Monopoly: Who's in Charge?

Romans 10:9-10, 13

Although I grew up in the TV generation, our family always took time to play games together. This is one family tradition that I have tried to pass along to my children and grandchildren. No I am not talking about PlayStation or X-Box. I am talking about real life interactive games! Face to face competition that challenges the mind and warms the heart. here are lots of new and exciting games available for family time now. But growing up, some of my favorite games were Life, Clue, Battleship, Sorry, and the best of all… Monopoly!

This morning I want to begin a series of messages entitled the "Games People Play." In 'real life' we still deal with monopolies, clues, battles and being sorry.

Over the next few weeks we'll look at some important issues that are not so much games as they are decisions that will make all of us genuine winners in this life and for all eternity.

We start this morning with Monopoly: Who's in Charge? Our key verses are found in Romans chapter ten. Let's read them together and then we'll come back to them in a few minutes.

Ro 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Ro 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Officially "invented" in 1933, some form of the Monopoly game as been around since as early as 1903. Charles Darrow is credited most often as the inventor of a game where participants circle the game board - over and over again - buying, selling, trading and gaining real estate "monopolies". I would guess that most of us have played the game or at least seen the game played. What strikes me most about Monopoly is the premise that the "winner" is the one who eventually "owns it all". There are only two outcomes for the game of Monopoly: you either gain the monopoly or you go bankrupt. You either gain it all or lose everything. There is a verse in the Bible that deals with that type of thinking. It's found in Matthew 16:26, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

There is a popular saying, "The one who dies with the most toys, wins!" The truth of the matter is, "The one who dies with the most toys still dies!"

How do we benefit if we gain the whole world but lose our own soul? What benefit is it to gain a monopoly in this life but lose for all eternity? You see ultimately, life is not about gaining control - it's about giving up control! The true secret to winning in life is giving up control to the ONE who can really give success.

That's the challenge for this morning: "Let the Lord Jesus Christ take control." The key to a fulfilling life, the way to true success, if you want to be a genuine winner is to "Let the Lord Jesus Christ take control".

Now go back to Romans chapter ten:

Ro 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Ro 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

These verses tell us that Jesus is the Lord! What does that mean? The word used for Lord here is the Greek word 'kurios', which means one who is in supreme in authority, the one who controls, or we could say, the One who holds the monopoly.

When Jesus is in control - when He has the monopoly - when He is truly Lord of our lives, we win!

I. When Jesus has the Control

A. We win eternal life!

Ro 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

1. It is actually an exchange.

2. The Lord takes our sin, and gives us His righteousness and salvation.

Ro 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

3. He died on Calvary, that we might have eternal life.

4. Not a bad deal for us is it?

5. Now if that were the only benefit of turning our lives over to the Lord, it would be enough.

6. But there is more!

B. We win our heart's desire!

Ps 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

1. I want us to consider a couple of thoughts from this verse.

2. The word 'delight' means to be soft or pliable; the idea here is to allow ourselves to be shaped by God.

3. Rather than being resistant toward Him and His will, we need to surrender our hearts to Him and let Him have His way in our lives.

4. When this happens, He will give us the desires of our heart.

5. What do we want? For most, the desires of the heart are out of control.

a. Why? Because we think we know what is best for us.

b. We think we know what we want.

c. But until we are surrendered to the Lord we will go after the things that we think will satisfy…

d. But we will always come up empty and unfulfilled.

e. When we give the Lord control of our lives, He will give us a new heart, and everything will change!

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you" Eze 36:26a

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2Co 5:17

C. We win a worry free life!

Ps 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

1. What do we worry about the most? Things!

2. We worry that we won't have enough things.

3. We worry that we will lose the things that we have.

4. Sometimes we worry that someone else has bigger and better things than we do!

5. Worry is a waste of time and effort!

6. Jesus instructs us to focus our attention on the Lord, not on our things!

Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

7. When we give the Lord control of our lives, we no longer have to worry about things!

8. He will take care of us!

II. How Do We Give Jesus Control

Ro 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

A. We must confess…

1. What must we confess?

2. That Jesus is Lord…He is the One who is in control of our lives.

3. We surrender our will and agree with God that He is in control.

4. We say it with our mouths!

a. Unashamedly we need to proclaim this truth to God and others.

b. This is not an emotional reaction, but is an act of our will.

c. We make a conscious choice to confess…

d. Confessing with the mouth means we are telling Jesus and ourselves constantly that He holds the monopoly!

B. We must believe…

Ro 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

1. What must we believe? Does it really matter?

2. Yes it really matters what we believe!

3. We must believe that Jesus is exactly who the Word of God says He is!

4. He is the One who died for us, the One who was buried, and the One who was raised from the dead on the third day!

5. He isn't just another great teacher or religious leader…

6. He is the One and Only Son of God…

7. He is the One and Only Way of salvation…

8. Our belief must come from our heart…it must be genuine and sincere!

III. Who has the Monopoly in our life?

A. There can only be one who is in charge.

1. Jesus told us that no man can serve two masters.

2. We can only have one person who is in charge.

3. Only one person who is calling the shots, and making the decisions.

4. Only one person who is plotting the course of our lives.

5. Is that person Jesus?

6. If not, come to Him today…place your faith in Him and surrender your life to Him.

7. When we do, we win!

B. Are we kidding ourselves?

1. There are some who claim to have surrendered their lives to Him, but they want to retain the monopoly.

2. Maybe you have come to Christ for salvation, but somewhere along the way you quit following Him.

3. Somewhere along the way you started following your own plan instead of His…

Lu 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

4. This morning, you may need to come and recommit your heart and life to Him.

5. Whatever your need, come now!

The scenario is played out time and again in hospitals and doctor’s offices around the country. The conversation is like this.

