THE OLD STUFF STILL LIVES AROUND HERE (Pt. 1)

1. In April of 1988 I was driving down Main Street in Madison, IN.

A. Many modernists claim that not all the Bible is true. They say...

1. No creation 4. No Miracles

2. No flood 5. No Resurrection

3. No Virgin birth 6. No Heaven or Hell

B. But, the old stuff still lives around here.

1. The Bible is God's inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16).

2. As God's word, it is all true (Jn. 17:17).

3. His word contains "all things that pertain unto life and god-

liness..." (2 Peter 1:3).

4. His word then is good for teaching (2 Timothy 3:16).

C. Therefore, if someone brings to us anything other then the Bible we're

not to have anything to do with them (2 Jn. 9-11).

A. The modern world is content with over 10,000 different religions.

1. The growing trend is to just ignore it.
2. The world rests its unity in agreeing to disagree.

B. But, the old stuff still lives around here.

1. Jesus wasn't pleased with agreeing to disagree.

a. In the first century there were Jews, Gentiles, Afrodites,

Baalites, Emperorites, etc...

b. Jesus prayed that they all be one (Jn. 17:20-23).

2. Paul was displeased with disunity as well (1 Cor. 1:10).

C. Therefore, if someone wants to tell us just to agree to disagree we

must stand behind the words of John (2 Jn. 9-11).

A. In every age and in every congregation there is rebellion against the

elders or authority!

1. Korah, Dathan, Abiram and 250 others rebelled against Moses (Num.

16).

a. Their charge: You think you're running things. We're all just

as good as you and we too are capable of making good decisions

(Num. 16:3).

b. By their rebellion, these men provoked God and he destroyed

them (Num. 16: 27-35).

2. Even today, men will rise up against the elders.

a. Although these folks aren't quite as brave as those in Moses'

day.

b. All too often, when brethren rebel today it's in private, be-

hind closed doors.

B. But, the old stuff still lives around here.

1. We respect, honor and obey our elders.

a. We give them double honor (1 Tim. 5:17).

b. We render obedience to them (Heb. 13:17).

2. Though these men are "installed" by the congregation, they are

appointed by God, the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28).

3. This isn't to say that our elders are perfect.

a. Some do sin, and they must be dealt with (1 Tim. 5:20).

b. But, do not make an accusation against them without two or

three witnesses (1 Tim. 5:19).

C. When someone becomes unruly toward our elders, practice what John said

(2 Jn. 9-11).

CONCLUSION:

1. The old stuff still lives around here in regard to...

a. The Bible

b. Unity

c. The Elders

2. The old stuff still lives around here in regard to God's Plan of

Salvation as well.

a. Plan of Salvation

b. Restoration

3. Have you turned from the old stuff?

THE OLD STUFF STILL LIVES AROUND HERE (2)

1. Tonight let's consider some other areas in which the old stuff

must continue to live in 1990.

2. Review--April 1988. Madison, IN. Historic town. Joe says, Boy

dad! The old stuff still lives around here!"

A. In our society, anything goes. And, GOES is the word.

1. Our clothing fashions are revealing more and more.

2. In many parts of the world and the USA total nudity is accepted.

3. This trend toward immodesty is creeping into the church!

a. often on vacation, when no one would recognize that we are Christians we will slip into our skimpy clothes or swim suits.

b. Some are even so bold as to parade such apparel in front of other Christians.

B. But, the old stuff still lives around here!

1. Paul spoke of modesty (1 Tim. 2:9, 10).

2. Jesus associates nakedness with shame (Rev. 3:18; 16:15).

3. Adam and Eve were ashamed with their nakedness (Gen. 2:25 {not ashamed}; after sin- 3:7-12).

4. Our immodest apparel lends itself to adding others in their sin...

a. Lusting and Lasciviousness (Gal. 5:19-21).

b. Adultery in the heart (Mt. 5:27-28).

