Preaching on Renounce: to give up Everything to serve God

 The Radical Call: Renouncing Everything to Serve God

 

Today, we confront one of the most challenging and transformative teachings of Jesus, a truth that cuts to the very core of our commitment and devotion. Our base text is Luke 14:33, where Jesus, with unreserved clarity, states: "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."

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This is a radical statement. Jesus teaches that no one can truly be His disciple unless they renounce, or give up, everything they possess. This isn't a call for symbolic surrender; it's a call for radical, unreserved, and total commitment. It means prioritizing Him above all else.

Let's explore this profound truth by examining biblical examples of those who truly renounced everything to serve God, seeing how their lives bore witness to this challenging command, and what it means for us today.

I. Abraham Renounced Everything to Serve God

Our journey begins with the father of faith, Abraham, whose life epitomizes radical obedience.

A. God commanded him to leave his homeland (Genesis 12:1-4): "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation...'" Abraham's call was a command to forsake everything familiar and secure.

B. Abraham obeyed, not knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8): "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." He left his home, his family, and everything he knew – the stability, the familiar culture, the ancestral lands – to embark on a journey of faith into the unknown.

C. God blessed him greatly (Genesis 24:35): Because of his total obedience and renunciation, God blessed Abraham immensely. He became "very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold." But more importantly, he became the father of a multitude, the patriarch through whom God's promises to the world would flow.

D. Total obedience brings blessing. Abraham's life demonstrates a foundational principle: when we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all other things are added to us, as promised in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

II. Moses Renounced Everything to Serve God

Next, we look at Moses, who exchanged the glory of an earthly kingdom for the glory of God.

A. Heir to the throne of Egypt (Exodus 2:9-10): Moses grew up in Pharaoh's palace, effectively an heir to the throne of the most powerful empire of his day. He possessed immense privilege, wealth, and power. Yet, Hebrews 11:24 tells us that "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter." He renounced that incredible privilege.

B. He preferred to be mistreated along with God's people (Hebrews 11:25): Instead of enjoying the "pleasures of sin for a short time," Moses "chose to be ill-treated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin." He rejected temporal things for eternal things, understanding the warning in 1 John 2:15-17 that "the world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."

C. He considered affliction greater than wealth (Hebrews 11:26): Moses "regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward." His perspective was eternal. He had his eye on the true, lasting reward, keeping his focus on heavenly things, as Colossians 3:1-2 instructs us: "Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

D. He did not fear the king, for he saw Him who is invisible (Hebrews 11:27): Moses's decision was not driven by fear of Pharaoh's wrath, but by a deeper reality: "By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible." He saw God, the invisible King, and that vision eclipsed all earthly power and fear.

III. Matthew Renounced Everything to Serve the Lord

From the grand stage of empires, we come to a seemingly ordinary man whose radical obedience transformed his life.

A. Matthew was a tax collector (Luke 5:27): This meant he had a lucrative and stable job, often despised by the Jewish people but financially secure. He was a man of means, comfortable in his profession.

B. When Jesus called him, he left everything (Luke 5:28): "After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. 'Follow me,' Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him." Matthew didn't think twice. He didn't make excuses. He didn't ask for time to settle his affairs. He rose and followed.

C. He was chosen as one of the Twelve (Luke 6:15): This ordinary tax collector, in an act of immediate and radical renunciation, was chosen by Jesus to be one of His closest disciples, one of the twelve apostles who would lay the foundations of the early church.

D. What would have happened if Matthew hadn't left everything? He would have missed the greatest privilege of his life. This begs the question for us: What blessings, what divine appointments, what profound experiences do we miss by not leaving what God asks of us, by clinging to our comfort, our security, our plans, or our possessions?

IV. Barnabas Renounced Everything to Serve God

From a life of personal profession, we turn to a man of quiet generosity and missionary zeal.

A. He sold his land to help the brothers (Acts 4:36-37): "Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means 'Son of Encouragement'), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet." Barnabas showed immense generosity and selflessness, divesting of his personal property to support the nascent Christian community.

B. He was Paul's companion in missionary work (Acts 13-15): Having renounced his possessions, Barnabas later left the comfort of Jerusalem and Antioch to become Paul's initial companion on the first missionary journey. He left everything familiar to dedicate himself fully to the ministry, spreading the gospel to the Gentiles.

C. Are we fulfilling the mission? (1 Peter 2:9): Barnabas's example challenges us. Are we fulfilling our call as God's chosen people, "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light"? This mission often requires renunciation, letting go of personal comfort to advance God's Kingdom.

V. Paul Renounced Everything to Serve God

Finally, the Apostle Paul stands as a towering example of radical renunciation for Christ.

A. He renounced his religious privileges (Philippians 3:5-8): Paul, once Saul, had everything a Jew could boast of: circumcised on the eighth day, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee, zealous for the law, blameless in legal righteousness. But after encountering Christ, he declared: "But whatever were gains to me I now consider as loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ." He considered all his impressive human credentials as mere rubbish, so that he might gain Christ.

B. He didn't even care about his life (Acts 20:24): Paul's commitment was so absolute that he literally did not cling to his own life: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." Nothing could stop him, because he knew who called him, and the incomparable value of that call.