Doctor: I am sorry, but the cancer has spread beyond what we can treat effectively.

Patient: How long do I have?

Doctor: Well, attitude is everything.

Can you imagine that? With all of the technological advances, new medications, and varied treatments it still comes down to attitudes. William James said, “Perhaps the greatest discovery of this century is that if you can change your attitude, you can change your life.”

That is the basis of Christianity. A life that is changed. Paul said, “If any man be in Christ he is a new creature...” There has been a great change in the life of one whom has placed their faith in Christ.

• Positional = Justification

• Progressive = Sanctification

• Permanent = Glorification

(1 JOHN 3:14) “WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE, BECAUSE WE LOVE THE BRETHREN. HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER ABIDETH IN DEATH.”

a. The technical term is ‘Justification’.

b. This speaks of our standing before God.

c. That change is completed the moment we trust Christ.

(1 COR 15:50‑52) “NOW THIS I SAY, BRETHREN, THAT FLESH AND BLOOD CANNOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD; NEITHER DOTH CORRUPTION INHERIT INCORRUPTION. {51} BEHOLD, I SHOW YOU A MYSTERY; WE SHALL NOT ALL SLEEP, BUT WE SHALL ALL BE CHANGED, {52} IN A MOMENT, IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE, AT THE LAST TRUMP: FOR THE TRUMPET SHALL SOUND, AND THE DEAD SHALL BE RAISED INCORRUPTIBLE, AND WE SHALL BE CHANGED.”

a. This speaks of the time when we will exchange our old bodies for new bodies.

b. This is a future event and will be our glorification.

a. We call it sanctification.

b. It is the progressive growth of each believer as they become more like Christ.

c. It begins when we are saved and continues until we die or are raptured.

(ROM 8:29) “FOR WHOM HE DID FOREKNOW, HE ALSO DID PREDESTINATE TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, THAT HE MIGHT BE THE FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN.”

d. Note that v29 is preceded by v28.

e. How are we conformed to His image?

f. By the working of all things .

a. It is our choice as to whether we will cooperate with God in His process of sanctification.

b. The potter applies pressure and the clay must be yielded in order to be molded into a vessel fit for the master’s use.

c. The determining factor is attitude.

d. Attitude is our mental and emotional responses to the circumstances of life.

e. Often we cannot change our circum‑ stances, but we can change our attitudes.

Five basic principles about attitudes.

a. We can choose to look at any situation positively or negatively.

b. Note the illustration of the two farmers. One was a pessimist and the other was an optimist.

n When the sun was shining, the optimist would say, “ Wonderful sunshine, ” but the pessimist would respond, “ Yeah, but I ’ m afraid it ’ s going to scorch the crops. ”

n When it rained, the optimist would say, “ Fine rain, ” but the pessimist would respond, “ Yeah, but I ’ m afraid we ’ re going to have a flood. ”

n One day the optimist said to the pessimist, “ Have you seen my new bird dog? He ’ s the best money can buy. ” The pessimist said, “ You mean that little mutt I saw penned up behind your house? He don ’ t look like much to me. ”

n The optimist said, “ Well, how about going hunting with me tomorrow? ” The pessimist agreed. They went and shot some ducks. The ducks landed in the pond. The optimist ordered his dog to go get the ducks.

n The dog obediently responded, but instead of swimming in the water, the dog walked on top of the water, retrieved the ducks, and then walked back on top of the water.

n The optimist now turned confidently to his pessimist friend, hoping that this would have impressed him. The determined pessimist replied, “ Hmmmm... can ’ t swim, can he? ”’

c. Some people are confirmed pessimists!

1) They make a deliberate decision to have a negative mental and emotional response to every circumstance. They Choose…

2) Yet other people can look at the same circumstances and choose a positive outlook.

3) Paul is a good example of one who chose to have a positive attitude, regardless of his circumstances.

4) Paul was in prison awaiting his possible execution when he wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord, always.”

5) Paul was able to say, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Phil. 4:11).

d. Everyone of us makes a choice when it comes to our attitude, we can choose not to live God’s principles and enjoy His blessings or we can choose not to do so and we will not have the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

(GAL 5:22‑23) “BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONGSUFFERING, GENTLE‑NESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, {23} MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE: AGAINST SUCH THERE IS NO LAW.”

a. To a large extent, our attitudes are shaped by external influences:

1) what we read

2) what we see

3) who we listen to

4) what we think about.

b. That is why Paul wrote:

(PHIL 4:8) “FINALLY, BRETHREN, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE TRUE, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE HONEST, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE JUST, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE PURE, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE LOVELY, WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE OF GOOD REPORT; IF THERE BE ANY VIRTUE, AND IF THERE BE ANY PRAISE, THINK ON THESE THINGS.”

c. Attitudes are not only influenced by what we read, see, hear, and think about, but also by our friends.

