Did you know that it’s possible for folks to make a false denomination because of a misunderstanding of the Bible?
Matt 22:23-33 The Sadducees made a Jewish denomination because they didn’t take notice of the tense of a verb.
Jesus said to them, “Ye do Err, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God.” (Matt 22:29)
“Moreover he said, I AM the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.” (Exo 3:6)
Jesus is pointing out that God said “I AM,” not “I WAS.”
The Sadducees entire system of belief about salvation was error.
Acts 23:7 “And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.”
Are you making an error in your faith not knowing the scriptures?
How would we know?
Some have…
Shipwrecked their faith: 1Tim 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Neglected Salvation: Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;.
Fallen from Grace: Gal 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Departed from God: Heb 3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;
Drawn back to perdition: Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
>Spencer, Evangelist for the church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper St.
“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5).
All of us could use a little bit more faith, and if we had the faith of a mustard seed, we could move mountains (cf. Luke 17:6).
The word ‘Faith’ can be confusing. In one place it says, “Where is your faith?” Yet, in another place it says that FAITH was once delivered (cf. Luke 8:25; Jude 3).
In one place it says, “faith cometh by hearing,” and in another it says that faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
It’s easy to see how we become confused by this very complex and powerful word. It’s up to us to study and to understand what it is the Lord is conveying through this little word.
Let’s look at faith.
The Greek word translated ‘FAITH’ is; pistis; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: –assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. (W.E. VINES)
That’s the definition of the word, but to fully appreciate FAITH, we need to look into scripture for its use. Would it surprise you to learn that scripture records FAITH in 7 different ways?
FAITH as it is used in the scriptures.
What we usually think when we say “FAITH” is BELIEF. “But without faith it is impossible to please him” (Heb 11:6; cf John 12:42). Consider that James uses belief and faith synonymously, “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble” (Jas 2:18-19).
Another common way we understand FAITH is with the word TRUST. “And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm” (Matt 8:26). Abraham trusted God when he offered up the son of promise. “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure” (Heb 11:17-19; cf. Rom 9:17-20; John 14:1; Luke 7:9).
Here’s where it gets difficult for some. FAITH is also used in conjunction with OBEDIENCE. Paul wrote in Romans, “By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:” “But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith” (Romans 1:5; 16:26).
FAITH is also an objective content called “the faith” that is delivered. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17). Jude says, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3; cf Gal 1:11,23).
FAITH is also used to mean LOYAL. To be faithful is to be loyal. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Heb 10:23) “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev 2:10).
Yet another way FAITH is used is seen in one’s strong personal conviction. “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Eph 6:16). “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs” (Rom 14:1-2).
Lastly, FAITH is listed among the 9 spiritual gifts early saints could receive during the writing of the New Testament (1Cor 12:8-9; 13:2; Matt 17:20)
As you can see, FAITH is a very complex word. To disconnect it from its full meaning for one definition is to pervert the word of God.
Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper in Borger Texas.
That phrase stands out to me as I evangelize to a world that knows what isn’t so. “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and KNOWEST NOT that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev 3:17; emph mine seb).
While reading Ezekiel recently I was struck by the frequency of another phrase. “Then SHALL THEY KNOW that I am the LORD their God” (emph seb). Seventy-Six times throughout Ezekiel, God makes this statement at the heals of impending judgment, restoration, or prophetic statements about Christ. It’s spoken to people who have rejected, ignored, or otherwise “DO NOT KNOW,” but ought to have known, God.
The problem remains today. Many do not know, but think they know. What they know aint so. That’s why we preach. Here are just a few things we should KNOW.
We need to Know that Christ is KING and is reigning now. “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1Tim 6:15; cf Acts 2:34-36).
We need to Know NOT to love the world. “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God” (Jas 4:4)?
We need to Know to OBEY His commandments. “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say” (Luke 6:46-49)? “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2Thess 1:8).
We need to Know how to WALK as Jesus WALKED. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1John 2:6).
Knowledge is power, but the right knowledge is the Power of God. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom 1:16).
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your GOOD WORKS, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
(1Peter 2:12, emph seb)
What are the good works. There are 5 key things to remember about good WORKS.
Firstly, they must be according to the WILL of God (authorized through scriptures; 1Pet 4:2; Eph 2:10).
They need to be ONGOING in our lives (habitual; cf Titus 2:7; 3:8, 14).
Thirdly, we need to be constantly READY & willing from the heart to do them (Titus 2:14; 1Tim 6:18; 2Co 8:12).
We can KNOW what they are and be taught them (Heb 10:24; Titus 3:14)
Lastly, they are to be SEEN, but not to be seen from pride (1Pet 2:12; 3:1, 16)
The faithful Christian will LEARN, PRACTICE, & MAINTAIN good Works all the days of their life. Here are all the passages in the New Testament that speak about good works.
GOOD WORKS;
Mt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Joh 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1Tim 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
1Tim 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
1Tim 5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
1Tim 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
2Tim 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
1Pet 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
GOOD WORK:
2Cor 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Php 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
1Tim 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2Tim 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Heb 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The person that teaches there is nothing for a person to do to become a Christian and to remain faithful has obviously never read the scriptures.
