HOW GOD PURIFIES A PEOPLE

Men, God works “through the word of God which lives and abides forever…Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you,” (1 Pet. 1:23b, 25b). Trust God and His Word. Preach the Gospel. Some seed will fall on hard soil and have no impact. Other seed will seem potentially received as people are moved emotionally or respond superficially only to fall away. But, some will respond fruitfully and their lives be changed for eternity. Let us preach the Gospel, confident in its power!

A PURIFIED PEOPLE

Sin separates us from God. This is a problem that we cannot solve. The distance between a Holy God and a sinful humanity is a chasm so vast we cannot cross. Since we are all sinners, we are all condemned. It is impossible to purify myself. That would be like trying to wash my hands in muddy water. Yet, God does not lower His standard. His demand is, “Be holy, for I am holy,” (1 Peter 1:16). 

God did what we could never do, for God can do the impossible. There was REDEMPTION.  Enslaved by sin, God came in human flesh—Jesus Christ the Son—to free us, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot,” (1 Peter 1:18). By His blood, payment was made to purchase us. “What can wash away my sins?” That is the question, the hymn writer posed, and went on to answer, “Nothing, but the blood of Jesus!”  This was God’s one and only predetermined plan—that in the crucifixion of Christ, the penalty for sin has been paid, and in His resurrection, the confirmation of His work has been sealed. “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God,” (1 Peter 1:19-21). 

A miracle takes place—REGENERATION.  We are no longer, slaves, but sons—no more sinners, but saints, “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because ‘All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.’ Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:23-25). The seed of the Gospel is sown into the soil of the soul, and those who receive it are regenerated—born again of the Spirit working through the Scripture He has inspired. 

The evidence of being redeemed and regenerated is in RIGHTEOUSNESS. Having positional righteousness through redemption and potential righteousness through regeneration, there will be progressive righteousness in sanctification. This is not the root of salvation, but the fruit of salvation. 

“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear…

 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,”  (1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭17, 22). 

As God’s children, we bear His image, and this should be an increasing reality more and more. We must choose to think properly, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind,” take this seriously, “be sober,” and trust fully, “and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  From start to finish, salvation is all of grace. Yet, He does not do the work apart from us, but in us as we rely on God and apply His grace by a will surrendered to Him.  The Holy God is marked by truth and love, so that as His children we will exhibit obedience to the truth and pure and passionate love for the family of God.

The people of God are a purified people—not perfect yet, but progressing toward it. John stated it, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬‬)

SALTY SERMONS

 

We need preachers who will deliver salty sermons!  Jesus did—and all preachers who follow His example will.  His mandate here encompasses a wider audience than preachers and a larger application than preaching, of course. All believers are to be salt in this society. Yet, it is unlikely that the church will be if her leaders are not setting the standard of saltiness and speaking salty sermons.

Salty sermons have a SEASONING CAPACITY.  Jesus said, “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?” Salt in the proper amount enhances the taste of the meat or vegetables for consumption. Too little salt and it is tasteless, and too much is overpowering. So, in our sermons, there needs to be the proper mixture of reproof, rebuke, exhortation, and doctrine delivered with patience, (cf. 2 Tim. 4:2). “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt,” (Col.4:6a). This makes our preaching palatable. If the congregation instantly spits out what we offer them, then what good have we done?

Salty sermons have a STERILIZING EFFICACY. Salt is applied to meat as a preservative. It arrests the spread of rottenness. Salty sermons equip the church to be in the world, yet not of the world. The people need to be preserved from the contamination that would corrupt them. Yet, they cannot be isolated from the world they live in. What we can do is help through our preaching to cleanse them—and that salt will sting—but then they will be challenged to be salt themselves. Otherwise, what good are they, and what point is there in our preaching?  So, our Lord warned, “It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out.”  If our sermons are not salty, then the members will not be salty, and the world will reject the church as good for nothing!  Are we not seeing that today?

Salty sermons have a SOFTENING POTENCY. The hardness of ice can be melted by the softening potency of salt. So hard hearts that are resistant to God can be softened by salty sermons. The Holy Spirit has power and speaks through the Gospel to accomplish His effectual calling. This past week I spoke with a man who had not communicated with me for years. In fact, I did not recall him when he gave me his name. But, he was someone who rejected our outreach to him a long time ago. He had a hard heart and harsh language for me and my partner as we were doing outreach. Yet, the Gospel did its work. His heart melted in a time of crisis and he came to Christ!  He searched for my phone number so he could ask me to forgive him for his unkindness. That is what the salt of the Gospel can do!  Jesus said, “He who has ears, let him hear!”  Our task in preaching is not to soften the Gospel, but share the Gospel and trust God to soften hearts. Those who have spiritual hearing will respond—even if it takes awhile!

