaches Christians should do. Anyone who turns himself over to a spirit may be submitting to an evil spirit. We are plainly commanded to "try the spirits" (I John 4:1). If the result is confusion, it is not of God. God brings understanding and order. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 196]

Today we have people who seek some outward show instead of inward power. Today we have people (unlike Paul) who would rather speak ten thousand words in an unknown tongue than five words with the understanding! They, perhaps unconsciously, seek the praise of men rather than the power of God. Well, that is not surprising for there were the same kind of weak, superficial and mistaken Christians in Bible times as there are now. Nearly every kind of heresy of modern times was first exhibited in the churches mentioned in the New Testament. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 204]

A TRUE FRIEND [2]

JOB 34-35

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Elihu, younger than Job and his 3 friends, continues to reason with them and the crowd.

 

I. PROPER THINKING IS IMPORTANT [34:1-30]

 

Nowhere does the Bible ask us to commit intellectual suicide. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” In Isaiah 1:18 God says, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” The Christian faith is a reasonable faith [Rm. 12:1-2] and it is the only world view that makes total sense.

 

1. Consider the Company of Your Thoughts [v. 1-9, Ps. 1:1-3]

 

2. Consider the Goodness of God [v. 10-12]

 

3. Consider the Greatness of God [v. 13-30]

 

II. PROPER SPEAKING IS IMPORTANT [34:31-35:13]

 

1. With Humility [34:31-34]

 

2. With Knowledge [34:35-35:3]

 

3. With Understanding [35:4-13] of God’s Transcendence

 

III. PROPER PERSONAL APPLICATION IS IMPORTANT [35:14-16]

 

1. God does Know- Trust Him [v. 14]

 

Is. 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

2. You Don’t Know- Curb Your Imagination [v. 15]

 

3. You Don’t Know- Curb Your Tongue [v. 16]

 

“It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear ignorant than to open it and remove all doubt”

THE PROBLEMS OF A CARNAL CHRISTIAN

I COR. 3:1-4

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Samson was the strongest man in the world in the physical sense of the term, but sin made him weak. He had power to conquer others, but he couldn’t conquer his own lust. Samson could kill a lion with his bare hands, but he couldn’t kill his sin nature.

 

I. THE CAUSE OF SAMSON’S PROBLEMS [JUDGES 14-16]

 

1. The Choices He Made

-the wrong girlfriends [14:1-3, 16:1, 4]

-the wrong view of standards [14:8-9]

-the wrong view of strength [16:5-16]

-he did not flee temptations- he flirted with them! “I can handle it… I know she is out to get me but…

 

2. The Chances He Took - Samson played games with holy things and lost!

- our bodies are holy [1 Cor. 6:19-20]

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

- our Bibles are holy [2 Cor. 4:2]

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

- our behavior is holy [1 Peter 1:15-16]

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

2 Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

 

II. THE CONSEQUENCES OF SAMSON’S PROBLEMS [JUDGES 14-16

 

1. Lost his power [16:20] sin befuddles

 

2. Lost his eyes [16:21] sin blinds

 

3. Lost his freedom [16:21] sin binds

 

4. Lost his testimony [16:24] sin brands - lost the chance to be a blessing to others

 

5. Lost his life [16:30] sin’s wages

 

6. Lost his opportunity to obey and serve God [13:5, 16:30, 1 Corinthians 11:30]

For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.

And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life.

For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

 

III. THE CURE OF SAMSON’S PROBLEMS

 

1. Die to Self [John 12:24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

1 Corinthians 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily .

Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

 

2. Live for God [Philippians 1:21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Galatians 2:19-20 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

 

Many want the thrill of feeling right but do not want the inconvenience of being right.

 

3. Keep Short Accounts with God [1 Jn. 1:9, Proverbs 28:13]

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

A TRUE FRIEND

JOB 32-33

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

There is a difference of opinion concerning Elihu amongst Christians. Some claim him to be like Job’s 3 friends and another tool of the Devil while others believe him to be an earnest youth, not perfect, but certainly a tool of God. Count me as one of the latter for several reasons.

