The Power of His Resurrection

Resurrection

Do you really believe that Jesus was raised bodily from the grave?  A lot of people do not.  A recent TV documentary is a testament to that fact.  Claiming to have found the tomb of Jesus where His remains supposedly still lay is to discredit His resurrection. And to discredit His resurrection is to discredit Christianity.  Paul said, “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen.  And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” (1 Cor. 15:16-17).  Ah, but friends, do not be fooled by the deceivers of this age, for Paul assures us that “Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v. 20).  Therefore we thank God for the evidence of Scripture (Isa. 53; Ps. 22; 1 Cor. 15:1-4) and for those eyewitnesses who confirmed our Lord’s resurrection (vv. 5-11; Acts 1:9).

Paul said, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…” (Phil. 3:10).  The power of His resurrection is seen in salvation’s plan (1 Pet. 3:20-21; Rom. 6:3-5).  It is seen in the Christian life (Col. 3:1-4; cf. Phil. 3:4-10).  It is seen in the hope of our own resurrection to eternal life (Heb. 2:14-15; 1 Cor. 15).  Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn. 11:25-26). Therefore friends, “Do not be unbelieving, but believing” (20:27).

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From Humility to Humility

There is an interesting lesson in how Paul began his epistles. In just about every one, he refers to him being an apostle to establish his authority:

• “Paul…called to be an apostle” (Rom. 1:1)

• “Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God…” (1 Cor. 1:1)

• “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…” (2 Cor. 1:1)

• “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead)” (Gal. 1:1)

• “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…” (Eph. 1:1)

• “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…” (Col. 1:1)

• “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Tim. 1:1)

• “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…” (2 Tim. 1:1)

• “Paul…an apostle of Jesus Christ…” (Titus 1:1)

Since many Judaizing teachers and other of his enemies constantly berated him and accused him of being an imposter and a second-rated apostle, he usually always had to defend his authority by defending his apostleship. He stated, “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37).

Nevertheless, in his short letter to a man named Philemon, he does not state his authority as an apostle. In other words, he was not writing from the standpoint of an authoritative apostle. Rather, he began, “Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ…” (Philem. 1:1). Philemon was one of his four prison epistles (along with Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians). Yet, as I showed above, in two of these, he declared his apostleship, even from prison. Here, he did not. Why did he not write to Philemon from an authoritative perspective?

I believe the reason he describes himself to Philemon was to write from a humble perspective. He even stated himself,

Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.” (Philem. 1:8-9)

He was humble in order to encourage one who also needed to display humility! Onesimus, the slave of Philemon, had run away, and Paul met him (Philem. 1:10). He was coming back, but rather than face mistreatment and abuse for his error, Paul encouraged Philemon to embrace and accept him humbly (Philem. 1:12), not in the manner as a slave, but as a brother (Philem. 1:16).

How much better would this world be if we would consciously respond to needs of humility with a humble spirit? It is far too easy to respond quickly and brashly rather than humbly. This would solve many of our relationship problems! May God bless us as we all strive to become humbler servants, as well as encourage humility in others!

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Hindrances to Righteousness

Things That Hinder the Pursuit of Righteousness

TEXT: Galatians 5:7, “Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth?”

INTRODUCTION:  It is possible to hindered in ones attempt to serve God correctly.  I have observed in life that there are many people that are hindered in pursuit of righteousness. In the following study let us identify some of the things that hinder, there are two kinds of hindrances:

I.  EXTERNAL HINDRANCES:

A. Denominationalism: Denominationalism may deceive one seeking the truth to such a degree that one may believe that he is right with God when in reality he has joined himself to a false religious system.

B. Roman Catholicism: Is also a great hindrance to those seeking righteousness. This false religious system dating to 606 AD with its pope, huge building, great wealth, and great mystery surrounding its function deceive many unawares.

C. Atheism: This religion appeals to the independence in man, his desire to do whatever he wants to do, to be uninhibited by Dive rules, etc.

