"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Despair by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_06.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Despair

INTRODUCTION

1. In this series I have attempted to show how faith in Jesus gives us the victory over such things as:
1. Sin
2. Anxiety
3. Boredom
4. Depression
-- For I am persuaded that in overcoming the world and whatever it throws our way, "Faith Is The Victory!" - cf. 1Jn 5:4-5
2. Closely related to "depression" is the problem of "despair"...
1. Those who are depressed are often in a state of despair as well
2. Despair may be a cause for their depression, or at the least making it worse
3. As I hope to illustrate in this study...
1. Despair (i.e., hopelessness) is a serious problem, not one to be taken lightly
2. It is damaging to our health, our society, and our relationship with God
-- Certainly Christians should seek to dispel despair in their lives, and in the lives of those around them!

[Let me begin, then, by sharing some things I learned in my own study on the subject of despair...]

1. UNDERSTANDING DESPAIR
1. DESPAIR DEFINED...
1. According to the American Heritage Dictionary: To lose all hope; to be overcome by a sense of futility or defeat; complete loss of hope
2. Synonyms for despair include hopelessness, despondency, discouragement
3. Mark Twain described despair as "...a time when one's spirit is subdued and sad, one knows not why; when the past seems a storm-swept desolation, life a vanity and a burden, and the future but a way to death."
2. THE DANGER OF DESPAIR...
1. Despair takes its toll on society
1. According to researchers at the University of Missouri- Columbia Health Sciences Center, a lack of hope has been linked to poor behavior in children
2. As reported by Reuter's Leslie Lang, children with high levels of hopelessness...
1. Tended to engage in harmful and destructive behavior to themselves and others
2. Tended to be defiant, refusing to obey rules, take turns, share, and skip school
3. The researcher quoted indicated that hopelessness may be an indicator for children and teens who are prone to act in anti-social or aggressive behavior
2. Despair takes it toll on your physical health
1. It can have the same detrimental effect on the heart as smoking a pack of cigarettes, according to a study published in the August, 1997, issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology,
2. "a high level of hopelessness exacerbates the atherosclerotic process in middle-aged men" (Dr. Susan A. Everson)
3. I.e., it increases the thickness of the arterial walls
3. Despair is certainly detrimental to one's spiritual health
1. To be in despair is a slap in the face of God
1. "He that despairs degrades God." (Owen Felltham, 1602-1668)
2. "When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God." (Charles L. Allen, 1913- )
3. "It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Helper is omnipotent." (Jeremy Taylor, 1613-1667)
2. To be in despair renders one ineffective in helping others: "He that is fallen cannot help him that is down." (unknown)

[The pervasiveness of despair in our society is reflected in the words of Thoreau: "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." But as Clare Boothe Luce said, "There are no hopeless situations. There are only people who have grown hopeless about them."

Charles Swindoll has said that "Surrendering to despair is man's favorite pastime. God offers a better plan, but it takes effort to grab it and faith to claim it." With that I agree, and so now wish for us to consider how...]

2. FAITH IN JESUS HELPS US TO OVERCOME DESPAIR
1. JESUS PROVIDES HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS...
1. Through His teachings...
1. Telling us of God's providential care - Mt 6:30; 7:11; 10:29-31
2. Telling us of God's love for the lost - Lk 15:7; Jn 3:16-17
2. Through His promises...
1. Telling us of the abundant life He offers - Jn 4:13-14; 6:35; 10:10
2. His promise of the resurrection He offers - Jn 11:23-27
3. His promise of His return and the place He is preparing - Jn 14:1-3
3. Through His actions...
1. His death on the cross provides the hope of our forgiveness!
2. His resurrection provides the hope for our own resurrection!
-- Jesus is truly "our hope"! - cf. 1Ti 1:1
2. THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS, THE CHRISTIAN...
1. Has hope in God regarding the resurrection - Ac 24:15; cf. 1Pe 1:3
2. Can rejoice in hope regarding the glory to come - Ro 5:1-2
3. Use the Scriptures as a constant replenisher of hope - Ro 15:4
4. Can abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Ro 15:13; Ga 5:5
5. Has the hope of salvation as a "helmet" to protect our minds - 1Th 5:8
6. Can look forward to the "blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" - Tit 2:13-14

CONCLUSION

1. It has been said that "Life with Christ is an endless hope, without him a hopeless end."
1. For those who are in Christ, they have every reason to hope!
2. For those outside of Christ, one can understand why there is often despair!
2. For those in Christ, we are charged to hold fast to our hope...
1. "but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end." - He 3:6
2. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." - He 10:23
-- And for good reason, for "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast..." - He 6:19

Through faith in Jesus, we can hold fast to our hope, and gain the victory!

God be praised, that to believing souls Gives light in darkness, comfort in despair! - WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Discontent by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_07.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Discontent

INTRODUCTION

1. I trust that as we are making our way through this series that the value of faith in Jesus is becoming ever more apparent...
1. In overcoming sin
2. In overcoming anxiety, boredom, depression, and despair
-- I.e., "Faith Is The Victory!" in overcoming the world with its many ills - cf. 1Jn 5:4-5
2. Another ailment that afflicts many people is "discontent"...
1. It appears to be closely related to "boredom"
2. Just as "anxiety" and "despair" are closely linked
3. In my study on the subject of "discontent", I found what seems to be conflicting views...
1. Some describe discontent as evil: "A man's discontent is his worst evil." (George Herbert, 1593-1633)
2. Others speak of it as something good:
1. "Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation." (Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900)
2. "Restlessness and discontent are the necessities of progress." (Thomas Alva Edison, 1847-1931)
3. "Show me a thoroughly satisfied man - and I will show you a failure." (Edison)

[Is it wrong to be "discontent"? Or is it necessary for progress? The problem may be one of semantics, so let's start with seeking to understand exactly what it is we are talking about...]

