SIMPLE MESSAGE; SUPERNATURAL MIGHT

 

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)

Here you have the whole plan of salvation. Christ is preached, sinners hear the message of the gospel, they believe it, and so they are saved. What a mass of rubbish people have interjected into this blessed simple plan! How different this is from the cumbersome, complicated plan by which men would destroy our souls. Cling to the old-fashioned gospel and never turn away from it! Nothing can take the place of the simplicity of divine truth. DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON) May there be none in our church this weekend who shall fancifully seek after a pretended salvation which will leave them as they are; but may they know that Jesus saves his people from their sins; and, oh, that with self-loathing, and deep contrition, and earnest heart-searching, souls may come to you again and cast themselves before your face, trusting in Jesus, and crying out to be delivered from sin; and may this be the day of deliverance. Oh, that this Sunday as our church gathers, while we are trying to preach, you might raise up children of Abraham from these stones. Men that seem naked and cold as stones, quicken by the mighty Spirit this very day; and may they be led to yield themselves unto God, and their members instruments of righteousness. May the Lord grant it and we will bless his name. Amen.

THE POWER OF THE CROSS

Paul was a preacher. His priority in preaching was the cross, for it was and is the power of salvation to all who are saved. 

Consider, THE FOCUS OF GOSPEL PREACHING, “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel…”. He was not making baptism meaningless by his comments, but instead was maximizing the cross. The symbol of salvation is significant, but the source of salvation is supreme. Apart from salvation, the sign in baptism—like any other religious exercise—is useless. The cross is everything. 

Once we come to the cross, we will confess its power that has delivered us by “dying” to the old life of sin, “burying” it beneath the water, and “rising” to the new life in Christ. Apart from the cross, baptism is worthless. It is worse than that, it would be a hindrance to genuine salvation, as we depend on our works rather than the finished work of Christ on Calvary.  

Political parties based on the preacher who had baptized them had risen in Corinth—threatening the unity of the church, (cf. v. 10-16). Paul wanted to bring that to a screeching halt, and did so by this focus on the cross. By the way, those who wish to make baptism an essential part of salvation, need to read and re-read this. The Apostle would never make such a blunt statement about baptism, if it were necessary to save someone.

Then, weigh THE FOLLY OF GOSPEL PREACHING, “not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing…”. Gospel preaching is not dependent on oratorical eloquence and human genius. Indeed, Paul was concerned that such would only subvert the message. It might change the focus from the Savior to the preacher. 

I heard of a drunk who bumped into the evangelist, D. L. Moody, and slurred, “Don’t you know me? I am one of your converts.” Moody responded, “Well, my son, you look like one of mine—you’re surely not one of the Lord’s.”  The truth is that if I can talk someone into “converting,” someone else can talk them out. 

We dare not change the message to make it more culturally acceptable. The Gospel is folly to those who reject it. Think of it: 2000 years ago, an impoverished Jew, hanging naked on an instrument of torture, being the means by which we can be forgiven of sin and enter heaven!  It is not that the message is irrational, but transcends human reason.  It is all of grace and for Gods glory. 

This, however, is THE FORCE OF GOSPEL PREACHING, “but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”  Again, as Paul was not making the symbol of baptism trivial, neither was he saying our manner of preaching insignificant.  But, he elevates the message over all else. For the cross of Christ alone is the power of God for salvation—period, exclamation point, forever and ever, Amen!  It is not human profundity, but heavenly power that raises one dead in sin to eternal life. It is not religious ritual, but Gospel force that regenerates a sinner, transforming them into a saint. 

We must preach the Gospel—and never move beyond it. You do not graduate to something else!  Now, other doctrines connect to it; other texts support it; there are many implications from it. But, as Spurgeon said, “I have never yet found a text that had not got a road to Christ in it.”  

You see, it is not the piece of wood that saves us, but the Person on the cross that redeems. Paul would put it this way in 2 Corinthians, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him,” (5‬:‭21‬‬).

Man of God—preach Christ crucified! That is our mandate. 

KEEP ME BURNING

As a child, I was taught a song in church, “Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning; Give me oil in my lamp, I pray.  Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning; Keep me burning till the break of day.”  We sung it with enthusiasm, but I had little comprehension as to its meaning. Now, I know.  If we do not feed the fire in our soul as preachers, then the flame of love and zeal may dim.  Our usefulness then as preachers will diminish also.  Spurgeon had much to  say about this.  Here is an excerpt from the “Prince of Preachers” on that topic.