1) The Book of Proverbs is full of warnings about avoiding certain types of people.

2) David, also warns us to avoid relationships with the ungodly:

(PSA 1:1‑2) “BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT WALKETH NOT IN THE COUNSEL OF THE UNGODLY, NOR STANDETH IN THE WAY OF SINNERS, NOR SITTETH IN THE SEAT OF THE SCORNFUL. {2} BUT HIS DELIGHT IS IN THE LAW OF THE LORD; AND IN HIS LAW DOTH HE MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT.”

a. All of us are involved in relationships that could stand improvement.

b. Relationships with our spouses, our children, our friends, our work associates, or our fellow church members.

c. The Bible teaches that a wrong attitude is the major source of relationship conflicts?

(JAMES 4:1) “FROM WHENCE COME WARS AND FIGHTINGS AMONG YOU? COME THEY NOT HENCE, EVEN OF YOUR LUSTS THAT WAR IN YOUR MEMBERS?”

d. The major source of conflicts is a selfish attitude.

1) Whenever two or more people get together who are determined to get their way, you are going to have conflict, whether it is in the home, at work, or in the church.

2) The solution to such conflict is again, found in our attitude.

3) Note: Ph. 2:4‑7

Philippians 2:4-7 (KJV) ⁴ Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. ⁵ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

a. It is easy to see how right thinking produces right behavior.

(PROV 23:7A) “FOR AS HE THINKETH IN HIS HEART, SO IS HE...”

b. But it is also true that right actions also produce right attitudes.

1) Remember the story of Cain and Abel? Cain was despondent because his brother, Abel, had offered an acceptable sacrifice to God, whereas Cain’s gift had been rejected.

2) What did God prescribe as a cure for Cain’s depression? Note: Genesis 4:4‑7: Genesis 4:4-7 (KJV) ⁴ And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: ⁵ But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. ⁶ And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? ⁷ If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

3) God said that if Cain would do right, he would start to feel right.

4) Right actions produce right attitudes.

c. We live in a feeling‑oriented society: “If it feels good, do it” (and the corollary, “If it doesn’t feel good, don’t do it!).

1) A husband or wife seeks a divorce because he or she “doesn’t feel anything any longer.”

2) People quit their jobs because they “don’t feel fulfilled.”

3) Christians quit going to church because they “don’t feel the Spirit” in the services.

4) Yet, God’s word to Cain was that the key to right feelings is right actions.

a. The most convincing argument for right attitudes is the effect they have on our eternity.

b. Remember the definition of an attitude ‑ “our mental or emotional response to the circumstances of life.”

c. While we all experience many varied circumstances in life, there is one common circumstance we all encounter: sin.

1) Sin is our failure to please God.

2) And the Bible says all of us are guilty of it.

3) What is our attitude toward that failure in our life?

4) Our attitude will affect where we spend eternity.

Some face that reality with an attitude of unbelief “There is no God, and there is no such thing as sin.”

Some face sin with an attitude of indifference “So what?” ×

Others face that reality with an attitude of pride ‑ “I may not be perfect, but I’m better than most people.”

But there is only one attitude that pleases God: an attitude of repentance. That means agreeing with God that you have failed, and turning to Him for forgiveness.

(1 JOHN 1:9) “IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, HE IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE US OUR SINS, AND TO CLEANSE US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.”

Love One Another

John 13:34-35

How important it is for you and me, as God’s people, to make an impact on this world in which we are living.

This begins with a right relationship with God and a right relationship with one another.

One of the biggest misunderstandings we have in the Christian life is in thinking that we can get along with God and not get along with each other.

 The "one another" statements tell us in a practical way how to love one another. In the N . T ., there are twelve different references that contain these words: "love one another."

I. We Love One Another Because Jesus Commands Us To.

A. Jesus gave this commandment in John 13:34-35.

 John 13:34-35 (KJV) ³⁴ A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. ³⁵ By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another

. B. He repeated it again in John 15:12 and again in 15:17.

C. Also in vs. 13-15, Jesus speaks of true friendship.

1. In vs. 15 we learn that a true friend has a servant’s heart.

John 15:15 (KJV) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

2. Christian love is an act of the will.

3. We "will" to treat each other the way God treats us!

4. How does He treat us?

a. God forgives us, so we forgive one another.

b. God is kind to us, so we are kind to one another.

c. God receives us, so we receive one another.