1. UNDERSTANDING DISCONTENT
1. DISCONTENT DEFINED...
1. According to the American Heritage dictionary: Absence of contentment; dissatisfaction; a restless longing for better circumstances
2. There appears to be two different kinds of "discontent"...
1. "There are two kinds of discontent in this world: the discontent that works, and the discontent that wrings its hands. The first gets what it wants, and the second loses what it has." (Gordon Graham)
2. It is the discontent that "wrings its hands" that we are discussing in this lesson
1. It is the absence of contentment as a result of covetousness
2. It is that dissatisfaction which is often accompanied by grumbling and complaining
2. THE DANGER OF DISCONTENT...
1. It affects our relationship with God!
1. When we are discontent because of covetousness, we become idolaters! - cf. Ep 5:3-5; Col 3:5
2. When we are discontent because of dissatisfaction with what we have, are we not being ungrateful for what God has given us?
1. "Whenever you find yourself disposed to uneasiness or murmuring at anything that is the effect of God's providence, look upon yourself as denying either the wisdom or goodness of God." (William Law, 1686-1761)
2. "Complaining about our lot in life might seem quite innocent in itself, but God takes it personally." (Erwin W. Lutzer)
2. It hurts ourselves!
1. Contentment is a virtue that is highly praised and valued:
1. "He is richest who is content with the least." (Socrates)
2. "He who is content can never be ruined." (Chinese proverb)
3. "The contented man is never poor, the discontented never rich." (Unknown)
4. "...godliness with contentment is great gain." - 1 Ti 6:6
2. But discontentment hurts those who possess it:
1. "Those who want much are always much in need." (Horace, 65-8 B.C.)
2. "It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, who is poor." (Seneca, 4 B.C.-65 A.D.)
-- We only make ourselves unhappy by being discontent
3. Those discontented also hurt others!
1. When we are discontent, we become grumblers and complainers
1. Affecting our friends, families, and brethren
2. Ruining not only our own selves, but those closest to us
2. Nothing destroys a friendship and congregation quicker than the grumbling and murmuring of those discontent
1. "Grumbling is the death of love." (Marlene Dietrich)
2. Which may be why such complaining is condemned in the Scriptures - 1Co 10:10; Php 2:14-15

[So much unhappiness is the result of discontent in our own lives. If we wish to overcome discontent, we must look to the One who helps us overcome the world...]

2. FAITH IN JESUS HELPS US TO OVERCOME DISCONTENT
1. JESUS PROVIDES CONTENTMENT...
1. Through His teachings...
1. By telling us what is truly important in life
1. Not material abundance - Lk 12:13-15
2. But being rich toward God! - Lk 12:16-21
2. By telling us to lay up our treasure in heaven
1. For earthly treasures will decay or be stolen - Mt 6:19
2. Whereas treasures in heaven are safely guarded - Mt 6:20; cf. 1Pe 1:4
-- Thus ensuring that our hearts are set upon that which cannot be destroyed - Mt 6:21
2. Through His promises...
1. Promising to always be with us - Mt 28:20; cf. He 13:5-6
2. Promising God's providential care - Mt 6:30-33; 7:7-11; 10:29-31
2. THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS, THE CHRISTIAN CAN BE CONTENT...
1. Even as Paul was content - cf. Php 4:11-13
1. It was something he learned as a disciple of Christ!
2. It was something he had through the power of Christ!
2. It has been said that "Contentment is the power to get out of any situation all there is in it."
1. Paul had certainly made the best of his imprisonment! - cf. Php 1:12-14
2. He saw how his circumstances enhanced that which was truly important - the spread of the gospel!
3. It has also been said that "Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have."
1. If anyone realized how blessed he was, it was the apostle Paul!
2. For he served his God who could supply all one's needs! - cf. Php 4:19
3. Even when he knew his life was near its end - cf. 2Ti 4:18

CONCLUSION

1. "All the world lives in two tents--content and discontent."
1. Which "tent" do you live in?
2. Paul, as a disciple of Jesus, lived in a constant state of contentment
3. A contentment learned and enjoyed through his relationship with God through Jesus Christ
2. He encourages us to follow his example, if we desire to have the same relationship with God - cf. Php 4:9
1. To learn of his "ways in Christ" which he taught in every church - 1Co 4:16-17
2. Such "ways" certainly included those taught by our Lord Himself! If we desire to overcome discontent, then let's be inspired by the example of Paul who wrote:

   "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Ga 2:20)

When one can truly say they "live by faith in the Son of God", then "Faith Is The Victory!" in overcoming discontent!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

 

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Fear by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_08.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Fear

INTRODUCTION

1. In preparing His disciples for His imminent arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus sought to reassure them by expressing His own confidence:

   "Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. (Jn 16:32)

2. Though troubling days were ahead, Jesus offered them hope that in Him they too could have peace, for He had overcome the world:

   "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (Jn 16:33)

3. Jesus demonstrated through His death and resurrection that He had indeed overcome the world, and now such victory is offered to His disciples...
1. To those who believe, their faith can be the victory to overcome the world! - 1Jn 5:4-5
2. As we have already seen, faith in Jesus helps us in overcoming sin, anxiety, boredom, depression, despair and discontent
-- Through His actions, past and present, and through His teachings, Jesus helps those who believe in Him to overcome the world!
4. Such victory also includes overcoming "fear"...
1. Whether real or imagined
2. Which like some forms of anxiety (e.g., panic disorders), can have a debilitating effect on peoples' lives
5. Not all fear is harmful, however; there is to be a place in the heart of the Christian for the right kind of fear...
1. Jesus taught us whom to fear - Mt 10:28
2. Paul wrote of the need for a "fear and trembling" - Php 2:12; cf. 2Co 7:1

[When we properly understand Whom to fear, and how faith in Jesus dispels the wrong kind of fear, then we can overcome any fear or phobia that would rob us of the peace Jesus offers. With that in mind, let's examine the subject of fear...]

1. UNDERSTANDING FEAR
1. FEAR DEFINED...
1. According to the American Heritage dictionary:
1. A feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger
2. Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power
2. As the above definition suggests, there are two different kinds of fear...
1. One is wrong, which we are addressing in this lesson
2. The other is necessary, as stressed in the Book of Proverbs
1. The "fear of the Lord" is the beginning of knowledge - Pr 1:7
2. The "fear of the Lord" will cause one to hate evil - Pr 8:13
3. The "fear of the Lord" will prolong life - Pr 10:27
4. The "fear of the Lord" provides strong confidence and is a fountain of life - Pr 14:26-27
5. The "fear of the Lord" prompts one to depart from evil - Pr 16:6
6. The "fear of the Lord" leads to a satisfying life, and spares one from much evil - Pr 19:23
7. The "fear of the Lord" is the way to riches, honor, and life! - Pr 22:4
3. The value of fearing God, as expressed by others:
1. "The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else." (Oswald Chambers)
2. "The right fear is the fear of losing God." (Meister Eckhart)
2. THE WRONG KIND OF FEAR...
1. Fear which is groundless
1. Many social and specific phobias fall into this category
2. Here is a list of the most common fears, and the percentage of people which fear them...
   

   Top 12 Fears	Scientific Name
   Speaking before a group (40%)	Topophobia
   Heights (30%)	Acrophobia
   Insects and bugs (20%)	Entomophobia
   Financial problems (20%)	Atephobia
   Deep Water (20%)	Bathophobia
   Disease (20%)	Phathophobia
   Death (20%)	Thanatophobia
   Flying (20%)	Aerophobia
   Loneliness (15%)	Monophobia
   Dogs (10%)	Cynophobia
   Driving/riding in a car (10%)	Ochophobia
   Dark (10%)	Nyctophobia

   -- Charles J. Givens, Super-Self (Simon & Schuster, 1993), p. 288.
3. Such fears are often the result of misinformation
4. "FEAR is False Education Appearing Real" (Denis Waitley)
2. Fear that makes problems seem greater than they really are
1. "Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is." (German proverb)
2. "Fear makes man believe the worst" (unknown)
3. With exaggerated fears of the problems we face, we think them overwhelming
3. Fear that prevents us from enjoying the blessings we have
1. "He who fears death cannot enjoy life." (Spanish proverb)
2. "Who lives in fear will never be a free man." (Horace, 65-8 B.C.)
3. Certainly one who fears cannot be at peace and know true joy
4. Fear that hinders our ability to be of service to God
1. "Fear is the sand in the machinery of life." (E. Stanley Jones)
2. Fear of people, fear of failure, often hinder Christians in their service; e.g., personal evangelism
5. Fear that motivates us to disobey God
1. Certain fears often prompt us to do things which are displeasing to God
2. For example, in a poll of teenagers, among other things they feared:
1. Failing in School - 44%
2. Loneliness - 33%
3. Not Having a Boyfriend/Girlfriend - 30%
4. Rejection - 28%
3. Such fears have often led young people to cheat, get in with the wrong crowd, give in to improper sexual advances
4. Similar fears have prompted many adults to lie, cheat on the job, commit adultery, enter unscriptural marriages, etc.
5. Fear of rejection, fear of persecution, etc., has led some Christians to denounce their faith in God

[Unless we can overcome the wrong kind of fear, the devil will have many weapons in his arsenal to use against us. If we are going to be victorious over him and also overcome the world, then we will have to understand how...]

2. FAITH IN JESUS HELPS US TO OVERCOME FEAR
1. JESUS TAUGHT THAT FEAR IS INDICATIVE OF LITTLE FAITH...
1. When His disciples were fearful of the storm at sea - Mt 8:23-27
2. When Peter faltered as he went to Jesus walking on the water - Mt 14:25-33
3. As Jesus taught them not to have fearful anxiety concerning the necessities of life - Lk 12:27-32
-- As someone put it: "Fear is simply unbelief parading in disguise."
2. JESUS ADDRESSED OUR WORST FEARS...
1. The fear of what we might face in this life
1. Jesus promised, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Mt 28:20
2. With such a promise, we can take courage, as Joshua was encouraged to do - cf. Josh 1:9
3. With the Lord at our side, what can man do? - cf. He 13:5-6
4. The worst that can happen is death, and Jesus addressed that...
2. The fear of death
1. His own victory over death frees us from the fear of death - cf. He 2:14-15
2. Thus Paul could face death with great confidence, even anticipation - Php 1:21-23
3. The fear of what comes after death
1. Jesus comforted His disciples with the promise of lies ahead - cf. Jn 14:1-3
2. Thus Paul could look forward to what he would receive - 2Ti 4:6-8 (note that it was because he had "kept the faith"!)
-- When we've overcome these fears through faith in Jesus, other fears will seem petty!

