Sets X Reps | |
Cable Crunch | 3 X 10-12 |
Decline Crunch w/ Plate | 3 X 10-12 |
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? - Ro 2:4
. JESUS WANTS PEOPLE TO REPENT...
1. During His earthly ministry - Mt 4:17
2. To be preached in His name to all nations - Lk 24:46-47
3. When His disciples lose their love and zeal - Re 2:4-5; 3:15-19
-- Whether alien sinner or erring Christian, Jesus wants us to
repent!
B. PETER COMMANDED PEOPLE TO REPENT...
1. In preaching to the lost - Ac 2:38; 3:19
2. In exhorting the erring Christian - Ac 8:22
-- Whether alien sinner or erring Christian, repentance is called
for!
C. PAUL COMMANDED PEOPLE TO REPENT...
1. For God commands all men everywhere to repent - Ac 17:30
2. For the goodness of God ought to lead one to repent - Ro 2:4
-- In view of God's coming judgment and His present goodness, we
should repent!
[Both Jesus and His apostles call upon all people to repent. What,
exactly, are they commanding us to do? Let's continue with some...]
II. REFLECTIONS ON REPENTANCE
A. REPENTANCE PROPERLY DEFINED...
1. Some misconceptions of repentance
a. That repentance is simply being sorry
b. That repentance is a changed life - cf. Ac 3:19 ("repent and
be converted")
2. A proper concept of repentance
a. "change of mind; involves both a turning from sin and a
turning to God" - Vine
b. I.e., a change of mind in which we decide to turn from sin
and turn to God
-- Repentance is a decision, preceded by sorrow and followed by a
changed life
B. REPENTANCE PROPERLY PRODUCED...
1. Repentance is produced by sorrow - 2Co 7:9
a. Sorrow leads to repentance
b. Sorrow itself is not repentance
2. Repentance is produced by godly sorrow - 2Co 7:9-10
a. Godly sorrow leads one to repentance, not worldly sorrow
b. Godly sorrow is that directed toward God, sorrow because one
has sinned against a holy, loving God, not because one got
'caught' (cf. David's attitude) - Psa 51:4
-- The right kind of sorrow produces the proper change of mind,
leading to salvation
C. REPENTANCE PROPERLY MANIFESTED...
1. True repentance will manifest itself in a changed life - 2Co
7:11
a. Such as diligence, clearing of one's self, indignation, fear
b. Such as vehement desire, zeal, vindication
2. True repentance will produce works befitting repentance - Ac
26:20
a. Such as confessing Jesus, and being baptized into Christ
- Ac 8:36-38
b. Such as walking in works that God has ordained for those in
Christ - Ep 2:10
-- Apathy, halfhearted service, is not indicative of true
repentance!
CONCLUSION
1. Thus we see that repentance is a decision of the mind...
a. In which we decided to turn from our sins and live for God
b. Preceded by godly sorrow for our sins and followed by a changed
life
2. For the person who is not yet a Christian...
a. It is prompted by faith in Jesus Christ - cf. Ac 2:36-37
b. It is joined together with baptism for the remission of sins - cf.
Ac 2:38
3. For the person who is an erring Christian...
a. It is needed whenever we become slack in our service - cf. Re
3:15-19
b. It is joined together with prayer and confession of sin - cf. Ac
8:22; 1Jn 1:9
4. Are you willing to do "works befitting repentance"...?
a. Not works done to earn or merit remission of sins
b. But acts of faith done to receive God's grace and mercy through
the blood of Christ
Has the goodness of God led you to repent...?
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." - Mk 16:16 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." - Ac 2:38 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. - Ac 2:41 "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." - Ac 22:16
a. The bread of life
b. The light of the world
c. The door of the sheep
d. The good shepherd
e. The resurrection and the life
f. The way, the truth, and the life
g. The true vine
h. The great "I AM"!
May these simple reflections on Jesus encourage you to seek Him and
learn His will for you...!
