What Do You Know - Part 2

14/01/2018 12:56

LISTEN TO THIS MESSAGE

Date: 8 January, 2018
 
Date: 4 January, 2018
Text: Psalm 19
Title: What Do You Know?
 
Proposition: THREE SIMPLE THINGS THAT YOU MUST KNOW TO KNOW GOD.
 
Introduction:
 
We considered last week that we don't have to be super smart to please God. We just have to be "simple enough" to accept 3 basic truths which David presented in Psalm 19. We got through two fo those truths last week.
 
I know that there is a God.
A. Nature told me - God is glorious.
The heavens declare the glory of God; 
exp. - Stars, Sun/Moon, Planets, orbits....
B. Nature told me - God is the designer of life.
and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
exp. Water cycle - unusual to have drought or flooding - recycling water - into the sea, evaporation, going over land, falling as rain.
C. Nature teaches me day and night.
2  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
exp. There is constantly new revelation from nature.
D. Nature speaks in every language.
3  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
exp. Nature is a universal language that say - THERE IS A GOD.
E. Nature speaks the language of order and purpose.
4  Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5  Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6  His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
exp. It isn't random and disorganized - and we find purpose behind everything.
 
II. I know that the Bible is the Word of God.
A. God's law was all that I needed to get converted.
7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: 
ill. good apple - You can criticize it and say that it is a bitter apple - but I have tasted it and can say authoritatively that it is good. Taste and you'll see that the Lord is good.
B. God's law was all that I needed to get wisdom.
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
exp. evolutionists - Professing themselves to be wise - they became fools. But - they can be wise when they listen to God's Word - "In the beginning God created."
C. God's law was all that I needed to get truth.
8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: 
exp. Truth is refreshing - expecially to the soul that goes from a head knowledge of God to an experiential knowledge of God.
D. God's law was all that I needed to get my eyes opened.
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
ill. Jesus spoke of our salvation as a new birth. When a man is born again he suddenly has His eyes opened to the glory of God's new creation in Christ Jesus.
E. God's law was all that man has ever needed to get cleansing.
9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
question: How do you know something is clean? It isn't dirty anymore. It has been washed.
exp. When a man fears God and obeys His Word - he is clean becuse He has been cleansed by the truth of God's Word.  Ephesians 5:25 ....even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
F. BECAUSE IT IS THE VERY WORD OF GOD -  I value my Bible more than anything.
10  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
exp. What
A Book that converts (turns) man back to His creator God.
that gives man wisdom.
gives man truth,
open's man's eyes.
cleanses man's heart! 
IS A BOOK THAT CONVINCES MAN THAT IS IS THE VERY WORD OF GOD.
 question: It is priceless - but available at no price to most of mankind. 
 app. Are you wise enough to value that Book this morning?
 
I'm simple enough this morning to listen to nature and say, "I hear you - there is a God." I'm simple enough to listen to the Bible and say, "I hear you - you are the very Word of God."
 
Then the last truth is simple for me to hear and understand as well - I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.
 