1. We must remember what John said (2 Jn. 9-11).

A. There seems to be a moving toward only helping those of the

congregation when it comes to benevolent help.

1. Many justify this action because of the increasing number of

crooks that stalk the churches in any given community.

2. Limits are set on who will receive it, how much and how often.

B. But, the old stuff still lives around here.

1. James teaches us that we can't just talk a good game (James 2:14-16).

2. Paul teaches us to do good to all men (Gal. 6:10). This involves:

a. Giving to all we have opportunity to help.

b. Giving to them as many times as necessary.

c. Giving to them whatever it takes to fill the need.

3. We cannot constantly be worrying whether or not we're being ripped off. Let's just be concerned that we are doing what God would have us to do.

C. We must remember what John said (2 Jn. 9-11).

A. The modern world has come to accept divorce--regardless of the reason.

1. Irreconcilable differences

2. Cruel & Inhumane treatment

3. Desertion

4. etc...

B. But, the old stuff still lives around here.

1. God has not given several reasons for divorce.

2. The Bible sets forth only one reason (Mt. 19:9).

3. Divorce and Remarriage for any other reason is sinful and ungodly.

1. We must remember what John said (2 Jn. 9-11).

1. Tonight, let's determine that in the upcoming new year(s) we will

always allow the old stuff to live in our lives.

2. One way of letting the old stuff still live in you is by humble

obedience to God's will.

a. Plan of Salvation

b. Restoration

1. What will it be.....the new stuff, or the old stuff?

 

 

 

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WHAT IS SPIRITUAL MATURITY?

Hebrews 5:12-6:3

(Part One)

 

INTRODUCTION:

1. Favorite question ask young person: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" We get all kinds of answers.

2. A more important question: "When do we know we are grown up (mature)?"

a. At 18 a person is legally an adult. Yet, we know that very few 18 yr. olds are really "grown up."

b. Are we mature when we become what we said we would? Perhaps, but we all know people in every profession who are as childish and immature as they can be.

3. Truth is, Maturity is not based upon age, physical make-up, or education.

4. Maturity is

a. A combination of age, physical make-up and education.

b. The ability to properly use the decision making process.

c. The ability to receive, process and make proper application of information.

5. Physical maturity is seen in differing levels in different people.

6. But how do we know if we are spiritually mature?

a. God tells us to become spiritually mature (Hebrews 5:12-6:3).

b. So, how do we know if we are getting there?

7. Emerson gave a good definition of maturity.

a. His definition was in reference to our physical, emotional, and mental maturity.

b. However, it can be applied to our spiritual maturity as well.

8. We will discuss 2 of his points tonight, and 2 every Sunday night for the next three weeks.

 

DISCUSSION:

 

I. MATURITY IS THE ABIBLITY TO CONTROL ANGER AND SETTLE DIFFERENCES WITHOUT VIOLENCE OR DESTRUCTION.

A. Damage Done To The Church By Immature Tempers Is Limitless!

1. Anger is a natural emotion.

2. It is not sinful to be angry or express our anger.

3. Even God became angry and expressed that anger (John. 2:13-17).

4. However, we must understand, there is a right and wrong way to express our anger.

a. Jesus taught this principal (Matthew 5:22).

b. Paul also taught this point (Ephesians 4:26-32).

5. We must understand we can do as much or more harm and destruction with our angry words than with our hands.

a. For this reason, Paul encourages us to watch what we say (Colossians 4:6).

b. James also warned of the tongue’s destructive power (James 3:1-8).

c. James seemed to find it hard to believe that with the same mouth we bless God and curse his creation (James 3:9).