Even the lamps of the sanctuary needed oil. Feed the flame, my brother, feed it frequently; feed it with holy thought and contemplation, especially with thought about your work, your motives in pursuing it, the design of it, the helps that are waiting for you, and the grand results of it if the Lord be with you. Dwell much upon the love of God to sinners, and the death of Christ on their behalf, and the work of the Spirit upon men's hearts. Think of what must be wrought in men's hearts ere they can be saved.  

Remember, you are not sent to whiten tombs, but to open them, and this is a work which no man can perform unless, like the Lord Jesus at the grave of Lazarus, he groans in spirit; and even then he is powerless apart from the Holy Ghost. Meditate with deep solemnity upon the fate of the lost sinner, and, like Abraham, when you get up early to go to the place where you commune with God, cast an eye towards Sodom and see the smoke thereof going up like the smoke of a furnace. Shun all views of future punishment which would make it appear less terrible, and so take off the edge of your anxiety to save immortals from the quenchless flame. If men are indeed only a nobler kind of ape, and expire as the beasts, you may well enough let them die unpitied; but if their creation in the image of God involves immortality, and there is any fear that through their unbelief they will bring upon themselves endless woe, arouse yourselves to the agonies of the occasion, and be ashamed at the bare suspicion of unconcern. Think much also of the bliss of the sinner saved, and like holy Baxter derive rich arguments for earnestness from "the saints' everlasting rest." Go to the heavenly hills and gather fuel there; pile on the glorious logs of the wood of Lebanon, and the fire will burn freely and yield a sweet perfume as each piece of choice cedar glows in the flame. There will be no fear of your being lethargic if you are continually familiar with eternal, realities.  

Above all, feed the flame with intimate fellowship with Christ. No man was ever cold in heart who lived with Jesus on such terms as John and Mary did of old, for he makes men's hearts burn within them. I never met with a half-hearted preacher who was much in communion with the Lord Jesus. The zeal of God's house ate up our Lord, and when we come into contact with him it begins to consume us also, and we feel that we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard in his company, nor can we help speaking of them with the fervency which comes out of actual acquaintance with them. Those of us who have been preaching for these five-and-twenty years sometimes feel that the same work, the same subject, the same people, and the same pulpit, are together apt to beget a feeling of monotony, and monotony may soon lead on to weariness. But then we call to mind another sameness, which becomes our complete deliverance; there is the same Savior, and we may go to him in the same way as we did at the first, since he is "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." In his presence we drink in the new wine and renew our youth. He is the fountain, forever flowing with the cool, refreshing water of life, and in fellowship with him we find our souls quickened into perpetual energy.  

Beneath his smile our long-accustomed work is always delightful, and wears a brighter charm than novelty could have conferred. We gather new manna for our people every morning, and as we go to distribute it we feel an anointing of fresh oil distilling upon us. "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Newly come from the presence of him that walketh among the golden candlesticks we are ready to write or speak unto the churches in the power which he alone can give. Soldiers of Christ, you can only be worthy of your Captain by abiding in fellowship with him, and listening to his voice as Joshua did when he stood by Jordan, and inquired–"What saith my Lord unto his servant?" Fan the flame as well as feed it. Fan it with much supplication. We cannot be too urgent with one another upon this point: no language can be too vehement with which to implore ministers to pray. There is for our brethren and ourselves an absolute necessity for prayer. Necessity! I hardly like to talk of that, let me rather speak of the deliciousness of prayer–the wondrous sweetness and divine felicity which come to the soul that lives in the atmosphere of prayer. John Fox said, "The time we spend with God in secret is the sweetest time, and the best improved. Therefore, if thou lovest thy life, be in love with prayer." The devout Mr. Hervey resolved on the bed of' sickness–" If God shall spare my life, I will read less and pray more." John Cooke, of Maidenhead, wrote–" The business, the pleasure, the honor, and advantage of prayer press on my spirit with increasing force every day." A deceased pastor when drawing near his end, exclaimed, "I wish I had prayed more;" that wish many of us might utter. There should be special seasons for devotion, and it is well to maintain them with regularity; but the spirit of prayer is even better than the habit of prayer: to pray without ceasing is better than praying at intervals. It will be a happy circumstance if we can frequently bow the knee with devout brethren, and I think it ought to be a rule with us ministers never to separate without a word of prayer. Much more intercession would rise to heaven if we made a point of this, especially those of us who have been fellow-students. If it be possible, let prayer and praise sanctify each meeting of friend with friend. It is a refreshing practice to have a minute or two of supplication in the vestry before preaching if you can call in three or four warm-hearted deacons or other brethren. It always nerves me for the fight. But, for all that, to fan your earnestness to a vehement flame you should seek the spirit of continual prayer, so as to pray in the Holy Ghost, everywhere and always; in the study, in the vestry, and in the pulpit. It is well to be pleading evermore with God, when sitting down in the pulpit, when rising to give out the hymn, when reading the chapter, and while delivering the sermon; holding up one hand to God empty, in order to receive, and with the other hand dispensing to the people what the Lord bestows. Be in preaching like a conduit pipe between the everlasting and infinite supplies of heaven and the all but boundless needs of men, and to do this you must reach heaven, and keep up the communication without a break. Pray for the people while you preach to them; speak with God for them while you are speaking with them for God. Only so can you expect to be continually in earnest. A man does not often rise from his knees unearnest; or, if he does, he had better return to prayer till the sacred flame descends upon his soul. Adam Clarke once said, "Study yourself to death, and then pray yourself alive again": it was a wise sentence. Do not attempt the first without the second; neither dream that the second can be honestly accomplished without the first. Work and pray, as well as watch and pray; but; pray always. 