C. His surrender was total. This challenges us directly: Are we willing to renounce even our comfort, our security, our personal desires for the sake of Christ? Is our surrender to Him total?

1. Preaching on Denying Christ
2. Preaching on The People of God: Called, Chosen, and Transformed
3. Preaching on Test the Spirits 1 John 4:1

Conclusion

The message from Jesus in Luke 14:33 and from the lives of these faithful servants is clear: God calls us to give up everything – our pride, our possessions, our comfort zones, our self-will, our own plans – to serve Him fully, without reservation.

This is not a call to legalism or poverty for poverty's sake. It is a call to a radical, unreserved devotion where Christ is supreme in every area of our lives. It is a call to love Him more than anything and everything else.

And what is the promise for such radical obedience? Christ promises a reward: a hundredfold in this life, and eternal life in the age to come (Matthew 19:29). "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life."

May we, like Abraham, Moses, Matthew, Barnabas, and Paul, count the cost, and then count the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. May we renounce everything that hinders our full devotion, so that we may serve Him wholeheartedly and experience the abundant blessings that flow from radical obedience.

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Preaching on Denying Christ

 When We Deny God: Beyond Peter's Moment

Today, our minds might immediately go to that poignant scene in the Gospels where Peter, in a moment of fear and weakness, denied Christ three times. His denial was verbal and direct, a heartbreaking failure in the face of immense pressure. We read that account and often think, "I would never do that."

But what if denying God isn't always a dramatic, verbal repudiation? What if, in our daily lives, we subtly, sometimes even unknowingly, deny Him through our actions, our attitudes, and our choices?

Our theme today is When Do We Deny God? It's a challenging question, one that calls for honest self-examination. Let’s explore this crucial topic together, going beyond the dramatic denial of Peter to uncover the more subtle, yet equally serious, ways we might deny our Lord.

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I. We Deny God When We Are Abominable

The Bible uses the strong term "abominable" to describe things that are utterly contrary to God's holy character and His revealed law. When we engage in such practices, even if our lips confess God, our lives deny Him.

A. Abomination = Contrary to God's law. This is not simply a distasteful act, but something that God detests, something that goes against His very nature and moral order.

B. Biblical examples of what is abominable:

    • Idolatry (1 Kings 21:26): King Ahab "behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the Lord drove out before Israel." Anything that takes the place of God in our lives – whether it's money, power, pleasure, self, a career, or even a relationship – becomes an idol. When we serve these things, we deny the exclusive claim of the one true God on our worship and devotion. 

    • Spiritual foolishness (Psalm 14:1): "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" A fool is not necessarily intellectually unintelligent, but morally and spiritually bankrupt. Such a person denies God not just with their lips, but in their heart and in their practical ways of living, acting as if God does not exist or is irrelevant. 

    • Refusal to hear the law (Proverbs 28:9): "If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable." It's not enough to simply hear God's Word. If we hear but consistently refuse to obey, if we willfully ignore His commands, then our very hearing becomes an abomination. This is a profound denial of God's authority. 

    • Injustice in dealing with others (Proverbs 11:1): "The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him." "False scales" symbolize dishonest business practices, cheating, exploitation, or any form of injustice in our dealings with others. When we are unjust, we deny God's character of righteousness and fairness. 

    • Lying (Proverbs 12:22): "The Lord detests lying lips, but delights in people who are trustworthy." Lying is fundamentally denying God's truth. Jesus told the Pharisees who rejected Him, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44). When we lie, we act like children of the devil, not children of God, thereby denying the God of truth. 

    • Wicked Thoughts (Proverbs 15:26): "The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but he delights in those who are pure." It's not just our actions; what we harbor in our minds can also be an abomination if it goes against God's holiness. Malice, lust, envy, revenge – these secret thoughts deny God's call to purity of heart. 

C. Conclusion of this point: When we consistently live out these abominable practices, even if we claim to know God with our lips, our very lives contradict that claim. Our actions become a resounding denial of who God is and our supposed relationship with Him. And if we deny Him in this way, Jesus warns us in Matthew 10:33: "But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." This is a terrifying thought.

II. We Deny God When We Are Disobedient

Beyond abominable practices, a pattern of disobedience to clear biblical commands also constitutes a denial of God. Obedience is a fundamental expression of our love and allegiance.

A. Examples of disobedience that deny God:

    • Disobeying civil laws (Romans 13:1-2): "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." Rebellion against legitimate authority, especially when it doesn't conflict with God's higher law, is rebellion against God Himself. 

    • Disobeying parents (Ephesians 6:1-2): "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—". Disrespect, defiance, or disobedience in the home denies God's clear design for family order and His authority over us. 

    • Lack of order in the family: 

        ◦ Husbands who don't lead (Ephesians 5:23): "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior." When husbands abdicate their God-given responsibility to lovingly lead and care for their families, they deny God's design for the home. 

        ◦ Wives who don't submit (Ephesians 5:22): "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord." When wives refuse to willingly submit to their husbands' loving leadership, they deny God's complementary design for the family. 