III. I know that I am responsible to God.
  Nature is crying out - there is a God. 
God's Word tells me who that God is - BECAUSE OF KNOWING THESE TRUTHS - I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.
note: It is so obvious and so accessible everyone in Scotland ought to know this and IS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS.
 ill. Reading through Matthew in our family devotions in the morning. (Matthew 11)
20  Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
21  Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22  But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
23  And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
24  But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
exp. Capernaum had the living Word with them - and they rejected Him. Our generation has the complete revealed Word of God and has rejected it. There will be huge accountability for ignoring that abundant proof and revelation of God.
Luke 12:47  And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
48  But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
 app. If you are wise this morning - YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.
A. The Bible told me about God's judgment and reward.
ill. What kind of idiot soldier would ignore his map and classified information? He would be an undecorated dead soldier.
 app. Are you smart enough to heed God's warning and live for God's reward? David was....
1. God's warning book is to be heeded.
11  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: 
ill. When we first got over here we didn't know what a lot of the signs meant and wondered where all the speed limit signs had gone (national speed limits) after  months we started studying to take the driver's test and the signs started speaking to us.
 note: Understanding a warning sign is important.
a. They guard you from transgression and punishment.
ill. The sign says - 40 miles per hour. I had better read it or I will suffer punishment and judgment for breaking the law.
 ill. Those who break the law get a criminal record - A criminal record or police record is a record of a person's criminal history, generally used by potential employers, lenders, and others to assess his or her trustworthiness.
note: Not every crime the person committed would be kept there. It is therefore unlikely to be a complete criminal record but rather a record of crimes where they got caught.
exp. Did you know that God keeps a record of every transgression even those man thinks are hidden?
Gal 6:7  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Rev 20:12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
ill. Council meeting - someone used a vile word. I noticed, but I don't suppose others did and if they did they probably didn't think much of it. God notices - and He wrote it down.
Mat 12:36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
 app. Sinner - whether you believe in God or not - you had better take heed to your ways. God will judge you for every transgression of His holy law. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.
b. They guard you from danger.
exp. Warning signs - keep me from the punishment for transgressing the law but they also guard me from danger.
 ill. New driver - 60 mph where there is no city lights. Try to do that on the roads around here and you will be in the ditch. There are signs (one of which was hit) near us by a car that obviously came into the bend with too much speed. The car was completely destroyed - thankfully they were unhurt.
exp. God's law isn't there to frustrate man from doing what would be for man's good. It is there to prevent man from doing that which will hurt himself or others.
Lies - hurt those to whom they are told.
Pro 26:28  A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Sexual sin - leads to sexual disease, abortion, children outside of marriage, responsability that a young adult is not prepared to handle, divorce, adultery....
anger - leads to broken relationship, hurt, and assault, abuse and murder.
covetousness - leads to theft, debt, bitterness, depression....
worry - leads to anxiety, depression, illness....
ill. Beach goers at an island beach have been ignoring universal signs on the beach to swim between the flags. 2 swimmers have died this past week. BEACH GOERS SHOULD NOT IGNORE THE SIGNS OR BE UPSET THAT THEY ARE THERE - they are there for to save lives.
 app. David God's servant was grateful for God's law which warned him of danger.
2. God's Book when followed has incredible returns.
and in keeping of them there is great reward.
 ill. Imagine that you have a private train and you get to play engineeer for a day. You are going along at some speed heading towards a great canyon when you are warned that the junction ahead has seven options.
- The first junction is materialism - if you go that way you get a million pounds.
- The second junction is physical pleasure - if you go that way you get fleshly gratification.
- The third way is the way of promised satisfaction - if you go that way you get addiction.
- The fourth way is way of the cross- it is a narrow way (laughed at by other engineers) frought with difficulty but the only way with a guarantee to get you accross the canyon.
- The fifth way is the way of science which tells you with some confidence that canyon's don't exist and that you are to keep full throttle to the end of the tracks.
- The sixth way is the way of religion which tells you that you can lay track as quickly as you are passing over the canyon and make your own way accross.
- The seventh way is the way of ecumenism that claims that all the tracks cross the canyon.
app. What track are you on?
question: How much is your soul worth to you? Would you take ANYTHING offered to you if you knew it would lead to your eternal damnation in the Devil's hell? In contrast it would also mean that you didn't go into the paradise which God has made for the redeemed.
Mat 16:26  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
B. The Bible told me about the hidden sin in my heart.
12  Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
 ill. Cancer is cancer whether you know you have it or not. It doesn't become cancer when it is diagnosed. THE DIAGNOSIS IS HELPFUL IN IDENTIFYING THE CANCER AND PLANNING TREATMENT. 
question: If you suspected you had cancer would you schedule scans with the GP to deal with your suspicions?
app. Sin is error whether we know it or not. And whether men believe it or not. It sends a man to the second death in Hell. Is not man as wise, when man knows he has THE CANCER OF SIN to seek an appointment with the Great Physician of the soul. 
 note: Remember that record that God keeps of our transgressions? He alone can give us a clean slate because Jesus (shed His blood) in our place.
Col 2:14  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
 Hymn: Are You Washed in the Blood - Elisha A. Hoffman
Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power, are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?
app. Friend - do you know that you are responsible to God? That hidden sin which the Bible reveals must be dealt with.
C. The Bible told me that I must depend upon God for victory. 
13  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
exp. David didn't just fear sins of ignorance, he feared living in wilful disobedience to God. (SINS OF PRESUMPTION.) I know it is wrong but I do it anyway.
ill. There was a day when David should have gone out with his men to battle but he was walking on his rooftop and saw a woman bathing. He lusted after her and took her to himself even though she was a married woman. To cover his sin he murdered her husband. Was David ignorant that adultery and murder were wrong? Uriah and Bathsheba - Praise God he repented and yet sins of presumption cost him greatly. 
Proverbs 29:1  He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
Pro 13:15  Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
Hebrews 10:26  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28  He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
 app. Are you wilfully violating God's Word? Do you not tremble today to know that you will answer to God for wilfully violating His law? You can't lose your salvation if you have received God's gift - but you can be severely chastened by a wholly God - and IF YOU ARE NOT SAVED IT MAY PRESUMTIOUS SIN MAY KEEP YOU FROM GETTING SAVED - THAT WOULD BE THE GREAT TRANSGRESSION.
D. The Bible told me that I must live life aware of the watchfulness of God.
14  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
exp. Oh, the Psalmist knew that God was not ignorant of the words of His mouth or the very secret thoughts of his heart.
Psalm 139 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2  Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3  Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4  For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
notice: We can live life by God's grace with right words and right speech - let them be - ACCEPTABLE IN THY SIGHT. God isn't going to change what is acceptable but he can help us be acceptable.
ill. James Stewart - Trying to evangelize at his workplace realized that the men who mocked him would try their best to provoke him. Decided to get up early and spend more time in prayer so that God would help him control his tongue. 
question: Is that how you deal with your mind and your tongue - OR DO YOU JUST INTEND TO DO BETTER WITHOUT ASKING FOR GOD'S HELP?
ill. Jesus has told us that GOOD INTENTIONS ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO HELP US PLEASE GOD - WE NEED GOD'S HELP.
Mar 14:38  Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
note: Peter neglected the council of Jesus and promptly went out and greatly failed Jesus by denying him three times on the night of his betrayal.
app. We are responsible to God who is even watching over our speech and our thoughts. How greatly do you desire to please Him today? David knew God was HIS STRENGTH AND HIS REDEEMER and depended upon him to help him live in a way that pleases God.
 
