8/1/13

From Gary... Something to HOWL about!!!





One thing follows another, and this week the videos about dogs seem to be plentiful.  By all means... WATCH THIS VIDEO!!!  I laughed and laughed at the thought of the dog's disappointment!!!  Then I wondered if there was disappointment to be found in the Bible...

2nd Kings, Chapter 13
 13 Joash slept with his fathers; and Jeroboam sat on his throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel.  14 Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness of which he died: and Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over him, and said, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” 

  15  Elisha said to him, “Take bow and arrows”; and he took to him bow and arrows.  16 He said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow”; and he put his hand on it. Elisha laid his hands on the king’s hands.  17 He said, “Open the window eastward”; and he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot!” and he shot. He said, “Yahweh’s arrow of victory, even the arrow of victory over Syria; for you shall strike the Syrians in Aphek, until you have consumed them.” 

  18  He said, “Take the arrows”; and he took them. He said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground”; and he struck three times, and stopped.  19 The man of God was angry with him, and said, “You should have struck five or six times. Then you would have struck Syria until you had consumed it, whereas now you shall strike Syria just three times.” 

The king of Israel should have listened to God's prophet, but didn't.  How many of us have regretted not listening to the Word of God, when we had an opportunity to obey and didn't.  If Elisha was angry at those who would not listen, I wonder how God feels when we half-heartedly heed his words?  The writer of the book of Hebrews says it this way...

Hebrews, Chapter 10
 28 A man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses.  29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will he be judged worthy of, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance belongs to me,” says the Lord, “I will repay.”Again, “The Lord will judge his people.”  31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Now, that is something to HOWL about!!!

From Jim McGuiggan... A Midsummer Knight

A Midsummer Knight

O’Henry tells of Gaines, "the man who said he thought New York was the finest summer resort in the country." While others moaned and melted in the heat, dived for the shade or an electric fan, and wished for the mountains, he mocked the notion of going to the woods to eat canned goods from the city, being wakened in the morning by a million flies, getting soaked to the skin catching the tiniest fish and struggling up perpendicular cliffs. No sir, he preferred to stay at home. If he wanted fish, he’d go to a cool restaurant—home comforts, that’s what he chose, while the fools spent half their summer driving to and from their spartan locations with all the modern inconveniences.
A friend urged him to come with him for two weeks to Beaverkill, where the fish were jumping at anything that even looked like a fly. He said a mutual friend, Harding, had caught a three-pound brown trout—but Gaines was having none of it. "Nonsense!" he’d snort and then off to his office to plunge himself into a mountain of work until late in the afternoon when, with feet up on his desk, he mused to himself: "I wonder what kind of bait Harding used."
The man who said he thought that New York was the finest summer resort in the country dozed off in the stifling heat, was wakened by his mail-bringing clerk, and decided to take a quick look before he left for the day. A few lines of one of them said:
My Dear Dear Husband:
Just received your letter ordering us to stay another month...Rita’s cough is almost gone...Johnny has gone wild like a little Indian...it will be the making of both children...work so hard, and I know that your business can hardly afford to keep us here so long...best man that ever...you always pretend that you like the city in summer...trout fishing that you used to be so fond of...and all to keep us well and happy...come to you if it were not doing the babies so much good...I stood last evening on Chimney Rock in exactly the same spot...when you put the wreath of roses on my head...said you would be my true knight...have always been that to me...ever and ever.
The man who said he thought New York was the finest summer resort in the country, on his way home in the sweltering summer heat, dropped into a cafe and had a glass of warm beer under an electric fan. "Wonder what kind of a fly old Harding used," he murmured to himself.
I love it when those in love sometimes "tell lies" gallantly. They say things no one believes—least of all themselves. They’re forever making sacrifices—some large, some little—to make life easier, finer, lovelier, for those they love...They’re in love and they do what lovers have done in every age down the centuries—they give themselves in whatever ways their love and situation calls for. And they do it without trumpets blowing or affected sweetness and they don’t wear pained expressions. They’d almost convince you that they really did believe that New York City was the finest summer resort in the country.
[Quoted from my little book called Let Me Count The Ways with permission from Howard Publishing Company, West Monroe, Louisiana, 2001]

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Jim McGuiggan... You and Jesus laughing

