The Worthy Walk & The Unity of The Church Pt.3

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The Worthy Walk & The Unity of The Church Pt.3

Ephesians 4:1-3

September 10, 2023 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • Ephesians 4:1–3

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Introduction:

How does the local church experience the unity that is already ours in Jesus Christ? We ARE one in Jesus Christ, but how do we experience the JOY AND PEACE of that oneness?

THIS IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD GREATLY DESIRE.

Psalm 133 gives voice to the joy of it.

ESV Psalm 133:1 A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

We have seen that the pursuit of unity exists on a foundation larger than unity. We strive to maintain unity as part OF A LARGER PURSUIT.

What is that larger pursuit?

IT IS A LIFE THAT MATCHES WITH GOD’S MERCY TO US (vs.1).

Paul is a living example of a life fully devoted to the one who died for us and gave us life.

Paul is a loving example of someone wanting those whom he loves to live the life that matches their calling.

AND THAT LIFE IS THE PRODUCT OF INTERNAL GRACES.

The Christian life is lived from the inside out.

Holy activity is the result of holy attitudes.

Review:

We looked last Lord’s Day evening at the first of 5 attitudes (focal points for internal desire and devotion) necessary to a worthy walk.

I. THE WORTHY WALK IS A HUMBLE WALK

II. THE WORTHY WALK IS A GENTLE WALK

Tonight, we begin with the 3rd.

Lesson:

III. THE WORTHY WALK IS A PATIENT WALK

We mentioned at the beginning of this study that these qualities have telescopic character about them. Humility is the spring source of the others, and each one contributes to the next.

It is the humble person who demonstrates gentleness. It is a humble and gentle person who is CHARACTERIZED by PATIENCE.

A few things we should note here.

A. THERE IS A KIND OF PATIENCE THAT SPEAKS OF SALVATION

The fact that Paul could mention patience as a mark of living in a way worthy of our calling, says that this is not a natural kind of patience.

There is a kind of patience that can be natural to people. There are lost people that others would characterize as patient.

THERE IS A KIND OF PATIENCE THAT REFLECTS INDIFFERENCE

THERE IS A KIND OF PATIENCE THAT REFLECTS RESIGNATION

THERE IS A KIND OF PATIENCE THAT REFLECTS SELFISHNESS

It is easier to NOT RESPOND.

It is easier to PUT UP WITH SOMETHING.

It is easier to ACCEPT MY CIRCUMSTANCES.

THERE IS A KIND OF PATIENCE THAT MERELY REFLECTS PERSONALITY

None of that is what Paul is talking about.

So, WHAT KIND OF PATIENCE DOES SPEAK OF SALVATION?

1. THE PATIENCE THAT SPEAKS OF SALVATION IS EXPLAINED BY FAITH

The word in our text is a form of the word μακροθυμία

The word group is used to describe several notable qualities. But something that we see about these qualities is that they operate in the realm of KNOWLEDGE.

A key text for understanding patience is Colossians 1:9-12.

ESV Colossians 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

2. THE PATIENCE THAT SPEAKS OF SALVATION IS EXPLAINED BY GOD’S POWER

That same text makes clear that the patience spoken of is made possible by divine power (vs.11).

3. THE PATIENCE THAT SPEAKS OF SALVATION IS STURDY

Endurance is joined at the hip with patience (vs.11).

“I’ve been patient long enough” is the kind of thing that ANY HUMAN BEING CAN SAY.

But the Christian must be asked, “HAVE YOU BEEN PATIENT FOR AS LONG AS WOULD BE NECESSARY TO PLEASE GOD?”

Do you want to be?

Do you know that by the power of God, you CAN BE?

4. THE PATIENCE THAT SPEAKS OF SALVATION EXISTS WITH JOY AND GRATEFULNESS

It is accompanied by joy and thanksgiving.

Sometimes it is true to say that it is FUELED by joy and thanksgiving.

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

It is not stoic resignation, and it is certainly not a GRUMBLING resignation (vs.11-12)

5. THE PATIENCE THAT SPEAKS OF SALVATION EXISTS IN THE REALM OF PRODUCTIVITY AND GROWTH (vs.10)

It is not sitting around in a state of being spiritually “stuck.” In this same life where endurance and patience are exhibited with joy and thanksgiving, THERE IS FRUITFULNESS IN EVERY GOOD WORK. The knowledge that fuels patience is INCREASED by our fellowship with God in the circumstances that REQUIRE PATIENCE.

God is taking us to school even as He strengthens us to stay in the classroom.

6. THE PATIENCE THAT SPEAKS OF SALVATION IS THE PERSONAL WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

ESV Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

So what is it? What is it that exists in knowledge and is explained by faith? What is it that is supernatural in all the ways we’ve talked about?

The standard Greek lexicon (BDAG) offers the following:

① state of remaining tranquil while awaiting an outcome, patience, steadfastness, endurance Col 1:11; 2Ti 3:10. διὰ πίστεως καὶ μακροθυμίας through faith and steadfastness Hb 6:12. ὑπόδειγμα τ. κακοπαθίας κ. τ. μακροθυμίας Js 5:10. W. ταπεινοφροσύνη Hs 8, 7, 6; cp. 9, 15, 2.

