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 Our Words and Thoughts Matter to God
Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." In prayer, David concludes this classic psalm with a sober surrender of his mouth and heart to God. David recognized that our words and thoughts matter to God. David had a desire to honour the Lord with his mouth and meditation, with his words and his thoughts. David understood that having a pure heart before God was essential. May this prayer be our prayer every day! Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
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 Galatians 5:1” Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Christians are to rest in the finish work of Christ, and not in the works of the Law. The law can NEVER justify the sinner nor free them from the bondage of sin. However, Christian liberty should never covey the idea that it is freedom to sin, on the contrary, Christian liberty is freedom from sin to serve God. Romans 6:20-22 “For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. (21) What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. (22) But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Christian liberty should NEVER be used ‘…for an occasion to the flesh.” Galatians 5:13-15 "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh…” Paul clears the air by warning the Galatians against the wrong kind of thinking regarding the liberty that we have in Christ. Romans 6:15-16 “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. (16) Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Christian liberty leads us to love-more, not love-less. Galatians 5:13-15 "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." In Christ alone, and for God's Glory! Charlie - Galatians 2:20 God is always good and treats us far better than we ever deserve! Amen! www.gbbc.org.au I [email protected] I 0401 955 955  Psalm 119:9 "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word."
Introduction We are living in a vile and unpure culture that surrounds Christians with sexual images, lustful movies, wicked entertainment, immoral music, which all lead to sinful and unclean temptations. A Bible teacher once said, "Everywhere we look we find temptation to fill our minds with thoughts of sexual relationships that God wouldn't approve." The fundamental solution to living a pure and clean life in our thoughts and actions is found in God’s word. Jesus said in John 17:17, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." Moral purity is intentional and does not happen by accident. This passage presents three "I WILL" statements that we should reflect on to pay close attention to God's Word if we want to live pure lives. 1. I WILL MEDITATE Psalm 119:15 "I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways." Reading or listening to the Word of God is quite different from reflecting deeply on it. Reflecting on biblical principles helps us grasp the meaning, purpose, and solution for purity, and appreciate God's intent for holy living. Meditating on the Word of God helps us apply it daily and live in a way that pleases God. Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Memorising Scripture is good, but if the Word of God does not move from our heads to the heart, then all is vain. Scripture should affect our hearts toward obedience, leading to sanctification. Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” 2. I WILL DELIGHT Psalm 119:16 "I will delight myself in thy statutes..." Finding joy in God's teachings encourages us to reject all kinds of wickedness. The pleasure we have in pleasing God demonstrates that we respect, both God and His Word. Psalm 19:9 “The fear of the LORD is clean…” Proverbs 8:13 “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil…” Joseph overcame temptation from Potiphar’s wife because he had a heart to please God. Genesis 39:9 “…how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God??” 3. I WILL NOT FORGET Psalm 119:16 "I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word." Remembering the principles we learn is essential for successfully applying scriptural teachings both now and in the future, particularly when facing moments of temptation. Psalm 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Conclusion There are two more key points in our passage to help us heed God's Word. 1. A sincere heart/faith. Psalms 119:10 “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.” The psalmist recognized his tendency to stray but trusted that sincere faith/heart in the Lord would help him resist temptation and remain steadfast. It is important to recognise that doubt can breed a double mind and a divided heart. Living a life of integrity requires sincere commitment to the principles found in God's Word, rather than indifference or lack of dedication. 2. A maintain a teachable spirit. Psalms 119:12 “Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.” As we grow in purity, we should continue to have a tender heart to the instruction from God’s Word. Proverbs 9:9 “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” When we allow God’s Word to cleanse our ways, then we can say with the Psalmist. Psalms 119:13 “With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.” TAKING HEED In Christ alone, and for God's Glory! Charlie - Galatians 2:20 God is always good and treats us far better than we ever deserve! Amen! www.gbbc.org.au I [email protected] I 0401 955 955  Galatians 6:1 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