Men of God, give the message of God with faithfulness and fearlessness. This will lead to fruitfulness. May the Lord give us grace to deliver salty sermons!

SERVING AND SPEAKING WITH SINCERITY

 

Preachers are not to be peddlers—snake oil salesmen—who are not being a prophet, but about making profit. They mix in enough truth to label it as the Word of God, but what is in the bottle has no saving power. It is a placebo that makes people feel better about themselves, but cannot cure the terminal disease of sin.  Paul’s example was one of serving and speaking with sincerity. There are three basic elements of such motivation and manner of ministry the Apostle presents in 2 Corinthians 2. 

Serving and speaking with sincerity calls for RESTRAINT, (v.1-4). Paul had chosen to communicate with tenderness in a letter, rather than with toughness in a visit. There were many issues in the Corinthian church that called for confrontation. So, he had addressed these needful matters in his first epistle to them. It was painful discipline, but essential correction.  The pastor must lead the church to exercise discipline properly.

Paul felt no joy in having to bring them to tears. His hope was that their repentance would be an ongoing work of the Spirit among them, so when he did visit there would be joy and not grief. While there were still issues (and always will be until  Christ returns and we are glorified), the Apostle writes with restraint. Having “spanked,” them, Paul will now hug them.  Corporal punishment of a child is not to become damaging abuse. It is to be administered with restraint and done in love rather than anger. This is true in dealing with sin in the church.  Then sorrow is supplanted with smiles!

Serving and speaking with sincerity seeks RECONCILIATION, (v.5-11). By this, we do not refer primarily to the reconciliation with God brought in salvation, but reconciliation among the members attained by church discipline for sanctification. 

Sin in the body affects the whole body. When a member must be disciplined, it is a painful process—a spiritual surgery. Apparently that rebellious member was now repentant. The correction had achieved its purpose, so the erring member was to be forgiven and reconciled to the congregation. Failing to practice church discipline is wrong, but so is a purpose of rejection instead of restoration of the sinning member. Satan will take advantage of being permissive or punitive concerning sin in the body. 

Unrepentant sin is a cancer of the soul. If the church is soft and overlooks the sin in the name of love (while shirking truth), then the malignancy spreads. This is what Paul had to forcefully address in his first epistle to them. Yet, if we are severe in confronting the sin in the name of truth (while neglecting love), the result is the amputation of the member, bringing loss to both them and the church. Admittedly, if the cancer of sin is not dealt with through the removal of the malignancy of wickedness, then to save the body, the member has to be “amputated,” but the hope is that the chemotherapy of confrontation and the radiation of repentance will deal with the disease, without the amputation of excommunication!  Satan would kill or at least cripple the church body by diverting us in being permissive or punitive. He is so crafty, promoting either “love,” or “truth,” when God’s way calls for both in balance. 

Carl Sandburg described Abraham Lincoln this way: "Not often in the story of mankind does a man arrive on earth who is both steel and velvet, who is hard as a rock and soft as a drifting fog, who holds in his heart and mind the paradox of terrible storm and peace unspeakable and perfect."  In dealing with erring members, we must have a hand of steel in a glove of velvet!  This is the nature of pastoral ministry.

Serving and speaking with sincerity demands RELIANCE, (v.12-17). As we consider the challenges in church life in this pagan environment  and our own human frailties, we ask with Paul, “Who is sufficient for these things?”  How can I be tough and tender?  The answer is, “I can’t,” but Jesus can—and He is in me!  Paul will answer this question, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬‬). It is in reliance on Jesus—His virtue and victory—that we can serve and speak with sincerity.  Preacher, Jesus indwells you—rely on Him!

At Troas, Paul would see a vision of a man from Macedonia begging him to come share the Gospel. Paul would be obedient and take the message of Christ to Europe for the first time, (v.12-13). That is how the Gospel came to Corinth on the Grecian peninsula and the church was established. It was in reliance on God’s guidance and grace that the Apostle accomplished this work.