Stir the fire also by frequent attempts at fresh service. Shake yourself out of routine by breaking away from the familiar fields of service and reclaiming virgin soil. I suggest to you, as a subordinate but very useful means of keeping the heart fresh, the frequent addition of new work to your usual engagements. I would say to brethren who are soon going away from the College, to settle in spheres where they will come into contact with but few superior minds, and perhaps will be almost alone in the higher walks of spirituality,–look well to yourselves that you do not become flat, stale, and unprofitable, and keep yourselves sweet by maintaining an enterprising spirit. You will have a good share of work to do and few to help you in it, and the years will grind along heavily; watch against this, and use all means to prevent your becoming dull and sleepy, and among them use that which experience leads me to press upon you. I find it good for myself to have some new work always on hand. The old and usual enterprises must be kept up, but somewhat must be added to them. It should be with us as with the squatters upon our commons, the fence of our garden must roll outward a foot or two, and enclose a little more of the common every year. Never say "it is enough” nor accept the policy of "rest and be thankful." Do all you possibly can, and then do a little more. I do not know by what process the gentleman who advertises that he can make short people taller attempts the task, but I should imagine that if any result could be produced in the direction of adding a cubit to one's stature it would be by every morning reaching up as high as you possibly can on tiptoe, and, having done that, trying day by day to reach a little higher. This is certainly the way to grow mentally and spiritually,–" reaching forth to that which is before." If the old should become just a little stale, add fresh endeavors to it, and the whole mass will be leavened anew. Try it and you will soon discover the virtue of breaking up fresh ground, invading new provinces of the enemy, and scaling fresh heights to set the banner of the Lord thereon. This is, of course, a secondary expedient to those of which we have already spoken, but still it is a very useful one, and may greatly benefit you. In a country town, say of two thousand inhabitants, you will, after a time, feel, "Well, now I have done about all I can in this place."  

What then? There is a hamlet some four miles off, set about opening room there. If one hamlet is occupied, make an excursion to another, and spy out the land, and set the relief of its spiritual destitution before you as an ambition. When the first place is supplied, think of a second. It is your duty, it will also be your safeguard. Everybody knows what interest there is in fresh work. A gardener will become weary of his toil unless he is allowed to introduce new flowers into the hothouse, or to cut the beds upon the lawn into a novel shape; all monotonous work is unnatural and wearying to the mind, therefore it is wisdom to give variety to your labor.  

Far more weighty is the advice, keep close, to God, and keep close to your fellow men whom you are seeking to bless. Abide under the shadow of the Almighty, dwell where Jesus manifests himself, and live in the power of the Holy Ghost. Your very life lies in this. Whitefield mentions a lad who was so vividly conscious of the presence of God that he would generally walk the roads with his hat off. How I wish we were always in such a mood. It would be no trouble to maintain earnestness then.  

Take care, also, to be on most familiar terms with those whose souls are committed to your care. Stand in the stream and fish. Many preachers are utterly ignorant as to how the bulk of the people are living; they are at home among books, but quite at sea among men. What would you think of a botanist who seldom saw real flowers, or an astronomer who never spent a night with the stars? Would they be worthy of the name of men of science Neither can a minister of the gospel be anything but a mere empiric unless he mingles with men, and studies character for himself. "Studies from the life,"–gentlemen, we must have plenty of these if we are to paint to the life in our sermons. Read men as well as books, and love men rather than opinions, or you will be inanimate preachers.  (Lectures to My Students, Spurgeon, pp. 314-317, Kindle edition)

I pray for you, servant of the Most High, and seek for myself as I stand under God and before men, “Give us oil in our lamps; Keep us burning!”  To the Glory of God, Amen!