B. The Lord Expects Us To Bring Our Rage Under Control.

1. The world tends to excuse actions done in a fit of rage.

2. We cannot be workers of God’s righteousness without controlling our anger (James 1:19, 20).

3. Paul also taught that by controlling our anger we can live in peace (Romans 12:17-21).

C. Therefore, we will know we are maturing spiritually when we control our anger.

 

II. MATURITY IS PATIENCE. THE WILLINGNESS TO PASS UP IMMEDIATE PLEASURE IN FAVOR OF LONG TERM GAIN.

A. Moses Was One Who Understood This Concept Well!

1. Think of all he could have had as the son of the Pharoah’s daughter.

2. However, he was able to look ahead to the long term gain (Hebrews 11:24-26).

B. Joseph Is Another Who Understood and Practiced Patience.

1. Joseph had some really tough times in Egypt, after all he was a slave.

2. Immediate pleasure could have been his (Genesis 39:7-12), but his faith was mature and with patience he looked for God’s deliverence (Hebrews 11:22).

C. The Apostle Paul Is Another Mature Person We Can Talk About.

1. Paul was a man of means and status (Philippians 3:11-14).

a. He lost everything and everyone dear to him.

b. He was brutally abused for Christ (2 Corinthians 11:23-31). 2. But Paul pressed on for the long term gain (Philippians 3:12-15).

D. Therefore, We Will Know We Are Maturing Spiritually When We Exercise Patience By Refusing Temporal Pleasures And Look To Our Long Term Gain In Christ.

 

CONCLUSION:

1. The Bible clearly teaches that we are to be mature in Christ.

2. Two ways we can know that we are maturing are: the ability to control our anger, and the ability to have the patience to forsake immediate pleasure in favor of long-term gain.

2. How are you doing in these areas?

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL MATURITY?

Hebrews 5:12-6:3

(Part Two)

 

INTRODUCTION:

1. We are continuing to answer the question, "How do we know if we are spiritually mature?"

2. Emerson listed eight ways in which we know that we are physically and emotionally mature that can apply to our spiritual life as well.

3. Last week in part one, we discussed...

a. Spiritual maturity is the ability to control our anger and settle differences without violence or destruction.

b. Spiritual maturity is patience: the willingness to pass up immediate pleasure in favor of long-term gain.

4. In this lesson we will discuss two more ways of knowing we are spiritually mature.

 

DISCUSSION:

I. SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS PERSEVERANCE: THE ABILITY TO "SWEET OUT" A PROJECT OR SITUATION IN SPITE OF OPPOSING OR DISCOURAGING SETBACKS.

A. This definition reminds us of the apostle Paul.

1. He faced many physical setbacks and discouragements (2 Corinthians 11:21-31.

2. He suffered many emotional setbacks and discouragements as well (Philippians 3:8-15).

B. The spiritually mature have an advantage: they know that overcoming these setbacks and discouragements will make them a better and stronger person.

1. James teaches this point clearly (James 1:2-4).

2. Peter also points this out (1 Peter 1:6-9).

C. Therefore, the spiritually mature will determine that absolutely nothing will hinder us from serving the Lord acceptably.

1. This is done by remembering the sufferings of Jesus.

2. This is done by remembering his promises.

a. John 14:1-4

b. 1 Corinthians 15:58

 

II. SPIRITUAL MATURITY IS UNSELFISHNESS: RESPONDING TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS, OFTEN AT THE EXPENSE OF OUR OWN DESIRES OR WISHES.

A. This may be the most difficult part of spiritual maturity.

1. We are often a very selfish people, who place our own wants, needs and

desires above all else.

2. In fact, we usually will gladly sacrifice someone else’s happiness for our own. However this is not the way of the Lord.

B. Self-sacrifice is a key ingredient to spiritual maturity.

1. Paul used Jesus as an example of the spirit of self-sacrifice when calling on the brethren at Philippi the be sacrificial (Philippians 2:1-8).

2. Paul also demanded that the Corinthian brethren treat each other with the spirit of self-sacrifice (1 Corinthians 10:24).

C. While we generally understand that the God we serve is a God of love, we often fail to realize the love which God has for us is a self-sacrificing love.

1. He gave his Son for us (John 3:16).

2. He teaches us self-sacrificing love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

3. We must learn to express this kind of love by sacrificing ourselves to Jesus Christ (Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20).