Relying on Christ, we are “more than conquerors,” (cf. Rom.8:37). Paul illustrates the principle here, of being conquered by Christ in order to be conquerors with Christ, (v.14-17). The Apostle uses the imagery of a Roman general returning in triumph from battle. The cavalcade winds through the city of Rome, preceding through the cheering throngs, with the priests swinging burning braziers of incense. To the captives who had surrendered to the conqueror, it was the smell of life, but to those who had resisted it was the stench of death. The former group would become servants while the latter would be slain. The Gospel we share has the same effect. Those who receive it find eternal life, while those who reject it enter everlasting death. The Gospel witness has a fragrant aroma of heaven, as well as the smell of hell’s smoke and sulphur. 

None of us are sufficient for the magnitude of such a ministry. For this, we need the power of God and Christ’s Gospel. Only then can we avoid being religious racketeers who peddle God’s Word—offering scraps of truth concealing toxin—for personal glory and gain. Let us take our calling with utmost sincerity. God has appointed us and holds us accountable as to whether we are speaking an undiluted message with unselfish motive.

CALL FOR COMMITMENT

 

Jesus sets before His audience a call for commitment. He is moving to the conclusion of His sermon, and had laid out the terms for His kingdom followers. Now, He brings the people to this choice: there are two gates—one broad and the other narrow; two roads—one broad and the other narrow; two groups—the many and the few; two destinations—destruction or life. There is no middle ground—no third option. Everyone reading these words has made a choice.

The thing about this choice, is to be in one classification, you need do nothing except choose to remain where you are. We are all born with a depraved nature.  When we reach an age of moral responsibility, we choose to remain as we are with the crowd we belong to and bound for hell.

The preacher must do as Jesus did. He must call on people to repent. It is a call to commitment. He is to present the Gospel in such a way as to shine the light on that narrow gate. In fact, it is a singular way—a Person, Jesus Christ. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me,” (John 14:6).  The Path is a Person.  It is a call to follow Jesus, and that is the Calvary Road.

That is the invitation the preacher must give—to come and die. It is Christ’s appeal, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me,” (Matt.16:24). Few are wanting such a life, and yet the most important thing about a road is not how many have chosen it, the ease of access, and smoothness of travel, but the destination. The way to hell has a wide access ramp, it is well marked, it is the popular way, and easy—just shift into neutral for it is all downhill. But the end of the road is a fatal, fiery crash.

The good news the preacher presents is there is another road. It is narrow and uphill all the way. Not many are on it. Yet, it ends on the mountaintop of glory!  Man of God, summon people to Christ. Give the Gospel invitation. Do not be discouraged when few respond. It is not your task to try to make the invitation easy—to broaden the appeal—to gain decisions rather than disciples. Getting someone to walk down an aisle and sign a membership card is not the same as getting them to walk to the cross and sign their life over to Jesus. Yet, because some have resorted to emotional manipulation does not mean we abandon the invitation. Just make it plain as Jesus did. You are calling them to come and die, but it is dying that we gain eternal life.

OFFERING HOPE TO THE HELL-BOUND

 

Paul told the young pastor, Timothy, “do the work of an evangelist,” (2 Timothy 4:5). The gift to the church of the pastor-teacher is not the same as the gift of the evangelist (cf. Eph.4:11). Seeking the lost may not come as freely to the pastor as shepherding the flock, and the effort in evangelism may not be as fruitful as those gifted in it, but this does not absolve us from trying.  The truth is that if the pastor-teacher does not stir a passion for evangelism by his model and equip the saints in his teaching, then few souls will be reached by the local church. God has put us here to offer hope to the hell-bound.

Consider the GRAVITY OF OUR EVANGELISM,  “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire,” (Rev.20:15).  What a dreadful day for the damned!  Hell is a reality, and those who do not receive Christ as Savior are doomed to spend eternity in the flames!  May they have to climb over us to get there!  This is an awful future, and yet an avoidable fate.  Our witness may be the only impediment to their everlasting suffering!

So, there is the URGENCY OF EVANGELISM. John records, “And the dead were judged,” (Rev.20:12c). Scripture is clear, “it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” (Heb.9:27). We do not know when that appointment is set for an individual, we only know that it is a certainty. What if it is today for someone we know or meet along the way?  God puts people in our path that we might warn them of the judgment to come and offer them hope in Jesus Christ, “so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many,” (Heb.9:28a).

I am ashamed at opportunities I have missed. I am alarmed at the prospect of souls I have not warned—of those hell-bound who were not told of the hope in Christ!  All I may do is grieve those missed opportunities and resolve by God’s grace to be a better watchman (cf. Ezek.3:16-19).  I am sick to my soul that as I type these words there is blood on my hands—stained from the sinners I failed to warn. May God have mercy on them, and send someone to share before it is too late, and have mercy on me for shirking soul-winning!

DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST!

A CALL TO FAITHFULNESS

 

I think of the words of the old hymn that call us to faithfulness:

Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory! (E. E. Hewitt)

This anticipates the new song—the song of victory in glory mentioned in Revelation 14:2-3.  This celestial chorus arises in consideration of the faithful witness of the 144,000 and anticipates their heroic welcome to heaven at the end of the age. When the Lamb returns to earth and establishes His reign, these 144,000 will stand with Him on Mount Zion (14:1). 

Our purpose in this devotional is not prophetic, but practical. While I interpret these 144,000 to be Jewish evangelists during the seven years of tribulation—following the rapture of the church—there are principles that apply to every generation of Gospel preachers. The reality is that during the first century and down to our twenty-first century, there is a message for us in a call to readiness and faithfulness.  So, let me share some of these timeless truths to those who proclaim the Gospel as a model for to follow.

Note THEIR SALVATION,  “These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” (Rev.14:4c). Now, one might assume that every man in the pulpit has been to Calvary, but that assumption would be inaccurate. Judas Iscariot was a preacher, but a fraud who is in hell today. Demas gave appearance of being a true disciple, but he departed from the faith (2 Tim.4:10). Others could be named. Every Gospel preacher must look at his spiritual birth certificate and make sure God is his Father! 

It is good “to make your calling and election sure,” as Peter puts it (2 Pet.1:10). We should make regular trips to Calvary, even if assured of salvation. Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper as a regular reminder. Sadly, we can get to a place where we are so familiar with the Gospel that it becomes a presentation without a passion. You are convinced of your conversion?  That is well and good. Does it still stir you?  Are you still amazed at the price Jesus paid to purchase you?

Then, we see THEIR SANCTIFICATION, “These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins.” (Rev.14:4a). This cannot be used to promote celibacy among clergy as Rome’s false system does with its priesthood. It is likely that these 144,000 will be single, however, fully consumed with the work of witness in that future day. Yet, there are spiritual applications for us, whatever our marital status.

We are to be sanctified—set apart morally. These devoted disciples refused to hear the sensual Siren song of the age. May God keep us true and faithful, understanding that our culture is increasingly defiled. Many a preacher has stumbled here.

We are to be sanctified—set apart doctrinally. These 144,000 refused to bow to the Beast and be seduced by the deception of the False Prophet. They spoke the truth of the Word, “And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.” (Rev.14:5). In our days of doctrinal departure, may we abide in sound doctrine!  We are going to be subjected to increasing pressure from the anti-Christian world system to bow and bend.  Voices are rising in evangelicalism saying, “We need to be careful how the world perceives us. Let us not emphasize certain truths in order to reach people.”  This is folly!

Further, observe THEIR SERVICE, “These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.”  (‭‭Rev.‬ ‭14:4‬‬b). All God’s people have been called to follow Christ faithfully. God’s shepherds need to be out front showing the way and setting the standard. Wherever Christ leads us, we are to follow, and summon His lambs to do likewise. May we walk so close to Jesus, that others can walk in our steps and it be as following Christ!  Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ,” (1 Cor.11:1).

Hear and heed the call to faithfulness as Gospel men.  “Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (Rev.14:12‬‬). It may be at any moment Christ could summon His saints to glory, translated into heaven!  We want to be doing His work should that be today. If that does not occur and we die, may we be as Paul, having fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith with a crown of righteousness awaiting all who loved His appearing. Here is the promise, “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.’”  (Rev.‬ ‭14:13).

‬‬Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we'll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.
When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory! (Hewitt)

GIVE THEM JESUS!

If you want to see heaven move and hell retreat, then give the people Jesus when you preach. It is not current events, but Christ that they need. It is not humorous stories, but heaven’s Savior that they need. Satan is not impressed with our homiletic skill, but he trembles at he sound of the name above all names: “Jesus!”  Give the people Jesus!

THE PRIORITY IN OUR PREACHING

There are vast areas we can and should address in sermons. In a congregation, there is an array of concerns into which the preacher should bring to bear Biblical truth. But, let us never forget that the priority of our preaching is to be the cross of Christ.  It will not be popular with everyone. Those who reject it will count it as utter foolishness, but for those who receive it the power of that cross of Christ will be transformational.  There is no other way of salvation and the message of reconciliation that is proclaimed in the cross must have primacy.  

