Subtopic: " The Church: The Security And Salvation Of The Soul"

Sermon Notes by Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. for Sunday June 8, 2014

Text  Ephesians 4:11-16 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (vs12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (vs13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (vs14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (vs15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (vs16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

 2 Timothy 2:15-19 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.(vs16) But shun profane( not sacred, worldly)and vain babblings( to talk or speak foolishly): for they will increase unto more ungodliness.(vs17)And their word will eat as doth a canker:( anything that causes decay, rotting, or gradual eating away)of whom is Hy-me-nae'us and Phi-le'tus; (vs18) Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (vs19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary,Vol.20 ,Pages 195-196 , a comment on Ephesians 4;12-16 "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry." Spiritual perfection is the grand aim of all. 1.Perfection In Service. "For the work of the ministry." The twelfth verse teaches that a perfect ministry implies a perfect character. There is no perfect service where there is not a perfect character. A man must be good to do good. 2. Perfection In Unity. "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God."This may mean oneness or harmony of mind in relation to the doctrine and spirit of Christ, a common thought and sympathy in relation to the Son of God. 3. Perfection In Character."Unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Christ is the Standard of excellence, and perfection of character is conformity to him. His character is the measure. To be Christ-like is to perfect. 4. Perfection In Strength. "That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine." (1) The strength of firmness. Possessing power enough to stand against all the winds and waves of religious opinions. There are some men at the mercy of every new doctrine. Their souls have no anchorage; they are not "rooted and grounded in the faith." (2) The strength of determination."By the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness." The ideas seem to be not influenced by the mere dependence on chance of a mixture of thought and feeling nor the craftiness of heretical teachers.(5)Perfection In Church Growth." Speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ." The two verses teach:(1) That church growth is an advancing assimilation to Christ."We may grow up into him in all things, which is the head even Christ." The true growth of the soul is progress towards a perfect conformity to Christ.(2) That Church growth requires the loving exhibition of truth. "Speaking the truth in love." There is a truth, a reality in the gospel, and the ministry of this truth in love is necessary to promote the true growth of the Church. (3) That Church growth is in every part dependent upon its vital connection with Christ. "From whom the whole body fitly joined together, "ect. (4) That Church growth requires the healthy action of all its members. "By that which every joint supplieth," ect.

Subtopic: “Being Happy With Jesus Alone; Overcoming Myself”

Sermon Notes by Pastor Arthur H. Coleman Sr. for Sunday May 4, 2014

Texts: 1 Kings 18:21 “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God follow him: but if Ba’al, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”

2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (vs4) and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

Psalms 17:15 "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness".

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary Vol.21, Pages 65-66, a comment on 2 Timothy 4 3-4---  I. THE REASON OF THE APOSTASY. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.” 1. The gospel-doctrine is sound, because it necessitates a holy life, and holds the gratification of sinful passions to be inconsistent with the hopes of salvation. 2. Evil men cannot endure it, because it is so opposed to the corruption of human nature, and therefore treat it with neglect, if not contempt. II.THE EFFECT OF THIS MORAL DISGUST AT THE GOSPEL. “but having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts.” 1. They Will Not Discard The Ministry Absolutely. They will only exchange one class of ministers for another. But they will vastly multiply the number of religious guides. 2. The Itch For Novelty Led To The Multiplication Of Teachers. They were fickle, unsettled, and uneasy. They wanted to hear new things or smooth things, such as would reflect the unreasonable notion or desire of a corrupt nature. 3. The Reason For The Whole Rabble Of Teachers That They Gathered To Themselves is to be found in their wish to have their fancies gratified--- “after their own lusts.” They wanted indulgent guides, who would flatter the pride of human nature, and not lay too great a stress upon the importance of a holy life. The sound doctrine was necessarily allied to a pure morality. III.THE RETRIBUTION THAT AWAITS ON SUCH A PERVERSION OF JUDGEMENT. “And will turn away their from the truth, and be turned aside unto fables.” 1. It Is A Solemn Fact In Divine Providence, That When Men Do Not Like To Return To The Knowledge Of The Truth , God gives them up to a reprobate mind, so that they lose all relish for sound doctrine.  

