And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD
Volume 23, Number
37
10/10/2021
Published
by
Mt. Baker
church of Christ
Location:
1860 Mt. Baker HWY
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 30821
Bellingham, WA 98228
(360) 752-2692
Sunday:
Bible Classes..........9:30 AM
Worship..10:30AM; 6:00PM
Wednesday:
Bible Classes.........7:00 PM
All sing last Wednesday
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Bible Answers
Editor......Joe R. Price
In this issue:
Joe R. Price
Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus makes a strong contrast being material and spiritual things. We do
not achieve spiritual fulfillment by material means. For example, while
important, caring for one’s body is not the same as caring for one’s soul;
That requires exercising ourselves toward godliness (1 Tim. 4:7-8). The
earth and its goods are transitory, temporary, and tenuous. To invest one’s
heart and life in these things is to miss the greater treasure that is
enduring and eternal. We will fix our hearts on one or the other. Christians
focus their hearts on spiritual wealth. The previous teachings of Christ in
this sermon illuminate heavenly treasures. In the Beatitudes, Jesus explains
the spiritual fortune of kingdom citizens (Matt. 5:1-12). Choosing righteous
conduct reflects a heart that values heaven more than earthly vindication
and pleasure (Matt. 5:17-48). Seeking God’s favor in our service and prayers
shows a heart dedicated to treasures men cannot spoil (Matt. 6:1-18). Money
is not evil, but loving it is (1 Tim. 6:9-10). Loving heavenly things equips
us to use material goods to serve others and honor God while laying hold of
eternal life (1 Tim. 6:17-19).
Matthew 6:22-23
The eye is a wondrous mechanism. Our Creator’s wisdom, knowledge, and
power are on full display as we ponder this marvelous organ of the human
body. Without the eye, our entire body is dark. When vision is obscured,
what was once brilliant is blurred, without contrast and focus. Blindness
leaves one in a world of darkness. We should not take our eyes for granted.
Jesus used the simple fact that our eyes illuminate our bodies to imply a
greater spiritual truth. When we direct our eyes toward heaven’s treasures,
we focus on things above (Matt. 6:19-21; Col. 3:1-2). With clear eyes and
faithful intent, let us present our bodies “as instruments of righteousness
to God” (Rom. 6:13, 16). But, when our eyes are attentive to this present
age, the evils of the world obscure the light of truth (1 John 2:15-17).
When the darkness of sin grabs our attention, we present our bodies “as
instruments of unrighteousness to sin” and become slaves of sin, leading to
spiritual death (Rom. 6:13, 16). Jesus warned, “Therefore take heed that the
light which is in you is not darkness” (Luke 11:35). We can deceive
ourselves that we are walking in the light when we are really in darkness.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, the light of the world, and focus on laying up
heavenly treasures by following Him (John 8:12; Matt. 6:20-21).
Matthew 6:24
We are all devoted to something or someone, and submit ourselves to our
master’s power over us. Even “masters” have a master (Matt. 8:9; Col. 4:1).
Here, Jesus calls our attention to the master we choose to serve. And make
no mistake; We choose one master over the other. Divided loyalties are not
realistic; We cannot serve two masters. Jesus poses a contrast between
serving God or mammon (from Aramaic, “riches, wealth”). Jesus just taught us
to lay up treasures in heaven. Now, He identifies our master by whom or what
we serve. Does gaining wealth drive your passions, enthusiasm, and values?
Your master is mammon when material prosperity is the primary mover of your
decisions. Conversely, does pleasing God (doing His will) have top priority
in how you work, play, and live? We ought to honestly assess which master we
choose. Jesus will go on to say we must “seek first the kingdom of God and
His righteousness” instead of being consumed with the cares of this age that
distract and destroy faith (Matt. 6:33-34; Mark 4:19). We cannot bow before
the altar of material riches without despising God (who blesses us with life
itself and the provisions that sustain our lives). To “live by faith in the
Son of God,” we must crucify ourselves and be utterly loyal to Him (Gal.
2:20). God must be our master. Choose to serve God today and every day.
Matthew 6:25-28a
Our heart reveals our treasures, our vision reveals the light we follow,
and our service reveals our master (Matt. 6:21-24). These principles form
the basis of Christ’s extended passage on trusting our heavenly Father to
provide for our daily needs (Matt. 6:25-34). We express this trust as we
pray, “give us this day our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). We affirm our faith
that God will do so by refusing to yield to anxiety over daily necessities.
Anxiety distracts and debilitates us from laying up heavenly treasures and
serving God (“seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” Matt.
6:33). Please note, Jesus discusses necessities of life (food and clothing),
not luxuries (the pursuit of which contributes to increased anxiety). Our
goal is a contented faith that refuses to be distracted. First, consider
God’s constant care of the birds. He feeds the birds, and we are far more
valuable than birds (Lk. 12:24). Therefore, recalling this helps us avoid
being disturbed and diverted from faithfully following God. Second, worry
does not accomplish anything productive. It cannot increase our height, and
it cannot provide for our needs. Anxiety is futile and fruitless, weakening
our faith in God’s constant care and provisions. Trust the Lord; He provides
for our needs.