conclusion: 
I'm glad that God can use me despite my lack of deep intelligence. I just have to be simple enough to know 3 truths without which YOU WILL NEVER SEE GOD EXCEPT AT THE JUDGMENT.
 
1.) I KNOW THAT THERE IS A GOD.
2.) I KNOW THAT THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD.
3.) I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.
 

Date: 8 January, 2018

 

Date: 4 January, 2018

Text: Psalm 19

Title: What Do You Know?

 

Proposition: THREE SIMPLE THINGS THAT YOU MUST KNOW TO KNOW GOD.

 

Introduction:

 

We considered last week that we don't have to be super smart to please God. We just have to be "simple enough" to accept 3 basic truths which David presented in Psalm 19. We got through two fo those truths last week.

 

I know that there is a God.

A. Nature told me - God is glorious.

The heavens declare the glory of God; 

exp. - Stars, Sun/Moon, Planets, orbits....

B. Nature told me - God is the designer of life.

and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

exp. Water cycle - unusual to have drought or flooding - recycling water - into the sea, evaporation, going over land, falling as rain.

C. Nature teaches me day and night.

2  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

exp. There is constantly new revelation from nature.

D. Nature speaks in every language.

3  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

exp. Nature is a universal language that say - THERE IS A GOD.

E. Nature speaks the language of order and purpose.

4  Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

5  Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

6  His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

exp. It isn't random and disorganized - and we find purpose behind everything.

 

II. I know that the Bible is the Word of God.

A. God's law was all that I needed to get converted.

7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: 

ill. good apple - You can criticize it and say that it is a bitter apple - but I have tasted it and can say authoritatively that it is good. Taste and you'll see that the Lord is good.

B. God's law was all that I needed to get wisdom.

the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

exp. evolutionists - Professing themselves to be wise - they became fools. But - they can be wise when they listen to God's Word - "In the beginning God created."

C. God's law was all that I needed to get truth.

8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: 

exp. Truth is refreshing - expecially to the soul that goes from a head knowledge of God to an experiential knowledge of God.

D. God's law was all that I needed to get my eyes opened.

the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

ill. Jesus spoke of our salvation as a new birth. When a man is born again he suddenly has His eyes opened to the glory of God's new creation in Christ Jesus.

E. God's law was all that man has ever needed to get cleansing.

9  The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

question: How do you know something is clean? It isn't dirty anymore. It has been washed.

exp. When a man fears God and obeys His Word - he is clean becuse He has been cleansed by the truth of God's Word.  Ephesians 5:25 ....even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

F. BECAUSE IT IS THE VERY WORD OF GOD -  I value my Bible more than anything.

10  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

exp. What

A Book that converts (turns) man back to His creator God.

that gives man wisdom.

gives man truth,

open's man's eyes.

cleanses man's heart! 