D. Agnosticism: This is also a great deceiver, this philosophy was an outgrowth of the Age of Reason concepts, “Believe nothing that cannot be seen, felt, or scientifically proven.”

“We walk by faith, not by sight.”  {2 Cor. 5:7}

E. Liberalism: This problem is found in many religious movements that have a sign that reads “CHURCH OF CHRIST” displayed in a prominent place.

  • 1. CHURCH OF CHRIST in Christian Union {Christian Church}.
  • 2. CHURCH OF CHRIST{Disciples of Christ}.
  • 3. United CHURCH OF CHRIST.
  • 4. Full gospel CHURCH OF CHRIST

CONSIDER THIS: All of these false ways may be dealt with simply by appealing to the teaching of the Bible in several Scriptures:

John 8:32, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ASV

John 17:17, Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. ASV

Hebrews 5:8-9, 8  though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered;  9  and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation; ASV

John 12:48, He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spoke, the same shall judge him in the last day. ASV

II. INTERNAL HINDRANCES:

In this area of our study let us examine the congregation to see if there are hindrances there. Many are discouraged from seeking righteousness because of the hindrances of some that profess to be Christians. We realize that we cannot control the conduct of others but we can control our own conduct in our relationship to God and to other people. Notice the following Scriptural references that indicate internal hindrances:

1. LOVERS OF THIS WORLD — 2 Timothy 4:10, “for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.” ASV

2. DECEIVERS, LIARS — Acts 5:1, “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,” ASV

3. SEEKERS OF PREEMINENCE — 3 John 9, “I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.” ASV

4. TOLERATING OPEN SIN WITHIN THE CONGREGATION — 1 Cor. 5:1-2, “It is actually reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not even among the Gentiles, that one (of you) hath his father’s wife. — And ye are puffed up, and did not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be taken away from among you.” ASV

Many sins are so apparent to everyone that even some in the community are aware of the sin.

5. UNFAITHFUL ATTENDANCE BY SOME — Hebrews 10:24-25, “and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; — not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting (one another); and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.” ASV

6. CHRISTIANS WHO ARE NOT PUTTING FORTH EFFORT TO LET THEIR LIGHT SHINE – Matt 5:14-16, Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shined unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ASV

CONSIDER THIS AS THE REMEDY:

Hebrews 10:30, 30 for we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

1 Peter 4:13, but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

Gal 6:1-2, 1 Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ASV

CONSIDER THIS: The child of God must never become a stumbling block to anyone. The Scripture clearly commands the Christian to never become a stumbling block to a Christian or for that matter to anyone.

1 Cor. 8:9, “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.” KJV

Rom 14:13, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” KJV

CONCLUSION: Let us then, recognize that there are external hindrances and internal hindrances to the seekers of righteous living. Let us never allow ourselves to become a hindrance to others or to allow anything to hinder our relationship with God.

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Thankful Humility

A Sunday Worship Reflection on the Humility of Jesus

“Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:5-11).

We are remembering today what happened to Jesus nearly 2000 years ago.  When He went to the cross, He revealed to us the heart of God because He Himself was God in the flesh.  Jesus could have come to the earth as a physical ruler.  He could have come to the earth to take a place among the middle class.  He chose to come to the earth into the care of a carpenter’s family, and he chose to live a life of poverty.  He said, “”Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).

Jesus gave His body and His blood so that we might have eternal life with God in heaven.  He took our place suffering the punishment that we deserved so that we could be forgiven.  2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him.”  It was His body that was made the perfect sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 10:10).  It was His blood that was shed for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28).

We turn now to these elements that represent His sacrifice, the bread, His body; the fruit of the vine, His blood.  We remember the words of the apostle Paul as we partake of these elements: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a communion of the body of Christ? seeing that we, who are many, are one bread, one body: for we are all partake of the one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17).