 

CONCLUSION:

1. Are we living up to God’s standard of Perseverance?

2. Are we living up to God’s standard of Unselfishness?

3. Are we spiritually mature?

3. If not, then isn’t time we start?

Hebrews 5:12-6:3

1. For the past two weeks we have been discussing how we can know we are spiritually mature.

2. In the two previous lessons we said that spiritual maturity is

a. The ability to control anger and settle differences without violence or destruction.

b. Patience: The willingness to pass up immediate pleasure in favor of long-term gain.

c. Perseverance: The ability to "sweat out" a project or situation in spite of opposing or discouraging setbacks.

d. Unselfishness: Responding to the needs of others, often at the expense of our own desires or wishes.

3. In this lesson we will continue our search by noticing two more traits of a spiritually mature person.

A. It is amazing the excuses people use for not serving the Lord.

1. Many will not attend worship because of the "hypocrites."

a. This excuse demonstrates an improper attitude.

b. Namely, if they are attending worship for those who are not "hypocrites," then they are coming for the wrong reason.

2. Many turn their backs on God because of tragedy (death, illness, injury, financial ruin, natural calamity, etc.).

a. The truth is, this is when they should be looking to God, not turning from him.

b. If they are only going to be faithful when everything is going great, then they are not really faithful.

3. Others do nothing but complain regardless of the circumstances.

a. They find fault in everything.

b. Their negativism demonstrates their lack of contentment.

B. The spiritually mature are to be contented.

1. Our lives are to be free of griping and complaining (Philippians 2:14- 16).

2. Paul was contented through the strength of Christ (Philippians 4:9-13).

1. Tragedy cannot interfere with our contentment (2 Corinthians 11:24- 31).
2. Contentment is as much a part of Christianity as godliness (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

A. Many are preeminence seekers.

1. Diotrephes had this problem (3 John 9).

2. Many today share his problem.

a. They desire the spotlight of human praise.

b. They are unable to say "I was wrong."

c. They cannot be right without saying "I told you so."

d. They are incapable of thinking of others before themselves.

e. They are unwilling to do anything for others without getting the "credit."

B. The spiritually mature are to be humble.

1. Jesus Christ is to have the preeminence (Colossians 1:18).

2. Jesus taught his disciples of humility by washing their feet (John 13:12- 17).

3. Paul teaches that we are to humble ourselves and be concerned about the welfare of our brethren (Philippians 2:1-4).

4. The spiritually mature know that if they will humble themselves, the Lord will exalt them (1 Peter 5:5-7; James 4:6, 10).

1. Are we contented?

2. Are we humble?

3. 3. If not, then we are not spiritually mature.
4. 4. Let’s grow to spiritual maturity (2 Peter 3:18).

Hebrews 5:12-6:3

1. For the past three weeks we have been discussing how we can know we are spiritually mature.

2. In previous lessons we said that spiritual maturity is

a. The ability to control anger and settle differences without violence or destruction.

b. Patience: The willingness to pass up immediate pleasure in favor of long-term gain.

c. Perseverance: The ability to "sweat out" a project or situation in spite of opposing or discouraging setbacks.

d. Unselfishness: Responding to the needs of others, often at the expense of our own desires or wishes.

e. Contentment: The ability to face unpleasantness and frustration, discomfort and defeat without complaint or collapse.

f. Humility: The ability to control one’s natural desire preeminence.

3. In this lesson we will discuss two more characteristics of a spiritually mature person and conclude the series.

A. The immature spend their lives exploring possibilities and then doing nothing.

1. Consider the case of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22; Luke 18:18-23).

a. The young ruler had, evidently, decided he wanted to follow Jesus.

b. However, when he heard the price he changed his mind again.

2. An interesting study is to go through the New Testament and notice the number of times someone decides to follow Jesus, then turns away because of some misfortune or perceive drawback.