You and Jesus laughing

A text says, “As many as touched him were made perfectly whole.” Someone I can’t trace said this, “His way through the world had something of the character of a triumphal procession of the powers of life and gladness for where He came, people who scarcely knew by what name to call Him, hailed Him as One who was clearly adequate for His chosen task of helping men.”
It’s right to see sin as the life-sucking parasite that it is and we must see the sombre side of the business of destroying it. It’s vitally important, however, for us to see the cure as a matter of supreme joy, something to celebrate, something to smile, even dance, about. Whoever is killing this killer must surely be rejoicing, must surely find satisfaction and profound pleasure and if in the hospital the doctors came to us, with relief on their faces, to tell us that we had turned the corner and that the devourer was dying, would we not grin?
The analogy, though limited, is a good one and we must surely see Jesus as going through the world with joy in his heart and a smile on his young face. This is life he is dispensing, health he is handing out as he destroys the dominion of sin and sets the prisoners free and heals the diseased.
When the disciples came and told him that the evil powers were subject to them because of his name we’re told that Jesus rejoiced! Did he laugh out loud? I don’t know but it wouldn’t surprise me a bit if he did! He saw the gates of hell tremble and the foundations of Satan’s city, Pandemonium, shake because he had a vision of Satan’s overthrow in the lives of the human family.
Tremble if you must and worry if you can’t avoid it but know this: If you would have it so, Jesus is laughing out loud on your behalf until the day when you will be able to do it for yourself! In him your day is coming! Your triumph has been secured! Wait and see, one of these days you and the Lord Jesus Christ will sit down together and laugh till your sides split!

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Jim McGuiggan... WHY CAN'T HE LEAVE US ALONE?




WHY CAN'T HE LEAVE US ALONE?

Jesus is to blame. The Christ of the cross is to blame. If it weren't for him I might be able to find some peace but he and his cross disturb me and won't let me be content with what I see when I look within and around me. If your loved one is quadriplegic you know that in many ways he or she isn't physically able to help you care for them and in some sense you adjust to the situation—you expect nothing and in thatrespect you aren't disappointed. If you truly believe there's nothing better to be hoped for in this world I suppose you might rage in your hopelessness or eat, drink (or starve) and die tomorrow; but if hope were dead would there not be some kind of resignation, a reluctant, numbed acceptance of things as they are? Maybe, but would that not be better than vainly hoping? Is that not what the old Greek story means to say in the story of Pandora's "box"—when she opened the forbidden box everything in it escaped except...hope. And it became the source of torment to all because they could never be content with things as they are.
In an early essay Bertrand Russell said that because we know the truth of human existence—that it's a pointless accident—we must face it and build a future on "unyielding despair." Well, it's into this world, with all its pain, loss, disappointment, loneliness, cruelty, entrenched evils and invincible selfishness that Jesus came, making claims and promising much.
In the first century he offended the Romans and their view of power and empire. He offended the Greeks and their view of God and wisdom. He offended the Jews and their view of God's faithfulness and their place in his purposes. And he continues to scandalise us all to this day.
The people who care nothing for him—and never did—aren't affected by him. The crass hedonists think life's a one way ticket so, to the degree that they can manage it, they party the nights away. Maybe towards the end they think of "fire insurance" (though even that's not of great concern now). The world can't be made better—certainly not in their lifetimes—so why worry about it? Get what you can as quick as you can, throw a handful of coins in the direction of the world's needy during a big public musical concert and get back to the usual partying.
Ignore the tiny churches with their inner squabbles. Or, listen for a while to their squabbles and discover how pathetic they are in the face of the world's great needs and wrongs, and then go back to the partying. Not a bad philosophy that; a happy life and an endless sleep at the end.
The Jesus of the cross disturbs me in three general areas. There's the state of the world and the church and my own personal situation.
Jesus is too stubbornly real and I can't get away from him. Not that I'm trying to, you understand. I neither try to nor want to get away from him but being in his presence and listening to his kingly promises that are written in blood I become impatient with the chaotic, oppressive, confused, rebellious and cruel world. Why hasn't his sovereignty transformed the world already? As sad-spoken Matthew Arnold said, in the beginning, the tide of faith was fully in and covered the earth like a garment. But now—it would appear—all we hear is the faint sound of its "melancholy long withdrawing roar" as it retreats and leaves bare the naked shingled shores of the world. Sometimes I sorely want the present King of Kings to show himself more powerfully—more powerfully, that is, in the more common understanding of power. I'd like him to obliterate all the oppressive structures of the world—structures that we have neither the desire to destroy nor the strength to do it, supposing we had the desire. And why would we desire it, aren't we the ones that build them? The state of the world is completely contrary to the Christian's claim that Jesus is Lord of Lords.
And when I look at the church as a whole and consider how pathetic and weak it is, how self-serving, as it fine-tunes its theology and gorges on rich truth while a world of Lazaruses starves. Not content to draw lines of fellowship in places where the heart of the gospel is attacked, many church leaders insist on keeping us all in separate pens based on the flimsiest differences and call it "defending the faith." We pay our ministers to "stand for the truth" if they're willing to stand for the truth that we pay them to stand for.
It's much easier to believe the too-rich-to-be-fully-grasped doctrines of the person and work of Jesus Christ in and as whom God revealed himself than it is to believe in the church as it church-shops its way from one assembly to another. And as we shop our first question is not, "What is your gospel here?" it's, "What programs do you have to suit me here?" At one end of the spectrum we have these primetime hucksters that ceaselessly beg for money to fund their programs (or other hidden things) and on the other there are churches that are offended if there's talk about sharing our wealth. Time and money is spent on leadership agendas that usually have to do with "making our church grow." Then there's the "preaching" [?] that is nothing but a series on sessions filled with secular suggestions on how to fine-tune your marriage or raise nice kids or cultivate nice friends. This kind of "preaching" is done by secularists, agnostics and atheists every bit as well as preachers. It changes nothing that preachers throw in some Bible verses for religious coloration. The Lord Jesus is ignored in the "preaching" for months of suggestions that might be of some use socially.
And then there's the personal, bitter disappointment with oneself. There are times when you think you see real progress and then like a bolt of lightning and a thunderclap events expose your heart—it's seems as shrivelled as ever it was even after years of longing for better. Just when you think you've experienced significant growth you're brought face to face with outrageous meanness or corruption or bitterness that pours out of you. Then you understand what Dorothy Sayers was getting at when she wrote:
I am battered and broken and weary and out of heart,
I will not listen to talk of heroic things,
But be content to play some simple part,
Freed from preposterous, wild imaginings...
Men were not made to walk as priests and kings.