 

1) Elihu is sensitive to Job’s suffering

2) Elihu claims God is his source of wisdom- not age, intelligence or experience

3) when God rebukes Job’s 3 friends he does not rebuke Elihu

 

I. ELIHU’S INTRODUCTION [32] Elihu’s name means God is Mighty or God’s Strength

 

1. His Wrath [v. 1-3] Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

 

2. His Restraint [v. 4-6]

 

3. His Inspiration [v. 7-22, 1 Corinthians 2:11]

 

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

 

II. ELIHU’S EXPLANATION [33:1-11]

 

1. From the Heart [v. 1-3]

 

2. From Commonality [v. 4-7]

 

3. From Paying Attention [v. 8-11]

 

III. ELIHU’S THEOLOGY [33:12-33]

 

1. God is Worthy [v. 12-13, Romans 3:4]

 

…yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Is. 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

2. God is Working [v. 14-29] Esp. v. 18 cf. 2 Cor. 12:7-10

 

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

 

3. God is Wise [v. 30-33] Daniel 2:20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever : for wisdom and might are his:

1 Corinthians 1:24 Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 

Hebrews 12 teaches that there are 3 ways to meet the chastening hand of God

 

1) despise it [v. 5] as though God was not involved in it

2) faint under it [v. 5] be a quitter

3) be exercised by it [v. 11]

John R. Rice Quotes of the Week

The Lord Jesus said in John, chapter 15, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you" (vs. 18). He said, "The servant is not greater than his lord" (vs. 20).

Isn't it strange that the world that crucified Jesus likes you fine? There is something bad wrong with you when the world that killed Jesus Christ gets along all right with you, and doesn't find a thing to criticize. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 58]

I can say I prefer the King James Version of the Bible. I think for general use it is the best. I use it continually in preaching, in study, in memory work. I read it almost exclusively in private devotions. But I know that translations themselves are not guaranteed by the Scriptures, and I know that sometimes the American Standard Version can give help in places where other translations are not perfect.

Make sure that you understand what I am saying. I am against any translation of the Bible by modernists and liberals, like the Revised Standard Version, the Living Bible, the New English Version, Good News for Modern Man, or others that play down the deity of Christ and take the word "virgin" out of Isaiah 7:14. I say that even paraphrases of the Bible are doubtful and often especially bad because they pretend to be the Bible when they are not a careful, literal translation. But on these opinions I am not alone. Great Christian scholars are agreed, fundamental, Bible-believing scholars.

I am against the modernists, the liberals; I am not against God's fundamental, Bible-believing, soul-winning Christians, though I may differ with them on some details. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 74-75]

A correspondent writes:

"I sincerely cannot accept the belief that God dictated the Scriptures. I don't think this view is supported by either Scripture or evidence."

Well, he was kind to write me about it because I know the evidence, and I think it is compelling.

The fundamentalist position is that God gave the very words of Scripture in the original manuscripts. That is, literally "verbal inspiration," word-for-word inspiration. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 79]

I believe the Bible gives a clear pattern for local New Testament churches, local congregations of Christians. Members should be people claiming to be born again. They should be baptized by immersion, as people were in Bible times. They should set out to live for God. And, in the nature of the case, that local church fellowship is a fold and has boundaries which do not include all Christians. I can have Christian fellowship with some with whom I do not have local church fellowship. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 96]

In the old-time country churches, when people were saved we would invite all Christians to come by and give them a hand of "Christian fellowship." And then when they were baptized and fully recognized as members in the local church, the pastor would invite the church membership to come by and "give them the hand of church fellowship." That did not indicate anything unkind. We simply meant there is a special responsibility to those who are in our own number. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 96-97]

I can have fellowship with a Christian who is not scripturally baptized. I must feel free to tell him what he ought to do, but I cannot deny that he is a child of God, and I cannot withhold from him my love, because he has not been properly taught, maybe, or because he has thus far neglected scriptural baptism. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 97]

I do not recommend that churches open their doors to take anybody whether they are scripturally baptized or not. That scriptural requirement is proper and right, but I do not mean that it shuts out from love and fellowship, in the Christian sense, all those who are born again but not in the same local church. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 97]

When I say we should love the sheep of Christ, I do not mean fellowship with the goats of Satan. Again, 2 Cor. 6:14-18 gives us clear instructions. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 95]

THE VETERAN

Ephesians 4:4-10

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. THE VETERAN HAS FOUGHT THE LONGEST WAR [Luke 10:18] And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

 