CONCLUSION

1. Where there is faith, fear cannot abide...
1. "Feed your faith, and your fears will starve to death."
2. "Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there."
3. "Fear and faith cannot keep house together; when one enters, the other departs."
-- Vern McLellan, The Complete Book of Practical Proverbs and Wacky Wit (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1996)
2. Here is how Harry Emerson Fosdick contrasted fear and faith:

   "Fear imprisons, faith liberates; fear paralyzes, faith empowers; fear disheartens, faith encourages; fear sickens, faith heals; fear makes useless, faith makes serviceable_and, most of all, fear puts hopelessness at the heart of life, while faith rejoices in its God."

3. If anyone gives us reason to have faith in God, it is Jesus...
1. Through His signs and wonders, which God worked in Him
2. Through His own resurrection from the dead, proclaiming Him to be the Son of God
3. Through the words of His inspired apostles, whose overwhelming testimony gives us reasons to believe in who Jesus was and what Jesus taught

So if we wish to overcome fear, faith in Jesus Christ is the victory!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

 

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Grief by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_09.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Grief

INTRODUCTION

1. Jesus promised to provide an "abundant life" when He said:

   "...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (Jn 10:10)

2. We have already seen how Jesus provides that abundant life by helping us to overcome many things we face in this world, such as:
1. Sin, anxiety, boredom, and depression
2. Despair, discontent, and fear
-- That is why I am persuaded that "Faith Is The Victory!", as expressed in 1Jn 5:4-5
3. Before we conclude this series, I wish to illustrate the victory of faith in Jesus in dealing with two more problems we often face: grief and loneliness

[In this lesson we shall consider the subject of "grief", beginning with...]

1. UNDERSTANDING GRIEF
1. GRIEF DEFINED...
1. According to the American Heritage dictionary: "Deep mental anguish, as that arising from bereavement"
2. Synonyms include: sorrow, sadness, mournfulness, gloom
3. The feeling of grief can often be like the feeling of fear, as observed by C. S. Lewis: "No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear." (A Grief Observed)
2. NOT ALL GRIEF IS WRONG...
1. Jesus manifested grief when He saw how others were grieved over the loss of a loved one - Jn 11:32-35
2. Paul wrote of "a continual grief" that he had in his heart - Ro 9:1-2; cf. Ro 10:1
3. Having grief and expressing it is an important part of overcoming traumatic experiences such as the loss of a loved one
4. Paul and the Ephesian elders expressed their grief as they bid him a sad farewell - Ac 20:36-38
3. GRIEF CAN BECOME A PROBLEM...
1. When it makes one useless for any service
1. E.g., when one's grief sends them into extended isolation
2. E.g., when one's grief makes them unable to comfort others in their grief
2. When it begins to produce a psychosomatic illness
1. Many physical illnesses are either caused or made worse by emotional distress
2. Grief is certainly one kind of emotional distress that can take its toll on the body

[So while there is a place for grief in the life and heart of a Christian, it is imperative that grief not take control of our lives.

With the help of faith in Jesus, that need not happen...]

2. FAITH IN JESUS HELPS US TO OVERCOME GRIEF
1. JESUS PROVIDES COMFORT TO THE GRIEVING SOUL...
1. As previously noted, Jesus certainly understands our grief
1. While in the flesh, He experienced grief - Jn 11:35
2. Indeed, He became flesh to be better suited to come to our aid - He 2:17-18
2. He therefore taught His disciples how to find comfort when troubled
1. To believe in Him - Jn 14:1-3
2. To keep His commandments, that we might abide in His love - Jn 15:10-11
3. To pray, that we may have joy and peace - Jn 16:24,33; cf. Php 4:6-7
3. He also provides comfort with the promise of our resurrection - cf. 1Th 4:13-17
2. JESUS PROVIDES A FAMILY TO HELP BEAR OUR GRIEF...
1. Those who believe in Jesus and do His will are part of a family - cf. Mt 12:46-50
1. That family is the family of God, the church - 1Ti 3:15; cf. 1Ti 5:1-2
2. In which we have "a hundredfold" brothers, sisters, mothers, etc. - Mk 10:29-30
3. In which we are to
2. As a family, we can bear one another's grief
1. By weeping with those who weep - Ro 12:15
2. By sharing in each other's sufferings - 1Co 12:25-26
3. By comforting one another with the comfort we each receive from God - 2Co 1:3-5
3. Sadly, many do not take advantage of this blessing of a family
1. E.g., those who think they can get what they need watching religious programs
2. E.g., those who may "belong to a church", but never become involved
-- And so when their grief comes, they must often bear it alone

CONCLUSION

1. Jesus certainly did not intend for us to bear our grief alone...
1. He taught us how to have lasting joy and peace, even in the midst of grief
2. He died and rose from the dead, that our grief even in death might be temporary
3. He now intercedes as our High Priest, to comfort us in our times of grief
4. He built His church to be a family, so we can receive comfort in times of grief
2. For one to enjoy such blessings, it requires faith in Jesus...
1. Faith in Jesus to believe what He taught
2. Faith in Jesus to believe what He did
3. Faith in Jesus to obey what He commanded that we might abide in His love
4. Faith in Jesus to become an integral part of His "church family"

So if we wish to overcome grief through Jesus Christ, then "Faith Is The Victory!"