Thou liest, Christ, Thou liest; take it hence,
That mirror of strange glories; I am I;
What wouldst Thou make of me? O cruel pretense,
Drive me not mad so with the mockery
Of that most lovely, unattainable lie!

And for a while—a day, a week, a month, a year—you sulk and snarl and prowl. Then you see him! He's always been there; you just didn't notice during that wretched period. You see him looking at you with those big eyes of his, calm and compelling, and as he moves away he looks back and motions with his head, "You comin'?" and…
Why can't he leave us alone? Why can't we who have met him leave him alone?

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Jim McGuiggan... Who's that?

Who's that?

Frank Boreham was born in Tunbridge Wells, England and it's said that when he was a small child, taking a walk in the care of a young companion—it's said that a gypsy lady looked at his hands and said, "Tell this child's parents to put a pen in his hand and he'll never have difficulty making a living." So the gypsy said and Boreham went on to publish nearly fifty books and 3,000 editorials for the Hobart Mercuryover a period of 47 years. Fancy that!
He tells us that once he was looking in the window of a picture-framing shop and saw one of Copping's portrayals of the face of Jesus. Boreham wasn't alone. A little boy, his face shoved hard up against the window to see what was on offer, was eyeing the same face. Up came a rough-looking and rough-spoken woman who grabbed the boy roughly by the hand and tried to drag him off but he, resisting, wanted to know, "Who's that?" With a savage tug of the arm she got him away, "Come on, come on! It's a portrait of Gawd, that's all." Though it's crudely put, the woman spoke a central truth of the Christian faith and a truth that should be life for the world.
Colossians 1:15 speaks of Jesus as the image of the God we can't see and in 2 Corinthians 4:6, in contrast to eras of former darkness and partial truth, we hear that God came, bringing in a new creation as surely as he had brought in the first. "For God who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."
In Colossians 3:10-11 (NJB) Paul reminds the Christians that they had been re-created in the image of God and that "in that image" there is no room for sinful divisions between people and classes. "There is only Christ: he is everything and he is in everything." [Moffatt renders it: "Christ is everything and everywhere."]
Christ is everything!
Christ is everything! You can see it in his face. All that Israel and the wayward world were looking for, hoping for, longing for, groping and dying for is found in him—in that face!
Where he is, all that is pathetic and divisive and snobbish and racist is obliterated! We might justify that kind of rubbish while we're glaring at each other's face from behind our fences or trenches or tanks but it's something else to justify it when we're looking squarely into his face as he listens intently to our good reasons.
Christ is everything.
Say it out loud. Christ is everything.
Really? Is he really?