TERMITE TROUBLE

Sometimes we think that problems in the church are a twenty-first century phenomenon. In reality, there have been issues since the first century. The church was flourishing, but not without fighting. The Devil will always oppose the forward march of the church. His way is not only to attack, but to infiltrate. Jesus warned of this. “Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.’” (Matt.‬ ‭13‬:‭24‬-‭25‬‬). 

Old Vance Havner said it in his inimitable way: “The church has never been in so much danger from woodpeckers on the outside, as termites on the inside!”  We have termite protection at our home. Our pest control company sprays to create a chemical barrier to prevent the destructive pests from invading, and carries out regular inspections to make sure they have not found entry. Church elders, you are charged with pest control. There is the truth treatment. You must faithfully spray Scripture  around the house of God. You must also be watchful, lest destructive invaders slip in.  The longer these are tolerated, the greater will be their damage.

Recognize them by their DIVISIVE DISPUTATION. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses…” (v. 17a). “Divide and conquer,” is an effective military strategy. Satan employs it effectively. The Devil knows that if he can get us fighting one another, then he will have no fear of us being an effective force. 

Many churches form circular firing squads! Note those who are ever causing division. Do a regular termite inspection! Confront them and exercise church discipline when needed. 

Be aware of their DOCTRINAL DEVIATION—“contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them,” (v. 17b). Termites are insidious insects. They eat away at the fiber of the wood. The wood may appear solid, but is getting weaker by the day—until it collapses. We must, “Avoid truth decay!”  

It would seem that the doctrinal deviation Paul was speaking of led to divisive disputation. We must hold to fundamental principles, without theological hair-splitting. One cannot sacrifice sound doctrine for maintaining unity. Yet, we should be cautious about making mountains out of molehills. Satan is a deceiver and will sow tares among the wheat. The peril is that the tares appear so much like wheat. Rampaging through the field, indiscriminately yanking up weeds, will also cause us to pull up young wheat. Discernment is demanded. 

The invasive insects are identified by their DECEPTIVE DECLARATION.“For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” (v.18‬‬). These claim to serve Jesus, while their motive is self-interest. It is not about Him, but them. Their communication is contradictory to their claim to be His servants. They are smooth talkers and flattering speakers. They hold up a Bible in front of a packed auditorium and with a sparkling smile promise, “Your Best Life Now.”  

Those mature in faith will detect them, but the immature will be deceived by them. Pastors, be mindful of who your members are listening to and what they are reading. The solid saints in the congregation are likely to spot such and spurn these teachers, but the young in faith will be seduced by them. Keep all the truth termites away by faithful exposition of Scripture, but do a regular inspection to see if some termites have slipped in. The earlier such is confronted, the less damage they will do!

BEFORE I GO: Some Final Instructions, Part 4–LOOK UP!

The dungeon was dark and damp.  Rodents raced across the floor and fleas gnawed at the flesh. The smell of sweat and urine hung heavy in the air.  The sound of men cursing and crying reverberated off the stone walls. Soon, there would be other sounds—iron soled boots echoing as soldiers marched down the corridor, the clanging of a key turning a lock, the squealing of a heavy iron door swinging on rusty hinges, and the brusk command, “Come with me.”  The old preacher would have his head laid on the chopping block, the sharp sword of the executioner would fall—head one way, body another, soul another—and Paul, the Apostle would be set free from this sinful world and be welcomed into glory.  

Knowing his time was short, he penned these final words in Timothy 4. He calls us to, “Look up!” 

He delivers A CHARGE TO THE LEADERS (v.1-5).  John Maxwell says, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”  The elders of the church have an awesome responsibility to be led of God and to lead the church accordingly. The church need to hold them accountable.  Here is God’s directive. 

First, exalt the Master (v.1). Men who currently lead the church—along with others who may hear God’s call to Gospel ministry—have a duty to the members, but the ultimate reckoning is to God. It is a charge that is solemn and sobering. You will answer to God, and stand before Christ Jesus in judgment. The work elders do is of eternal significance. Therefore, theirs will be the stricter scrutiny. It is about God’s kingdom and not building yours!  How is it built?