3. Peter describes graphically the destiny of the spiritually immature (2 Peter 2:20-22).

B. The spiritually mature realize that obedience to Jesus’ gospel carries with it the responsibility to remain true and loyal regardless of what attempts to draw them away.

1. Jesus teaches that following him requires sacrifice (Luke 9:57-62).

2. Paul teaches that sometimes even our own brethren will be a source of pulling us away from our decision (Ephesians 4:1-3).

3. When the spiritually mature will set their hand to the plow and never look back (Luke 9:62).

A. The spiritually immature are masters of the alibi.

1. Their lives are confused and disorganized.

2. In their wake we find a maze of broken promises, former friends, unfinished business and good intentions.

3. The problem the spiritually immature face is they would rather lie than keep their promise.

a. Jesus insists we give our word and stick to it (Matthew 5:33- 37).

b. Yet many are unconvinced that honesty is the best policy (1 Peter 2:11, 12).

c. The fear of punishment is not enough to keep them from lying instead of just keeping their word (Revelation 21:8).

B. The spiritually mature will keep their word, both to God and others.

1. An alibi is never heard among the spiritually mature.

2. You can count on them to have put away lying (Ephesians 4:25).

3. If the spiritually mature say it, you can believe it!

1. God expects us to be spiritually mature!

2. God has provided us the means by which we can be mature (Ephesians 4:11- 16).

3. It is now up to us to take what he has provided and put it to work in our lives.

4. Are you spiritually mature? Are you

a. Able to control your anger? e. Contented?

b. Patient? f. Humble?

c. Persevering? g. Decisive?

d. Unselfish? h. Dependable?

1. Spiritual maturity begins with obedience to the gospel and grows as we become more like the Master by applying his teachings to our lives.

Presented To: The Louisville Area Preachers and Elders.

Date: October 10, 1995.

History: I first heard a preacher by the name of Steve Riley preach this basic outline in Maryville, TN back in 1983. I took notes, added a few of my own and preached it in several congregations since then. I have received mixed reactions ranging from 14 public responses, to being fired. I pray that you will take it and make it a great lesson and preach it where you are. Your brother, John Mustain

1. Many stress the love, goodness and tenderness of God anchoring themselves to John 3:1.

2. And, THEY’RE RIGHT!

a. God is love, goodness and tenderness.

b. He loved us when we didn’t deserve to be loved (Rom. 5:8).

3. There is no question concerning God’s love for us.

a. Helen Keller’s mother--19 month old baby--had problem. How could she communicate to her child that she loved her?

b. We don’t have to question God’s love for us (Eph. 2:4-8 "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 show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Jesus Christ. 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.")

4. God’s love is abundantly clear!

a. Titus 3:5 ("but according to his grace he saved us...")

b. Heb. 2:9 ("But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower then the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for all man.")

c. Lk. 19:10 ("For the Son of man is come to seek and to save the lost.")

d. No wonder Jesus could say, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: and no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (Jn. 14:6).

5. We are twice God’s!

a. Little boy makes boat--loses it--has to but it back. Once bought back, he hugs it and says, "Twice mine: I made you, and lost you, but now I’ve bought you back.

b. God made us--we were lost to sin--now he has bought us back (1 Tim. 2:6 "Who gave himself a ransom for all...").

6. God wants all men to be saved.

a. Peter explains this to the scoffers (2 Peter 3:9).

b. Paul tells Titus, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11).

c. However, can we conclude that all men will be saved?

7. An examination of 2 Peter 2:1-7 will answer this important question.

A. What are angels?

1. Angels are created beings (Neh. 9:6 "Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee." Col. 1:16 "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him and for him.").