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Bill Dayton... GOD’S MIRRORS




GOD’S MIRRORS


The teachings of Scripture often use everyday things to help us understand profound spiritual concepts. We are all familiar with a mirror and it is used to illustrate an important teaching.
James 1:22-25 says this about observing the commands of God: “.. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.” This kind of living was addressed often by our Savior. The Jews wanted to retain the old Law and the result was like looking into a mirror and seeing that you are a sinner (the purpose of the law) but because the mirror (God’s laws) were powerless through man’s flesh to provide the new life he needed (inward cleansing) he would remain in his sin. When Jesus came and died on the cross, man was given a deeper look into the mirror of his soul and this time, we were given the power to do something about what we see.

 In 2 Corinthians 3:18 we find such a mirror. When we are cleansed by the blood of Christ, and raised to walk in a new life, the Word of God then becomes our mirror to see something different. We not only see our sin, but the remedy. We see the glory of the Lord and because of the indwelling Holy Spirit we are transformed by God to the glorious image of Christ! We now can act upon what we see and be doers of the Word. Having received this great mercy, let us not lose heart. 

From Mark Copeland... Benevolence To Saints And Strangers (Romans 12:13)


                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

              Benevolence To Saints And Strangers (12:13)

INTRODUCTION

1. As Christians we have the responsibility to...
   a. Present our bodies as living sacrifices - Ro 12:1
   b. Prove what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God - Ro 12:2
   -- Made possible by the transformation that comes by renewing our
      minds

2. A remarkable transformation that characterized early Christians was
   their benevolence...
   a. Toward their brethren
   b. Toward those who were strangers

3. As commanded in our text (Ro 12:3), they...
   a. Distributed to the needs of the saints
   b. Showed hospitality even to strangers
   -- Which was in keeping with God's good, acceptable, and perfect will

[What about us today?  How is our benevolence to saints and strangers?
Perhaps we might do well to take a closer look at the two commands in
our text...]

I. DISTRIBUTING TO THE NEEDS OF THE SAINTS

   A. THE COMMAND EXAMINED...
      1. Distributing - "The word used here denotes having things in
         common, (koinwnountev). It means, that they should be
         communicative, or should regard their property as so far common
         as to supply the wants of others." - Barnes
      2. to the needs - "That is, distribute to them such things as they
         need -- food, raiment, etc.  This command, of course, has
         reference to the poor." - ibid.
      3. of the saints - "Of Christians, or the friends of God." - ibid.
      -- "Making the needs of fellow saints your own and helping them."
         - B. W. Johnson

   B. THE COMMAND EXEMPLIFIED...
      1. By the church at Jerusalem (a church helping its members) - 
         Ac 2:44-45; 4:32-36; 6:1-6
      2. By the church at Antioch (a church helping other churches) - Ac 11:27-30
      3. By the churches of Macedonia and Achaia (many churches helping
         one church) - Ro 15:25-26; 1Co 16:1-2; 2Co 8:1-24; 9:1-15

   C. THE COMMAND EXERCISED...
      1. The collection on the Lord's day is designed for this very
         purpose - 1Co 16:1-2
      2. If brethren are in need, we should not hesitate to use the
         collection for this purpose
         a. For needy saints in the local congregation
         b. For needy saints in other places
         -- Though there are some limitations - e.g., 1Ti 5:9-16; 2 Th 3:6-15
      3. Our assistance is based upon ability and opportunity
         a. According to our ability - 2Co 8:12-15; though note 2Co 8:
            1-4
         b. According to our opportunity - Ga 6:10

[The Lord has provided a systematic method to meet the needs of His
saints.  Of course, this does not preclude helping one another as
individuals (1Ti 6:17-18).  Nor does it mean we have no responsibility
toward those not saints, for we are commanded to be...]

II. GIVEN TO HOSPITALITY

   A. THE COMMAND EXAMINED...
      1. given to - "Pursuing (as if in a chase or hunt)..."
         - Robertson's Word Pictures
      2. hospitality - Love to strangers (philoxenia)
      3. "This expression means that they should readily and cheerfully
         entertain strangers." - Barnes
         a. A duty often enjoined in the Scriptures - He 13:2; 1Pe 4:9
         b. A qualification for both bishop (elder) and needy widow
            - 1Ti 3:2; 5:10
      4. "The 'hospitality' of today, by which is meant the
         entertainment of friends or relatives, hardly comes within the
         Biblical use of the term as denoting a special virtue." - ISBE