1. THE MOST DESPERATE SITUATION [Romans 5:12-14] Wherefore , as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

2. THE MOST DARING PLAN [Romans 5:15] But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

3. THE SUREST END [Romans 5:16-21] And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

II. THE VETERAN IS THE MOST DYNAMIC SOLUTION

 

1. THE GREATEST SACRIFICE [Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

2. THE INCOMPARABLE SAVIOUR [Hebrews 7:27] Who needeth not daily , as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 10:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

Hebrews 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

3. THE VICTORIOUS CRY [John 19:30] When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

III. THE VETERAN WON THE MOST MEMORABLE VICTORY

 

1. THE MOST POWERFUL FOES [Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 Cor. 15:50-57 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. THE MOST MAGNIFICENT LEADER [John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Romans 2:16 God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

3. THE MOST SATISFYING CONCLUSION [Revelation 20:10] And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Eph. 2:1-10 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

SOW, WAIT, REAP

GALATIANS 6:7-10

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

If I wanted to grow some tomatoes what would I need? Soil, water, sunshine… tomato seeds! If I sow pumpkin seeds I will not get tomatoes.

 

I. SOW TO THE FLESH [v. 7-8]

 

1. Be Not Deceived [v. 7]

 

1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 2:26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

 

2. God is Not Mocked [v. 7, Numbers 32:23]

 

Behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

 

3. Sow to the Flesh and You will Reap Corruption [v. 7b-8a]

 

II. SOW TO THE SPIRIT [v. 7-8]

 

1. Be Not Deceived [v. 7, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5]

 

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

 

2. God is Not Mocked [v. 7]

 

3. Sow to the Spirit and You Will Reap Life Everlasting [v. 8b, Ps. 126:5-6]

 

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

John 4:36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

2 Peter 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

 

III. Wait & Reap [v. 9-10]

 

1. Do Not Be Weary on Doing Right [v. 9, Luke 18:1]

 

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Ephesians 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

2 Thessalonians 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

 

2. We Will Reap if we don’t Quit [v. 9, Luke 8:11-15]

 

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

 

3. Do Good to Everyone- Especially Christians [v. 10]

WHAT NEXT? WHAT NOW? WHAT ELSE?

ROM. 12:10-21

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

You may be asking yourself, whether you think the election is over or not, what next? What now? Well, follow the Word, Live your faith, Share the Gospel, Honour the Saviour, Look up! In other words, what else?

 

Amidst all of these I’d like to encourage us through the Scripture to BE all we can be – for the Saviour. Paul lived in troublesome times. Paul faced uncertainties. Paul clung to the Cross of the Lord Jesus, was led of the Spirit, trusted God and carried on. Let me give you three thoughts this morning. Be Persistent. Be Prayerful. Be Patient.

 

I. BE PERSISTENT

 

1. In Christian Love [v. 9-10]

 

2. In Christ’s Service [v. 11]

 

3. In Christian Hope [v. 12a]

 

The word “hope” is only found one time in the Gospels, in the book of Acts, Luke’s epistle if you will, it refers mainly to the resurrection of Christians based on Christ’s resurrection and His coming again- this thought carries through the rest on the New Testament.

Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

Acts 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Acts 26:6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:

Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

 

Not only should we be persistent, but we should:

 

II. BE PATIENT [v. 12b] as you can see in this verse, patience is tied almost irrevocably with tribulation. This truth also carries through the New Testament. But lets point it at 3 areas with that knowledge.

 

1. Be Patient TO All Men [v. 12, 1 Th. 5: 14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

 

2. Be Patient Teaching [v. 12, 15:4, Mt. 28:18-20, 2 Tm. 2:24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.

 

3. Be Patient TIL Jesus Comes [v. 12, 2 Th. 3:5, James 5:7-8]

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Which brings us to number 3:

 

III. BE PRAYERFUL [v. 12c]

 

1. God Hears Prayer [Psalm 65:2] O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

 

2. God Encourages Prayer [1 Thessalonians 5:17, Philippians 4:6] Pray without ceasing.

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

3. God Answers Prayer [Proverbs 15:29,  Matthew 7:7-8]

The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

 

WHAT NEXT? WHAT NOW? WHAT ELSE? Be Persistent. Be Prayerful. Be Patient.

