OceanSide church of Christ

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IN SPITE OF… (2)

Victor M. Eskew

INTRODUCTION

A.               We often refer to “the faithful” within a congregation.  Paul did also when he addressed his epistle to the Ephesians (Eph. 1:1).

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus.

B.               Another term by which the faithful are known is “the spiritual” (Gal. 6:1).

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

C.              The faithful, the spiritual, are the backbone of the local congregation. 

1.               These are the ones who love the Lord.

2.               These are the ones who have grown in grace and knowledge since conversion.

3.               These are the ones who can be counted on to show up and work.

4.               These are the ones who do things “in spite of,” or “in defiance of,” great odds and opposition.

D.              Last week, we picked up on that last point and examined some of the things the faithful do “In Spite of…”

I.          THE FAITHFUL TAKE WRONGS IN SPITE OF SUFFERING

A.               The mindset of our society is not to take a wrong.

1.               If I am wronged, I will get even.

2.               If I am wronged, I will get rich.

3.               If I am wronged, I will stir up trouble.

B.               Jesus taught that we should suffer wrongs (Matt. 5:38-42).

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:  but I say unto you, that ye resist not evil:  but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.  And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.  And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.  Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not away.

C.              Not only did Jesus teach this practice, he also exemplified it in his life (I Pet. 2:21-23).

For even hereunto were ye called:  because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps:  who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:  who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.

D.              This was one of the things that Paul had to confront within the church at Corinth.

1.               Brother was going to law with brother, and that before unbelievers (I Cor. 6:1, 6).

2.               It appears that these matters involved small, trivial matters (I Cor. 6:2).

3.               Paul provides two solutions:

a.         Get a brother to judge in the matter (I Cor. 6:5).

b.         Take the wrong (I Cor. 6:7).

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another.  Why do ye not rather take wrong?  Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

E.               To be able to suffer wrongs, one must be able to control his emotions, his attitude, and his actions.  Remember, being subdued is better than striking back.

II.         THE FAITHFUL ENGAGE THE FIGHT IN SPITE OF FEAR

A.               There is a spiritual battle that is on-going in the life of every Christian:  good vs. bad, right vs. wrong, truth vs. error, light vs. darkness.

B.               In this conflict, we sometimes find ourselves in some very scary and disturbing situations in which fear grips our soul.

1.               We must tell someone they are wrong about their religious beliefs.

2.               We must speak to someone one about sin in his life.

3.               We must take a stand against our family.

4.               We have to say, “No,” to our friends.

5.               We have to face severe consequences for being faithful.

C.              The faithful take their stand and engage the fight even though their enemy seems great and powerful.

1.               Joshua and Caleb with regard to the Promised Land.

2.               David before Goliath.

3.               Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego before Nebuchadnezzar.

4.               Peter and John before the Sanhedrin.

D.              Jesus prepared His disciples for this prior to sending them on the Limited Commission (Matt. 10).

1.               The perils:

a.         Delivered to councils and scourged in synagogues (Matt. 10:17).

b.         Brought before governors and kings (Matt. 10:18).

c.         Put to death (Matt. 10:21).

d.         Hated of all men (Matt. 10:22).

e.         Persecuted (Matt. 10:23).

f.          A man’s foes shall be they of his own household (Matt. 10:35-36).

                        2.         Three times Jesus exhorted them not to fear:

                                    a.         Matthew 10:26

Fear them not therefore…

                                    b.         Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:  but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

                                    c.         Matthew 10:31

Fear ye not therefore…

                        3.         Teaching that fosters courage:

                                    a.         They will be as their Master in their suffering (Matt. 10:24-25).

                                    b.         Their struggles are known of the Father (Matt. 10:29-31).

                                    c.         They will be confessed before their Father in heaven (Matt. 10:32).

                                    d.         If they lose their life for Christ’s sake, they will find it (Matt. 10:39).