Spurgeon is often quoted as saying, “Wherever I take a text, I make a beeline to the cross!”  Those who have researched have not found that exact quote. Be that as it may, it certainly was characteristic of his preaching, and ought to be true for us.  On the day I stand before the Lord, I doubt He will say, “You preached about the cross too often!”  May He not say, “You preached about the cross too little!”  Let others judge as they will and say, “I need to hear more than the Gospel. There are practical things in my daily life I need to hear about.”  That is what I have had said to me. But, ultimately, it is the judgment of God that matters and to the priority I have given in preaching the cross, I plead, “Guilty as charged.”

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY AND GOSPEL SERVICE

“When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though the Lord opened a door for me, I had no rest in my spirit because I did not find my brother Titus. Instead, I said good-bye to them and left for Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who always leads us in Christ’s triumphal procession and through us spreads the aroma of the knowledge of him in every place. For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life. Who is adequate for these things? For we do not market the word of God for profit like so many. On the contrary, we speak with sincerity in Christ, as from God and before God.” (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2:12-17‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

The sovereignty of God in salvation means that our salvation is all of His grace. But, God has decreed that He will use His church to proclaim the Gospel that brings salvation.  This is a great tension of truth, to be held in balance. We see here—as throughout Scripture—the paradox of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. These truths are not contradictory, but complementary. 

The section of 2 Corinthians beginning here and going to the middle of the sixth chapter deals with the Christian ministry. While Paul was defining and defending his work in Corinth, he was giving us a measuring stick for all ministry done in the church, whether by laity or by clergy. There are those who feel this section may be a digression. But I feel it is possible this is Paul’s reaction to those who have raised grave questions about the integrity of his ministry. We have therefore been presented in this section of his second letter with one of the Scripture’s grandest pictures of the ministry of all Christians. [Chafin, K. L., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1985). 1, 2 Corinthians (Vol. 30, p. 211). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.]

A MISSION THAT IS PROVIDENTIALLY DIRECTED (v.12-13).  OPEN AND SHUT—Opportunity is a door that opens and shuts according to the providence of God. Providence is a composite word—from “pro” meaning before and “video,” to see—thus, combined to speak of God seeing beforehand and in His sovereignty directing all to His desired ends. He has all power to do what He wants and all wisdom to know what ought to be done, motivated by all love, righteousness, and grace to accomplish all for His glory and our good.

That does not mean that I will understand God’s ways. Sometimes they appear contrary to human reason. They are directed by a perfect logic that I cannot attain, and therefore, I must trust Him. Paul did that here.  He apparently came to Troas with a wide open door for preaching the Gospel. Paul was all about preaching “in season and out of season” (2 Tim.4:2b). In other words, as I heard the late Stephen Olford once say about this, “take opportunities and make opportunities.” But, as the Apostle waited for Titus to bring a report concerning the Corinthian church, Titus was a no show. Paul became increasingly troubled in his spirit and this restlessness led him to go seek to find his brother. He walked away from an opportunity and struck out for Macedonia. 

Discerning God’s will does not mean we just take the easy road—sometimes it is just the opposite. Would a pastor leave a large congregation to go to a struggling church revitalization work?  In a carnal churchy way of thinking, no—it’s all about climbing the ladder. But, in following Christ, it is to kneel at the cross, rather than climb the ladder!

We must be cautious about subjective feelings driving our decisions. We can allow human reason to override heavenly direction.  God has led me each step of the way—and thus far, it has always been a step of self-denial. The Lord has disturbed my soul—showing me my time was through where I served, tested my faith by moving me out of the comfort zone, and into a new challenge—that did not make a lot of sense at the time. We live life forward, but understand it backward. All I know is this—God leads His dear children along. 

.

Paul was sure that God was leading him (v. 14a). The circumstances were not comfortable, and Paul could not explain the detours and disappointments, but he was sure that God was in control. The believer can always be sure that God is working everything together for good, so long as we love Him and seek to obey His will (Rom. 8:28). This promise is not an excuse for carelessness, but it is an encouragement for confidence. [Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 636). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.]

A MESSAGE THAT IS POWERFULLY DECLARED (v.14-16).  LIFE AND DEATH—The Gospel is an aroma that is the scent of life to those who receive it and the stench of death to those who reject it.

Paul is using imagery familiar to people of his day. He speaks of the triumphal procession of a Roman general returning. As the victorious legions returned to Rome, all the citizens took a holiday and cheering throngs lined the streets to greet them. It was a spectacular mix of sights, sounds, and smells. The cavalcade might last for days as the conquering heroes wound their way through the streets and up the hill to the temple of Jupiter. The general would ride in a chariot, his armor sparkling in the sun. The vanquished were led behind him—chained to his chariot. Wagons full of wealth—the spoil of battle would be in tow. The fragrance of incense permeated the air—the sweetness of triumph to the victors and the stench of death to the vanquished. 