IS A BOOK THAT CONVINCES MAN THAT IS IS THE VERY WORD OF GOD.

 question: It is priceless - but available at no price to most of mankind. 

 app. Are you wise enough to value that Book this morning?

 

I'm simple enough this morning to listen to nature and say, "I hear you - there is a God." I'm simple enough to listen to the Bible and say, "I hear you - you are the very Word of God."

 

Then the last truth is simple for me to hear and understand as well - I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.

 

III. I know that I am responsible to God.

  Nature is crying out - there is a God. 

God's Word tells me who that God is - BECAUSE OF KNOWING THESE TRUTHS - I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.

note: It is so obvious and so accessible everyone in Scotland ought to know this and IS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS.

 ill. Reading through Matthew in our family devotions in the morning. (Matthew 11)

20  Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

21  Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

22  But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

23  And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

24  But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

exp. Capernaum had the living Word with them - and they rejected Him. Our generation has the complete revealed Word of God and has rejected it. There will be huge accountability for ignoring that abundant proof and revelation of God.

Luke 12:47  And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

48  But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

 app. If you are wise this morning - YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.

A. The Bible told me about God's judgment and reward.

ill. What kind of idiot soldier would ignore his map and classified information? He would be an undecorated dead soldier.

 app. Are you smart enough to heed God's warning and live for God's reward? David was....

1. God's warning book is to be heeded.

11  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: 

ill. When we first got over here we didn't know what a lot of the signs meant and wondered where all the speed limit signs had gone (national speed limits) after  months we started studying to take the driver's test and the signs started speaking to us.

 note: Understanding a warning sign is important.

a. They guard you from transgression and punishment.

ill. The sign says - 40 miles per hour. I had better read it or I will suffer punishment and judgment for breaking the law.

 ill. Those who break the law get a criminal record - A criminal record or police record is a record of a person's criminal history, generally used by potential employers, lenders, and others to assess his or her trustworthiness.

note: Not every crime the person committed would be kept there. It is therefore unlikely to be a complete criminal record but rather a record of crimes where they got caught.

exp. Did you know that God keeps a record of every transgression even those man thinks are hidden?

Gal 6:7  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Rev 20:12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

ill. Council meeting - someone used a vile word. I noticed, but I don't suppose others did and if they did they probably didn't think much of it. God notices - and He wrote it down.

Mat 12:36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

 app. Sinner - whether you believe in God or not - you had better take heed to your ways. God will judge you for every transgression of His holy law. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.

b. They guard you from danger.

exp. Warning signs - keep me from the punishment for transgressing the law but they also guard me from danger.

 ill. New driver - 60 mph where there is no city lights. Try to do that on the roads around here and you will be in the ditch. There are signs (one of which was hit) near us by a car that obviously came into the bend with too much speed. The car was completely destroyed - thankfully they were unhurt.

exp. God's law isn't there to frustrate man from doing what would be for man's good. It is there to prevent man from doing that which will hurt himself or others.

Lies - hurt those to whom they are told.

Pro 26:28  A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

Sexual sin - leads to sexual disease, abortion, children outside of marriage, responsability that a young adult is not prepared to handle, divorce, adultery....

anger - leads to broken relationship, hurt, and assault, abuse and murder.

covetousness - leads to theft, debt, bitterness, depression....

worry - leads to anxiety, depression, illness....

ill. Beach goers at an island beach have been ignoring universal signs on the beach to swim between the flags. 2 swimmers have died this past week. BEACH GOERS SHOULD NOT IGNORE THE SIGNS OR BE UPSET THAT THEY ARE THERE - they are there for to save lives.

 app. David God's servant was grateful for God's law which warned him of danger.

2. God's Book when followed has incredible returns.

and in keeping of them there is great reward.

 ill. Imagine that you have a private train and you get to play engineeer for a day. You are going along at some speed heading towards a great canyon when you are warned that the junction ahead has seven options.

- The first junction is materialism - if you go that way you get a million pounds.

- The second junction is physical pleasure - if you go that way you get fleshly gratification.

- The third way is the way of promised satisfaction - if you go that way you get addiction.