III.        THE FAITHFUL REJOICE IN SPITE OF THE SORROW OF DEATH

A.               Death is a certain event (Heb. 9:27).

And as it is appointed unto men once to die…

B.               Death is an event that brings great sorrow:

1.               The funeral home is referred to as “the house of mourning” (Eccl. 7:2).

2.               We are separated from ones whom we love and trust, ones we respect and cherish, ones who gave us much, protected us, and sacrificed for us.  Thus, we mourn (Gen. 23:1-2).

And Sarah was a hundred and seven and twenty years old:  these were the years of the life of Sarah.  And Sarah died in Kirjath-arba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan:  and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

C.              Yet in the midst of sorrow, there is also joy.

1.               Christians know that when one dies in Christ, the angels come and transport their loved one to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22).

2.               Christians know that the loved one no longer suffers, but is comforted (Luke 16:25).

3.               Christian know that Jesus destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil (Heb. 2:14).

4.               Christians have a faith that rests in Him who is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).

5.               Christians know that a day is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth (John 5:28-29).

6.               Christians know that when the enemy of death is destroyed, they shall never die again (I Cor. 15:53-54).

7.               Christians know that when the resurrection takes place that they will be united with their faithful loved ones never to be separated again (I Thess. 4:13-18).

CONCLUSION

A.               Thank God for the faithful of every congregation, especially for those at OceanSide.

B.               There are some that cannot be counted among that number right now.  However, you make a decision to be part of that group at any time.  You would be extremely welcomed.

C.              Let’s remember the words of Jesus to the church in Smyrna:  …be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life (Rev. 2:10).


 

IN SPITE OF… (2)

Victor M. Eskew

INTRODUCTION

A.                We often refer to “the faithful” within a congregation.  Paul did also when he addressed his epistle to the Ephesians (Eph. 1:1).

B.                Another term by which the faithful are known is “the spiritual” (Gal. 6:1).

C.                The faithful, the spiritual, are the backbone of the local congregation. 

1.                 These are the ones who love the Lord.

2.                 These are the ones who have grown in grace and knowledge since conversion.

3.                 These are the ones who can be counted on to show up and work.

4.                 These are the ones who do things “in spite of,” or “in defiance of,” great odds and opposition.

D.                Last week, we picked up on that last point and examined some of the things the faithful do “In Spite of…”

I.                  THE FAITHFUL TAKE WRONGS IN SPITE OF SUFFERING

A.                The mindset of our society is not to take a wrong.

1.                 If I am wronged, I will get even.

2.                 If I am wronged, I will get rich.

3.                 If I am wronged, I will stir up trouble.

B.                Jesus taught that we should suffer wrongs (Matt. 5:38-42).

C.                Not only did Jesus teach this practice, he also exemplified it in his life (I Pet. 2:21-23).

D.                This was one of the things that Paul had to confront within the church at Corinth.

1.                 Brother was going to law with brother, and that before unbelievers (I Cor. 6:1, 6).

2.                 It appears that these matters involved small, trivial matters (I Cor. 6:2).

3.                 Paul provides two solutions:

a.                 Get a brother to judge in the matter (I Cor. 6:5).

b.                 Take the wrong (I Cor. 6:7).

E.                 To be able to suffer wrongs, one must be able to control his emotions, his attitude, and his actions.  Remember, being subdued is better than striking back.

II.                THE FAITHFUL ENGAGE THE FIGHT IN SPITE OF FEAR

A.                There is a spiritual battle that is on-going in the life of every Christian:  good vs. bad, right vs. wrong, truth vs. error, light vs. darkness.

B.                In this conflict, we sometimes find ourselves in some very scary and disturbing situations in which fear grips our soul.

1.                 We must tell someone they are wrong about their religious beliefs.

2.                 We must speak to someone one about sin in his life.

3.                 We must take a stand against our family.

4.                 We have to say, “No,” to our friends.

5.                 We have to face severe consequences for being faithful.

                    C.                The faithful take their stand and engage the fight even before powerful enemies.

1.                 Joshua and Caleb with regard to the Promised Land.

2.                 David before Goliath.

3.                 Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego before Nebuchadnezzar.

