Topical Sermons

BIBLE QUESTION BOX

July, 2002

Intro.

1.     One’s motive for asking Bible questions is crucial to understanding – Jno. 7:16-17 (cf. Jno. 6:25-26; Matt. 22:15-18; Acts 17:10-12).

2.     As we ask Bible questions & seek God’s answers, our hearts must be pure, seeking truth that we may humbly obey God in our lives.

 

#1-A:  “On the Lord’s day, is the Lord’s Supper more important than singing, prayers, lessons??”

1.     Of first importance is true worship (heart & deed) – Jno. 4:24; Matt. 15:7-9.

2.     Collective worship serves at least two purposes:  To honor God & to strengthen each other – Heb. 2:12; 10:24-25; 1 Cor. 14:26.

    a.     Same basic purposes for each act of worship (although their specific purposes are different):  Singing (Col. 3:16); prayer (Acts 2:42); giving (1 Cor. 16:1-3); Preaching (Acts 20:7); Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:33-34).

    b.     All acts of worship are afforded the same importance in scriptures – cf. Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 14:26.

    c.     To elevate one part of worship as more important (superior) than the others is to do so without scriptural precedent & approval!

            – Silence of scriptures (Col. 3:17).

 

#1-B:  “When is it okay to miss it, and when is it not okay?”

1.     So, with proper attitude & conduct we should keep every part of worship.

2.     Not right to forsake one part of assembled worship as long as one partakes of the Lord’s Supper – Heb. 10:24-25.

3.     This type of attitudes has fostered:

    a.     Drive-up communion.

    b.     Taking communion to the mountains; to the shut-ins.

    c.     Leaving after partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

    d.        Minimizing the value of the other parts of worship.

4.     Incapable, but have a right heart – 2 Cor. 8:12 (don’t put your ox in the ditch!)

5.     By our faithful participation in worship we stir up one another to love & good works (to hold fast our confession) – Heb. 10:22-25.

 

#2:  “How much influence and impact do we really have on the younger and older brethren?  What about those seeking truth?”

1.     Your influence is greater & spreads much farther than you realize – 1 Cor. 5:6-8 (like leaven, so build & keep a good influence).

2.     Even after you die you will have an influence – Heb. 11:4.

3.     On brethren:  Young & old to influence/impact each other – Tit. 2:1-8; 1 Tim. 4:12.

4.     On truth-seekers:  cf. 1 Pet. 3:1-2.  (“Show me a sermon any day.”)

5.     If you lose your influence it is difficult to get back – Mk. 9:50.

6.     Do not be deceived about others influencing you! – 1 Cor. 15:33-34

 

#3:  “How much does character make an impact on others?  How much does it please God?”

1.     Impact on others (Phil. 2:15-16):

    a.     Joseph – Gen. 39:2-6 (more handsome in character!).

    b.     Daniel – Dan. 6:1-5 (evil men knew & influenced by his good character).

2.     Pleases God

    a.     Favor & high esteem - Prov. 3:1-4.

    b.     Without it we will not “see” God – Heb. 12:14 (2 Pet. 1:5-11).

    c.     Character:  New heart of the new man in Christ – Col. 3:10-17.

 

#4:  “Where did the women come from that Cain and Seth married?”

1.     From Adam & Eve: 

    a.     Eve is the mother of all living – Gen. 3:20 (sister or niece).

    b.     Gen. 1:28 – They multiplied & began to fill the earth.

    c.     After the birth of Seth there was 800 years of having “sons & daughters” – Gen. 5:4 (Adam lived 930 years, 5:5).

 

Conclusion

1.   The scriptures equip us to partake of life & godliness through knowledge of God: that we can escape sin & partake of the divine nature – 2 Pet. 1:3-4.

2.   Faith is content with & conforms to God’s answers (truth) – Rom. 10:17.