Second, as elders expound the message (v.2-4). There are many tasks for the elders, but the high calling is to preach the Word.  

Recall in Acts, how deacon ministry began because the preachers said, “we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (6:4).  The pastors must not let church activity crowd out spiritual preparation in preparing to speak for God by first hearing from Him.  

Then, he must stand with a Bible in their hand and speak with the authority of heaven at their back.  We live in a day, when congregations increasingly demand for preachers to tickle their ears by telling them what they want to hear.  Never let that happen in your church!

Third, we must exhibit the ministry (v.5). Beyond what your lips say is what your life shows. The character of the elder is to be one of moral purity as they exercise self-control. The commitment of the elder is to be one of endurance and effort. He is to have a heart for souls.  His ministry is Gospel-driven and his message is Gospel-centered.  The elders are not the exclusive soul-winners, but are to be exemplary soul-winners. 

From a charge to the elders, Paul testifies of A COMMITMENT TO THE LAST (v.6-8). The Apostle’s commitment will be to the finish, sealed by his own blood.  Here is his swan song—Paul’s last will and testament. 

He offers reflections on the past (v.7). 3 times, he reflects, “I have.”  

Paul speaks as the soldier when he says, “I have fought the good fight.”  He has taken many a wound in his war with the world, the flesh, and the devil.  He has faithfully worn the whole armor of God and wielded the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God. Now, he will lay his armor aside and head for home.  The battle is over and victory has been won!  

Paul speaks as a sportsman when he claims, “I have finished the race.”  It has been a marathon—a grueling race of endurance with many hurdles to clear, but now the finish line is in sight and he is sprinting to the tape.  The race is over and victory has been won!  

Paul speaks as a steward when he asserts, “I have kept the faith.”  In the New Testament world, a steward was a household slave entrusted with his master’s possessions.  He was to manage them and invest them wisely, caring for the household. Paul had been entrusted with the faith—the body of Christian truth (cf.1:11-14). The work is over and the reward has been won!  

God help us to have this testimony in the end.  Please pray for me to finish well!  

The reflections on the past, are linked to readiness in the present (v.6). Paul’s mind runs to his Jewish roots for an illustration—the pouring out of a drink offering on the altar as an act of worship.  His entire ministry had been a pouring out of his life for Jesus, the church, and lost humanity. 

The time for his departure from this world is close and he is not dreading it, but delighted by it!  Departure is a nautical term for boarding the ship, raising the anchor, and setting sail. Paul was boarding the Old Ship of Zion for a voyage to golden shores!  

This will end in rejoicing in the prospects (v.8). If we bear the cross, we will gain the crown!  Notice the reward is reserved for “that Day”—the appearing of Jesus the second time. You don’t get the reward when you die, or you will get short-changed. Our influence lives on!  Only when time is no more will the final results be in and full reward be given. Not just for Paul, not just for preachers,  but “to all those who have loved his appearing.”  Do you love His appearing?  Are you looking up? Looking for Jesus? Living with expectancy and urgency?  Those who are most heavenly minded do the most earthly good.  Look up!  Live for eternity!

The Apostle concludes his life and letter with A CHALLENGE TO THE LAITY (v.9-22). I commenced this message with a charge to the leaders, and now I want to conclude with a challenge to the members.  

Stand faithful with your leaders (v.9-15). I am unworthy of the accolades heaped on me at times. Church members I have pastored have been so gracious and generous to us.  I am what I am by the grace of God.  To Him be all glory and praise!  

But, I will tell you that with all the joys of ministry, there have been many sorrows over the years. Paul’s words here are heartbreaking. There were many who abandoned him and others who abused him. I thank God for those who have walked the aisle to join the church, but I have grieved over those who have walked out the door to leave the church.  Each is a small cut, and you bleed a slow torture each time. Others like Alexander the coppersmith do great harm—and oppose the Lord’s word. I have faced such sometimes in ministry. Don’t be one of those!  

Stand faithful and stay focused on your Lord (v.16-18). The ultimate focus of Paul was not the men who deserted him, but the Lord who stood with him.  He lived for another world—a pilgrim on a journey to the heavenly kingdom. His focus was on the glory of God.  Look up!  