There is a purpose behind good works. Peter says, “which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” He is talking about using our good works to win others to Him (cf 1Peter 3:1-2; 15).
We’ve already talked about being living STONES, now we turn our attention to the second half of verse 5:
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
(1Peter 2:5, emph seb)
What exactly are the SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES we are to offer up to God?
Before we attempt to discern what they are, let’s note four things about them.
Firstly, we are to be ACTIVELY doing them, “Offer up…” Being a Christian is not a passive condition, it’s active. Note that we are “LIVELY” stones.
Secondly, our sacrifices must be “ACCEPTABLE to God.” Paul wrote, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God” (2Tim 2:15a; cf. Rom 12:1).
Thirdly, they we are to AIM them “…to God”. Whatever these sacrifices are, they are to be directed toward God.
Fourthly, they are directed toward God through the AVENUE of Jesus; “…by Jesus Christ.” Jesus Himself said, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Paul also wrote on spiritual SACRIFICES, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom 12:1). So, what are they? Verse 6 begins a list from Paul, so we shall look at both Peter & Paul’s letters. “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether…”
We are to SHEW Forth Praises of God. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1Peter 2:9; cf Heb 13:15-16). It reminds me of when Jesus told the healed man to “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:16).
ALL of our BODY, our whole being is a living sacrifice to God. “that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice” (Rom 12:1). This clarifies how much of our life is dedicated to God, ALL of it. Christ is our life (Col 3:4).
We are to give a CONTRIBUTION for the helping of needy Saints and for the work of the Church. “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God” (Phil 4:18; cf. Heb 13:15-16). “He that giveth, let him do it with liberality” (Rom 12:8). God loves a cheerful giver (2Cor 8:2; 9:7).
“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb 13:15-16).
It’s a spiritual sacrifice to submit to Leaders that God has ordained for the local church, and those that RULE are offering up a sacrifice. “He that ruleth, with diligence” (Rom 12:8; cf. 1Tim 3:1-7). This is further supported in Peter’s letter, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1Peter 5:2-3).
Peter’s letter is just as much about how the Saint INFLUENCES the world. “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1Peter 2:12). This speaks to evildoers converting to Christ through the INFLUENCE of good works done by the saints (cf. 1Pet 3:1).
Paul includes Prophecy or FORETELLING in his letter to the Romans. “Whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith” (Rom 12:6). While there was a miraculous element in the 1st century, we today can FORETELL through the inspired written word. Peter wrote, “according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; is any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1Peter 4:10-11). The future return of Christ is just one example.
It’s a sacrifice to be an INSTRUCTOR or Teacher of God’s word. “He that teacheth, on teaching” (Rom 12:8; cf. 2Tim 2:2).
It’s certainly a sacrifice to have COMPASSION (Mercy) on our fellow man. “He that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom 12:8). We have obtained mercy through the blood of Jesus. Ought we not show mercy on others?
EXHORTING (to urge one to pursue some course of conduct) is another important sacrifice. “Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation” (Rom 12:8; 2Tim 4:2). Encouraging brethren to better conduct can be a challenge. For example; “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but EXHORTING one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25).
Finally, SERVING (ministering) our brethren is a Spiritual Sacrifice to God. “Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering” (Rom 12:7). When we serve the brethren, we serve Christ. Jesus listed some things, “For I was an hungred, … I was thirsty, … I was a stranger, … Naked, … I was sick, … I was in prison… Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when … ? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Acts 25:35-40’ cf. Acts 6:1-7).
These are all matters the individual Christian does through their own lives and homes. Some believe we abdicate these to others. These are OUR SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES. May we all offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
1Pe 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
What does it mean, “by your good works?”
WILL of God. 1Pe 2:15; 4:2
ON DISPLAY. 1Pet 2:12; 3:1, 16
In the sight of men 2Cor 8:21
READINESS (hope seen). 3:15
KNOWLEDGE. The word 1:22-25; 3:1-3;
SERVICE / STEWARDS. 1Pet 4:7-11
SO OTHERS WILL BECOME CHRISTIANS
Other passages on GOOD WORKS.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1Timothy; 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
1Timothy 5:10 Well reported of for good works;
1Timothy 5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
1Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
2Tim; 3:16-17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
BAPTISM:
What is the BAPTISM that saves us?
the BAPTISM that saves is a BURIAL. Col 2:12; Rom 6:4
the BAPTISM that saves is AUTHORIZED by Christ Mark 16:16
the BAPTISM that saves is an essential PART of conversion Acts 2:38; 3:19
the BAPTISM that saves TRUSTS in God’s working through our faith. Col 2:12
the BAPTISM that saves is IN CHRIST. Rom 6:3-4; Gal 3:27
the BAPTISM done for the right reason, the right way, with the right heart SAVES. 1Pet 3:21
the BAPTISM that saves is done immediately upon learning whether at MIDNIGHT/ midday / same hour / upon H-B-R-C. Not a scheduled monthly church event. Acts 16:33
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 