4.                 Peter and John before the Sanhedrin.

D.                Jesus prepared His disciples for this prior to sending them on the Limited Commission (Matt. 10).

1.                 The perils:

a.                 Delivered to councils and scourged in synagogues (Matt. 10:17).

b.                 Brought before governors and kings (Matt. 10:18).

c.                 Put to death (Matt. 10:21).

d.                 Hated of all men (Matt. 10:22).

e.                 Persecuted (Matt. 10:23).

f.                  A man’s foes shall be they of his own household (Matt. 10:35-36).

                                        2.                 Three times Jesus exhorted them not to fear (Matt. 10:26, 28, 31).

                                        3.                 Teaching that fosters courage:

                                                            a.                 They will be as their Master in their suffering (Matt. 10:24-25).

                                                            b.                 Their struggles are known of the Father (Matt. 10:29-31).

                                                            c.                 They will be confessed before their Father in heaven (Matt. 10:32).

                                                            d.                 If they lose their life for Christ’s sake, they will find it (Matt. 10:39).

III.               THE FAITHFUL REJOICE IN SPITE OF THE SORROW OF DEATH

                    A.                Death is a certain event (Heb. 9:27).

B.                Death is an event that brings great sorrow:

1.                 The funeral home is referred to as “the house of mourning” (Eccl. 7:2).

2.                 We are separated from ones whom we love and trust, ones we respect and cherish, ones who gave us much, protected us, and sacrificed for us.  Thus, we mourn (Gen. 23:1-2).

C.                Yet in the midst of sorrow, there is also joy.

1.                 Christians know that when one dies in Christ, the angels come and transport their loved one to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22).

2.                 Christians know that the loved one no longer suffers, but is comforted (Luke 16:25).

3.                 Christian know that Jesus destroyed him that had the power of death, that is, the devil (Heb. 2:14).

4.                 Christians have a faith that rests in Him who is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).

5.                 Christians know that a day is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth (John 5:28-29).

6.                 Christians know that when the enemy of death is destroyed, they shall never die again (I Cor. 15:53-54).

7.                 Christians know that when the resurrection takes place that they will be united with their faithful loved ones never to be separated again (I Thess. 4:13-18).

CONCLUSION

A.                Thank God for the faithful of every congregation, especially for those at OceanSide.

B.                There are some that cannot be counted among that number right now.  However, you make a decision to be part of that group at any time.  You would be extremely welcomed.

C.                Let’s remember the words of Jesus to the church in Smyrna:  …be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life (Rev. 2:10).

IN SPITE OF… (2)

Victor M. Eskew

INTRODUCTION

A.                We often refer to “the faithful” within a congregation.  _________ did also when he addressed his epistle to the Ephesians (Eph. 1:1).

B.                Another term by which the faithful are known is “the _______________________” (Gal. 6:1).

C.                The faithful, the spiritual, are the _________________________ of the local congregation. 

1.                 These are the ones who love the Lord.

2.                 These are the ones who have grown in grace and knowledge since conversion.

3.                 These are the ones who can be counted on to show up and work.

4.                 These are the ones who do things “in spite of,” or “in defiance of,” great odds and opposition.

D.                Last week, we picked up on that last point and examined some of the things the faithful do “In Spite of…”

I.                  THE FAITHFUL TAKE WRONGS IN SPITE OF _________________________

A.                The mindset of our society is not to take a wrong.

1.                 If I am wronged, I will get __________.

2.                 If I am wronged, I will get ____________________.

3.                 If I am wronged, I will stir up _____________________________.

B.                Jesus taught that we should suffer wrongs (Matt. 5:38-42).

C.                Not only did Jesus teach this practice, he also _____________________________ it in his life (I Pet. 2:21-23).