   B. THE COMMAND EXEMPLIFIED...
      1. By Abraham, extending hospitality to "three men" - Gen 18:1-8
      2. By Lot, pursuing hospitality to "two men" - Gen 19:1-3
      3. By Job, who left no stranger in the street - Job 31:32
      4. By Jethro, who rebuked his daughters for neglecting Moses - Exo 2:20
      5. In the support of early missionaries - Mt 10:11,42; 25:35; 3 Jn 5-8

   C. THE COMMAND EXERCISED...
      1. The principle of hospitality presumes ability and opportunity
         a. Our responsibility is based upon ability - cf. 2Co 8:12-13
         b. Our responsibility is based upon opportunities - cf. Ga 6:10
      2. The pursuit of hospitality is enabled through preparation
         a. You are more likely to offer hospitality without grumbling
            if prepared beforehand
         b. Cheerful giving is made easier by purposeful planning - cf.
            2Co 9:7
         c. Why not have a place in your personal budget for
            entertaining strangers?
      3. The practice of hospitality can take various forms, if safety
         or wisdom is a concern
         a. Housing can be provided through arrangements with a local
            motel
         b. Food can be given in the form of vouchers or gift
            certificates
      4. The potential of hospitality for good can be seen in regards to
         evangelism
         a. Supporting those who travel to preach the gospel
         b. Touching the hearts of those who may be in need of the
            gospel
      -- "The primitive Christians made one principle part of their duty
         to consist in the exercise of hospitality; and they were so
         exact in the discharge of it that the very heathens admired
         them for it." - Cruden's Concordance

CONCLUSION

1. As we seek to "prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect
   will of God"...
   a. Do not neglect to provide for the needs of your brethren
   b. Do not hesitate to show love for those who are strangers

2. Let the words of Jesus Himself challenge us to a higher plane of
   giving...
   a. That we might be more like our Heavenly Father - cf. Lk 6:32-36
   b. That we might be repaid at the resurrection of the just - cf. Lk 14:12-14

Speaking of such things as our Heavenly Father and the resurrection to
come, have you received the hospitality that God extends to all who are
lost...? - cf. Ro 5:8-10




Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

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From Mark Copeland... The Key To A Joyful, Productive Life (Romans 12:12)


                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

              The Key To A Joyful, Productive Life (12:12)

INTRODUCTION

1. I suppose that we all have known Christians who go through life...
   a. Looking like they were "weaned on a pickle"
   b. Useless for any good work when things were going rough for them

2. But we have also known Christians who are the opposite...
   a. Joyful, steadfast in doing good
   b. Even though they are experiencing the same kind of hardships

3. Why the difference?
   a. I believe that the joyful, steadfast Christian has found the
      secret expressed in the Scriptures
   b. One place this "secret" is found is in Ro 12:12...

   "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly
   in prayer;"

[As we consider this verse, there are several observations we can make.
First...]

I. THE JOYFUL LIFE IS BASED ON HOPE

   A. MANY HAVE THE WRONG CONCEPT CONCERNING "JOY"...
      1. That joy is a matter of personal temperament (heredity)
      2. That joy is a matter of circumstances (environment)
      3. But how can that be when being joyful is enjoined upon us all?
         a. It is a command, a duty - 1Th 5:16; Php 4:4
         b. Commanded even when things are rough - 1Pe 4:13

   B. TRUE JOY IS ABLE TO RISE ABOVE THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE...
      1. Seen in the example of the Hebrews - He 10:34a
      2. Also in the example of Christians in Asia Minor - 1Pe 1:6

   C. THIS IS BECAUSE THE KEY TO JOY IS "HOPE"...
      1. Notice our text:  "rejoicing in hope"
      2. It should be easy to see how hope is the source of joy in our
         lives...
         a. A student, in hope of enjoying summer vacation, is happy as
            he thinks about it
         b. Likewise, it was the strong hope of the Hebrews that gave
            them joy despite the seizure of their property - He 10:34
         c. Again, the source of the Christians' joy in Asia Minor was
            their hope of salvation - 1Pe 1:5-6

   D. TO BE JOYFUL IN LIFE, WE MUST HAVE HOPE...!
      1. If Christians are not joyful, it is because they are not full
         of hope!
         a. And that is only because their minds are so preoccupied with
            things of this life
         b. I.e., they are just religious enough to be miserable!
      2. If they spent more time contemplating the hope we have as
         Christians, joy would automatically follow!
         a. Of course, hope is based upon faith - He 11:1
         b. And faith comes from the Word of God - Ro 10:17
         c. But if people do not read the Word, their faith is weak,
            their hope is shallow, and their joy is minimal

[But if we let God's Word produce the faith necessary for a strong hope,
then we too can have that joy which will help us no matter what the
circumstances.  This leads us back to our text, where we wish to make
another observation...]

