Introduction A. Examinations are usually unpleasant, but they are necessary. B. We know that frequent self-examinations are better, but few of us have the discipline it takes to perform them. C. Whether we examine ourselves or not, we can be sure that the devil will put us to the test (Matthew 4:1-10; 1 Corinthians 7:5). I.How can we examine ourselves? A. First, we need a reliable standard (2 Timothy 3:16-17). B. A thorough examination requires...
Stand Up for Jesus!
Introduction A. While it is easy to stand for Jesus in an assembly like this one, it can be more difficult to take a stand in a more difficult situation. B. When the time comes for us to take a stand when it matters the most, do we take a stand, or do we elect to keep our seats? I. We must stand, even when it feels like we are standing alone. A. Many of the prophets felt this way (1 Kings 19:9-18; 22:8). B. Paul was not afraid to stand alone...
Dedication
Introduction A. The Jews dedicated the temple to God’s service on several occasions in their history (2 Chronicles 7:1-6; Ezra 6:15-17; John 10:22). B. To be dedicated means to set something apart for a specific purpose (2 Chronicles 2:4) or to commit oneself to a goal at any cost. C. We may be dedicated to many trivial pursuits in life, but what really matters is how dedicated we are in our service to God. I. The Scriptures reveal some...
The God of All Comfort
Introduction A. When Jesus told His disciples He was going to the Father, He promised to send the Comforter to them (John 14:16,26). B. When Paul had so many troubles that he “despaired even of life” (2 Corinthians 1:8), he was still able to find comfort. C. Where can we go to find comfort in this troubled world? I. We can find comfort in God’s strength. A. There are times we need to be reminded of how weak we are (2 Corinthians 1:8-9; 5:1-2; 12:9)...
Open Hearts
Introduction A. In this present age we learn to guard our hearts very carefully, but if we give up on believing in anything or anyone, we lose so much. B. The truth is that there are some things that we can and must believe in; we just need the wisdom to discern what things they are (2 Corinthians 7:2-3; Galatians 4:17-18). I. We must never close our hearts to God’s Word. A. We must guard our hearts against Satan and his wiles (Acts 5:3...
The Greatest Thing
Introduction A. After dealing one-by-one with the problems in Corinth, Paul offers the solution to every problem: love (1 Corinthians 13:13). B. Paul contrasts love with other great things, and, after analyzing it thoroughly, he concludes that love excels them all. I. Paul first contrasts love with other great things (vss. 1-3). A. He contrasts it with miraculous gifts (vs. 1-2a). B. He contrasts it with faith (vs. 2b). C. He contrasts it with charity (vs. 3a)...
Sowing for the Future
Introduction A. When Israel occupied Canaan, they found an abundance of provisions for which they had not labored. B. God commanded them to give special attention to teaching the next generation, lest they forget what God had done for them (Deuteronomy 6:1-13). I. Investments we make in our children are among the most fruitful. A. Children are precious gifts from God (Psalm 127:3-5; Mark 10:14). B. God has given us the responsibility...
Purge Out the Old Leaven
Introduction A. As we have seen already, the church in Corinth needed to get rid of some things that were threatening to destroy them. B. Are there some things we need to remove from our lives? I. What is leaven? A. Physically speaking, it is an agent that causes bread dough to rise (Matthew 13:33). B. In spiritual applications, leaven often represents corruption (1 Corinthians 5:8; Matthew 16:6-12; Luke 12:1). C. The effects of leaven become...
What Are You Planting?
Introduction A. This is a question that gardeners ask one another every spring. B. The natural law of reproduction was put into place by God in the beginning (Genesis 1:11) and will remain until the end (Genesis 8:22). C. The seed you sow will determine the harvest you reap (Galatians 6:6-10). I. If we sow fleshly seed, we will reap fleshly fruit. A. Paul put no confidence in flesh (Galatians 1:1,10-12,16-19; 2:3-7; 4:13-15; 6:11-16) and warned the...
Who Do We Think We Are?
Introduction A. The message that has changed our lives is not of human origin; it is the mind of Christ revealed to us by God Himself (1 Corinthians 2:11-16). B. Lest we put men on pedestals and regard others as unworthy of a place in God’s house, we need to be reminded of who we are. I. On our own, we are nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing. A. Although Paul was an inspired apostle, he was nothing without Christ (1 Corinthians...