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Loneliness by Mark Copeland

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_10.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Loneliness

INTRODUCTION

1. To the persecuted church in Smyrna, Jesus had His servant John write these words:

   "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Re 2:10)

2. This promise certainly demonstrates the importance of believing in Jesus...
1. For the "crown of life" is a figure for the gift of eternal life that Jesus offers
2. And if we wish to receive this "crown", we must remain faithful!
3. But the rewards of faith in Jesus are not limited to "the afterlife"...
1. There can be victories to be enjoyed even in this life - 1Jn 5:4-5
2. In this series we have noticed how faith in Jesus helps us to overcome such things as:
1. Sin
2. Anxiety
3. Boredom
4. Depression
5. Despair
6. Discontent
7. Fear
8. Grief
4. As we conclude this series, I wish to provide one more example of how faith in Jesus helps us in overcoming the world with its many ills...
1. I am referring to the problem of "loneliness"
2. It is has been said that "Loneliness and the feeling of being uncared for and unwanted are the greatest poverty" (Teresa of Calcutta)
3. A Jewish proverb states that "Loneliness eats into the soul"; it can also have an adverse effect on the body

[As we shall see, faith in Jesus can help us overcome the problem of loneliness; but let's begin as before by seeking to better understand the problem we face...]

1. UNDERSTANDING LONELINESS
1. LONELINESS IS NOT THE SAME AS SOLITUDE...
1. Solitude describes a situation where one is alone by CHOICE
1. To reflect, meditate, or simply enjoy solitary activites such as writing, drawing, reading, etc.
2. Every one needs some solitude from time to time
2. Loneliness is a feeling of dissatisfaction with the quality and/or quantity of one's relationships with other people; it can be broken down into two types
1. Social loneliness - as when a person goes to college or takes a job in a new town and are isolated from friends and family
2. Emotional loneliness - when we feel that we have no one to talk to, no one who understands our deepest concerns and needs
3. Other comparisons between loneliness and solitude:
1. Where solitude enriches and energizes, loneliness detracts and debilitates
2. Solitude can build a desire to involve one's self with society, whereas...
1. Loneliness often robs one of any such motivation
2. Loneliness can provoke a vicious cycle of despair so that the sufferer shys away from social contact and support needed to overcome
3. Perhaps this why it has been said: "Loneliness and solitude are quite different. One is defeat--the other victory."
-- The above notes were taken mostly from the General Loneliness FAQ of the soc.support.loneliness newsgroup
2. HOW PEOPLE REACT TO LONELINESS...
1. Active solitude
1. Becoming engrossed in some activity that we enjoy and which enriches our lives
2. Such as listening to music, reading, exercising
3. This is a postive reaction to loneliness
2. Social action
1. Such as calling or visiting a friend or relative; helping someone less fortunate
2. It is a deliberate action that breaks the isolation and involves us with others
3. This too is a positive reaction to loneliness
3. Distraction
1. Doing something to take our minds off our sense of loneliness
2. Such as going for a drive, or going shopping
3. This is a more neutral reaction, and really only a temporary solution
4. Sad passivity
1. This is where one continues to feel badly and does nothing to positively impact the problem
2. This can lead to a downward spiral of depression, and often includes sleeping too much, overeating and self-medicating
3. This, of course, is a negative reaction to loneliness
-- The notes in this section come from an article by Rona Subotnik, M.F.C.C., who refers to a book called "In Search of Intimacy", by Rubenstein and Shaver
3. CHRISTIANS NEED TO RESPOND POSITIVELY TO LONELINESS...
1. For being lonely may be a sympton of a more serious problem
1. "Loneliness is being unaware of the One who is with us everywhere."
2. "Many Christians suffer from loneliness because they are sitting instead of serving."
-- Croft M. Pentz, The Complete Book of Zingers
2. When one walks with God, they are never truly alone - cf. Jn 16:32
1. "The soul that has been enriched by communion with God will not be dismayed by isolation but will welcome solitude. He will seek not the crowd but the closet, and emerging will never walk alone, for he has unseen companionship." (Frances J. Roberts)
2. "The soul that is growing in holiness is the least lonely when it is most alone." (F. Andrew)
-- Edythe Draper, Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World

[When one suffers from loneliness, it is an indication that their relationship with God and others may need some work. There is no one better qualified to help us in that regard than Jesus Christ...]