    • Not preaching the gospel (Mark 16:15-16): Jesus' Great Commission is unequivocal: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Missionary silence, a failure to share the life-saving message of Christ, is not passive inaction; it is an active disobedience, a denial of the very purpose for which we have been saved and sent. 

III. We Deny God When We Are Useless for Any Good Work

Finally, we deny God when our lives are characterized by a lack of fruitfulness and usefulness in His service.

A. God created us to do good works (Ephesians 2:10): "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." If we are not actively engaged in the good works He has prepared for us, we are failing to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.

B. God expects a people zealous for good works (Titus 2:14; 3:8; 3:14):

    • Titus 2:14: Christ "gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." 

    • Titus 3:8: "And I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." 

    • Titus 3:14: "Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives." Not being useful, being idle or negligent in Christian service, makes us like the "worthless servant" in Jesus' parable. 

C. Jesus himself said it: "A worthless servant" (Luke 17:10): Jesus taught, "So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’" While the context is humility, the implication is clear: those who do nothing are truly worthless in the kingdom. Whoever doesn't do what they ought to do, even if they claim to know God, is denying Him by their inaction.

D. What good works are you failing to do today? This calls for personal reflection. Are we actively helping others, teaching the truth, comforting the sorrowful, serving the church, or evangelizing the lost? He who does nothing, who sits idly by, is already denying God with his actions, or lack thereof.

1. Preaching on The People of God: Called, Chosen, and Transformed
2. Preaching on Test the Spirits 1 John 4:1
3. Preaching About Hope Colossians 1:5

Conclusion

Peter's denial was a moment of weakness, followed by bitter repentance and restoration. But the denials we've discussed today are often a pattern of life, a lifestyle that contradicts our confession.

Jesus' words are a solemn warning for all of us: "Whoever denies me... him I also will deny" (Matthew 10:33).

Let us not live lives that, by our abominable practices, our persistent disobedience, or our spiritual uselessness, deny the very God whom we claim to serve. Instead, may our lives be a resounding "Yes!" to Him—a life of purity, obedience, and fervent good works, all to His glory.

May God give us the grace to examine our hearts and lives, repent where necessary, and live in such a way that our every breath and action proclaims our unwavering allegiance to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Preaching on The People of God: Called, Chosen, and Transformed

 The People of God: Called, Chosen, and Transformed

Today, we delve into one of the most comforting and identity-shaping concepts in all of Scripture: The People of God. This beautiful phrase signifies a group distinct from all others, set apart because of their unique and special relationship with the Lord Himself.

In the Old Testament, this phrase was primarily applied to the nation of Israel, God's chosen covenant people. In the New Testament, through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, this glorious identity is extended and applied to the church – composed of all who believe in Him, regardless of their earthly origin.

Let's explore what it truly means to be part of the People of God.

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I. God Cares for His People

From the very beginning, God's relationship with His people has been marked by His unwavering love, care, and intervention.

    • In Egypt, He saw their affliction and heard their cry (Exodus 3:7–8). When His people were suffering under harsh slavery, God did not remain distant. He saw their misery, heard their groaning, and declared His intention to rescue them. 

    • He delivered them from slavery out of love (Exodus 6:7). God didn't deliver Israel because they deserved it, but because of His steadfast love and covenant faithfulness. He acted to make them His people, and for them to know Him as their God. 

    • His presence was with them in the wilderness (Exodus 33:13–17). Even in their wanderings and rebellions, God's presence, manifested in the pillar of cloud and fire, accompanied them. His presence was the distinguishing mark that set them apart from all other peoples. Moses himself declared, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" 

    • They were His inheritance (Deuteronomy 4:20; 9:29). Moses reminded Israel that God brought them out of the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt to be "the people of His inheritance." They were His treasured possession. 

    • They were His exclusive people, set apart for Him (Deuteronomy 14:2). God chose Israel not because they were numerous, but because He loved them, to be a people holy to Himself, distinct from all other peoples on earth. 

    • They were a precious people (2 Samuel 7:23). David marvelled at God's unique choice of Israel, asking, "And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as his own people?" 

This historical reality underscores a profound truth: God's care for His people is deeply personal, active, and rooted in His eternal love and covenant faithfulness.

II. God Chose All as His People

While in the Old Testament, God’s chosen people were primarily Israel, the New Testament reveals a glorious expansion of this divine election.

A. In the New Testament, God opens the door to the Gentiles:

    • Acts 15:14 records James's pivotal statement at the Jerusalem Council: "Simon [Peter] has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles." This was a revolutionary truth for many Jewish believers – God was actively calling Gentiles, those previously outside the covenant, to be His very own people. 

    • Romans 9:24–26 quotes the prophet Hosea to explain this inclusion: "even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles. As he says in Hosea: 'I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people; and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,' and, 'In the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’'" Those who were once alien to the covenant promises are now, through Christ, called "children of the living God." 

B. In Christ there is no longer any distinction:

    • The unifying work of Christ breaks down all barriers. Ephesians 2:14–15 declares, "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace." There is no difference of race or nationality—no Jew, no Gentile—in terms of access to God’s people. 