2. Angels are servants of God, subject to him like we are (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").

3. Being servants of God and being created by God makes them receiptients of God’s great love, just like mankind.

B. Though God loved them dearly with his special "agape" love, when they sinned he cast them down.

1. He loved the angels that left their habitation (Jude 6), yet he had to punish them.

2. Since God is the righteous judge (2 Timothy 4:8), he had to punish them, even though he loved them dearly.

C. Today, we stand in the same position.

1. We are created and dearly loved by God (Jn. 3:16).

2. We are also disobedient.

a. Disobedient--not having put on Christ as he commands (Plan of Salvation).

b. Disobedient--being Christians and just playing church.

(1) Get a head-ache or a cough and we stay home from worship (yet we still go to work).

(2) Let company come in or go to visit relatives and we forget all about our worship.

(3) We place work as a priority over worship.

(4) We visit sick and afflicted only when convenient.

(5) We make up the rules as we go along with "team teaching," "mechanical instruments of music," "weak, watered-downed sermons," "womens role in the church," to name just a few. Paul warns against this (Rom. 10:1-3).

(6) Starting to spend more on making the church comfortable than on reaching the lost.

D. Let me ask a question of all of us--Who do we think we are? Really!

1. If God spared not the angels we were disobedient, but cast them down.

2. Honestly! Seriously! Who do we think we are?

3. Who are we that God would make an exception for us?

II. GOD SPARED NOT THE WORLD IN THE DAYS OF NOAH (VS 5)!

A. The people were much the same, with the exception of customs and the like.

1. There were Grandmas and Grandpas, Moms and Dads.

2. There were brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

3. Yes, there were even infants.

B. They are waxed wicked in the world (Gen. 6). Because of their wickedness, God spared no one (except 8). No second chances!

C. Again, we are also waxing wicked.

1. We won’t repent either. We sit in our pews and refuse to allow God’s Word to penetrate our hearts.

a. We think about ball games.

b. We think about our bellies.

c. We think about how long the preacher is speaking.

d. Sometime, we think, "I sure wish ‘ol brother so-and-so were here to get this, he needs it bad."

e. But, to think that this lesson might apply to us...out of the question.

2. Being a Christian requires both mind and body (Rom. 12:1, 2). Not simply going through the motions.

3. We cannot rely on "use to."

a. I "use to" weigh 169 lbs. and run 5 miles in 30.32 minutes.

b. We "use to" go door knocking.

c. We "use to" teach the Bible to others.

d. We "use to" never miss a single service of the Lord’s church.

e. We "use to" preach repentance of sin.

D. Noah preached "Repent! Repent!" for a hundred and twenty years he preached "Repent!"

1. But, the people laughed him to scorn (as many are laughing today) until their laughing was literally drowned out.

2. Really! Honestly! Seriously! Who do we think we are that God would make an exception for us if we do not repent?

A. The Story (Gen. 18:17-19:29).

1. Abraham asked if (50, 45, 40, 30) 10 righteous could be found that God would spare the cities.

2. Again, no question about God’s love for them.

3. Yet, 10 righteous could not be found and God destroyed them all.

B. Were the people of Sodom and Gomorrha any worse then we are today? I don’t think so!

1. There were people living immoral lifestyles.

2. Homosexuals.

3. Drunkards.

4. Someone said that the people in these cities epitomized the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21).

C. Today, our society (and sadly even in the church) mirrors these sins.

1. Social Drinking. 4. False teachers.

2. Tobacco Users. 5. Compromisers.

3. Immoral relationships. 6. Liars.

D. Really! Honestly! Seriously! Who do we think we are that God will make an exception for us if we are living this way?

1. Please brethren, heed the warning.

2. God has always and will continue to punish the disobedient.

3. God has never spared a disobedient and unrighteous person.

4. And, who is to blame him? After all he gave his only Son for our Salvation.

5. Let us never act as if we do not care about that sacrifice (Chicago- Memphis Express).

6. God is such a wonderful God of Love and he knows how to care to the righteous (Psalm 1).

7. But, remember his wrath...he is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:14-29).

8. Honestly! Seriously! Leave your sin and rebellion behind you and come to Jesus now!

E-Mail Me

jlmust@hotmail.com