Introduction Some people, even those who are spiritual, find it difficult to believe that "spiritual Christians" can commit serious sins. When we hear of spiritual Christians fall, and give in to the flesh, we often wonder, “How did this happen, and why did this happen." There are several reasons to why "spiritual Christians" fall into gross sin: 1. Lack of HUMILITY Galatians 6:1 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness..." Sometimes, rather than approaching others with humility, Christians may display a self-righteous attitude when attempting to reach, guide, and restore others with the truth. A spirit of pride can lead us to deal with people unjustly. A self-righteous disposition has the tendency to look down at others and judge them, believing themselves superior, yet all the while forgetting their own dependence on the Lord’s grace. Galatians 6:3 "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." 2. Lack of LOVE Galatians 6:2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." When we endeavour to help others, it should be done out love, for this is the law of Christ. Love for Christ and others is the best motivation to help others recover from their faults. God’s intention is not for us to follow His Word merely out of obligation, but because of love; a heart of love that desires to see others prosper and live God-honouring lives. John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (35) By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” A lack of love hinders the grace of God in our own lives, and soon enough we will find ourselves falling into sin we once hated. 3. A lack of CONSIDERATION Galatians 6:1 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Every Christian has the potential to be tempted, yes, even Christians who are walking in victory. Christians who let their guard down are prone to think more highly of themselves, forgetting who gave them the victory in the first place. Time again, God’s Word reminds us to be on guard. The words "Take heed" appears about 26 times in the NEW TESTAMEMT. Here are several verses to consider. Mark 13:5 "And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:" Luke 12:15 "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." 1 Corinthians 3:10 "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon." 1 Timothy 4:16 "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." 1 Corinthians 10:12 "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." Conclusion Regardless of our status or title, every decision we make affects our lives and sometimes the lives of others. God is not a respecter of persons, and He will not be mocked. Galatian 6:7 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Service will NEVER take the place of Sanctification; Soul-winning will NEVER take the place of Self-control; and Spirituality will NEVER take the place of Soberness. No matter how spiritual we may think we are, we should always walk with integrity, in love, and in all humility with our God. Micah 6:8 "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" CONSIDER THYSELF In Christ alone, and for God's Glory! Charlie - Galatians 2:20 God is always good and treats us far better than we ever deserve! Amen! www.gbbc.org.au I [email protected] I 0401 955 955  Galatians 5:5-6 "For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
Genuine faith is motivated by love. Faith is not a mere "intellectual" belief. Anyone can believe the facts, but not everyone is moved by the facts/truth they say they believe. They are not moved to action. Faith works/operates by love; it impacts our hearts to move us to love God, His Word, and others. 1 John 4:19-20 "We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" When professing Christians are not demonstrating love towards God and others, it is proof of 2 things: 1. They are not walking by faith, or 2. They are relying on the works of the law for their righteousness. True faith is alive, not dead; it is dependent on God and His Word. Faith is not idle but active to obey God out of love, not law. To obey God's Word without love distorts the truth and breeds self-righteousness. To obey God's Word out of love indicates one is resting in the love of Christ and His righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."o edit. a. 1 Timothy 5:17 to 19, Paul instructs Timothy to give a charge to the rich Christians.