JOHN R. RICE QUOTES OF THE WEEK

 Yes, we are to love Christians; we are to rebuke them lovingly, and restore them when possible, but we are not to condone gross sin, we are not to enforce fellowship where it causes division and strife. [1 Cor. 5:4-5, 11, Rm. 16:17] - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 34]

The one great business of New Testament churches was soul winning. That is not one item in the program; that was the program. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 45]

Put this down and remember it - God never works foolishly. God never gave anybody the power to speak in a language except in order that somebody should hear in that language and be edified by it. God never gave anybody the power to interpret languages, except to interpret some foreign language to people in his own tongue so that they would be blessed. In other words, God never gave anybody power either to speak in another language, or to understand another language except that somebody should be edified (instructed or inspired) by the gift. The spiritual gifts mentioned in I Corinthians 12 were all meant for objective blessings and never just for the enjoyment of the one who received the gift. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 206]

To some people you cannot prove a matter by the Word of God. They prefer their own experiences or opinions or reason. Carnal-minded people, who seek to make a big impression on others by what they call "speaking in tongues," may not listen to the messages of God in these chapters [1 Cor. 12, 13, and 14]. Such people, Paul concludes, must remain spiritually ignorant on the question. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 210]

Everybody wants some EXPERIENCE with the Holy Ghost, something to make you feel light as a feather and to hear angels' wings flopping. But you don't want what God wants. He wants you to get people saved. He wants to put power upon you to go witness and win souls. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 56]

Didn't Paul write to Timothy, "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (II Tim. 3:12)? Didn't Jesus say, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you" (Luke 6:26)? But He said, "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake" (Matt. 5:11).

Notice--if they say it "falsely." If they say truly that you are cantankerous, then that is no credit to you. But if you suffer persecution, if you suffer for Jesus' sake--so persecuted they all the prophets that were before you. You can thank God for that. - John R. Rice [I Am A Fundamentalist, pg. 56-57]

All Satan's Apples Have Worms. I do not deny that the Devil has some pretty apples; I just say that all of them are fakes and that after you bite into them, you will find they have worms. All Satan's apples have worms. - John R. Rice [All Satan's Apples Have Worms]

POEM of the Week

 On Behalf of Ink and Lead

How often have you stopped to think,
Of all the lead and all the ink,
That gave their lives that you might read,
Whenever you felt you had the need?
That's silly, you say, no lives were given.
No ink and lead were really livin'.
How you think that, I Can't abide...
It was murder then, not suicide!


Copyright ©2006 Frederick A. Jackson

THE ELECT

PSALM 110                                                                          

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Generally, when we talk of the elect we are referring to those individuals that God considers elect because of their decision to accept God’s generous offer of eternal life in Jesus Christ. But sometimes elect refers to those angels that did not rebel with Lucifer against God [1 Timothy 5:21]. And still yet again, sometimes elect refers to none other than Jesus Christ Himself. It is this we wish to examine tonight.

               

Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

1 PETER 2:5-8 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

 

I. THE ELECT’S POSITION [v. 1]

 

1. It is a Position of Eminence [John 8:54]

 

Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:

2 Peter 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

 

2. It is a Position of Prominence [Mark 16:19]

 

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather , that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

 

3. It is a Position of Dominance [1 Peter 3:22]

 

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

 

II. THE ELECT’S PLACE [v.2-3]

 

1. It is a Place of God’s Own Choosing [v. 2, Ps. 2:1-6]

 

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

 

2. It is a Place of God’s Own Chosen [v. 3, Zech. 12:1-9]

 

The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces , though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness. And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God. In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem. The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them. And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

 

3. It is a Place of God’s Own Cleansing [v. 3-4, Zech. 12:9-13:1]

 

III. THE ELECT’S POWER [v. 5-7]

 

1. The Power of Battle [v. 5, Rev. 19]

 

2. The Power of Judgment [v. 6, Rev. 20]

 

3. The Power of Victory [v. 7, Rev. 21-22]

WHAT TO DO WITH CRITICISM

Pastor Rick Jackson 

We all face criticism at one time or another... and another and another, etc.

What do we do with criticism? What if its constructive criticism? What if its true? What do we do with criticism?

I. EVALUATE

1. Consider the source! (Jn. 12:1-8)Dr. Lee Roberson has some excellent thoughts concerning people who criticize. He says, "Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize!" A while back someone criticized me for not preaching on a certain subject to another member. This was related to me and interestingly enough I had preached on the subject in question even shortly before they made the comment, but since this person only came to church on Sunday mornings they had no clue to what was being preached two-thirds of the time!

