Sermon Central
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Foundational Truth 11 (Wk.12) Series
Contributed by Dan Cormie on Mar 2, 2009 (message contributor)
Summary: Series conclusion: In light of all this what sort of people ought we to be?
Dakota Community Church
February 15, 2009
Foundational Truth 10
(Week 11)
We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
1. Christians are to grow up spiritually.
2. Repentance from acts that lead to death.
3. Faith in God.
4. Water baptism
5. Holy Spirit baptism
6. Laying on of hands
7. Resurrection of the dead
8. Eternal Judgment
There is a coming judgment day.
Why does God require us to forgive if He will judge?
a.) God is just.
b.) God is omniscient.
c.) You and I are neither.
Look at these words of wisdom from King Solomon:
The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.
Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.
Because of this fallen condition the Lord requires us to exercise faith, to trust Him enough to leave justice to Him.
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
Here we are specifically instructed to be compassionate… not because God is letting everything go and dishing out cheap grace… but in order to leave justice to HIM!
You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written:
“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ’every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
God judges not because he refuses to forgive but because there must be justice, even then He provided a way of salvation to those who will come to Him. We are commanded not to judge because that task is something we are incapable of in our fallen position.
What then does this mean for us?
How ought we to live?
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
What does it mean to live our lives as strangers here?
The Christian is a sojourner in this life; we live in the shadow of eternity. Have you ever gone on a trip with someone who packs to much stuff? Some Christians treat this life the same way; over prepared for what is really only a short term journey.
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