    • Similarly, Colossians 3:11 states, "Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." In Christ, these distinctions fade. 

    • The profound truth is that all who obey the gospel – all who repent and believe in Jesus Christ – can be part of this special people of God. This is the inclusive, grace-filled invitation of the New Covenant. 

III. Characteristics of God's People

So, what are the defining characteristics of this special people, the church, the people of God today? 1 Peter 2:9 gives us a comprehensive description: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

A. A people chosen by God (1 Peter 2:9):

    • Chosen race – This signifies a spiritual race, designed and selected by God. Just as Israel was chosen, so are believers in Christ, not by bloodline, but by divine purpose. Isaiah 43:20-21 speaks of this: "The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise." 

    • Royal priesthood – We are all priests, not just a select few, with direct access to God through Christ, called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving, and service (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:5). 

    • A holy nation – We are set apart from the world, consecrated to God for His purposes, as Deuteronomy 7:6 described Israel: "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession." 

    • God's special possession – We are God's private property, His treasured possession, bought with the precious price of Christ's blood (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23; 1 Peter 1:19). We belong exclusively to Him. 

    • To proclaim his virtues – Our very existence as God's people is for a purpose: to be proclaimers of His excellencies, the glorious light we have received. 

B. A people zealous for good works (Titus 2:14):

    • Christ "gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." We were saved for good works, not by them. 

    • We were created for good works (Ephesians 2:10): "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." 

    • We must be occupied in good works (Titus 3:8): Paul insisted that believers "be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." 

    • We are to be an example of good works (Titus 2:7): Titus was instructed to be "an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness." Our lives should demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. 

    • We must not forget to do good, for it pleases God (Hebrews 13:16): "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." 

1. Preaching on Test the Spirits 1 John 4:1
2. Preaching About Hope Colossians 1:5
3. Preaching on The Wrath of God

Conclusion

What a glorious identity we have in Christ! We are not just individuals trying to navigate life alone. We are part of The People of God – a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession.

Let us live out this extraordinary calling with joy and purpose. Let us live as the distinct, holy, and zealous people God desires us to be, proclaiming His virtues to a world in darkness. May our lives reflect His love, His holiness, and His power, for His glory alone.

Amen.

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Why Shouldn't We Love the World?

 Why Shouldn't We Love the World? A Call to Undivided Devotion

Today, we confront a challenging but absolutely vital question for every believer: Why shouldn't we love the world? In a society that constantly bombards us with messages of pleasure, success, and material gain, it’s easy to drift into a subtle affection for the very things that God warns us against.

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Our base text, 1 John 2:15, delivers a clear and uncompromising command: "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them."

This verse presents a stark choice. As Jesus Himself stated in Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." The principle extends beyond money; you cannot truly love God and the world at the same time. They are competing affections.

Let's unpack the profound reasons why God calls us to reject love for the world, and instead, to fix our hearts solely on Him.

I. The Call of the World

The world, in its spiritual sense, represents the system of human values, desires, and pursuits that are contrary to God's will and purpose. It issues a seductive call, but it is a call to destruction.

    • It calls to sin – to seek selfish pleasure. The world beckons us to indulge our every desire, to live for immediate gratification. The rich fool in Luke 12:19 epitomizes this mindset: "And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’" This is the world's deceptive invitation: live for self, live for pleasure. 

    • It calls to slavery – sin enslaves. While promising freedom, the world actually leads to bondage. Jesus said in John 8:34, "Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin." The world's allure traps us, and sin becomes a master that holds us captive. 

    • It calls to sensuality – to love pleasure more than God (2 Timothy 3:4). In his description of people in the last days, Paul notes they will be "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." This is the essence of worldliness: an idolatry of sensation and personal comfort above divine reverence. 

Ultimately, the trajectory of this worldly call is clear: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23). The pleasures of the world are fleeting and lead to spiritual death.

C. Warning: Let us not fall into the world's attractive trap. The world is a cunning hunter, and its allure can be incredibly deceptive. We must be vigilant.

II. The Character of the World

Beyond its deceptive call, the very nature of the world system is antithetical to life and truth.

    • It deceives – It disguises evil as good (2 Corinthians 4:4). Paul warns that "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." The world, under the influence of Satan, constantly redefines right and wrong, disguising destructive practices as progressive or enlightened. It calls bitter sweet and sweet bitter. 

    • It destroys – It corrupts the human being completely (James 4:1). James asks, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?" Worldliness fosters covetousness, envy, and strife, leading to a complete moral and spiritual corruption of the human being. 

    • It condemns – Nothing is more valuable than the soul (Mark 8:36-37). The world offers temporary gain, but at what eternal cost? Jesus asks, "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" The world's promises lead to condemnation because they prioritize everything but the eternal soul. 

    • It kills – Sin brings death, not life (James 1:15). "Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." The world, with its seductive allure to sin, is ultimately a harbinger of death – spiritual, and ultimately, eternal death. 

III. The Control of the World

When we succumb to the world's influence, it begins to control our innermost being, shaping our attitudes, desires, and actions.

    • Attitudes – It makes us enemies of God (James 4:4). This is a stark and sober warning: "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." Our very disposition, our orientation, becomes opposed to God. 