II. A LIFE OF JOYFUL HOPE WILL BE PATIENT IN TRIBULATIONS

   A. FIRST, LET'S DEFINE OUR TERMS...
      1. "patient"
         a. Means more than simply enduring, forbearing
         b. It also takes in the thought of activity despite the
            hardship
            1) It is continuing to do good, regardless of the trials
            2) Not just sitting there, refraining from doing something
               bad
      2. "tribulations"
         a. These could be trials suffered for the cause of Christ
         b. Or those common to all (sickness, death, etc.)
      3. Paul is therefore talking about pressing on in doing good
         despite hardships

   B. THE KEY TO SUCH PATIENCE IS "JOYFUL HOPE"...
      1. This can be illustrated in several ways...
         a. The athlete
            1) Why does he or she endure the hardships of training?
            2) The joyful hope of attaining victory!
         b. The Pilgrims
            1) Why did they endure the hardships of sailing across the
               ocean?
            2) The joyful hope of finding freedom from religious
               oppression!
         c. The college student
            1) Why does he or she endure the hardships of study and
               examinations?
            2) The joyful hope of a successful career!
         d. The early Christians
            1) Why did they endure persecutions, pressing on in their
               faithfulness to Christ?
            2) The joyful hope of their inheritance in heaven! - He 10:
               34
      2. Does this not explain why some Christians do not remain
         steadfast when things get rough?
         a. They do not have the "joyful hope" necessary
         b. And why not?  Their minds are so preoccupied with worldly
            things!

[One last observation I would like to make, based on our text...]

III. OUR LIVES WILL BE AS HOPEFUL, JOYFUL, AND PATIENT, AS THEY ARE
     PRAYERFUL

   A. "CONTINUING STEADFASTLY IN PRAYER" IS ESSENTIAL...!
      1. The relationship between prayer and the joyful life is implied
         elsewhere in the Scriptures
         a. Notice 1Th 5:16-18
         b. If we pray without ceasing, we can rejoice always!
      2. For in proper prayer, we are constantly reminded of our hope
         (the source of joy and patience)
         a. In prayer, we should be made constantly aware of the reason
            for our hope (forgiveness of our sins through Jesus' blood)
         b. In prayer, we should be made constantly aware of the object
            of our hope (to one day be with God eternally)

   B. SO "PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!"  BUT IS THIS POSSIBLE...?
      1. Not if we mean formal words of supplication and petition
      2. But prayer does not always have to be with formal words - cf.
         1Ch 5:20
      3. Prayer can also be:
         a. A mental attitude of devotion
         b. An unspoken reference to God in all that we do

CONCLUSION

1. Are our lives as joyful and productive as they should be?

2. If not, then let God's Word sink into our hearts:  "Continue
   steadfastly in prayer"

3. Do this, and we will more likely "rejoice in hope" and be "patient in
   tribulations"!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

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From Mark Copeland... An Exhortation To Diligent Service (Romans 12:11)


                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

               An Exhortation To Diligent Service (12:11)

INTRODUCTION

1. The twelfth chapter of Romans contains many exhortations pertaining
   to daily Christian living...
   a. E.g., to be transformed by the renewing of our minds - Ro 12:1-2
   b. E.g., to utilize what abilities we have as members of the body
      - Ro 12:3-8
   c. E.g., to love the brethren and hate what is evil - Ro 12:9-10

2. In our text (Ro 12:11), we find "An Exhortation To Diligent
   Service"...
   a. Contained within a triad of simple commands
   b. Which are worthy of careful examination

3. We might begin by asking:  How is a Christian to act...?
   a. In his or her service to the Lord?
   b. In his or her business or job?

4. Sadly, the word "slothful" would apply to some Christians...
   a. Who do as little as they can while at work
   b. Who are similar in their service to the Lord

[As we take a close look at our text, let's first ask...]