Using this analogy, Paul portrays Jesus as the Conquering Commander. His followers are chained to His chariot—trophies of His grace, slaves held by shackles of love. The Gospel is the incense—fragrance of life to those who receive it and the fumes of death to those who reject it. 

  Paul regarded himself as a signal trophy of God’s victorious power in Christ. His Almighty Conqueror was leading him about through all the cities of the Greek and Roman world, as an illustrious example of His power at once to subdue and to save. The foe of Christ was now the servant of Christ.  [Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 303). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.]

It is interesting that Paul—facing so much distressing, depressing days, yet saw each as the dawn of hope. Wherever he went and whatever he faced—in a jail, during a riot, hated and harassed, burdened and betrayed—he refused to surrender to the situation about him, but looked to the sky above him and saw victory in Jesus. 

This was the vision that transformed all the circumstances of his life and kept adversity from weighing him down and temporary setbacks from depressing him. It is the loss of this vision of the victorious Christ that creates a defeated ministry and a church wringing its hands. [Chafin, K. L., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1985). 1, 2 Corinthians (Vol. 30, p. 212). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.]

I think we need this reminder in the current crisis of coronavirus. We need to be prudent—God gave us a head for more than just a hat rack!  Wash your hands, be cautious about where you go and whom you are around, if you are sick or at high risk stay home!  What we don’t need to do is panic!  Jesus told us it would be this way to the end of the age. In Matthew 24, He warned of “plagues in various places,” (Luke 21:11). Yet, He underscored that these are creation’s labor pains that will birth the new creation at Christ’s return!  I have read the last book of the Bible—and it mentions awful plagues, but in the end we win!  We are more than conquerors. It is our privilege to share the Gospel everywhere we go—the smell of life and the stench of death—offering compassion or condemnation depending on how people respond to it.  There is to be an aroma about us—the incense of hope!  Peter said thus, “but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.” (1 Peter 3:15-16 CSB)

In the Septuagint the term “aroma” (euōdia) was used of Old Testament sacrifices (Gen. 8:21; Ex. 29:18; Lev. 1:9; Num. 15:3). Paul’s life was a sacrificial offering (Rom. 12:1), well-pleasing to God. The course of his life in proclaiming God’s message while at the same time suffering rejection and attack by many was an extension of Jesus’ life as the Servant of God (cf. Col. 1:24). [Lowery, D. K. (1985). 2 Corinthians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 559). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.]

Do we feel inadequate for such a responsibility?  We should because we are!  Even Paul felt the weight of such responsibility was too much for him.  That drove him to his knees, “It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5 CSB)

After all, it is “the fragrance of Christ,” we are exuding. It is His life manifest through our flesh!  There will be those who receive that sweet savor of the Savior.

Yet, there is a word of caution to those who reject the message. With every refusal, there is a hardening of the heart more and more, “an aroma of death leading to death.”  It is impossible for preaching of the Word not to bring results. Scripture warns, “Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.” (Luke 8:18 CSB)

Will we have any response to the sermon?  Yes—100%. Some will leave better and some will leave worse, but all will be changed by their choice. Here is the promise I have seen in four decades of ministry, ““o my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.” (Isaiah 55:11 CSB)

A MOTIVE THAT IS PURELY DRIVEN (v.17). RIGHT AND WRONG—Our motive, method, and message is either right or wrong, and we have no middle ground.  The word, “market,” used here is interesting in several ways. Many churches today are employing marketing techniques from the business world to inflate the numbers of people attending. I am not saying it is wrong to find ways to contact people and connect with them. We should all be about reaching people. Nor is this a slam on large churches. There are those who are doing it right. There is nothing inherently commendable about a church bring small. Maybe they just stink at what they are doing. I’m not dealing with size, but strategy. Understand the danger of marketing. In the secular world, advertisers seek to identify consumers and design their appeal to stimulate them to make a purchase. They appeal to self-interest. The church needs to remember that what brings people to the church will be required to keep them in the church.  If people come for what they can get out of it, then when they are no longer receiving what they want, they will move on elsewhere. 