D. We are to willingly and deliberately treat each other the way God treats us.

1. This is what it means to love one another.

2. Jesus gave us the perfect example of love by His life and by His death.

3. Notice John 15:13.

John 15:13 (KJV) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

4. But He laid down His life for His enemies!

II. We Love One Another Because This is the Fulfillment of God’s Law. cf Ro. 13:18

A. Paul was discussing in this chapter our relationship to government and to the law.

B. The Old Testament Jew had many laws to keep:

1. Laws that governed the land, property, about his neighbor, of the tabernacle and sacrifices, etc.

2. The New Testament command to "love one another" takes care of these regulations.

C. Because love is the motivation for obedience, it helps us to fulfill the law.

III. We Love One Another Because We have Been Taught of God to Love One Another.

A. In 1 Thessalonians 3:12 we find another reference to loving one another.

 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (KJV) And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

1. In vs. 10-13, Paul was praying for these Thessalonian Christians that they might "abound in love one toward another".

2. He repeated this theme in 4:9.

B. God the Father taught us to love one another by giving us His Son.

C. God the Son has taught us to love one another by giving His life.

D. God the Holy Spirit, who lives within us, teaches us to love one another.

Romans 5: 5, "The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

IV. We Love One Another because of the New Nature of God Within Us.

A. In 1Peter 1: 22-23, we learn that we should love one another because this is part of our new birth. 

1 Peter 1:22-23 (KJV) ²² Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: ²³ Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

B. The new nature of God within us gives us the power to love.

1. You see, our old nature is not very loving.

2. It loves the things that are wrong.

3. Titus 3:3 says that once we were "hateful, and hating one another."

4. But when we are born again we receive God’s new nature...love moves in.

5. And why is that? Because God is love (1John 4:8).

C. 1Peter 1:22 states that this love is to be "unfeigned."

1 Peter 1:22 (KJV) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

1. That means sincere, not artificial.

2. Sincere love..."with a pure heart"

3. That "pure heart" is important.

4. If my heart is not pure, it means there is sin in my heart.

5. And if there is sin in my heart, I am limited in my loving you because sin is basically selfishness.

6. "fervently" - The word "fervent" describes an energetic, disciplined, well-trained athlete.

In the epistles of John, there are five verses that say "love one another":

• 1 John 3:11

• 1 John 3:23

• 1 John 4:7-8

• 1 John 4:11-12

• 2 John 5 5

These passages refer to the wonderful privilege we have of loving one another.

 And if we love one another, we are going to treat one another the way that God treats us.

Do we love one another?

 Do we treat one another the way that God treats us?

To fail in this is to disobey a fundamental command of our Lord Jesus Christ!

  3 Rules for Knowing the Will of God

TEXT:  Ephesians 5:17 (KJV) Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Introduction:
The will of God is not hidden, but rather it is revealed to us through the Word of God.

Ø  The Word of God says that God does not bypass our minds when it comes to His will for us.

Ø  That's why Paul said in

(Eph 5:17)  "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."

I. NOTHING IS THE WILL OF GOD IF IT IS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORD OF GOD

A. The Bible is not a book of rules, but rather it is a book of principles.

1. Too often we want to make a list of rules to govern our lives rather than living by Biblical principles.

2. God is not pleased by our following rules - anymore than we are pleased when our children do just what we say, instead of living like we want them to.

3. Any list we make would be drastically insufficient!

B. We never have to pray about something that the Word of God commands.

1. Example: Marriage

(2 Cor 6:14)  "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3)

a. There is more to choosing a mate for life than just whether or not they are a professing Christian.

b. Example: Saved but not living for the Lord.

c. Which one do you marry?

d. The one you love!

2. Example: Vocation

(1 Pet 4:11)  "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

(1 Cor 10:31)  "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
 
(Col 3:23)  "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;"

3. Whatever vocation we enter into we must be able to honor God with our lives.

4. Can we glorify God in what we are doing? If not then it is not the will of God!

C. The question we must answer is this: What is your final authority?

1. In the realm of Christendom, we find four final authorities.

2. For some the church is the final authority.

a. This is the Catholics - the church is final unless

b. The pope speaks 'ex cathedral' then his word is to be taken as God's word.

3. For others, human experience is the final authority

a. This is the position of the much of the Charismatic crowd.

b. "It happened to me, therefore it is true!"

c. "I don't care what the Bible says, I know what I feel!"

4. Then there is human reasoning as the final authority.

a. This is the position of liberals and includes most of the Protestant churches.

b. Nobody is right and nobody is wrong because we are all looking for truth.

c. What they cannot conceive they will not believe; what they cannot understand, they will not accept.

d. "It doesn't make sense to me that there is a hell, so there is no hell!"

5. Finally, there are those who take the Bible as the only final authority in their lives.

a. I would hope that this is where each of us are.

b. Many People say that the Word of God is their final authority

Ø  but they continually make important decisions on the basis of human reasoning or human experience.

c. Final authority means that, like it or not, there is no where else to turn to for answers.

Ø  d. What is the final authority in your life?

II. BEFORE YOU CAN KNOW THE WILL OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE, YOU MUST BE WILLING TO DO THE WILL OF GOD.

A. God wants us to be ready and willing to do anything He should ask.

1. Example:. in the military, when the commanding officer issues a command he expects immediate obedience.

a. There is no room for discussion or arguments.

b. The purpose of boot camp is to shape and train young men to obey orders immediately.

c. On the battlefield may hesitation to obey could result in disaster.

2. We are in a battle!

a. Our enemy is real!

b. When we balk or hesitate in our obedience to our Master, we open ourselves up for disaster in our lives

3. We must be ready and willing to obey our Lord.

a. As a parent you would want to call your children's names and they were to come to you immediately.

b. You would want them to come immediately to you to receive whatever instructions you had to give.

c. Now that isn't natural, they had to be trained to respond in that manner.

4. God wants us ready and willing to obey Him.

Ø  Times He has to train us!!