    • Desires – Love of money and pleasures (1 Timothy 6:10; Matthew 6:21). The world instills in us cravings for material wealth and fleeting pleasures. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:10). Jesus Himself taught, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21). If our hearts are fixed on worldly treasures, our desires are controlled by the world. 

    • Actions – Works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). When the world controls us, our actions reflect its influence. Paul lists the "works of the flesh" as things like "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." These are the fruit of a life controlled by the world, leading to the devastating consequence of not inheriting the Kingdom of God. 

IV. The Pollution of the World

The world doesn't just influence; it contaminates, leaving its mark on our deepest faculties.

    • It pollutes the mind – Fills it with vanity and foolishness (Romans 1:21). When people reject God, "their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." The world, with its secular philosophies and empty pursuits, fills the mind with vanity, useless speculation, and intellectual arrogance that blinds us to divine truth. 

    • It pollutes the heart – Fills it with evil (Matthew 15:19). Jesus taught, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." The world's influence corrupts the very wellspring of our being, filling the heart with all manner of evil. 

    • Only the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). Jesus declared, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." A heart polluted by the world cannot perceive or truly experience the holiness of God. 

V. The Ransom from the World

The good news is that we are not destined to be victims of the world's call, character, control, and pollution. God has provided a ransom, a way to escape its grip and live a life transformed.

    • Sincere repentance (Matthew 3:2): John the Baptist's message, echoed by Jesus, was "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." Repentance is turning away from the world and its ways, and turning towards God. 

    • Forgiveness of sins in Christ (Acts 2:37–38): Peter, after convicting the crowd on Pentecost, told them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice cleanses us from the pollution of sin and breaks the world's hold. 

    • Faithfulness unto death (Revelation 2:10): Jesus calls us to unwavering loyalty: "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown." Our steadfastness in Christ is how we overcome the world. 

The ultimate reason for not loving the world is its fleeting nature. 1 John 2:17 assures us: "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." The world will pass away, but those who do God's will remain forever.

We cannot physically leave the world, as Jesus acknowledged in His prayer for His disciples: "I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:11). And He prayed, "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (John 17:15).

But we can overcome it:

    • Not by loving the world, for that is a path to enmity with God. 

    • By being transformed (Romans 12:2): "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." 

    • Remembering that we are not of the world (John 17:14): Jesus said, "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world." 

1. God's Protection
2. Examples of Actions that Inspire Us
3. What Does the Bible Teach Us About Children?

Conclusion

My dear friends, the choice is clear and foundational to our Christian walk. We are called to live as children of God, not as friends of the world. For the Scripture warns us powerfully in James 4:4: "You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."

May our hearts be undivided in their devotion to God. May we actively resist the world's seductive call, recognize its destructive character, break free from its control, and cleanse ourselves from its pollution. May we live as those who have been ransomed from its power, transformed by Christ, and ultimately, destined for an eternal home that is not of this world.

Amen.

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Preaching on Test the Spirits 1 John 4:1

 Testing the Spirits: Guarding the Truth in Our Day

Our base text today, a foundational truth for every believer, comes from 1 John 4:1: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

In this crucial exhortation, the apostle John presents us with a command that is absolutely essential for every disciple of Christ in every generation, and certainly in ours: not everyone who presents themselves as a teacher or a messenger of God is trustworthy.

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The term "spirits" in this text, as we understand it, refers to people who claim to speak or act in the name of God, who present themselves as having a divine message, but who, in reality, may be false teachers, false prophets, or individuals promoting doctrines that are contrary to the truth of God’s Word.

This teaching, my friends, is not merely an academic exercise; it is vital, for the very truth of doctrine, the purity of the Gospel, and the spiritual well-being of the church are at stake. In a world inundated with voices, claims, and spiritual experiences, the ability to discern truth from error is paramount.

Today, we will delve into this command by considering three key questions that will help us apply this essential principle in our lives and in our church:

Why should spirits be tested?

How should they be tested?

Who should test them?

May God grant us wisdom and discernment as we open His Word together.

I. WHY SHOULD WE TEST THE SPIRITS?

John’s opening words in 1 John 4:1 are tender, yet firm: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

A. John begins tenderly: “Beloved,” (also seen in verses 7 and 11 of this chapter). This term of endearment, "Beloved," reveals the deep concern of the apostle John for the spiritual well-being of the believers. He isn't issuing a harsh command, but a loving warning, like a father protecting his children. He knows the dangers lurking outside the sheepfold of truth.

B. He exhorts us not to believe every spirit, but to test those who teach. The instruction is clear: implicit trust is dangerous. We are called to exercise discernment. Just as a goldsmith tests metals, applying heat or acid to determine their purity and value, we too must test every teaching, every spiritual claim, with the "acid" of biblical truth. We cannot simply accept what is presented to us at face value, no matter how charismatic the presenter, or how appealing the message may sound.

C. Jesus Himself warned of the grave danger of false teachers. In Matthew 7:15, our Lord cautioned, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." And again, in Matthew 24:11 and 24, He reiterated, "and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people... For false Messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." The warning from our Lord is sober and persistent. False teachers are not always obvious; they often appear righteous, even miraculous.