Paul said they peddle God’s Word. This word kapēleuontes, “to hawk, peddle,” is used only here. Paul may have had in mind Isaiah’s description of Jerusalem’s unscrupulous Israelites who “diluted” their wine with water to increase their profits (Isa. 1:22; cf. Lucian’s description [Hermotimus 59] of similarly unscrupulous philosophers). So too these false apostles adulterated the Word of God for profit. They served themselves, not God whom Paul represented. They were “greedy for money” (1 Peter 5:2), an evidence of their falsehood. But Paul ministered with sincerity (cf. 2 Cor. 1:12.) [Lowery, D. K. (1985). 2 Corinthians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 560). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.]

It is diluted doctrine—a watered down message that is being peddled by compromising preachers.  They make it palatable to the masses so their marketing will be successful.  As I was preparing this sermon, I saw where a preacher had promised immunity from the coronavirus if people would give to the church.  Greek scholar A.T. Robertson noted:  “It is curious how hucksters were suspected of corrupting by putting the best fruit on top of the basket.” [Robertson, A. T. (1933). Word Pictures in the New Testament (2 Co 2:17). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press.]. This kind of preaching looks good on the surface.  What is offered tastes sweet.  But underneath the fruit is rotten and poisonous.

That is not what Paul gave out. It is an abomination. God help me to be true to the Word of God—and about the saint’s interest and not self-interest. 

CONC.  As concerning the Gospel—it is black and white. There are some things that are in the “gray” zone, but not the Gospel.  People’s response should be to love us or loathe us.  We are not to be concerned if they like us.  We should be met with receptivity or hostility, but never apathy. Christ wants His church hot, but if not had rather we be cold, but never lukewarm!

The undiluted Gospel message is this: repent of your sin and receive Jesus as Savior. Bow to Him today and be saved!  You dare not delay, for you are not promised another opportunity. You may have one, but it will not be like this one. Each time you say no to God, it is easier to say no the next time. You can callus your conscience. 

THE MEANS, MANNER, AND MOTIVES OF MINISTRY

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time!  Paul tells the church at Thessalonica that his ministry “was not without result.”  Leaders have a goal that drives them. As I have heard John Maxwell say, “They know the way, go the way, and show the way.”

Yet, as Christian leaders, we are not to establish our own direction, but rather be directed by the Word of God. We may be driven more by pragmatism, than Scripture, if we are not cautious. Much of the church world has pointed to success as being large numbers of behinds in the pew and bucks in the plate.  While we ought not discount this—the Bible is replete with reports of numbers added and multiplied, as well as large offerings given—we must make sure that this is the byproduct of Biblical directives and not the end in which we make the end justify the means.

The insinuation in evangelicalism today is often that we must  connect with the culture in order to win them, and that is true. We must build bridges, but may fail to remember that a bridge goes both ways!  We may take the Gospel to the world, but without safeguards the world is brought into the church. Connection with culture can gradually lead to compromise with the culture. Paul is clear that the Gospel was in conflict with the culture (read 1 Thess.2:13-16). It was not popularity, but persecution they received!

The result Paul was aiming for was faithfulness to God and then to trust fruitfulness to God. He could not control how receptive sinners would be to his ministry, but what he could control was his commitment to godly character and diligent service.

THE MEANS OF THE MINISTRY is seen to be the proclamation of “the gospel of God” (v.2). He would not tailor the message to suit the whims of the wicked, lest he promote, “error or impurity.”  It was no bait and switch from “an intent to deceive” (v.3). Paul saw the content as well as the communication of the Gospel as a sacred trust (v.4) for which he was ultimately accountable not to men, but God. The Apostle would not resort to “flattering speech,” to gain a convert to himself (v.5), for that is all they would be—and not a convert to Christ!

Let me move to THE MANNER OF THE MINISTRY. There was boldness in the face of opposition (v.2). He was no spineless, sniveling coward, but a man with courage of conviction.

Yet, he was not a Bible bully, obnoxiously offending others for the sake of a fight. Instead, he asserts, “we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children” (v.7). He fed them truth with the tenderness.  As a mother pours her very life into her children, so Paul invested himself in feeding and caring for them (v.8). How often, do mothers rise in the middle of the night to comfort a sick child or console a scared one?  The Apostle was relentless in his activity, just like that, “Working night and day” (v.9)

There is another side to spiritual parenting—discipleship—and that is the exhortation of a father. Paul describes the manner of his ministry this way, “like a father with his own children, we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to live worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” (v.11-12). Good fathers have a passion to instill purpose in children—to paint a future plan for them and prepare them to attain it.