   2. It Is An Equally Solemn Fact That, If The Truth Is Repudiated , The Heart Will Therefore Cease To Exercise Itself About Religious Concerns. The heart cannot long remain empty. Fables rush in to occupy the place which denies a footing to truth, just a slack of religious faith  has a vacuum-creating power, which superstition immediately rushes in to fill up. What a waste of soul!--- profitless fables taken in exchange for soul-saving truth!

Subtopic: "Something To Hold On To: My Source Of Joy”

Text: 2Tim.3:1-5 &7 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (vs2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (vs3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (vs4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (vs5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (vs7) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Heb.13:5-6 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things  as ye have: for he has said, (Ref. Josh.1:5 & 1Chron.28:20) I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (vs6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”


Premise

The Pulpit Commentary, Vol.21, Pages 408-409, A Comment on Hebrews 13:5-6 “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Extraordinary is the emphasis of expression in this assurance. No less than five negatives are employed by the writer to give force to this one brief yet blessed promise. The argument of the text is this, that the abiding presence of God with us is a sufficient reason for contentment. It is so because his presence guarantees: 1.WE HAVE  ALL THINGS IN HIM; (1) Provision(Psa.84:11; St. Matt.6:25-26). (2) Protection (Psa.121:1-2; Rom.8:31; 1 Peter 3 :12-13). (3) Guidance (Psa.73:23-24; Prov.3:5-6;). The summation of which can be found in Phi. 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

2.THE SANCTIFICATION OF OUR PORTION. His gracious presence will sweeten the poorest fare, and cheer the most depressed condition, and exalt the lowliest circumstances. To his faithful suffering servants his presence transformed a loathsome dungeon into a palace beautiful (Acts 16:24-25). 

Subtopic: " The Church: The Security and Salvation of the Soul"

Text Ephesians 2:19-22 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (vs20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (vs21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (vs22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

 2 Timothy 2:15-19 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.(vs16) But shun profane( not sacred, worldly)and vain babblings( to talk or speak foolishly): for they will increase unto more ungodliness.(vs17)And their word will eat as doth a canker:( anything that causes decay, rotting, or gradual eating away)of whom is Hy-me-nae'us and Phi-le'tus; (vs18) Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (vs19) Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

PREMISE

The Pulpit Commentary,Vol.21 ,Page 31, a Homily Comment on 2 Timothy 2:19. "THE COMFORT ADMIST ABOUNDING APOSTASY.

A. The Church Of God In Its Ever-During Stability. " Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth." 1. The church is very properly called a foundation, because it is placed in the world as the platform on which the whole future household of faith is to rest(Eph.2:20). Christ is the corner-stone of the foundation. 2. It stands firm from age to age on its unshaken foundation, notwithstanding all the efforts made to destroy it. It was to be the constant witness to the truth amidst all error and apostasy.

B. The Church Of God With Its Two-Fold Inscription. "Having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his; and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness." It was an ancient custom to engrave upon a building an inscription which told of its origin and purpose. The names of the apostles were  written in the foundations of the apocalyptic city of God (Rev.21:14). The Church has a seal with a double inscription, which displays the true character of the edifice. 1.One Inscription Is The Legend Of Comfort And Hope." The Lord knoweth them that are his." What a comfort there is in the thought of this individualizing knowledge! What a hope there is in the thought that the saints are God's "purchased possession"! 2. Another Inscription Is The Legend of Duty." Let every one that nameth the Name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness." There is no place for unrighteousness in the Church of God. Therefore believers must separate themselves from all evil."

Subtopic: My Assurance That I Will Survive (This)!

Text:  2Tim. 1:12 "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day".

1 Cor. 15:58 " Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord".

PREMISE

From The 2,200 Quotations From The Writings of Charles A. Spurgeon Concerning- 2Tim.1:12 he says "Paul does not say, "I know what I have believed," though that would have been true. He does not say, "I know when I have believed," though that would have been correct. Nor does he say, "I know how much I have believed," although he had well-weighted his faith. He does not even say, "I know in whom I have believed." he says expressly, "I know whom I have believed," as much as to say, I know the person into whose hand I have committed my present condition and my eternal destiny. I know who he is, and I therefore, without any hesitation, leave myself in his hands."