I love how the old hymn reminds us:
O soul are you weary and troubled
No light in the darkness you see
There's light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

His word shall not fail you he promised
Believe him and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect salvation to tell

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace

Even as you look to Jesus, seek fellowship in Christian love (v.19-22). Having a focus on Christ does not negate having fellowship with Christians. The church is His body.   I heard of a child i bed, when a thunderstorm broke. He was terrified by the flashing lighting and booming thunder. The lad called for his parents. Dad reminded him, “Go back to sleep. The Lord is with you.”  He answered, “I know, but right now I need somebody with skin on them!”  So did Paul! 

There is urgency—“come before winter.”  He wanted his cloak and his Scriptures (v.13)—the cloak to warm his skin and Word to warm his soul!

Today I near 48 years of preaching. On August 8, I announced my call in 1976 at Oakley Baptist Church. I would preach my first sermon a week later, August 15 at Victory Baptist Church. A teenage girl came to Christ that day as I offered the Gospel invitation. Many men and women, boys and girls, have followed in the decades of preaching—to God be the glory!

So, dear reader, consider the condition of your soul. If you are not saved, then I beg you, “Come to Jesus!  Give your life to Him!  He will forgive you.  He will save you.  Do it now!”  

I cannot guarantee I will ever offer you this invitation again.  I cannot assure you that you will ever have another opportunity at all.  You may be called out to meet God before this day ends!  Please, please come to Jesus today!  Look up to Him and be saved!

To those who belong to Jesus, I ask, “Will you be able to truthfully say at the end of your life—I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith?”  For the elders, I charge you before God as Paul did.  To the members, I challenge you as Paul did.  Will you stand faithful to your leaders?  Will you stay focused on your Lord?  Will you seek fellowship in love?

SINK OR SWIM?

Here is a message I will preach tomorrow as we are in the midst of dealing with Hurricane Helene’s destruction. Feel free to use any of these thoughts as you find them helpful. I pray they encourage you!

SINK OR SWIM?Acts 27-28 (read 27:18-25)

What will you do when a storm comes into your life?  It isn’t a question of whether you will be in a storm, only when. We here in the WNC Mountains were not expecting the magnitude of Hurricane Helene’s destruction, but here we are. Maybe you are in a tempest of trial right now. If you are not, then one is coming. You do not have a choice whether you will be in a storm, but you do have a choice whether you will sink or swim. The Apostle Paul found himself in a storm in Acts 27-28. We can learn from him how to survive stormy seas. 

1. EXPECT STORMS (27:9-14). This storm may have surprised the sailors, but it didn’t blindside Paul. All seemed well—sunshine and soft breezes, then a brutal typhoon assaults them. Isn’t that like life?  We spread our picnic on a sunny day, and then there is a flash of lightning, a thunderclap, and a downpour comes. Peter warned, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” (1 Pet.4:12). Being a Christian doesn’t exempt you from storms, but equips you to survive.

2. ESTABLISH FAITH (27:15-17). The sailors ran ropes around the ship’s hull to try to hold it together. When storms come into our lives, we will fly apart if something doesn’t hold us together. Those ropes that secure us and establish us is our faith in God. Again, listen to what Peter said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” (1 Pet.5:8-9). Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of God. The more we have God’s Word stored in our heart, the stronger our faith will hold in the trial. The promises of God become like the ropes that shore up our faith. 

3. EJECT BURDENS (27:18-19). To lighten the ship meant to jettison precious cargo. A lot of wealth was chunked into the ocean to lighten the load and keep the ship from being swamped. The greater priority was not riches but rescue—not loot but life! Most of us could stand to lighten our load. Jesus spoke about living in the moment and not being anxious about the future. Today’s troubles are enough, without being weighed down by tomorrow’s burdens. Storms have a way of ejecting the extraneous. They clear the clutter and help us focus on the eternal and not earthly. What really matters?  The things that burden us are often trivial compared to eternity. “Only one life, ‘Twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.” (Jim Elliott)

4. EMBRACE HOPE (27:20-29). It was dark—all hope seemed eclipsed. No sun broke through the dark ominous clouds. No stars sparkled by night for the blackness blotted them out. Yet, have you heard, “Never doubt in the dark what God has told you in the light.”  When all hope seemed gone—from human perspective—there was real hope from heaven’s perspective. I want to say to you, “Take heart…believe God…!” The sailors put out four anchors. The Bible promises, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…” (Heb.6:19). 