Paul’s manner might be summed up this way, “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly we conducted ourselves” (v.10). These are matters of character. The leader’s character is the foundation of his ministry. If it is undermined, then sooner or later a storm will bring down what he has built—outwardly impressive though it may have been.

Let us conclude with THE MOTIVES OF THE MINISTRY. If the gospel of God is our means of service, then the glory of God is our motive. Twice, Paul mentions, “glory,” in these verses. This is the overarching motivation for ministry—the spring from which all other proper motives flow. The Apostle “didn’t seek glory from people,” (v.6). He had no craving for the spotlight—as many Christian celebrities do today—but, sought the glory of God (v.12). He was not building his own little kingdom, but was motivated to promote the kingdom of God. Paul had no “intent to deceive” (v.3). He was not motivated to beguile followers by doctrinal deviation, as some cult leader would do.

Another motivating factor was an awareness of eternal accountability (v.4). Pleasing God was his aim, not pleasing people. In fact, if you please God, you will often displease people!  Our motivation should be to hear our Lord say,  “Well done!”  In this we “live worthy of God,” (v.11). Our motive is a ministry that is suited to the high and holy calling we have received. Eternal reward and not temporal gain is what moves us. Paul’s example was not to have, “greedy motives.”  There is always a danger that we may do the right thing, but with the wrong motive, and that makes it still wrong!

I hear you Paul!  That is my prayerful desire—to fully embrace the right means, manner, and motives in ministry. I implore you to do likewise!

PREACHING FROM THE BIBLE OF CHRIST AND HIS APOSTLES

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.  (Luke 24:27)

In all of our preaching, let us be sure and not neglect using the Bible of Christ and His Apostles.  That Bible was what we call the Old Testament.  Someone has well said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.  Christ is the connection between the two—and His atonement is the scarlet thread that is woven throughout the fabric of the Word—from the promised Seed in Genesis to the crushing of the Serpent’s head in Revelation; from lamb God provided as a substitute for Isaac in the first book of Scripture to the Risen Lamb in the final one.  Our intent, of course, in preaching from the Old Testament, is not merely to give some interesting history concerning ancient people, but to present Christ.  “[T]here is always a way to Christ and his cross from every passage in the Old Testament.” (J. Ligon Duncan III, Preaching the Cross, p.47).  As Spurgeon put it, “Wherever I take my text, I make a beeline to the cross.”  Preaching from the Old Testament need not result in bored congregants, but in burning hearts!  That was the result of Jesus preaching from the Old Testament.  Old Testament texts are not meant to impose legalistic regulations to try to make people moral, but are meant to drive sinners to their knees in repentance, and thus to the cross for forgiveness and regeneration.  That is what happened when Peter preached from the Old Testament at Pentecost.  It is Gospel preaching that is needful and it is Gospel truth found in the Old Testament as well as the New.  How often do you preach from the Bible of Christ and His Apostles?

PREACH JESUS!

 

The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all  (Acts 10:36)

“What are you preaching?”  Do you ever get that question from fellow pastors?  I understand the question—they wish to know what topic we are addressing or what text we are using.  Let me suggest, however, that the overarching concern should not be what we are preaching so much as whom we are preaching—and that sermon subject should always be JESUS!  We may labor to be cute and creative, and waste a lot of energy on our part during the week—and the people’s part on Sunday morning—trying to be novel and hip.  I have nothing new to say—just the old, old story of Jesus and His love!  Men, keep Jesus as the central theme of your preaching.  The congregation has a mass of needs, but nothing is as needful as an encounter with Christ.  Do we believe that He is all sufficient and that all grace flows from the atonement?  Do we believe the Bible is adequate to testify of Him—and that the Gospel is still the power of salvation to everyone who believes?

When Peter went to the house of Cornelius a revolution was to take place.  The Gospel would come to the Gentiles—and the world has never been the same!  This was a pivotal moment—and what would the old fisherman do?  He preached Jesus!  He shared His death, burial and resurrection.  He pointed his audience to the Savior:

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.  ‎And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.  ‎Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.  And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.  To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.  (Acts 10:38-43)

Peter proclaimed Christ’s virtuous life, vicarious death and victorious resurrection—and the implications of that upon every soul. 

In the morning when you stand, stand up for Jesus!  As you open your Bible to speak, speak about Jesus!  If you are no longer excited about preaching the old, old story then get on your knees and stay until you get a fresh glimpse of Calvary and a new encounter with the Risen Lord—or do yourself and your flock a favor, and stay at the house tomorrow!

Brothers, I say it again—PREACH JESUS!