D. The Bible provides numerous examples of false leaders who threatened the purity of the faith:

We see Theudas and Judas of Galilee in Acts 5:36-37, stirring up rebellion, whose movements ultimately came to nothing.

There's Simon Magus in Acts 8:9-11, who captivated a city with his sorcery and sought to buy the power of the Holy Spirit for personal gain.

And the false prophet Bar-Jesus in Acts 13:6, who opposed Paul and Barnabas, seeking to turn people away from the faith.

These are not isolated incidents but patterns of deception throughout history.

E. John himself concludes this opening thought with a powerful statement: “because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1). This is not a future possibility; it is a present reality. As 2 Peter 2:1 warns, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you." Yet, we also have positive examples. The church at Ephesus, commendably, was able to discern these false teachers. In Revelation 2:2, Jesus commends them, saying, "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false." Let us imitate the discernment of the Ephesian church! We test the spirits because our spiritual lives, the purity of the Gospel, and the health of the church depend on it.

II. HOW SHOULD THESE SPIRITS BE TESTED?

Having established the critical why, let us now turn to the how. If we are to test, what is our standard?

A. We should not test by human recommendations or personal impressions. The greatest orator, the most charismatic personality, the most emotionally moving experience – none of these are the ultimate measure of truth. Nor should we rely solely on how something "feels" to us. Our subjective experiences, while real, can be easily swayed and are not infallible.

B. The measure for testing truth is unequivocally Scripture, the Word of God. Just as the goldsmith uses an assay stone, we use the Bible. The noble Bereans in Acts 17:11 provide the perfect example: "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." They didn't just listen; they diligently checked Paul's teaching against the established Word of God.

Consider how God tested Abraham in Genesis 22:1, not to see if Abraham would fail, but to reveal the depth of his faith.

The Queen of Sheba tested Solomon in 1 Kings 10:1, seeking to confirm the truth of his wisdom.

Job, in his suffering, trusted that his faith would be tested, as he declared in Job 23:10: "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."

These examples, though different in context, illustrate the principle of testing for authenticity and truth.

C. The testing must be biblical, profound, and unafraid to examine doctrine. This means we must be diligent in our own study of the Bible. We cannot truly test if we do not know the standard. This requires careful, prayerful engagement with God's inspired Word, not just skimming a few verses. It requires a willingness to dig deep into what is taught and compare it meticulously with the whole counsel of God.

D. If someone does not bring sound doctrine, they should not be received. John is uncompromising on this point in 2 John 10-11: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work." To receive a false teacher, to give them a platform, to financially support their ministry, or to simply tolerate their error within the church, is to participate in their deception. It is to become complicit in their wicked work of leading others astray. This is a severe warning, brothers and sisters, that we must take to heart in our increasingly open and connected world.

III. WHO SHOULD TEST THEM?

Finally, having understood the why and the how, let us consider the who. Who bears this crucial responsibility?

A. This is not the exclusive task of pastors or preachers. While pastors and elders have a primary responsibility to guard the flock and sound doctrine (Acts 20:28-31; Titus 1:9), the command in 1 John 4:1 is given to “dear friends,” to all believers. Every Christian has this responsibility, not just the leadership. We cannot delegate our spiritual discernment to others.

B. Every believer must be prepared to present a defense and contend earnestly for the faith.

1 Peter 3:15 charges each of us: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." To give an answer, we must know what we believe and why.

Furthermore, Jude 3 calls us to "contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people." This means being ready to defend the truth, to call out error, and to stand firm on biblical principles, even when it is unpopular or difficult.

C. The entire church has the duty to protect itself from error and to guard doctrine. This is a corporate responsibility. We are to watch out for one another, to encourage one another in the truth, and to collectively reject anything that deviates from the pure teaching of God’s Word. This requires a spiritually mature and biblically literate congregation, one that is not easily swayed by every new wind of doctrine.

1. Preaching About Hope Colossians 1:5
2. Preaching on The Wrath of God
3. Preaching on Sincerity in the life of a Christian

Conclusion

In closing, beloved, let us internalize the profound and urgent call of the Apostle John:

A. We must test the spirits to see if they are from God; that is, if their teaching is truly based on sound, biblical doctrine. This is our duty and our defense against deception.

B. We must not receive those who bring false doctrines, lest we be carried away by error ourselves and, worse, become complicit in their destructive work. May we have the courage to stand firm, even if it means being perceived as exclusive or unwelcoming by a world that often values tolerance above truth.

C. All of us, without exception – from the newest convert to the most seasoned saint – are responsible for this vital task. Doctrinal error is not a minor issue; it is a dangerous poison that can corrupt the entire church if not confronted firmly, truthfully, and with unwavering commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and His infallible Word.

May God grant us the discernment, the courage, and the unwavering commitment to test every spirit, to cling to the truth, and to uphold the pure doctrine of Christ for His glory and the preservation of His church. Amen.