5. EMBED COMMITMENT (27:30-32). There are songs that portray the church as the old Gospel ship—the good ship Hope. There are going to be turbulent times when you are tempted to abandon the ship. But, there is safety in staying on the ship—being embedded in our commitment to the church. When troubles come, we need our fellow sailors more than ever!  Gaither song, “This old ship’s been through some battles before; storms and tempests and rocks on the shore. Though the hull may be battered inside it’s safe and dry. It will carry its cargo to the port in the sky. Let the church be the church; Let the people rejoice. For we’ve settled the question—we’ve made our choice. Let the anthems ring out; songs of victory swell. For the church triumphant is alive and well.”  There are always those who wish to write the obituary of the church—to say it’s sunk!  But the rumors of our demise are greatly exaggerated!

6.  ENCOURAGE OTHERS (27:33-38). They were all encouraged. It is what my prayer is for you today!  I want you to be encouraged. Encourage means to add courage while discourage means to subtract courage. By our words, and our body language too, we encourage or discourage others. You get to choose! If this church will be a place where encouragement is exuded, this fellowship will be a magnet to the hurting and hopeless—the disheartened and dejected—and this place will be filled with expectant people coming for their weekly infusion of encouragement!  Hurricane Helene blew in an opportunity for us as God’s people to touch a hurting community.

7.  EXPECT DELIVERANCE (27:39-44). It was time to sink or swim. Time to jump in!  That’s total commitment!  Paul expected deliverance and persuaded the others to do so as well. 

CONC. Are you going to sink or swim?  If you don’t know Jesus, you’re sunk if you die without Him. You die without hope!  You will sink into a lake—a lake of fire!  Jesus will save you, if you cry out to Him!  If you are saved, you ought to identify yourself with the church in baptism. Join the crew!  Get on board the ship!

By the grace and with the help of God, let me tell you I plan to swim and not sink!  I’m going to serve God in sunshine and storms. I’m going to worship when I feel like it and when I don’t. I’m going to share the Gospel whether people listen or they don’t. I’m going to support the church when the members behave and when they don’t. I’m going to encourage you whether you want it or not!

BEFORE I GO: Some Final Instructions, Part 3–KEEP TRUE

 

America is in a perilous position. The nation has faced many assaults in the past. Growing government tyranny and the attack on cherished freedoms such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to bear arms, along with the decline of our economy and open borders—while embracing the butchering of babies in the womb and parading of perversion in the streets is horrifying.  I commented recently to a lady who mentioned this that, it is “national suicide!”  

The church is no longer looked upon as a benefit to society, but an enemy. How will the church respond to living in an antagonistic world?  The choice of many churches is to cave to the culture by compromise. At first they grow quiet while still claiming to maintain their convictions. Yet, it is only a matter of time until such churches take the next step away from the faith. 

That is a bleak picture, and mirrors the one Paul paints here. The encouragement is that the church in its infancy grew and flourished in a pagan culture where they were hated and hurt.  So, may we.  

Jesus promised that His church would march to victory and the gates of hell would not be able to withstand her. Paul was in bonds, but the Gospel was not bound (2:9). He was leading prison guards and prisoners to faith, and some of those soldiers would wind up as Imperial guards and witnesses to those of Caesar’s household!  He was penning powerful words that are still changing lives today. 

There are foes we must face and a weapon we must wield as we examine 2 Timothy 3.

First, we will consider THE FOES WE MUST FACE (v.1-9). The Apostle warns that difficult times are coming. I believe they are right around the corner. I pray I am wrong, but I am persuaded that I am right. We face a foe that is mostly overt and one that is more covert. 

One foe we face is the hostility of the world (v.1-5). Watch the news on TV.  Go out into public. What Paul describes here might as well be America in the 21st century. 

Rather than loving people and using money, we will love money and use people as “lovers of self” and “lovers of money” (v. 2a).  Arrogance will be apparent as mankind is “proud” and “abusive,” (v. 2b). 

There is disrespect of authority, beginning in the home, “disobedient to parents,” (v. 2c), and defiance at home breeds disregard of heaven, “ungrateful, unholy...” (v. 2d)—rejecting our earthly fathers translating into rejection of the Eternal Father. Then follows despising His rule and throwing off moral restraint (v.3-5). Religion will be present, but an empty shell—mere ritual with deadening effect. 

This leads from the hostility of the world, which is overt, to that which is covert—the subtlety of the wayward (v.6-9). The devil manifests himself at times as a roaring lion seeking to strike fear into his prey.  On other occasions, he is a sneaky snake that crawls in and waits in the darkness before injecting its deadly venom of sin into the victim. This is how the serpent attacked Eve—first to doubt the accuracy of the Word of God with a question, “Did God actually say?” (Gen. 3:1) and then to deny the authority of the Word of God with a contradiction, “You will not surely die,” (Gen. 3:4).