I. WHAT DOES PAUL SAY?

   A. "NOT LAGGING IN DILIGENCE..."
      1. The KJV translates it "not slothful in business"
         a. Which may give some the wrong impression
         b. Some may conclude the exhortation is limited to our jobs
      2. The word "business" in Greek is spoude (from which we get the
         word "speed") and denotes "diligence, haste, earnestness"
      3. The idea is that we should be diligent in all that we do - cf.
         Ec 9:10
         a. In secular work, yes - cf. Col 3:22-23
         b. Also in the work of the Lord - cf. 1Co 15:58
      4. Areas of spiritual labor in which we are to be diligent:
         a. In our efforts to enter the heavenly rest - He 4:11; 6:9-12
         b. To found without spot, blameless - 2Pe 3:13-14
         c. In our handling of the Word of God - 2Ti 2:15
         d. In keeping our hearts pure - Pr 4:23; cf. Mk 7:21-23
         e. Repenting of sins - 2Co 7:10-11
         f. Developing Christ-like character - 2Pe 1:5-11
         g. Keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace - Ep 4:
            1-6

   B. "FERVENT IN SPIRIT..."
      1. This defines the enthusiasm or attitude of mind to have as we
         labor
      2. Some are diligent, but begrudgingly so
      3. The word "fervent" is zeo and means "to bubble, boil"
      4. Therefore we are to do our work heartedly - cf. Col 3:23

   C. "SERVING THE LORD..."
      1. This is the motivation behind enthusiastic labor
      2. We are motivated by the fact it is the Lord we serve, even in
         secular work! - e.g., Ep 6:5-8

[Since it is the Lord we serve in both secular and spiritual work, we
are to labor with enthusiasm and diligent effort.  But let's now ask...]

II. WHAT IS TOO OFTEN THE CASE?

   A. DILIGENT IN OUR OWN PURSUITS...
      1. Physical necessity often prompts diligence in secular jobs
      2. Heightened interest often prompts enthusiasm in personal
         hobbies

   B. SLOTHFUL IN THE LORD'S BUSINESS...
      -- Some examples of the contrast:
      1. Some work 40 hours a week (and more) for physical needs, then
         balk at spending 4 hours a week in worship and Bible study!
      2. Some get up early to work or play, yet complain about getting
         up even later on Sunday to worship God!
      3. Some will watch TV an average of 14 hours per week, but can't
         find 3 hours a week to read the Bible!
      4. Some will take courses at night to improve their skills, but
         aren't willing to attend gospel meetings or Bible studies!
      5. Some can learn the stats for their favorite team, but say they
         can't memorize scripture!
      6. Some let or even encourage their children to miss services for
         a sports event or school function, but not vice versa!
      7. Some will make their children brush their teeth, make the bed,
         etc., but make them attend services...never!

   C. CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH SLOTH...
      1. Apathetic in attitude and service to the Lord
      2. Of little use to the Lord in His fight against Satan!

[When such is the case, here's a third question to consider...]

III. HOW DOES THE LORD FEEL?

   A. WE KNOW HOW JESUS FEELS...
      1. He taught that those who put personal pursuits first would not
         enjoy heaven - Lk 14:15-24
      2. He taught the danger of sloth in the parable of the talents
         - cf. Mt 25:24-30
      3. He condemned the church of Laodicea for their lukewarmness - Re 3:14-16

   B. WE CAN IMAGINE HOW GOD FEELS...
      -- Lagging in diligence is:
      1. A destructive hindrance to the work of His Son, who died for us
         - cf. Pr 18:9
      2. An ungrateful response to the mercy of God, destined for God's
         wrath - cf. Ro 2:4-11

CONCLUSION

1. If after self-examination, we admit that we have been slothful in our
   service to the Lord, then the final question might be:

                   WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

2. Some will probably do nothing...
   a. Being dull of hearing and hard of heart
   b. Continuing on as before

3. Some might make an effort...
   a. Because their hearts are still tender
   b. Yet soon grow weary and return to a service of sloth

4. My prayers is that all will make whatever changes are called for by
   Paul's exhortation...
   a. Those who have yet to serve the Lord, will begin a new life of
      faithful service!
   b. Those who have been lagging in diligence, will now give the Lord
      His due!

Shall we not take to heart this exhortation of the apostle Paul...?


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

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From Mark Copeland... A Love That Can Hate (Romans 12:9-10)


                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                     A Love That Can Hate (12:9-10)

INTRODUCTION

1. In Romans 12, Paul discusses the practical side of the Christian life

2. In the first part of the chapter, he establishes the general
   principle of self-sacrifice...
   a. As the foundation of all goodness - Ro 12:1
   b. Accomplished through a transformation - Ro 12:2
   c. Manifested in humble service of one's abilities - Ro 12:3-8

3. Beginning with verse 9, we find a series of exhortations...
   a. That continue to the end of the chapter
   b. That at first glance, may at time seem disconnected

4. For example, consider the exhortations in our text (Ro 12:9-10)...
   a. The first and last relate to love
   b. But the intervening clause pertains to hate
   -- But upon careful reflection, these exhortations may not be
      disjointed

[One way to connect these exhortations is to describe them as depicting
"A Love That Can Hate".  To see how that is possible, consider that a
Christian must first have...]