D.                This was one of the things that Paul had to confront within the church at Corinth.

1.                 Brother was going to law with brother, and that before unbelievers (I Cor. 6:1, 6).

2.                 It appears that these matters involved _________________, trivial matters (I Cor. 6:2).

3.                 Paul provides two solutions:

a.                 Get a _____________________ to judge in the matter (I Cor. 6:5).

b.                 Take the ___________________ (I Cor. 6:7).

E.                 To be able to suffer wrongs, one must be able to control his emotions, his attitude, and his actions.  Remember, being subdued is better than striking back.

II.                THE FAITHFUL _______________________ THE FIGHT IN SPITE OF FEAR

A.                There is a ____________________ battle that is on-going in the life of every Christian:  good vs. bad, right vs. wrong, truth vs. error, light vs. darkness.

B.                In this conflict, we sometimes find ourselves in some very scary and disturbing situations in which fear grips our soul.

1.                 We must tell someone they are wrong about their religious beliefs.

2.                 We must speak to someone one about sin in his life.

3.                 We must take a stand against our family.

4.                 We have to say, “No,” to our friends.

5.                 We have to face severe consequences for being faithful.

C.                The faithful take their stand and engage the fight even before powerful enemies.

1.                 Joshua and ___________________ with regard to the Promised Land.

2.                 ____________________ before Goliath.

3.                 Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego before Nebuchadnezzar.

4.                 ________________ and ______________ before the Sanhedrin.

D.                Jesus prepared His disciples for this prior to sending them on the Limited Commission (Matt. 10).

1.                 The perils:

a.                 Delivered to councils and scourged in synagogues (Matt. 10:17).

b.                 Brought before governors and kings (Matt. 10:18).

c.                 Put to death (Matt. 10:21).

d.                 Hated of all men (Matt. 10:22).

e.                 Persecuted (Matt. 10:23).

f.                  A man’s foes shall be they of his own household (Matt. 10:35-36).

                                        2.                 Three times Jesus exhorted them not to _______________ (Matt. 10:26, 28, 31).

                                        3.                 Teaching that fosters courage:

                                                            a.                 They will be as their ___________________ in their suffering (Matt. 10:24-25).

                                                            b.                 Their struggles are __________________ of the Father (Matt. 10:29-31).

                                                            c.                 They will be __________________ before their Father in heaven (Matt. 10:32).

                                                            d.                 If they _______________ their life for Christ’s sake, they will ____________ it (Matt. 10:39).

III.               THE FAITHFUL REJOICE IN SPITE OF THE __________________ OF DEATH

A.                Death is a __________________ event (Heb. 9:27).

B.                Death is an event that brings great sorrow:

1.                 The funeral home is referred to as “the house of __________________” (Eccl. 7:2).

2.                 We are __________________ from ones whom we love and trust, ones we respect and cherish, ones who gave us much, protected us, and sacrificed for us.  Thus, we mourn (Gen. 23:1-2).

C.                Yet in the midst of sorrow, there is also joy.

1.                 Christians know that when one dies in Christ, the _____________ come and transport their loved one to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22).

2.                 Christians know that the loved one no longer suffers, but is ______________________ (Luke 16:25).

3.                 Christian know that Jesus ______________________ him that had the power of death, that is, the devil (Heb. 2:14).

4.                 Christians have a faith that rests in Him who is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).

5.                 Christians know that a day is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth (John 5:28-29).

6.                 Christians know that when the enemy of death is destroyed, they shall _____________ die again (I Cor. 15:53-54).

7.                 Christians know that when the resurrection takes place that they will be _______________ with their faithful loved ones never to be separated again (I Thess. 4:13-18).

CONCLUSION

A.                Thank God for the faithful of every congregation, especially for those at OceanSide.

B.                There are some that cannot be counted among that number right now.  However, you make a decision to be part of that group at any time.  You would be extremely welcomed.

C.                Let’s remember the words of Jesus to the church in Smyrna:  …be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a _______________ of __________________ (Rev. 2:10).