850 likes | 1.15k Views
Principles of Christian Living. Lesson 9. Lesson Text— Hebrews 6:1-3. Hebrews 6:1-3 1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,. Lesson Text— Hebrews 6:1-3.
E N D
Lesson Text—Hebrews 6:1-3 Hebrews 6:1-31 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Lesson Text—Hebrews 6:1-3 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.
Lesson Text—Hebrews 6:7-10 Hebrews 6:7-107 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
Lesson Text—Hebrews 6:7-10 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Lesson Text—Hebrews 6:11-15 Hebrews 6:11-1511 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Lesson Text—Hebrews 6:11-15 13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
Lesson Text—Hebrews 6:16-19 Hebrews 6:16-1916 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Lesson Text—Hebrews 6:16-19 18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
Lesson Text—Hebrews 6:16-19 19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.
Focus Verse—Colossians 2:6 Colossians 2:6As ye therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.
Focus Thought Truth and direction in life are in Jesus Christ.
CONTEMPLATING THE TOPIC I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ Many voices in our day claim they have the answers to life. However, individuals must come to their own realization of what life is all about. Life’s joys and problems are rooted in each person’s answers to three important questions. 1. Who am I? 2. Where did I come from? 3. Where am I going?
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ Philosophies and suppositions abound regarding the origin of the human race. Some would like to believe mankind is just one stage of an evolutionary progression. They erroneously teach that man evolved from the animal kingdom or some lower species. Others wrongly believe we are human forms of some spiritual beings that have existed for all eternity.
All of these voices make it necessary that people establish who they are in order to gain a proper perspective of the purpose of their existence and where that purpose is leading them. An animal exists only in this life with no eternal destiny in view. Sadly, people who do not understand their origin tend to adopt this attitude. Even though they enjoy the best of the earth’s bounty and resources, they still fall into “foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition” (I Timothy 6:9). I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ They live as if there were no reckoning day and no eternity, ignoring that they are created in the image of God. Many individuals believe life is merely an existence, a time to amass wealth and possessions and satisfy carnal appetites. This mindset is nothing new. Like the foolish rich man in Luke 12, they say to their soul, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19).
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ Since they do not believe in a God who will require accountability, they do not fear eternal punishment; consequently, they indulge in the pleasures of sin. The joy of knowing that God created mankind puts to rest the notion that man can live like an animal. When individuals realize God has a specific purpose for every human, they see a God who loves them.
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ They then base their life’s purpose on the “will of God.” Jesus becomes the truth, and this vantage point reveals all errors, allowing believers to establish deep roots of faith in the Lord Jesus.
SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES • I. TRUTH IS IN JESUS CHRIST • Assurance of Understanding I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ When one views life from a strictly human perspective, it seems complex and futile. Hope is not an innate human trait.
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ The result of mankind’s reasoning is a futile way that Scripture warns will end in death (Proverbs 16:25). On the other hand, knowing that Jesus is the way of life and the eternal truth assures believers that their lives and the lives of others are part of a planned destiny. When believers understand they belong to God their creator, life acquires meaning that fills them with purpose.
Not only did He create the human race, He redeemed them by the death of the Son of God—Jesus Christ, in whom dwelled all the fullness of God. In this sense, God can claim “double ownership.” When viewing the outcome of godless mankind, the psalmist complained to God about their seemingly prosperous ways. I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ
However, the psalmist’s understanding changed when he viewed the situation from a different vantage point—he moved to the place where God dwells: “I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end” (Psalm 73:17). When viewed from God’s vantage point, one is able to see truth. No wonder there is fullness of joy in His presence! I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ Not only did He create the human race, He redeemed them by the death of the Son of God—Jesus Christ, in whom dwelled all the fullness of God. In this sense, God can claim “double ownership.” When viewing the outcome of godless mankind, the psalmist complained to God about their seemingly prosperous ways.
However, the psalmist’s understanding changed when he viewed the situation from a different vantage point—he moved to the place where God dwells: “I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end” (Psalm 73:17). When viewed from God’s vantage point, one is able to see truth. No wonder there is fullness of joy in His presence! I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ
In 1873, Fanny Crosby, the blind writer of hymns, visited Phoebe P. Knapp, a friend who was having a new pipe organ installed. Phoebe had composed the music for a piece she called “Assurance.” She played the tune for her friend and asked, “What do you think the song says?” Fanny replied, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” Fanny wrote the words of “Blessed Assurance” to Phoebe’s melody. I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ
Blessed Assurance Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. ~Fanny Crosby
Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge B. Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge Colossians 2 contains an interesting passage concerning the Godhead. The apostle Paul addressed the churches at Colossae and Laodicea about the “mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ” (Colossians 2:2). The Gnostics of that day thought they alone had access to superior knowledge; they believed knowledge remained shrouded in mystery to others.
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ Because the Colossians knew of this philosophy, Paul drew from it to teach them about a mystery that had been hidden from the ages and generations (Colossians 1:26). However, he made it clear that all believers now could understand the mystery: the fullness of the Godhead dwelled bodily in Jesus Christ. Paul wanted them to know Jesus, the source of “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ In understanding who Jesus is, we can understand where we came from, our purpose, and where we are going.
Errors Answered in Jesus Christ A. Enticing Words Enticing Words Paul admonished the church to understand that Gnostic philosophy was not the source of all “wisdom and knowledge.” The source of wisdom and knowledge is Jesus Christ. The apostle warned that deceitful individuals would try to change this truth with “enticing words” or human reasoning. How true this has been!