We give thanks today for this bread and this fruit of the vine, and the things that they represent because returning our love in the form of thanksgiving is the best and purest thing that we can do to acknowledge Christ’s work in our salvation.  We also give thanks for His reconciling us to God and one another and for the unity that He brings to our lives.

Father, we thank thee for this bread, and we thank thee for the body of Jesus that was given as the perfect sacrifice on the cross.  We know, Father, that you loved us enough to do this for us, and we praise you for your goodness.  We’re thankful for the unity that you have brought to us, and help us to cherish it as we remember Jesus’ suffering.  Help us to remember and to have the humility of Jesus within our lives that we may truly be called your children.  We pray in Christ’s name, amen.

Father, we thank thee for this cup, and we thank thee for the blood that Jesus shed.  We are grateful that by His stripes we are healed, and we praise thee for your great love for us.  We are thankful for the forgiveness of sins that Jesus’ blood affords.  Help us to cherish this great blessing as we turn to thee daily for forgiveness.  Help us to remember Jesus’ humility as His blood flowed down the cross.  Help us to be thankful that we all have access to the same blood for forgiveness.  We pray in Christ’s name, amen.

Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”  God freely gave of Himself to us for our salvation.  We have an opportunity to give to Him.  As we look into our hearts, let us measure our love and thankfulness for Him, and let us give freely as we consider God’s great gift of love for us.

We thank thee Father for your love, and for all of the blessings you provide.  We thank thee for our homes and jobs.  We know you make the sun to shine and the rain to fall on both the just and the unjust.  We also know that you have given us every spiritual blessing in Christ.  We want to be like you, Father, so we ask that you help us to open our hearts and give with the same attitude that you have given to us.  We pray in Christ’s name, amen.

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The Eyes of Jesus

Looking at the World Through the Eyes of Jesus

When Israel demanded that God give them a king, He gave them precisely what they wanted. They sincerely believed that a warrior who intimidated their enemies in battle would be the answer to all of their problems, so He gave them King Saul who towered above most of Israel. They were so wrong and the reason for this is seen in the words of the Lord to Samuel. When God replaced the warrior with a shepherd boy He said, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7).

All of us often make the same mistake. Look at how Jesus looked at others, not as a man looks, but He looked at their hearts.

The people saw ignorant and unlearned laborers. Peter and John were lowly fishermen. The Jewish leaders called them “uneducated and untrained men” (Acts 4:13). Yet, Jesus chose them, for He sees more than outward appearance.

The people saw a religiously prejudiced man. If you had talked to Nathaniel about Jesus of Nazareth, you would have seen his warped view about anything good coming out of Nazareth (John 1:44). The Lord saw Him as one who would play a vital role as one who was a witness of the risen Savior (John 21:2). The Lord does not look at appearances but at hearts!

The people saw a corrupt tax collector. The most despised Jews in Israel were those who became agents to collect tax for the Roman government. Jesus not only called Matthew (Levi) to be an apostle, but He immediately went to his house to eat with him and his “evil” friends (Mark 2:14-15). Man looks on the outside. Jesus looks on the inside.

The people saw a terrorist. Most Jews had learned to live with the oppression of the Romans, but among them were the Zealots or Zealotes. The Zealotes were fanatical nationalists who were sworn to assassinate every traitor and Roman they could find. The people saw Simon the Zealot as an assassin. Jesus saw Simon the Zealot as an apostle (Luke 6:15).

The people saw a bothersome child. Even the apostles tried to keep children away from the Lord, for they saw them as a nuisance. Jesus rebuked these men and used a child to teach one of His greatest lessons. Jesus did not look on the problems children cause. He saw them as future servants in a greater cause.

The people saw an adulteress, an immoral woman at a well, lepers, physically handicapped people, the lame, the blind and the sick. Yet, Jesus saw these people so differently. Think about this. With our gospel meeting just before us, what are you seeing in those around you? May God help us to see the people around us through the eyes of Jesus!

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