2. Consider the seriousness! (Gal. 2:11-14) Paul had to criticize Peter's actions. Some criticized Moody's lack of education saying he butchered the king's English. This is true but not serious enough to warrant the criticism.

3. Consider the Scriptures! (Gal. 1:10, Acts 4:19)

II. EVICT

1. Do away with Vengeance (Rm. 12:18-21)

2. Do away with Vanity (I Co. 15:31, Jn. 12:24) No pity parties allowed!

3. Do away with Values of the world (Jm. 3:13-4:10)

III. INVOLVE

1. The Saviour in prayer (Acts 9:6, Lk. 22:42)

2. The Spirit in submission (Gal. 5:16-26)

3. The Scriptures in preparation (Acts 17:11)

THE STRONGMAN’S PRESCRIPTION FOR FAILURE

JUDGES 14-16

 

Pastor Rick Jackson*

 

If you wanted a prescription for failure you would not think Samson would be the best pharmacist- uniquely gifted of God, he like many others before and since, squandered the chances given to him. Perhaps if we examine his life again we will learn the prescription for failure and never get it filled.

 

The first great mistake he made was that:

 

I. HE ASSUMED HIS ENEMY WAS NOT HIS ENEMY [14:1-3, 7]

 

John 19:12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.

-James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

 

II. HE CATERED TO HIS WEAKNESS [15:20-16:5]

 

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

 

III. HE TOOK THE SOURCE OF HIS STRENGTH LIGHTLY [13:5, 24-25, Num. 6:1-8]

 

Deuteronomy 11:8 Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it;

Joshua 1:7,9 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. . . . Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

1 Chronicles 22:13 Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

 

IV. HE ASSUMED THAT EVERYTHING WOULD ALWAYS BE THE SAME [16:20ff]

 

Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

1 Corinthians 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

2 Peter 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

 

*adapted from notes by Dr. J. R. Faulkner

THE ORDINARY MAN’S PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS

John 1

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

Andrew is mentioned by name 13 times in the NT. 8 of those times he is referred to as Simon Peter’s brother, 3 of those times he is mentioned in a group of the disciples, and the other 2 he is named with Philip. There are several things about Andrew that commend him to us and are worthy of being in our own lives. He was an ordinary man like us, but he lived a successful life and so can we.

 

I. HE WAS NOT A SELF-RIGHTEOUS MAN

 

 

1. He Heard of the Person of Christ [Jn. 1:30-36, 40]

 

2. He Heard of the Power of Christ [Jn. 1:29, 33, 36]

 

3. He Hearkened to the Invitation of Christ [Jn. 1:37-40]

 

II. HE WAS WILLING TO PLAY A SMALLER ROLE [Rm. 12:1-16]

 

 

In God’s will there is no such thing as second fiddle. Joshua, Aaron, Elisha, Barnabas, Paul, Silas, Timothy, and John the Baptist himself are all proof of that. R.A. Torrey, D.L. Moody and Dr. James M. Gray illustrate that truth well.

 

1. Be “big” on the inside [John 3:30] as a disciple of John the Baptist he may have heard this before, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

 

2. Be satisfied living in the shadows [Philippians 1:20-21]

 

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

 

III. HE DID GOD’S WORK GOD’S WAY [Phil. 4:13, 19]

 

 

1. He never tried to be anyone but himself. [Gal. 2:20]

 

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

 

2. He never questioned where God put him [Esther 4:14] -could a man like Peter have led Peter to the Lord?

 

. . . who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

 

IV. HE DIDN’T LET LITTLE THINGS BOTHER HIM [Psalm 119:165]

 

 

Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

 

“Some Christians live on the corner of Bitterness Lane and Despondency Blvd.” - Dr. Bob Kelley

 

Andrew was Simon Peter’s brother and co-workers with James & John but they were in the inner circle and Andrew wasn’t. There is no hint that he was offended by it, hurt, or even jealous.

 

V. HE KNEW WHAT WAS REALLY BIG IN LIFE - BRINGING FOLKS TO JESUS!

 

 

-Peter [Jn. 1:41] He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

-boy [Jn. 6:8-9] One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

-Greeks [Jn. 12: 20-22] And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.