B. Acts 9:6, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"

1. That question will go unanswered unless we are ready and willing to serve Him.

2. God will never reveal to us His will for our future if we aren't obedient to His will for our present.

3. Many times our prayers are not to find the will of God

Ø  but to see if God will let us do what we want instead of what He has said.

C. Eph. 4:30, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God..."

1. When we continually refuse to do what God wants and we repeatedly do what we want,

2. Then the Holy Spirit - who was given to be our guide into all truth - is grieved!

3. At that point you can be sure that you are not in the will of God.

III. THE LORD WILL REVEAL HIS WILL TO HIS CHILD WHO IS YIELDED!

(Rom 12:1-2)  "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. {2}And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

A. The key is surrender. cf. Jn 6:38

(John 6:38)  "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."

B. It is absolutely impossible to not know the will of God if you are yielded to HIM!

(Isa 30:21)  "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left."

C. God will direct - He will guide - "...He will guide you into all truth..."

(John 16:13)  "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come."

D. He will guide us by His eyes.

(1 Pet 3:12) "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."

E. We must keep our eyes upon the God if we are to be led and directed into His will

(Heb 12:2)  "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

F. He will give us our way if we refuse to yield.

(Psa 106:13-15)  "They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: {14}But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. {15}And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul."

G. Along with our way will come leanness into our soul.

H. How much better it would have been if they (Israel) only would have yielded - how much better for us!

CONCLUSION:
Nothing is the will of God if it is not in accordance with the word of God.

Before we can know the will of God we must be willing to do the will of God.

The key is a surrendered life.

Do you know the will of God for your life?

If not why not determine that you will seek to apply the principles of His Word to your life.

Are you willing to do what He asks?

Are you truly surrendered?

Conditions for Fellowship

I John 1:1-2:2

Tonight I want to begin to look at a word from the Scripture that is used often, but I wonder if we truly understand it.

 To fellowship means to have something in common.

 While we as Christians have many things in common, the one essential ingredient of Christian fellowship is Christ Himself.

We can have fellowship with one another, but we also can have fellowship with the Father and with His Son.

 Our ‘union’ with Christ is our "son-ship" and that never changes.

 However, our "communion" with Christ is our "fellowship" and that can be hindered by sin.

"Son-ship is a matter of life and death, but "fellowship" is a matter of light and darkness.

In the first epistle of John we find the subject of fellowship explained in great detail.

Over the next few Wednesday evenings, we will see the conditions for fellowship, our conduct in fellowship, the characteristics of fellowship, some cautions in fellowship, and the consequences of fellowship.

Tonight we want to consider the conditions for fellowship.

I. Introduction 1:1-4

A. Christ’s Eternity, Humanity, & Deity v1-2

1. That which "was" - already in existence not came into existence.

2. "From the beginning" refers back to creation Ge. l:l, "In the beginning God..."

3. Certainly God is a spiritual being but John recounts the experience of the incarnation.

4. God became a man - He was born into this world through the miraculous virgin birth.

5. As a result He could be seen, heard, and touched.

 6. He "was with the Father" –

Jn. l:l, "The Word was with God and the Word was God"

Ph. 2:6, He was "equal with God"

B. John’s message of fellowship and joy. v3-4

1. As we said previously, fellowship means to have something in common.

2. It is like a partnership which involves three different relationships.

a. Fellowship with believers

b. Fellowship with God

c. Fellowship with Jesus Christ

3. We will expand on this theme of fellowship throughout our study.

4. It means much more than salvation!

5. The result of true fellowship.

II. Conditions for fellowship 1:5-2:2

A. Conformity to a standard (5-7)

1. The contrast: God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

a. Light represents holiness, purity, and glory.

b. Darkness represents evil and wickedness.

c. With God there are no gray areas or shadows.

2. The conflict: Our talk vs our walk

a. If we say we have fellowship with God while we walk in darkness - we do not the truth!

b. Walking in darkness refers to a life characterized by sin.

c. If we say one thing and yet our lives reflect the opposite then we are liars.

3. The correct condition results in:

a. Consistent walk

b. Common fellowship

c. Clean life

B. Confession of Sin (1:8-2:2)

1. The Claim. v8, 10

a. Of no sin nature [8]

1) Not talking about acts of sin.

2) This is a complete denial of the principle of indwelling sin.

3) This is a denial of Scripture. NOTE: Ro. 3:23, Ro. 5:12

b. Of no sin practice [10]

1) Here is a claim that we have not committed sin.

2) This is such an outlandish claim which could only be made by redefining sin.

3) Calling sin - errors in judgment or just mistakes.

4) However, no such distinction can be made in Scripture.

c. The result of such claims.

1) We deceive ourselves.

2) We make God a liar.

3) His truth, His Word is not in us - - there can be no fellowship with God

2. The Confession v 9

a. Confess = to say the same thing about sin that God does.

b. Character of God.

1) God is faithful

2) God is just or righteous

c. Cleansing from God

1) NOTE: John is writing to believers - we need confession and cleansing daily!

2) God forgives and cleanses

3) NOTE: Commission of sin by a believer interrupts his fellowship with God - but confession of sin restores that fellowship.

3. The Cure. 2:1-2

a. Sin and the Scriptures.

1) One might wrongly assume that we could excuse our sin because it is our nature, and after all, God will forgive if we confess.