(Continued next week
You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS
The Gospel the Apostles Preached
Joe R. Price
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
1. Why
should you (anyone) believe and follow the gospel of Jesus? Mark 1:14-15
2. Answer is found in 1 Thess. 1:5.
I. A REVEALED GOSPEL (“in word”), John 16:13; Gal. 1:11-12.
A.
Apostles’ Teaching, Acts 2:42; 2 Pet. 3:2; 2 Thess. 3:13-14; 2 Cor. 4:3-4; 1
Cor. 14:37.
B.
Inspired by God, 1 Cor. 2:10-13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Heb. 1:2; John 13:20; 1
John 1:3-4; Rom. 1:16.
II. A VALIDATED GOSPEL (“in power”), Gal. 1:12 (certified, genuine).
A. The
Miracles of Jesus Confirmed He Was from God, Acts 2:22; Mark 1:38-39 (John
5:36).
B. The
Power of the Holy Spirit Confirmed the Apostles Were from God, Luke
24:47-49; Acts 1:8 (5); Mark 16:15-20; Heb. 2:3-4 (Acts 4:12-16; 2 Cor.
11:11-12).
III. A CONVINCING GOSPEL (“in much assurance”).
A.
Commissioned by Heaven’s Authority, Matt. 18:19; 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 1:17 (Acts
10:42).
B. It
Was Boldly Preached, Acts 4:13; 1 Cor. 2:1-5; Phil. 1:19-20; 1 Cor. 15:1-2.
C. A
Gospel that Establishes Our Faith and Hope, Rom. 16:25.
1. Its
facts, 1 Cor. 15:1-4.
2. Its
commands, Mark 16:16; 2 Thess. 1:8.
3. Its
promises, Eph. 3:6; Titus 1:1-3.
Conclusion Thessalonians heard and obeyed gospel, Acts 17;4; 1 Thess.
1:6, 9-10.
Top
You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS
The Pearl of Great Price
Joe R. Price
Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:44-46
Christian’s values and valuable are different from those of the world, Matt. 16:26; Luke 12:15.
I. LOOKING FOR THE PRECIOUS PEARL, Eccl. 1:12-14.
A. The
World’s Concept of the Most Valuable Things in Life.
1.
Material wealth and financial security.
2.
Physical pleasure.
3.
Worldly wisdom and learning.
4.
Prestige, prominence, and power.
B. The Pearl of Great Price is the Kingdom of Heaven, Matt. 6:33; Phil. 3:7.
C.
Appraising the Value of the Kingdom.
1.
Bought with blood of Jesus, Rev. 5:9-10.
2.
Possessing the kingdom (Heb. 12:28):
a.
Lasting treasures, Matt. 6:19-21.
b.
Lasting sustenance, Matt. 5:6.
c.
Lasting security, Matt. 5:10.
II. THE SEEKING MERCHANT.
A.
Desired the Better Things of Life, Matt. 13:45 (cf. Mary, Luke 10:42).
B.
Could Discern Genuine Pearl, Matt. 13:46 (Phil. 1:9-11; Acts 17:11).
C. Was
Determined to Possess the Pearl, Matt. 13:46; cf. Matt. 7:7-8.
III. PURCHASING THE PEARL.
A. How
the Purchase Was Made.
1.
Immediately, 13:46; 2 Cor. 6:2.
2. At
great expense, Luke 14:33 (Matt. 16:24).
3.
Without regret, Phil. 3:7-8.
Conclusion
What
value do you put on the kingdom? (Eccl. 12:13)
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the light of Scripture)
Know Your Adversary
Joe R. Price
Nations spy on one another. The CIA has its counterparts around the globe. Multiple security agencies exist for the expressed purpose of protecting the homeland. For example, Thursday, CIA Director William Burns announced he is establishing “a major organization within the agency focused on China, expanding and coordinating intelligence gathering against what top U.S. officials have described as a multipronged threat from Beijing” (CIA Chief Burns Forms China-Focused Group in Pivot Toward Asian Rival, wsj.com). We expect our government to know the threats against us and protect us from harm.
Like nations, Christians must know our adversary, the devil. His very name, Satan, means adversary, the accuser of God and man. We are specifically urged not to allow Satan to take advantage of us through His deceptive lies and temptations, “for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11).
The Scriptures are our intelligence resource against the devil. Not only does God’s word tell us who he is (a liar and deceiver, John 8:44), but how to combat him (with sober, vigilant, and godly resistance of faith, 1 Pet. 5:8-9; James 4:7-8). We learn that his deceptive tactics include appearing as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). Therefore, we are warned that his servants also appear righteous (2 Cor. 11:15). False teachers who proclaim false doctrines in the name of Jesus are of this number (Matt. 7:15-20; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-6).
Each
Christian must equip themselves with the “whole armor of God, that you may
be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11). By using God’s
word to “discern both good and evil,” we increase our spiritual strength to
stand against our adversary, the devil (Heb. 5:12-14). He preys on the weak.
So, “be strong in the Lord and the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10).
Created by Chuck Sibbing, last updated. 10/11/2021
The Spirit's Sword is a free,
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