The Devil uses creeps—“those who creep into households and capture weak women,” (v. 6a). They creep in on a podcast, a popular book, and so forth. If discernment is not exercised, they will be, “ever learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth,” (v. 7).  

The Apostle had previously warned, 

“Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.” (1 Tim.2:11-15). 

The culture is increasingly feminized—masculinity is under attack as “toxic”—and this spirit is growing in the church in the name of equality. Of course, there is equality of dignity among men and women!  Neither sex is to be valued above the other. Yet, while there is no difference in dignity and worth, there is a difference in duty and work. We have different roles. 

The elders of the church are to be men who are the gatekeepers of sound doctrine while the women are to be the homemakers of young disciples. Timothy’s faith had been birthed and built due to the effort of his godly mother and grandmother, (cf. 2 Tim. 1:5). Women have a different role in the church and men have a different role in the home—neither less essential, but not identical.  

Beware of counterfeits like Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses with their fake miracles, (v. 8-9). They really didn’t seem that different on the surface, but at the heart it was the distance between heaven and hell. They learn it in a liberal seminary and export it to the local sanctuary. Little by little, they inject the serpent’s venom into the church with deadening effect.

How can we endure the hostility of the world and overcome the subtlety of the wayward?  There is THE WEAPON WE MUST WIELD (v.10-17). The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.  This is how Jesus conquered Satan, and so must we with, “It is written!”  

This mighty weapon must be wielded with endurance (v.10-15). Paul stresses endurance in v.10, 11, and the need to “continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed” (v.14). This is my call to you today—“Keep true!”  It is a fight to the finish.  

In those days, soldiers engaged in hand to hand combat, and endurance was demanded. This is true spiritually. How many have we seen who wearied of the fight, were wounded in the battle, and finally have thrown down the sword in surrender to the enemy? I first heard Warren Wiersbe say, “This world is not a playground; it is a battleground!”  

The enemy is strong and on the march. Persecution is likely to become an increasing reality.  Paul mentions it in v.11 twice and again in v.12. We have known a period of protection in America and the church has become flabby and soft.  I heard a preacher, Stuart Briscoe talking about the difference between our churches and other churches in places across the ocean that suffer persecution. I paraphrase, “In the west, we face problems and cry, ‘O God, take these burdens off my back.’ And in the east they pray, “O God, make my back strong to bear these burdens.”  

The period of protection eventually yields to a period of persecution. The world is not going to get better (v.13). Those of us who are saved will endure. The seed of Scripture has brought us faith in Jesus—and that is eternal life (v.14-15). 

This is the message which we must share with endurance and can do so with confidence (v.16-17). We can be confident in the perfection of the Word (v.16a). It is God breathed.  As God breathed into Adam and made Him a living soul, He has breathed into His prophets during the Old Testament era and His apostles in the New Testament age so that what they wrote down is a supernatural Book filled with miraculous power. 

We can be confident in the perfection of the Word, and in the profit of the Word (v.16b). It is profitable for doctrine, “teaching.”  Our beliefs are based on the Bible. It is profitable for discipline, “reproof.”  Our rebellious nature must be broken—and Scripture chastens us. It is profitable for direction, “correction.”  A light for our path to correct our wandering tendency and direct us from the path of sin and onto the path of sanctification. It is profitable for dedication, “for training in righteousness.”  Moody proposed, “This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.”  

We can be confident in the perfection, profit, and purpose of the Word (v.17). The purpose of the Word is to make us “complete,”—that is, spiritually mature; capable, “equipped,”—trained for the task; committed, “for every good work”—and this is real success as God sees it.

Have you received the seed of salvation—the Word of the Gospel which brings faith in Jesus Christ?  If so, have you publicly confessed that faith?  The lines are being drawn. We get on one side or the other. It is time to take a stand for Jesus. 

Having received salvation, are you standing tall and staying true?  Is there an unwavering commitment to follow Jesus?  We must swim against the current of the culture or be swept back. 

A solid Bible-believing church is the place for the reinforcing of that faith. There you will be taught the Word of God. You will be encouraged in your walk with God. If you are not a member of such a church, why not?  If you join such a church, you can seek to keep true together!

Maybe you are in a liberal church. You don’t like it, but tolerate it. You argue, “But my grandparents are buried in the graveyard!”  The fact is that they would leave if they could. A former generation would find it heartbreaking to see what many churches degenerate into by the erosion of faith.