2) John makes it very clear that that is not conclusion we ought to arrive at.

3) Rather bluntly he says, "Sin not".

4) "My little children" reminds them of their new life in God's family and since we’ve been born again, we ought to live according to our new nature - not our old!

b. Sin and the Savior

1) He is our supporter -our advocate - He's on our side!

2) He is the satisfaction for sin - His death on Calvary paid the price of sin's penalty.

3) He is the Savior of the whole world - salvation is available to all who will receive it by faith.

Conclusion: What are the conditions for fellowship with God? There are only two:

1. Conformity to a Standard: Jesus Christ

2. Confession of Sin: to Our Savior

Are we in fellowship with God tonight?

If we have met His conditions we are. Is He our standard or is the world?

Have we kept our account in order?

 Daily confession of our sins is necessary for daily cleansing!

Conduct in Fellowship I John 2:3-27

1 John 1:3, "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."

Last week we looked at John’s introduction and discussion of the conditions for ‘fellowship’.

In the course of the next few weeks we want to look at a number of things about ‘fellowship’.

Tonight we will look at what the conduct in fellowship should be.

I. The Character of Our Conduct. v3-11

A. Obedience. (3-6)

1. Knowledge of God is proved by our obedience to His commandments.

2. Assurance of our relationship to God is proved by our obedience to His Word.

3. Note the contrast between "He that saith" and "He that keepeth".

4. Verse 6 emphasizes the importance of a walk that is consistent with our talk.

B. Love. (7-11)

1. The Old Commandment. v7

a. De. 6:5, "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."

b. Lev. 19:18b, "thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord".

c. This wasn’t something that was new to them, to love God and to love others has always been a standard of conduct for God’s people.

2. The New Commandment v8

a. Jn. 13:34, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

b. The old command had been brought to a greater clarity now through Jesus Christ.

c. His death was the greatest possible demonstration of His love.

John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

d. This principle of love is true in Christ and ought to be in His disciples because the darkness is past and we are in the True Light.

3. The commandment should be exemplfied in our lives. v9-11

a. "In the light" = in fellowship with God.

b. Once again John brings back the importance of our talk or our profession being consistent with our actions.

c. The contrast is further seen by a lack of direction on the part of the one in darkness and the clear path for the one who is abiding in the light.

II. The Commandment for Our Conduct. v12-17

A. In light of our spiritual condition. (12-14)

1. Note our position before God.

a. Our sins are forgiven.

b. We have overcome Satan.

c. We are strong because the Word of God abides within us.

2. Note: He addresses all believers by using the terms ‘little children’, ‘young men’, and ‘fathers’.

3. Regardless of our maturity level in Christ: our forgiveness, strength, and victory is in Christ for His name’s sake!

B. In light of the world’s allurements. (15-17)

1. Love not the world. v15

a. ‘world’ = used here not as a reference to people, but to a philosophy of life which is contrary to God.

b. ‘neither the things’ = material things (although not necessarily evil in themselves) and our attitude toward them and our abuse of them.

2. The world’s characteristics. v16

a. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.

b. Compare Ge. 3:6 with Lu. 4:1-13

1) flesh / food / bread

2) eyes / pleasant / kingdoms

3) pride / like gods / prove it

c. This is not of the Father.

3. The world’s prospect. v17

a. It will pass away along with all of its desires.

b. But, He that does the will of God will remain forever!

III. The Creed for Our Conduct: "We Know the Truth" v18-27

A. About antichrists which will come. (18-19)

1. John states that they have heard that antichrist will come (ie. THE BEAST).

2. But he says that there are now many antichrists or Christ opposers.

3. This indicates the end times.

2 Timothy 4:3-4, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

B. About the anointing of the Holy Spirit. (20-21)

1. The Gnostics claimed to have a special anointing which gave them          enlightenment.

2. John states that our anointing is from God and we can know or discern all things.

3. We know the truth, therefore, we can discern a lie.

C. About those who deny Christ. (22-23)

1. The supreme liar is the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ.

2. Those who would deny Christ are anti- christs or Christ opposers.

3. To deny the Son is to deny the Father Jn. 10 30, "I and my Father are one."

4. Many groups seek to acknowledge the Father while denying Jesus, but you cannot have one without the other!

(NOTE: Some Jesus-only teaching denies the Father which is also wrong)

D. About eternal life. (24-25)

1. ‘That which Ye have heard’ = the gospel message.

2. Jn. 8:31, "If Ye continue in my Word then are ye my disciples indeed."

3. Note v14, "Ye are strong , and the Word of God abideth in you and Ye have overcome the wicked one."

4. The promise of His Word is eternal life.

E. About false teachers. (26-27)

1. Believers are indwelled by the Holy Spirit of God.

2. He is our teacher and guide. cf. Jn. l6:13

3. Through Him we can discern the truth from lies.

4. We abide in Him!

True fellowship has two important conditions which must be met: conformity to a standard (Jesus Christ) and confession of sin.

As we have seen this evening, the character of our conduct involves obedience and love

 Are you enjoying true fellowship with God and others?

If not, you are missing out on one of the greatest blessings of salvation!

Creator God Genesis 1:1

 (Gen 1:1) "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."