2. HOW FAITH IN JESUS OVERCOMES LONELINESS
1. JESUS RECONCILES US BACK TO GOD...
1. Paul explained that Jesus' ministry was one of reconciliation - 2Co 5:18-20
2. Jesus offered Himself as the only way to God - Jn 14:6
3. When we keep Jesus' commandments, we are assured of the abiding presence of both the Father and the Son - Jn 14:21,23
-- Through faith in Jesus, we can be reconciled to God and thereby never truly be alone!
2. JESUS ADDS US TO HIS FAMILY...
1. We read where Jesus added people to the church - Ac 2:47 (KJV, NKJV)
2. This "church" is also described as God's house, or family - 1Ti 3:15; cf. 5:1-2
3. Indeed, Jesus told Peter what His disciples would enjoy in this lifetime, which I understand to be a reference to His church - cf. Mk 10:28-30
-- Through faith in Jesus, we are born into a spiritual family where we should never be alone
3. JESUS' WOULD HAVE US RESPOND POSITIVELY TO LONELINESS...
1. He teaches us to pray, which builds companionship with God
1. To pray always, and never lose heart - Lk 18:1
2. To pray to our Father in secret, where you are one on one with Him - Mt 6:5-6
2. He teaches us to serve, which builds companionship with others - Mt 20:25-28
1. One cannot be alone when they are busy serving others!
2. Remember, "Many Christians suffer from loneliness because they are sitting instead of serving."
-- Through faithful obedience to Jesus, we will establish and nourish relationships whereby we will never be alone!

CONCLUSION

1. Just as Jesus knew He was never alone (Jn 16:32), so Paul experienced the reassuring presence of God...
1. At a time when others had forsaken him - 2Ti 4:16-17
2. Which gave him hope for the future - 2Ti 4:18
2. As Christians, we are promised never to be left alone...
1. "...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Mt 28:20
2. "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'" - He 13:5-6

Add to such wonderful promises the blessings of being a part of God's family, the church, and truly we should be able to say to overcoming loneliness, and to overcoming any problem we face:

"Faith Is The Victory!"

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

“Fear God!” (1 Peter 2:17) by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/feargod.html

“Fear God!”
(1 Peter 2:17)

True worshipers are God-fearing people.

Job “was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1).

God told Abraham, “Now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son” (Genesis 22:12).

Cornelius “feared God with all his household” (Acts 10:2).

What does it mean to fear God?

To be God-fearing is to have an overwhelming feeling of profound respect for God that causes us to be highly conscious of our own inadequacy and dependence. God is so great and we are so small, that it is scary! Ezekiel fell on his face when he saw the glory of the Lord (Ezekiel 1:28). Fear is the reasonable response of mortal man in the presence of almighty God. Fear of God is the sober realization that our eternal destiny depends on His judgment.

The word fear is used in connection with God more than 300 times in the Scriptures.

Fear of God is a healthy fear, like fear of fire or fear of falling. Its effects are positive. Whom do you trust more, a God-fearing person, or someone who does not fear God?

Every person on earth is commanded to fear God.

“Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him” (Psalm 33:8).

“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth - to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people - saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water’” (Revelation 14:6, 7).

We learn to fear God by reading the Scriptures.

“And Moses commanded them, saying: ‘At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of release, at the Feast of Tabernacles, when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the LORD your God and carefully observe all the words of this law, and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the LORD your God’” (Deuteronomy 31:10-13).

By reading the Scriptures or by hearing them read aloud, adults and children learn to fear God.

Leaders ought to fear God.

The king of Israel was to read the Scriptures to learn to fear the Lord: “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel” (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).

King David wrote: “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God’” (2 Samuel 23:3, 4).

When King Jehoshaphat appointed judges, he charged them: “Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment. Now therefore, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes. ... Thus you shall act in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and with a loyal heart” (2 Chronicles 19:6, 7, 9).

Fear of God is a prerequisite for wisdom.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments” (Psalm 111:10). “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).

We fear God because He is our judge.

Jesus said: “My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:4, 5).

Although we fear God as our judge, genuine love can dispel fear of punishment. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

John refers to fear of punishment, not fear of God. People who love God do not fear condemnation because they “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28).

Those who fear God are comforted: “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). When Daniel saw the Son of Man [compare Daniel 10:5, 6 with Revelation 1:12-15] he “stood trembling” but was told, “Do not fear, Daniel. ... O man greatly beloved, fear not!” (Daniel 10:10, 12, 19).

Christians are commanded: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Although perfect love casts out fear, lack of fear does not prove love! Someone who does not fear God, does not fear judgment. And many who are confident that they are saved will be lost because they did not build on the Rock by obeying Christ (Matthew 7:22, 23). If they had truly loved God and feared Him as judge, they would have obeyed Christ.

A God-fearing person wants to please God.

Of Hezekiah, king of Judah, it is said: “Did he not fear the LORD and seek the LORD’s favor?” (Jeremiah 26:19).

They who fear God want to be faithful and true. Joshua told Israel, “Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth” (Joshua 24:14). Later, Samuel reminded them: “Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you” (1 Samuel 12:24).

God has promised that we can be His sons and daughters if we separate ourselves from the uncleanness of the world (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Paul continues in the next chapter: “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

A God-fearing person wants to obey God.

“Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him” (Deuteronomy 8:6). “And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul?” (Deuteronomy 10:12). “You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him” (Deuteronomy 13:4).

A God-fearing person wants to avoid evil.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7). “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil” (Proverbs 8:13).

God takes care of those who fear Him.

“The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. ... Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him” (Psalm 34:7, 9).

“The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them” (Psalm 145:18, 19).

“Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God” (Ecclesiastes 8:11-13).

“Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name. ‘They shall be Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘on the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him’” (Malachi 3:16, 17).

God extends grace to those who fear Him.

“His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50). “Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 33:18). “The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 147:11).

“He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them” (Psalm 103:10-18).