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ When mankind believes only what he can devise, he is very limited. However, if one seeks God he will find Him and receive an understanding beyond human words and thought. Paul expressed it well in Ephesians 3:17-19.
Ephesians 3:17-19 “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19).
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ Oh, to understand the love of God! Although the full force of it is beyond human knowledge, God opens our understanding of His love to the extent we can comprehend and He fills us with His fullness. On the coastal road to Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His disciples, “Whom say ye that I am?” Suddenly, Peter blurted out, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ Jesus answered, “Flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. . . . and upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:15-18). Jesus Christ has built His church upon the truth of His identity, which the Holy Spirit will reveal to all believers.
False Philosophy B. False Philosophy According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary, philosophy is “a love or pursuit of wisdom: a search for the underlying causes and principles of reality. . . . a quest for truth through logical reasoning rather than factual observation. . . . a critical examination of the grounds for fundamental beliefs and an analysis of the basic concepts employed in the expression of such beliefs.”
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ Philosophy contains the core values from which all other human thought flows. One of the avenues of thought, humanism, is the belief that man is the center and essence of this whole world. Because it is what one could call false philosophy, it deceives many people as to their true purpose in life. The Scriptures plainly state that “all things were created by [Jesus Christ], and for him” (Colossians 1:16).
It is important for mankind to place the Creator at the center of life, and then all other things will fall into their proper place. A Christocentric philosophy is essential to true wisdom and a person’s ability to experience full life in its pure and original purpose as designed by God. A father felt too tired to play with his son, but the boy’s persistent asking led the father to tear up a newspaper sheet with a picture of the world and tell the lad to put the world back together. I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ The boy finished the task in record time. His father asked, “How did you do that so quickly?” The boy replied, “There was a picture of a man on the other side. When I put the man back together, the world was in place.” How true in our lives. Putting ourselves “together” also puts the world in its proper place.
Throughout his writings, Paul taught believers about the greatness of God. Paul likened it to inexhaustible riches of wisdom and knowledge (Romans 11:33). All things are of Him, through Him, and to Him (Romans 11:36). I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ
Traditions C. Traditions From one generation to the next, individuals, families, and cultures hand down many traditions. Some traditions we receive from former generations are viable, but others we need to discard. Some traditions have no real meaning or benefit in the present; however, others are vital to the present and we should never discard them.
It has been wisely stated that a person should not remove an old fence until first he has determined the reason for its existence and location. Ancient landmarks are there for a purpose. We must understand that purpose, appreciate what we have received, and defend it faithfully. The transition from carriage to car did not happen overnight. From the late 1890s to the 1920s, carriages vied with automobiles for the right-of-way on city streets. I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ Most people regarded early cars as unreliable novelties rather than as a serious means of transportation. But by 1910 innovations in mass production and engine technology had created a vehicle that was both more reliable and more affordable; it soon became clear the automobile was here to stay. By 1929 the number of wagon companies operating in the United States had dwindled to fewer than ninety.
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ Eventually, for the most part, horse-drawn vehicles were no longer needed; the automobile had phased out a traditional mode of transportation. One must evaluate existing traditions in the light of God’s Word. I Chronicles noted that the men of Issachar understood their times, and this understanding gave them insight as to what Israel ought to do. (See I Chronicles 12:32.) Some have supposed these insights derived from astronomy or other venues.
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ However, others conclude God had given the men of Issachar sensitivity to the time in which they lived and to what God wanted Israel to do. Time has a way of changing the actors, the stage, and the script; however, the Word of God provides continuity and wisdom in every generation amidst changing times.
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ Like the men of Issachar, godly leaders today monitor the pulse of the times in which they live. They know where we have been and are sensitive to the guidance of God so they will know how we are to proceed. They understand what traditions are timeless and what traditions we should lay aside.
Legalism D. Legalism Legalism is the improper usage of traditional guidelines. Its antithesis is antinomianism, the belief that there are no binding guidelines. When people gravitate to one extreme or the other, they lose spiritual balance and they hinder the communication and work of the gospel. Holding to and presenting the truth in balance is vital to every believer in Christ Jesus.
Paul warned the church at Colossae of legalists who wanted to bind them to the observance of Jewish traditions. “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days” (Colossians 2:16). On the one hand, legalists would have upbraided the Colossians for failing to keep every Jewish tradition regardless of its origin. Antinomians, on the other hand, would have insisted there was no need at all for any Sabbath. There was danger in falling prey to either extreme position. I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ
Long before Constantine instituted Sunday as a day on which Christians should worship, the disciples of Jesus met on the first day of the week. Paul preached on the first day of the week. Saints met and collected offerings on this day. A proper understanding of the command of the Sabbath leads us to the fulfillment of the Sabbath as the “rest” that we receive through the Holy Ghost. Therefore, the Sabbath is not completely done away with; rather, the New Testament experience fulfills its purpose. I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ
I. Truth Is in Jesus Christ Legalism binds people in rigid bands, just as the Jews were securely bound to their traditions. Legalism distracts people, causing them to focus on the rules instead of the Savior and the greater purpose of the church. It fosters a holier-than-thou attitude not only toward people who live in sin, but also toward people of God who do not subscribe to their particular set of rules.