I. AN HONEST LOVE

   A. LOVE WITHOUT HYPOCRISY...
      1. We are to have a love that is honest, sincere and genuine - Ro 12:9a
      2. Whereas a love that is faked is repulsive
         a. In which someone claims to love you
         b. But their actions speak otherwise
      3. Yet sometimes our words do surpass our true feelings
         a. We talk about love, sing about it
         b. But don't always live up to it!
      4. Making us feel guilty when we read a passage such as our text
      -- How can we love sincerely and without hypocrisy?

   B. DEVELOPING AN HONEST LOVE...
      1. The position of this exhortation in Paul's writing may serve as
         a clue
         a. After discussing the need for being transformed by the
            renewing of our minds
         b. An honest love can't be experienced or shown without this
            transformation
      2. This transformation occurs the more we contemplate the love and
         mercies of God - cf. 1Jn 4:7b ("for love is of God")
      3. Only as we let the mind of Christ be in us can we love as we
         should - cf. Php 2:2-5

[So we need to develop an honest love, one that comes by contemplating
God's love for us.  But as we continue in our text, we see that it can
also be "A Love That Can Hate"...]

II. ABHORRING EVIL, CLINGING TO WHAT IS GOOD

   A. ESSENTIAL TO HAVING AN HONEST LOVE...
      1. A mutual hatred of evil and clinging to good is necessary for
         an honest love - Ro 12:9b
      2. Why?  If not careful, love can easily lose its purity and depth
         a. The lusts of the flesh are strong
         b. They can easily pervert the nature of our love
         c. Profession of love can easily become a cover for evil
      3. Therefore the need to "abhor what is evil" - cf. Ep 5:2-5
         a. Walk in love as Christ loved us
         b. But eschew any perversion of love!

   B. DEVELOPING A PROPER HATRED OF EVIL...
      1. Comes by clinging to what is good, not vice versa!
      2. Why do some hate evil?
         a. There are those who very quick to hate evil (e.g., "hobby
            riders")
         b. Such are mostly negative and rarely positive in their
            attitudes
         c. They hate evil, but do not cling to what is good, creating
            an unbalance
         d. Motivated by carnal desires (power, fame), not by the spirit
            of Christ
      3. Hatred of evil should come from first clinging to that which is
         good
         a. As implied by the Psalmist in Ps 119:103-104
         b. The powerful emotion of hate can then be properly balanced
            by a love of good!

[So the love that is to characterize Christians is to be "A Love That
Can Hate" when that hate is properly motivated and directed.  But now
let's consider how such love is to be manifested toward our brethren...]

III. AFFECTIONATE AND PREFERENTIAL

   A. WITH GREAT TENDERNESS AND AFFECTION...
      1. The expression "kindly affectionate" means "to love as family"
         (philostorgos)
         a. Just as you would your own family members
         b. To stress the point, Paul adds "in brotherly love"
            (philadelphia)
      2. We are to have great feeling of love towards those in Christ
         a. As Paul had toward the brethren at Philippi - Php 1:8
         b. As the Ephesian elders had toward Paul - Ac 20:36-38
      --  Such is "A Love That Can Hate"!

   B. DESIRING TO OUTDO ONE ANOTHER IN SHOWING HONOR...
      1. This is the meaning of "in honor giving preference to one
         another"
         a. "The word preferring means going before, leading, setting an
            example." - Barnes
         b. "Thus in showing mutual respect and honor, they were to
            strive to excel; not to see which could obtain most honor,
            but which could confer most, or manifest most respect."
            - ibid.
      2. Thus we are to delight in exalting our brethren over ourselves!
         a. As commanded in Php 2:3
         b. Freeing us from petty jealousies that can threaten true love

CONCLUSION

1. What is the kind of love that God desires for His children?  "A Love
   That Can Hate"!

2. Such is the love that God has shown toward us...
   a. A love that is honest and sincere, demonstrated by the sending of
      His Son to die for our sins
   b. A love that hates evil and clings to what is good, revealed
      throughout the Word of God
   c. A love that is affectionate and delights in showing honor, as God
      has done toward His children who obey Him!

If we are in Christ, is this the kind of love we display?  If you are
not in Christ, won't you respond to this love in obedience to the gospel
of Christ...?

Note:  The main idea for this lesson came from a sermon by Alexander
MacLaren, in his Expositions Of Holy Scripture.


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

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