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Preaching About Hope Colossians 1:5

Preaching About Hope Colossians 1:5

The apostle Paul speaks of "the hope that is laid up for you in heaven," a hope that is not fleeting or uncertain. This hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). Why is this hope so sure? It is not a false hope; you can be confident because God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). May this study help us to stand firm and obtain this unwavering and eternal hope that extends throughout the heavenly realms.

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I. HOPE IS IN THE HEAVENS (FILIPENSES 3:20)

    • A. This hope is located in the heavens. It is something secure, reserved, and kept safe for us in the heavenly realm (1 Peter 1:4). It is described as a "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5:1).

        ◦ Discussion: What does it mean for our hope to be "laid up in heaven"? How does this location guarantee its security and permanence? 

    • B. Although the fullness of this hope is not realized here and now (Romans 8:24), we eagerly await it with patience (Romans 8:25). Therefore, we must fix our gaze on the things that are unseen, for these are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

        ◦ Discussion: How should the fact that our ultimate hope is yet to be fully realized affect our perspective on present trials and difficulties? How does patience play a role in our anticipation of this hope? 

    • C. We possess this hope of enjoying eternal life in its fullness throughout all of heaven. Let us not lose sight of this ultimate reward.

        ◦ Discussion: What aspects of eternal life in heaven do you anticipate with the greatest joy and hope? 

II. WHEN ARE WE PLACING OUR HOPE?  

    • A. Many people place their hope in earthly things. But unfortunately, this is often a false hope because the earth and all its works will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10-11). Others place their hope in family, friends, money, or even in human leaders, but our ultimate hope should not rest on such transient things.

        ◦ Discussion: What are some of the earthly things people often place their hope in? Why are these ultimately unreliable sources of lasting hope? 

    • B. We must place our hope in God. Like King Hezekiah, who trusted in the Lord God of Israel (2 Kings 18:5), our reliance should be solely on Him. Even when earthly hopes are burned away, our hope remains secure in God (Psalm 14:6). As the Psalmist declared, "And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you" (Psalm 39:7). The Psalmist was not ashamed of his hope because it was anchored in God (Psalm 119:116). Similarly, the Christian's true hope is in the living God (1 Timothy 4:10).

        ◦ Discussion: What does it mean to place our hope in God? How does this kind of hope provide stability and security in the face of life's uncertainties? 

    • C. For this reason, even in death, the righteous has hope (Proverbs 14:32). And that is why we glory in the hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:2). We are called to rejoice in hope (Romans 12:12).

        ◦ Discussion: How does the hope we have in God transform our perspective on death? What does it mean to "glory in the hope of the glory of God"? 

III. THE GREATNESS OF THIS HOPE

    • A. The greatness of this hope lies in the fact that:

        ◦ 1. Nothing impure or defiling will ever enter it (Revelation 21:27). Heaven is a place of perfect holiness. 

        ◦ 2. All those who practice evil will be kept far away (Revelation 22:15). There will be no more wickedness or injustice. 

        ◦ 3. There will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more pain (Revelation 21:4). The sources of earthly suffering will be eradicated. 

        ◦ 4. There will be no more thirst, no more hunger, no more scorching heat (Revelation 7:16). All physical needs and discomforts will be gone. 

    • B. Other magnificent aspects of this hope include:

        ◦ 1. We will be with God, and we will see Him face to face, just as He is (1 John 3:2). This intimate communion with our Creator is the ultimate fulfillment. 

        ◦ 2. We will be in the company of countless angels (Revelation 5:11). We will join the heavenly host in worship and glory. 

1. Preaching on The Wrath of God
2. Preaching on Sincerity in the life of a Christian
3. Preaching on God is Good (Psalm 100:5)

CONCLUSION:

The hope that is set before us in the Gospel is a glorious and certain hope, anchored in the unchanging character of God and secured in the heavens. Unlike earthly hopes that fade and fail, this hope in Christ does not disappoint. Let us fix our hearts and minds on this eternal reality, allowing it to sustain and empower us as we journey through this present life, eagerly anticipating the fullness of our inheritance in God's presence. May this hope inspire us to live lives that reflect the glory of the One in whom our hope resides.

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Preaching on The Wrath of God

THE WRATH OF GOD

I. THE WRATH OF GOD ON THE UNGODLY

    • A. It is demonstrated by God's opposition to all injustice and impiety (Romans 1:18). God's wrath is not a capricious outburst but a righteous and holy response to evil and rebellion against His perfect standards.

        ◦ Discussion: How does understanding God's holiness help us to comprehend His wrath? 

    • B. It is directed towards the unbelievers (John 3:36). Those who reject Jesus Christ and refuse to believe in Him remain under God's righteous judgment.

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        ◦ Discussion: Why does unbelief incur God's wrath? What is the connection between rejecting Christ and facing God's judgment? 

    • C. It is directed towards the children of disobedience (Ephesians 5:6; Colossians 3:6). Those who consistently live in disobedience to God's commands and follow the ways of the world incur His displeasure.

        ◦ Discussion: What does it mean to be a "child of disobedience"? How does a lifestyle of disobedience provoke God's wrath? 

    • D. It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31). This verse underscores the seriousness and awesomeness of facing God's judgment.