- The fourth way is way of the cross- it is a narrow way (laughed at by other engineers) frought with difficulty but the only way with a guarantee to get you accross the canyon.

- The fifth way is the way of science which tells you with some confidence that canyon's don't exist and that you are to keep full throttle to the end of the tracks.

- The sixth way is the way of religion which tells you that you can lay track as quickly as you are passing over the canyon and make your own way accross.

- The seventh way is the way of ecumenism that claims that all the tracks cross the canyon.

app. What track are you on?

question: How much is your soul worth to you? Would you take ANYTHING offered to you if you knew it would lead to your eternal damnation in the Devil's hell? In contrast it would also mean that you didn't go into the paradise which God has made for the redeemed.

Mat 16:26  For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

B. The Bible told me about the hidden sin in my heart.

12  Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

 ill. Cancer is cancer whether you know you have it or not. It doesn't become cancer when it is diagnosed. THE DIAGNOSIS IS HELPFUL IN IDENTIFYING THE CANCER AND PLANNING TREATMENT. 

question: If you suspected you had cancer would you schedule scans with the GP to deal with your suspicions?

app. Sin is error whether we know it or not. And whether men believe it or not. It sends a man to the second death in Hell. Is not man as wise, when man knows he has THE CANCER OF SIN to seek an appointment with the Great Physician of the soul. 

 note: Remember that record that God keeps of our transgressions? He alone can give us a clean slate because Jesus (shed His blood) in our place.

Col 2:14  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

 Hymn: Are You Washed in the Blood - Elisha A. Hoffman

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power, are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?

app. Friend - do you know that you are responsible to God? That hidden sin which the Bible reveals must be dealt with.

C. The Bible told me that I must depend upon God for victory. 

13  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

exp. David didn't just fear sins of ignorance, he feared living in wilful disobedience to God. (SINS OF PRESUMPTION.) I know it is wrong but I do it anyway.

ill. There was a day when David should have gone out with his men to battle but he was walking on his rooftop and saw a woman bathing. He lusted after her and took her to himself even though she was a married woman. To cover his sin he murdered her husband. Was David ignorant that adultery and murder were wrong? Uriah and Bathsheba - Praise God he repented and yet sins of presumption cost him greatly. 

Proverbs 29:1  He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Pro 13:15  Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

Hebrews 10:26  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

27  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

28  He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

29  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

 app. Are you wilfully violating God's Word? Do you not tremble today to know that you will answer to God for wilfully violating His law? You can't lose your salvation if you have received God's gift - but you can be severely chastened by a wholly God - and IF YOU ARE NOT SAVED IT MAY PRESUMTIOUS SIN MAY KEEP YOU FROM GETTING SAVED - THAT WOULD BE THE GREAT TRANSGRESSION.

D. The Bible told me that I must live life aware of the watchfulness of God.

14  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

exp. Oh, the Psalmist knew that God was not ignorant of the words of His mouth or the very secret thoughts of his heart.

Psalm 139 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2  Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

3  Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4  For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

notice: We can live life by God's grace with right words and right speech - let them be - ACCEPTABLE IN THY SIGHT. God isn't going to change what is acceptable but he can help us be acceptable.

ill. James Stewart - Trying to evangelize at his workplace realized that the men who mocked him would try their best to provoke him. Decided to get up early and spend more time in prayer so that God would help him control his tongue. 

question: Is that how you deal with your mind and your tongue - OR DO YOU JUST INTEND TO DO BETTER WITHOUT ASKING FOR GOD'S HELP?

ill. Jesus has told us that GOOD INTENTIONS ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO HELP US PLEASE GOD - WE NEED GOD'S HELP.

Mar 14:38  Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

note: Peter neglected the council of Jesus and promptly went out and greatly failed Jesus by denying him three times on the night of his betrayal.

app. We are responsible to God who is even watching over our speech and our thoughts. How greatly do you desire to please Him today? David knew God was HIS STRENGTH AND HIS REDEEMER and depended upon him to help him live in a way that pleases God.

 

conclusion: 

I'm glad that God can use me despite my lack of deep intelligence. I just have to be simple enough to know 3 truths without which YOU WILL NEVER SEE GOD EXCEPT AT THE JUDGMENT.

 

1.) I KNOW THAT THERE IS A GOD.

2.) I KNOW THAT THE BIBLE IS GOD'S WORD.

3.) I KNOW THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE TO GOD.

 

 

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