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Mt 11:28-30
A. THE LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH... - Ac 17:24 1. So Paul introduced "the unknown God" to the Greeks in Athens 2. So He is proclaimed throughout the Bible to all who read it B. THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS... - Gen 1:1 1. In the beginning 2. Both the heavens and the earth C. THE CREATOR OF ALL LIFE... - Gen 1:24-27 1. All living creatures, including mankind 2. Especially mankind, created in the image of God Himself D. HIS OMNIPOTENCE... - Am 5:8; 4:13 1. He is all powerful 2. Who made the constellations, the earth's revolution and water cycle 3. Who created the mountains, the winds, and knows the mind of man E. HIS OMNISCIENCE... - Ps 139:1-6; He 4:12-13 1. He is all knowing 2. Who knows our every thought, our every movement 3. All things are open to Him, to Whom we must give an account F. HIS OMNIPRESENCE... - Ps 139:7-16; Jer 23:23-24 1. He is everywhere 2. We cannot flee from His presence; from the womb and throughout life He is there 3. We cannot hide from Him; He fills the heaven and earth G. HIS GLORY REVEALED IN CREATION... - Ps 19:1-3; Ro 1:20 1. The heavens (firmament) declare His handiwork 2. The creation makes known His eternal power and Godhead 3. No one has an excuse not to believe in a Supreme Being H. HIS WILL REVEALED IN HIS WORD... - Ps 19:7-11; 2Ti 3:16-17 1. His word is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true and righteous 2. His inspired Scriptures are all-sufficient to make the man of God complete I. HIS LOVE REVEALED IN JESUS... - Ro 5:8-11; 1Jn 4:9-10 1. He loved us even though we were sinners and enemies 2. He sent Jesus to die and reconcile us back to Him 3. Jesus is the propitiation (appeasing sacrifice) for our sins J. HIS JUDGMENT PROMISED TO COME... - Ac 17:24-31 1. We return to Paul's sermon to the Greeks in Athens (Acts 17) 2. God made us to seek for Him, for He is not far from anyone of us 3. God commands all men everywhere to repent, for the Judgment Day is coming 4. In which the world will be judged by Jesus 5. God has offered assurance of the Judgment by raising Jesus from the dead
Psalms Chapter 91 | >> |
HE POWER OF PRAYER
A. FORGIVENESS OF SINS...
1. The Christian can find forgiveness through the blood of Christ
- 1Jn 1:7-10
2. Thus the erring Christian is told to repent and pray - Ac 8:22
-- Don't you want the assurance of knowing that your sins are
forgiven?
B. PEACE OF MIND...
1. The antidote to anxiety is prayer - Php 4:6
2. Christians will find their hearts and minds guarded by the
peace of God - Php 4:7
-- Don't you want the peace of mind and heart that surpasses
understanding?
C. STRENGTH TO LIVE...
1. Paul prayed that the Ephesians might be strengthened in the
inner man - Ep 3:14-16,20
2. When we need to be strong, Christians can likewise pray for
themselves!
-- Don't you want the power that is beyond our comprehension?
D. OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE...
1. Paul realized God provided him opportunity to teach others
- 1Co 3:5 (NASB)
2. He therefore requested prayer that such opportunities would
continue - Col 4:3
-- Don't you want the Lord to give you opportunity to lead others
to Christ?
E. BOLDNESS TO SPEAK...
1. When the apostles needed boldness, they prayed and God
delivered - Ac 4:23-31
2. When Paul needed boldness, he asked for prayers in his behalf
- Ep 6:19-20
-- Don't you want boldness when you speak to others about Christ?
F. WISDOM TO GUIDE...
1. Wisdom is not knowledge, but insight that makes the best use of
the knowledge one has
2. The Christian is promised wisdom through prayer without doubt
- Jm 1:5-8
-- Don't you want the wisdom that comes from above?
G. HEALING FROM SICKNESS...
1. Those who are sick should ask elders to pray for them - Jm
5:14-15
2. Those who have sinned should confess, and we should pray for
one another - Jm 5:16
-- Don't you want the aid of God when in need of physical or
spiritual healing?
H. TRANQUILITY AND PEACE...
1. The Scriptures proclaim God has ultimate control over the
nations - Dan 4:17; Ro 13:1-7
2. Thus we are to pray, that we may lead quiet (tranquil, ASV) and
peaceable lives - 1Ti 2:1-4
-- Don't you want to live in peace and tranquility, and for others
to as well?
When we feed the hungry, we feed Christ! b. When we give drink to the thirsty, we give drink to Christ! c. When we take in the stranger, we take in Christ! d. When we clothe the naked, we clothe Christ! e. When we visit the sick and the imprisoned, we visit Christ!