We should seek to know God in a greater and more intimate way.

This morning, I want us to consider God as the Creator of all that there is.

·         Does it really matter whether we believe in God's creation rather than in evolution?

·         Yes, it really does.

·         To deny the creation is to deny the very Word of God!

If we cannot accept what the Bible says about the creative work of God, how can we hope to know Him in His redemptive work?

For a while this morning, let's consider God as the Creator of all things.

(Col 1:16-17) "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: {17} And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."

I. The Cause of Confusion.

A. We need to reject evolution.

1. The American Association for the Advancement of Science promotes evolution as the answer to man's origin.

2. Listen to their theory, "life on Earth began about 12 billion years ago in a particle physics game of chance, matter won out over antimatter, and the physical universe came into existence."

3. This basic theory with very few differences is propagated in schools, universities, encyclopedias, books, magazines, movies, television, and cartoons.

4. Let me tell you why the evolutionary theories are popular.

a. These scientific explanations allow people to reject God and His supernatural capabilities.

b. Because scientists promote evolution as being factual, people believe it more readily.

c. They are duped into thinking it is more logical than a belief based on faith in God's Word.

d. It is the old adage, 'If you say something long enough and loud enough people will believe it is true.'

e. But evolution is a lie!!

5. As Bible believers, we must reject the explanations of evolutionists.

a. The Scriptures reveal nothing of one created form evolving into another created form.

b. We must accept the word of the Creator, Who recorded for us His eyewitness account.

B. We need to accept creationism.

1. God spoke this world into existence.

a. The Bible declares the creation of everything by the Word of God.

b. The Almighty God, spoke this universe into instantaneous existence

2 Peter 3:5, "For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:"

Psalm 33:6-9, "By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast."

2. God created the world in six days.

a. The "evening-morning" wording locks each day into a 24-hour time grid.

b. Without exception, whenever a numerical adjective is coupled to the Hebrew word for day, it means a 24-hour day.

c. Every Word "day" in Genesis 1 has this numerical adjective.

(Gen 1:14) "And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:"

d. Genesis 1:14 describes literal "day," "night," "seasons," "days" and "years."

Exodus 20:11, "For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."

II. The Divine Purposes behind Creation.

A. God created all things for His own purpose.

1. Contrary to what some have taught, God did not create the world for fulfillment or for companionship.

2. As we have seen, God is infinite, self-sufficient and perfect.

3. He has no needs, nor does He depend upon creation for anything.

4. God decreed to create the world for His own reason and purpose.

Revelation 4:11, "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."

5. The word "pleasure" refers to God's will.

B. God created all things for His own glory.

1. God's glory has been, is now, and always will be the primary reason for all existence.

(Isa 43:7) "Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him."

2. We must remind ourselves of this every day of our lives and do our best to make each hour bring God glory and honor.

Ro. 11:36, "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

III. The Application for Each of Us.

A. We are a part of God's purpose in creation.

1. God has a plan for this world.

a. God's plan for the universe is an "eternal plan".

b. We don't know about tomorrow, but God does!

c. His plan for us includes all things past, present, and future.

2. God's plan is comprehensive.

(Rom 8:28) "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

a. That isn't really that hard to under-stand is it?

b. God includes everything that happens in our lives as part of His purpose for us.

c. That leaves nothing to chance or happenstance.

d. Including the fact that we are present here this morning.

B. We have a reason for our existence.

1. So many wonder why they are here and what they are supposed to do.

2. Understanding God as our Creator gives us meaning and purpose for our lives.

3. We are to give glory to Him.

4. The world tells us that we are to focus our lives upon ourselves and live to please ourselves.

5. The problem is that we were created to fulfill God's purpose for our lives, and nothing else will bring us meaning.

C. God's eternal plan for us centers upon our relationship with Him.

1. He created us to bring Him glory and honor.

2. He loved us so much, that He gave His only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die on Calvary that our sins might be forgiven.

3. He desires that we might spend eternity with Him.

(2 Pet 3:9b) "The Lord is not … not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

4. All who reject the Creator's plan and purpose for them will be separated from Him throughout all eternity in the lake of fire.

Will you come this morning?

The invitation is to come to Christ, and then publicly declare your faith in Him.

Come and find the true meaning and purpose of your existence.

 Come and commit yourself to bring glory and honor to God.

He is a God Who Speaks Romans 1:18-21

Miscommunication is always a possibility no matter how hard we try to avoid it. Take, for instance, the following examples of written communication, as quoted from actual insurance forms.

• The guy was all over the road. I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.

• I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law, and headed over the embankment.

• I had been shopping for plants all day and was on my way home, as I reached an intersection, a hedge sprang up, obscuring my vision. I did not see the other car.

• The telephone pole was approaching fast. I was attempting to swerve out of its path when it struck my front end.

• The pedestrian had no idea which direction to go, so I ran over him.

• I saw the slow-moving, sad-faced old gentlemen as he bounced off the hood of my car.

• I was thrown from my car as it left the road. I was later found in a ditch by some stray cows,

• I had been driving my car for forty years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident.

Perhaps these are exaggerations of poor communication, but every day we are called upon to communicate with other people.

 We must do our best to communicate well.

As believers, we are to communicate with God in prayer as well.

But our communication with God is not a one-way avenue.