        ◦ Discussion: Why is falling into the hands of the living God described as "horrendous"? What does this reveal about His power and justice? 

II. EXAMPLES OF GOD'S WRATH

    • A. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:20-21; 19:1-28; Luke 17:29-30; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7). Their extreme wickedness and unrepentant sin led to their utter destruction by fire from heaven.

        ◦ Discussion: What specific sins of Sodom and Gomorrah provoked God's wrath? What lessons can we learn from this historical judgment? 

    • B. The judgment of the angels who sinned (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). These fallen angels were cast into hell and reserved in chains of gloomy darkness for judgment, demonstrating that even spiritual beings are not exempt from God's wrath.

        ◦ Discussion: What does the judgment of the fallen angels teach us about the universality and severity of God's justice? 

    • C. The judgment of the world in the times of Noah (Genesis 6:5-7, 13; Luke 17:27; 2 Peter 2:5). The pervasive wickedness and violence of humanity led God to send a global flood, destroying all but Noah and his family.

        ◦ Discussion: What were the characteristics of the pre-flood world that warranted such drastic judgment? What parallels might we see in our own time? 

    • D. The judgment of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2). These sons of Aaron offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were immediately consumed by fire from the Lord, highlighting God's demand for reverence and obedience in worship.

        ◦ Discussion: What does this seemingly severe judgment teach us about the importance of approaching God according to His will and commands? 

    • E. The judgment of the children of Israel in the desert (Hebrews 3:17). Their unbelief and rebellion against God's leading in the wilderness resulted in their deaths before entering the Promised Land.

        ◦ Discussion: How did the unbelief and disobedience of the Israelites provoke God's wrath? What warnings does this provide for believers today? 

III. THE LAST DAY WILL BE THE DAY OF GOD'S WRATH

    • A. It is the day of wrath and the revelation of the righteous judgment of God (Romans 2:5-9). The final judgment will be a time when God's perfect justice will be fully revealed and executed.

        ◦ Discussion: What will be the nature of God's righteous judgment on the last day? 

    • B. It is the day to execute judgment on all the ungodly for all their deeds of ungodliness (Jude 15). All those who have rejected God and lived in unrighteousness will face His judgment.

        ◦ Discussion: What will be the basis of judgment for the ungodly? 

    • C. It is the wrath of God and of the Lamb (Revelation 6:16-17). Even the gentle Lamb of God will manifest His righteous wrath against those who have rejected His sacrifice.

        ◦ Discussion: Why is it significant that the wrath to come is described as both the wrath of God and of the Lamb? 

    • D. The wrath of God is almighty (Revelation 19:15). Nothing can stand against the full force of God's righteous indignation.

        ◦ Discussion: What does the description of God's wrath as "almighty" emphasize about its power and finality? 

    • E. It will result in eternal punishment (Revelation 20:15). Those who are not found written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire, experiencing eternal separation from God.

        ◦ Discussion: What is the nature of eternal punishment? Why is it a just consequence for rejecting God's grace? 

IV. THE LOVE OF GOD SENT JESUS CHRIST SO THAT WE MIGHT ESCAPE FROM THE WRATH OF GOD

    • A. We escape the wrath of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9). His death on the cross satisfied God's righteous anger against our sin.

        ◦ Discussion: How does Jesus' death provide a way for us to escape God's wrath? What is the significance of His atoning sacrifice? 

    • B. He delivers us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10). Jesus' resurrection guarantees our deliverance from future judgment.

        ◦ Discussion: How does the resurrection of Jesus assure believers of their escape from God's future wrath? 

    • C. There is no way for us to earn or achieve salvation on our own to escape God's wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Salvation is a gift of God's grace through faith in Christ.

        ◦ Discussion: Why is human effort insufficient to escape God's wrath? What is the role of grace in salvation? 

    • D. He has reconciled us to God through His death, presenting us holy and blameless before Him (Colossians 1:21-22). Through Christ, the enmity between us and God is removed.

        ◦ Discussion: What does reconciliation with God mean? How does Christ's death accomplish this reconciliation? 

    • E. He is continually calling sinners to escape His wrath, urging them to come and be reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). The Gospel is an invitation to find refuge in Christ.

        ◦ Discussion: How should the reality of God's wrath motivate us to share the Gospel with others? 

    • F. Each person is responsible for their own actions, and each person has to accept the gracious invitation of Christ (Matthew 11:28-30) to be able to escape the wrath of God. The choice to accept or reject Christ lies with each individual.

        ◦ Discussion: What is the nature of Christ's invitation in Matthew 11:28-30? What does it mean to "take His yoke"? 

1. Preaching on Sincerity in the life of a Christian
2. Preaching on God is Good (Psalm 100:5)
3. Preaching on God's hand: Work, guiding, protecting, and even judging

CONCLUSION:

    • A. The wrath of God has revealed itself in His Word, justly punishing the disobedient throughout history and with a final judgment to come. 

    • B. Yet, in His great love and mercy, God desires that all people are saved from this righteous wrath and find refuge in His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:4). The offer of salvation is extended to all. Let us be urgent in proclaiming this message of hope and escape from God's wrath through faith in Jesus.

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