Let us walk in the fear of the Lord.

“Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied” (Acts 9:31).

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

“You who fear the LORD, praise Him!” (Psalm 22:23).

“Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!” (Revelation 19:5). Fear God! Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc.,
Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Lead us not into temptation by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/tempt.html

Lead us not into temptation

Jesus taught His followers to pray: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13 KJV).

What is temptation?

Temptation is an allurement or enticement to do wrong to obtain pleasure, ease or advantage.

What is the source of temptation?

Satan is the tempter. Paul was concerned about the Thessalonians: “For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain” (1 Thessalonians 3:5).

Satan tries to manipulate us by appealing to our desires: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (James 1:13-15).

Notice that temptation itself is not sin. Sin occurs only when we give in to temptation.

Everyone is tempted. Jesus was tempted by Satan for forty days in the wilderness (Mark 1:13), yet He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

The Scriptures show various reactions to temptation.

Having believed the devil’s lies, when Eve “saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate” (Genesis 3:6).

In anger, Cain murdered his brother even after being warned by God that sin was “crouching at the door” (Genesis 4:4-8).

Many examples are given of people who yielded to temptation.

Joseph was a commendable exception. When his master’s wife “cast longing eyes on Joseph” and said, “Lie with me,” he replied “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Later, when she tried to grab him, he fled from the house (Genesis 39:7-12).

Prayer is essential to resist temptation.

Jesus tells us to pray for God’s help. He told Peter, James and John in the garden: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Instead of praying, they fell asleep. They wanted to do what was right, but later that night all the disciples except John fled and Peter denied Christ.

Jesus had warned Peter, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (Luke 22:31, 32). But Peter was overconfident. He declared, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble” (Matthew 26:33).

It is dangerous to be overconfident and underestimate temptations. To the extent possible, we ought to avoid situations and activities that involve a high level of temptation.

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:12, 13). This is a great promise. God limits temptation and provides a way of escape. “The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations” (2 Peter 2:9).

God helps us, but we must be on guard. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8, 9). “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

We must be spiritually minded to resist temptation.

We must understand that eternal spiritual values are more important than temporary earthly pleasure or gain. Moses chose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25).

“And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:8-10). Notice that the promise of satisfaction in worldly riches is a false promise. They who love money get sorrow.

The promises of temptation - the enticing promises of pleasure or gain - are always deceitful promises. True pleasure and true gain come only from doing what is right.

Jesus shows us how to resist temptations.

Each time Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He responded with ‘It is written’. If we know, understand and apply the Scriptures we are armed to resist temptation.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’ But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”’” (Matthew 4:1-4).

“Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: “He shall give His angels charge concerning you,” and, “In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone”’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.”’” (Matthew 4:5-7).

In this second temptation, the devil quoted Scripture, misapplying it of course. Jesus replied by saying ‘It is also written’! We must know the Scriptures well to resist temptation. We need to know all the Bible says about something to avoid being deceived by a Scripture-quoting devil.

“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.”’ Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him” (Matthew 4:8-11).

The temptations in the wilderness illustrate the meaning of the word ‘temptation’. The devil enticed Jesus to do wrong by promising Him things that sounded inviting: bread when He was hungry, God’s providential care, and rulership over the whole world. Notice that none of these goals were wrong for Jesus. He needed food like we do. God had promised to care for Him. And He came to earth to be King of kings and Lord of lords. But the devil was enticing Him to seek these goals by doing things that would be wrong.

Jesus will help us resist temptation.

He was tempted like we are. He understands what it is like to be tempted. “In all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17, 18). “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but [one who] was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15, 16).

Jesus forgave Peter after he yielded to temptation and denied Him. He is also willing to forgive us when we, like Peter, are sorry for our sins.

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

There is good news for fallen humanity by Roy Davison

 

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/goodnews.html

There is good news for fallen humanity

What is this good news? God is willing to forgive our sins! The Scriptures reveal what God has done so He can forgive sinful people without compromising His own righteousness.

“God made man upright” (Ecclesiastes 7:29); He “created man in His own image” (Genesis 1:27). But “sin entered the world” through Adam (Romans 5:12) and now: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin separates man from God (Isaiah 59:2). “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

God remedies this sad situation by assigning His righteousness to people on the basis of their faith, and by allowing His sinless Son to suffer the penalty for the sins of mankind in their stead.

None of God’s servants in the Old Testament were without sin. But they trusted and obeyed God. This is called living by faith. “The just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).

This has a twofold meaning. A servant of God lives his life on the basis of his faith (he does not draw back but “believes to the saving of the soul” - Hebrews 10:37-39) and God gives him life on the basis of his faith (not on the basis of his own righteousness - Galatians 3:11). He lives by his faith and he lives by his faith! God enhances and upgrades his faith to righteousness.

Paul refers to this double meaning when he states that in the gospel “the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith’” (Romans 1:17).

For example: “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. ... Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:8, 9). “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did” (Genesis 6:22). Although Noah lived an exemplary life based on his faith, he was not without sin. He needed the grace of God and God was gracious to him because of his faith.

“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (Hebrews 11:7). Because Noah based his life on faith, he became an heir of the righteousness God gives to believers.

In the tenth generation after Noah, a man lived whose name was Abraham. “He believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). God promised Abraham that all nations would be blessed by one of his descendants (Genesis 22:18; Galatians 3:16). Paul says that the gospel (the good news) was preached to Abraham when God gave him this promise (Galatians 3:8). Jesus said, “Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad” (John 8:56).