- Paul brings Timothy’s attention back to godly living by undermining lavish living. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (18) That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; (19) Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1) The charge to the rich. “Charge them that are rich in this world…” vs 17 - This charge is given to Christians who are already rich. - This communicates that being rich is not a sin, but the attitude and purpose for the riches is what matters. _ i. “…that they be not highminded…” vs 17 - The rich Christians are not to be lifted up in pride because of their riches. - If you are not careful, riches can get to your head. There is a great temptation to confuse riches for wisdom. Proverbs 28:11 - To be high-minded impacts Christian character in a huge way. James 5:1-6, Leviticus 19:13, Jeremiah 22:13, James 2:6 ii. “…nor trust in uncertain riches…” vs 17 - The rich Christians are not to put their trust in their money. There is a great temptation to be independent (Instead of God-dependent) when one is rich. Proverbs 30:7-9 - Riches are “uncertain”. This means a person’s fortune could be taken away at any time. - This is one of the traps of being wealthy, it can give rich people a false sense of false security and power. When their money is taken away they then become weak. Proverbs 23:4-5, 27:24 iii. “…but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;” vs 17 - The rich Christians are to put their trust in the “living God”. In other words, riches ought not to be their focus and priority. - They ought to trust in God who is the main giver. He is the one who provides us with all the things we need. - God is the one who blesses us richly (abundantly) with everything we have to enjoy. This includes the spiritual blessing that we have in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7. - We should trust in the one who blesses, and not in the blessings. Ture riches without heartache come from the Lord. Proverbs 10:22 - It is a blessing that we can still enjoy the blessings of God in a sin-cursed world. - William McDonald “This latter statement does not condone luxurious living, but simply states that God is the Source of true enjoyment, and material things cannot produce this.” 2) The command to do good works – “That they do good…” vs 18 - Paul now gives specific instructions to the rich Christians in how they should use their riches. i. Rich in doing good – “…that they be rich in good works…” vs 18 - They are to be wealthy in seeking to do good works. Galatians 6:9-10 - John Wesley once said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” ii. Ready and willing – “…ready to distribute, willing to communicate;” vs 18 - The rich Chirstian must be ready and willing to meet a genuine need when they hear or see one. - Hebrews 13:16 “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” - This also indicates to us that they must be sensitive, alert, and eager to give to the needs of others. - 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” 3) Storing up treasure in heaven – “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation…” vs 19 - Trusting the Lord, doing good works, investing in the work of God, and being a benevolent giver is laying a good foundation for eternity. - John Phillips “The rich person has a tremendous potential for doing good. Jesus told the rich young ruler, "Sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven" (Luke 18:22). The more wealth we have, the greater is our responsibility to help others.” i. Investing in eternity. “…against the time to come…” vs 19 - Our obedience to the Lord and what we do with what we have will impact our eternal future. - Matthew 6:19-20 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” ii. A great motivation – “…that they may lay hold on eternal life.” vs 19 - Paul uses this term again in the life of the rich Christians. They are also encouraged to keep their charge with their “eternal life” in view. As they trust and serve God they are to lay hold to what they have in Christ. - John Phillips “Happy is the rich person who breaks the bondage of materialism imposed by his wealth and sees beyond time to eternity and beyond earthly riches to eternal rewards.”
2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
The word ‘doctrine’ simply means teaching. Bible doctrine, therefore, refers to the teaching of the Scriptures. Since the days of the apostles, Bible-believing people have had an emphasis upon sound doctrine, but today doctrine is often downplayed in favour of ecumenical unity. 1. We know sound doctrine through obedience (John 7:17) - If a man is open to the truth and willing to obey God, the Lord will give him wisdom so that he can discern sound doctrine from false. In Proverbs 1:23 God says, “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.” God has promised to make His truth known to those who repent and submit to Him. 2. We know sound doctrine through continuing in God’s Word (John 8:31-32) - In 2 Timothy 2:15, the believer is commanded to rightly divide the Word. This refers to interpreting it properly and knowing its doctrine correctly. Would God require a Christian to rightly divide the Word of truth if He did not intend to give him the ability to do that? This verse indicates that God will hold the Christian accountable for this task, because the one who rightly divides the Word of truth is approved. It is implied that the one who does not rightly divide the truth is disapproved. This means that Pat Boone and other ecumenists are wrong when they say that God does not hold the believer accountable to know sound doctrine. 3. We know sound doctrine through the Holy Spirit - 1 John 2:20-21 says, “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” Verse 27 says further, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” Thus the Scriptures plainly state that the believer has the Holy Spirit to teach him and he can know the truth. – David Cloud |
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