1. In a previous reflection, we saw that the church in the local sense of the word... a. Are Christians in one geographical area - cf. 1Co 1:2; Ro 16:16 b. Who assemble in order to exhort one another to good works - cf. He 10:24-25 2. Good works are certainly worthy of reflection... a. They are noble, just, lovely, and of good report b. They are of virtue and praiseworthy [And so, according to our overall text (Php 4:8), let's use this opportunity to reflect on the subject of good works. Perhaps we should begin by emphasizing...] I. THE PURPOSE OF GOOD WORKS A. WE ARE NOT SAVED BY GOOD WORKS... 1. Good works cannot be done to buy or earn our way into heaven 2. God saves us by His grace and mercy, not our works - Ep 2:8-9; Tit 3:4-7 -- We should be clear on this point! B. WE ARE SAVED TO DO GOOD WORKS... 1. We have been created in Christ Jesus to do good works! - Ep 2:10 2. We have been redeemed and purified to be zealous for good works! - Tit 2:11-14 3. Thus we are to: a. Be ready for every good work - Tit 3:1 b. Be careful to maintain good works - Tit 3:8 c. Learn to maintain good works - Tit 3:14 -- We need to understand the role of good works! C. WE ARE TO DO GOOD WORKS... 1. Because they bring glory to God - Mt 5:14-16; 1Pe 2:12 2. Because they are necessary to be like Jesus - Lk 6:40; cf. Ac 10:38 3. Because they demonstrate the living nature of our faith - Jm 2:14-17,20,26 4. Because they prepare unbelievers to be more receptive to the gospel - 1Pe 2:12; 3:1-2 5. Because they meet urgent needs - Tit 3:14 -- We must appreciate the importance of good works! [With a clear understanding and appreciation of the role of good works in the life of the Christian, let's now reflect on...] II. GOOD WORKS WE SHOULD DO A. CARE FOR WIDOWS AND ORPHANS... 1. An indicator of pure and undefiled religion before God - Jm 1:27; cf. Psa 68:5 2. Two good role models are Job and Tabitha (Dorcas) - Job 29:12-13; Ac 9:36-39 -- Are we practicing pure and undefiled religion before God? B. SUPPORT THE WEAK... 1. As exemplified by Paul, in keeping with Jesus' dictum - Ac 20:35 2. As commanded by Paul, to support and bear their burdens - 1Th 5:14; Ga 6:1-2 -- Are we fulfilling the law of Christ? C. VISIT THE SICK... 1. Jesus and His apostles cared for the sick during their ministry - Lk 4:40; 9:2; 10:9 2. Elders are to pray for the sick - Jm 5:14-15 -- Do we care for the sick? D. ENTERTAIN STRANGERS... 1. To show hospitality, which literally means "love of strangers" - He 13:2; Ro 12:13 2. Required of elders, and widows taken into the number - 1Ti 3:2; 5:9-10 -- Do we show kindness to strangers? E. REMEMBER THE PRISONERS... 1. Especially those who are brethren - He 13:3; 10:34 2. Like those who visited Paul in prison, or sent him supplies - Ac 24:23; Php 4:14,18 -- Do we remember our brethren who are in prison? F. SHARE OUR WEALTH... 1. Affluent brethren are to be ready to give, willing to share - 1Ti 6:17-19 2. Sharing with others is a form of spiritual sacrifice that pleases God - He 13:16 -- Do we stand ready to offer such spiritual sacrifices? CONCLUSION 1. As we have ability and opportunity... a. We are to do good to all men, especially our brethren - Ga 6:10 b. We are not to grow weary in doing good - Ga 6:9; 2Th 3:13
I. FAITH DEFINED
A. FAITH IN GENERAL...
1. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary
a. "Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a
certain statement is true"
b. "Its primary idea is trust"
2. According to He 11:1
a. "...the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of
things not seen." (ESV)
b. "...being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do
not see." (NIV)
-- Faith is therefore conviction and trust in someone or some
thing
B. FAITH IN GOD...
1. Involves conviction and trust that He exists - He 11:6
2. Requires that we believe He rewards those who diligently seek
Him - ibid.
-- Without such faith in God, we cannot please Him!
C. FAITH IN JESUS...
1. Involves conviction and trust in who Jesus is - Jn 8:24; 11:27
2. Involves conviction and trust in what Jesus did - Jn 10:10,11;
cf. Jn 1:29
3. Involves conviction and trust in what Jesus said - e.g., Jn
8:12; 14:6
-- Without such faith in Jesus, we will die in our sins!
[Faith in God and Jesus is therefore essential. But how is such faith
developed...?]
II. FAITH DEVELOPED
A. THROUGH THE WORD...
1. The Word of God is designed to create faith - Ro 10:17
2. It was written to produce faith, such as faith in Jesus - Jn
20:30-31; 1Jn 5:13
-- The Word of God is filled with evidences intended to produce
faith
B. THROUGH OBEDIENCE...
1. Jesus said of those who do God's will, they will know its truth
- Jn 7:17
2. To use a phrase, "the proof of the pudding is in the eating"
-- As one obeys God and Jesus, the stronger their conviction and
trust grows
C. THROUGH FELLOWSHIP...
1. Faith is strengthened by exhorting one another - He 3:12-14
2. Which we do by frequent assembling - He 10:24-25
-- The more we have fellowship with one another, the stronger our
faith grows!
2 Corinthians 4:15
All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.
Philippians 1:3
[ Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer ] Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
Colossians 2:7
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Colossians 4:2
[ An Encouragement for Prayer ] Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 12:28
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.