“By faith Abraham obeyed” (Hebrews 11:8). When God passed this promise on to Abraham’s son, Isaac, He explained: “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws” (Genesis 26:4, 5). Although Abraham lived a life of faithful obedience, he was not without sin. But “faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness” (Romans 4:9). God booked Abraham’s faith as righteousness.

Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, had twelve sons whose descendants became the twelve tribes of Israel. Four hundred years after the time of Abraham, the Israelites had become a numerous people as foreigners in Egypt, but also an enslaved people.

They prayed for help and God sent Moses to rescue them from slavery. Moses was the liberator and law-giver of Israel. He said God would send them another Prophet, a (liberator and law-giver) like himself, and that only those who listened to that Prophet would be God’s people (Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Acts 3:22, 23; Acts 7:37).

About 500 years after the exodus from Egypt, David became the second king of Israel. Because of David’s faith, God promised that he would have a descendent who would establish an eternal kingdom of peace and righteousness (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6; Daniel 2:44).

Through the centuries God sent prophets who predicted the coming of this King, referred to as the Messiah or the Christ, which means the Anointed One.

Successive powerful kingdoms were established by the Babylonians, by the Medes and Persians, by the Greeks and by the Romans. About 1000 years after the death of King David, when Augustus was emperor of Rome, a baby boy was born to a virgin by the power of God’s Spirit. His name was Jesus. On the day of His birth an angel declared that He was the promised King: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

About 30 years later John the Baptist began to preach that the great King was coming. To get ready, people were to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4).

When Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit came upon Him and God testified from heaven: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16, 17). John the Baptist testified: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

During three years Jesus performed miracles and preached the good news that the kingdom of God soon would come with power (Mark 9:1). His powerful teachings and His miracles confirmed that He was the promised King.

The prophets had foretold that the Christ would suffer, that He would be rejected by His own people, and that He would be killed. These prophecies were fulfilled in the life of Jesus.

The Jewish leaders were jealous because Jesus was popular with the people. They imprisoned Him and turned Him over to Pilate, the Roman governor, to be crucified. Pilate wanted to release Jesus because he knew that He was innocent. But under pressure he gave in to the cries of the mob, and had Him crucified.

Jesus was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Thus, He did not have to die as punishment for sins of His own. He said, “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:17, 18).

As the sinless Son of God, Jesus could have called more than twelve thousand angels to rescue Him (Matthew 26:53). But He allowed himself to be crucified to endure the punishment for the sins of mankind, He “bore our sins in His own body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24).

Jesus died to free us from the grasp of sin and death. His sacrifice enables God to forgive our sins without compromising His righteousness. God’s justice demands that sin be punished. He sent His own Son to meet this requirement in our stead.

When Jesus died, His followers thought He had failed. They had not understood the predictions of the prophets and of Jesus himself. Not only would Christ die, He would also rise from the grave! (Psalm 16:8-11).

“The Lord is risen indeed!” (Luke 24:34). To the apostles He “presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:2, 3). “He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once” (1 Corinthians 15:6).

After His resurrection, Jesus went back to heaven and took His place at the right hand of His Father. Before He ascended into heaven, He commanded His followers: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:15, 16). They were to tell the whole world that God is willing to forgive sinful people if they believe in Jesus, turn away from a life of sin, and become His disciples.

Jesus said, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46, 47).

Ten days after Jesus went back to His Father, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles at Jerusalem. They proclaimed that Jesus is the Christ. When the hearers realized that they had crucified the promised King, “they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’ Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:37, 38). “Those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41). God’s salvation had come. There was good news for fallen man.

The believers went everywhere preaching the good news of salvation by the blood of Christ. They proclaimed that God “commands all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). Those who believed were baptized to wash away their sins (Acts 22:16).

Baptism is an immersion in water as a participation in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus: “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3, 4).

Now, two thousand years later, millions call themselves Christians, but are they real followers of Christ? Jesus said: “Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). Paul said it is not good news when people accept “a different gospel,” when people “pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:6-9).

In our time, most of those who claim to be Christians, follow traditions and dogmas of men rather than the gospel of Christ. They are like people God described in earlier times: “In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:7). Such people reject God’s good news of salvation and replace it with a man-made imitation.

Baptism of believers by immersion for the forgiveness of sins is replaced by rituals that are worthless because they are different from the baptism Jesus commanded. A valid baptism must be based on personal faith and a personal decision to turn away from sin and follow Christ. It must be based on the same good news preached by Christ and His apostles.

Although apostate people have perverted many aspects of the original faith, God’s word does not change. The good news of salvation by the blood of Christ is just as powerful today as it was in the first century.

People who believe in Jesus and repent of their sins, who confess their faith in Christ, who are baptized for the forgiveness of sins, are saved by the grace of God. Their faith is imputed to them by God as righteousness (Romans 4:11, 24).

Jesus is “the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9). The promise is for all. “For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved’” (Romans 10:13).

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

This is good news for sinful people like us!

Do you want to be forgiven by God and to inherit eternal life? Turn away from sin! Believe in Jesus! Confess your faith and be baptized in His name for the forgiveness of your sins! Then you will be sanctified, made holy, and dedicated to God. You will be a citizen of God’s kingdom, a member of His church. Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)