He communicates with us, too, in some general as well as specific and special ways.

I. General Revelation.

A. How does God communicate with us?

1. God reveals Himself through nature.

a. David declared the importance of natural revelation in Ps. 19:1-6.

1) Creation testifies to God's glory continuously. v1b

The words "declare,"

"showeth,"

"day unto day,"

 "night unto night"

emphasize a nonstop manifestation of God everywhere.

2) Creation testifies to God's glory completely. v3- 4a

a) God's glorious revelation transcends all language barriers and reaches out through all the earth.

b) This revelation is not restricted, but it extends "to the end of the world."

3) Creation testifies to God's glory clearly. v4b-6

a) David singled out the impact the sun has on all people.

b) God "set" the sun as a pene-trating signal that broadcasts God's power and glory as the solar system travels along God's predetermined orbit.

b. Creation is sending a clear message that everyone can receive.

1) There is one, true God.

2) He is our creator, our glorious sustainer, and we all stand accountable to Him in this earthly life.

2. God reveals Himself through human conscience.

a. While natural revelation is external, Paul describes an internal witness or revelation that also comes from God.

(Rom 2:14-15) "For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: {15} Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)"

b. Even though the Gentiles did not receive the Law of God, they have an awareness of who God is and what is right and wrong.

1) Their God-given "hearts," is a term used by Paul to refer to their intellectual conclusions.

2) Their "conscience" speaks of an awareness of right and wrong actions.

3) And their "thoughts" speaks of a person's reasoning capabilities,

c. According to this passage, every human being has within himself an awareness of God.

1) Though sin distorts the thought processes and leads them away from God…

2) All men everywhere have the capacity to receive revelation from God.

B. God's communication rejected. (Ro.1:18-21)

1. What has been man's response to this communication from God?

a. Man's "ungodliness" disregards God-sent revelation…

b. And man's "unrighteousness" rebels against God's authority over people.

2. So, all men everywhere are "without excuse" before God (Ro. 1:20), because "they knew God, "yet did not glorify Him as such" (Ro. 1:21).

3. Consequently, whether people believe in God or not:

a. The self-revelation of God through His creation stands as reality.

b. And all mankind stands account-able before God for this privilege of being exposed to general revelation through nature.

Beyond natural revelation, God has communicated with man in special ways.

II. Special Revelation.

A. Through the inspired, written Word of God. (THE BIBLE)

1. The written Word reveals God in-errantly.

a. The written revelation of God is the product of God's authorship.

b. God used human writers within the scope of their own personalities and historical cultures to pen 66 books.

c. The result is the living, inspired Scriptures (2Ti. 3:16, Heb. 4:12).

d. Though the written revelation does not communicate all of God's mind; what is stated is completely what God intended to say.

e. Every word in the Bible is equally profitable and authoritative.

2. The written revelation graciously proclaims the answer to our sinful condition.

a. God's redemptive solution came through His only begotten Son and His magnificent ministry on our behalf.

b. The Bible is God's life-line given out to dying people to save them from their sins and from a literal Hell. Jn. 3:14-16

B. Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God.

1. Heb 1:1-4 reveals the superiority of the revelation of God's Son over many previous methods used to communicate God's message.

2. The most important statement here is this: "God hath spoken unto us by his Son."

a. Before Christ came to earth, God communicated 'at sundry times' (various time periods) through "divers manners" (various methods).

b. When Christ came, God's communication became complete.

3. Notice the close connection between the written Word of God and Jesus Christ, the "Son" revelation from God.

a. It is from the Bible we discover the truth of Jesus, the Son of God.

b. As Luke narrated our Lord's counsel to the two on the road to Emmaus:

Luke 24:27, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself."

Luke 24:44, "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me."

III. Revealing God's Light to the World.

A. It is impossible for people to discover the one true God through human reasoning alone. Acts 17:15-34

1. If it were possible for people to discover God through human reason alone, it would have been realized at Athens, the center for world learning.

2. But the intellectuals there were groping in spiritual darkness until Paul arrived.

B. We must show them the way.

1. Paul used natural revelation as the starting point in his witness.

2. His sermon on Mars' hill described God in His glory as viewed through natural revelation.

a. First, God is our creator; He is the originator of all life. v24-25

b. Second, God is our sustainer; He is the mastermind behind all existence. v26-29

3. Then he turned from the truth of the God of natural revelation to the fact that God is the God of salvation through the resurrected Jesus Christ.

a. The Athenian audience needed to turn from their human reasoning to Jesus Christ.

b. He invited them to change their mind (as he did on the road to Damascus) and receive the resurrected Jesus Christ as Savior.

c. He also warned them that this rejected Savior today would someday become their judge.

4. Out of man's rejection of God's self revelation comes the believers' God- given mission to proclaim His truth.

a. Ro. 10:14, "How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?"

b. Here is our call to action.

c. The world needs to see our light (Mt. 5:14-16), and our love (John 13:34-35).

d. This involves living a holy life (1 Cor. 15:34) as well as sharing the gospel verbally (Acts 1:8).

God has spoken to us, are we listening?

To those who do not know Him personally, He calls for you to come to Him in faith.

 For the believer, He calls us to go to the lost and dying world with the message of life and hope.

Are we listening?