② state of being able to bear up under provocation, forbearance, patience toward others (Artem. 2, 25 p. 119, 10)

ⓐ of human beings (Pr 25:15; Sir 5:11; TestJos 17:2) w. other virtues 2 Cor 6:6; Gal 5:22; 1 Cl 62:2. W. ἐπιείκεια (cp. EpArist 188) 1 Cl 13:1. W. πραΰτης Col 3:12. W. ἐγκράτεια 2:2. ἐν p 613 πάσῃ μακροθυμίᾳ 2 Ti 4:2. In contrast to ὀξυχολία: Hm 5, 1, 3 and 6; 5, 2, 3 and 8. μετὰ μακροθυμίας ἀνεχόμενοι ἀλλήλων Eph 4:2.

ⓑ of transcendent beings

α. of God (ApcEsdr 2:8; Did., Gen. 186, 10 [restored]) Ro 2:4; 9:22; 1 Pt 3:20; IEph 11:1.

β. of Christ 1 Ti 1:16; 2 Pt 3:15.—S. ὑπομονή 1, end.—DELG s.v. θυμός. M-M. EDNT. TW.[1]

μακροθυμία, ας, ἡ as a state of emotional quietness in the face of unfavorable circumstances patience, long-suffering; (1) as patience under trial endurance, steadfastness (HE 6.12); (2) as constraint exercised toward others forbearance, patience (2C 6.6); (3) as God's constraint of his wrath long-suffering, forbearance (RO 2.4)[2]

[1] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 612–613.

[2] Friberg, Analytical Greek Lexicon

The Lord’s Church - It’s Importance Part 2

September 1, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Timothy 3:14–15

Introduction: The importance of the church is on display in Paul’s life and ministry. We saw it in Paul’s passion for the church. We saw it in Paul’s patience with the church. We saw it in the urgency and authority of the message committed to the Lord’s church. We saw it in the detailed instructions given to the Lord’s church. We saw it in the problems faced by the Lord’s church. BUT NOW WE SEE IT IN YET ANOTHER WAY. The importance of the church is seen in its GOD-GIVEN IDENTITY. What is the church? How are we to understand ourselves? Why are we here and what are we to be about? I. THE CHURCH IS THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD (The church considered as a family) When the church is described as a household — the FAMILY OF GOD — it communicates several truths. This speaks of HONOR — His name is upon us. This speaks of AMBITION — We desire to please our Father. This speaks of UNION — We belong to a family so that we have been brought into a union with our God in Christ and are members of each other (brothers and sisters). This speaks of AUTHORITY — We are under His headship — His rule (Christ is the head of His church). This speaks of NEW BIRTH — We are God’s by means of adoption, but also by means of new nature. There are two families in the earth. Those who have God as their Father, and those who are of their father the devil. This speaks of RESPONSIBILITY — We have care for each other that has been assigned to us. ESV 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler-- not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you." II. THE CHURCH IS THE ASSEMBLY OF THE LIVING GOD (The church considered as an assembly) ἐκκλησία ekklesia Meaning: an assembly, a (religious) congregation We are not just God’s family, we are, at the same time, His assembly. A. THIS SPEAKS OF ORGANIZATION As we said earlier, there is a proper way to conduct ourselves in the Lord’s church. There is a leadership structure. There is an organization God has set forth. ESV 1 Corinthians 14:37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. ESV 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. So, the church is the family of God, organized in accordance with the Word of God, for the purpose of carrying out the ministry of the local church that has been assigned by God. B. THIS SPEAKS OF REPRESENTATION The church of the LIVING (the God who really exists) God. In a sea of paganism and multiplied false gods, the church belongs to the true and living God. This is a test of a healthy church — do they represent God in the FULLNESS of His character? Do they preach the whole counsel of God about EVERYTHING, including what God has revealed about His own NATURE and ATTRIBUTES? C. THIS SPEAKS OF PROTECTION The church is cared for by its OWNER. ESV Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The Lord’s Church - It’s Importance Part 1

September 1, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • 1 Timothy 3:14–15

Introduction: To love the Lord Jesus is love what He loves. It is to be devoted to all that He would have us be devoted to. And if you love what Jesus loves, then you must love the local church. If you are devoted to what He would have you be devoted to, then you must be devoted to the local church. He loved the church and gave Himself for her, and He has promised to build His church, and He has, and He is. But we are living in times when there is a gross misunderstanding of the local church. We don’t know who we are, and we don’t know why we are here. And what is sad and amazing about that is that God has given us His Word for the very purpose that we would never find ourselves in that position. As the title of one book about elders reads, “When all else fails, read the directions.” Well, here in the word of God, and specifically, in the Pastoral Epistles, we have the directions. What do they teach us? I. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CHURCH This is perhaps the first thing that we have forgotten, just how important the Lord’s church is. There is error on both ends of the spectrum when it comes to this issue. **There are those who treat the church as if it isn’t important to God, or to genuine Christianity. -Some place the church on the same level with any Christian teaching organization. -Some place the church on the same level with Christian television or radio -Some see the church as a tragic failure and abandon it altogether -Some give the church their time and their attendance as it fits into their schedule *If it doesn’t interfere with their work, or their pleasures *If it gives them what they want *If it can be fit into their retirement plans and travel plans **There are others who treat the church as important, but they don’t really understand why it is important. They see the church not through the eyes of the New Testament, but through the eyes of their own ideas. They see the church as important, but not for the reasons that they should and what they really desire is not at all what the Lord intended His church to be. Indeed, it is a sad reality that with many professing Christians the more the church becomes what it was intended to be, the less they desire it. A. SEEN IN PAUL’S PASSION FOR THE CHURCH 1. RECENTLY RELEASED FROM ROMAN IMPRISONMENT 2. VISITING CITIES WHERE HE HAD MINISTERED, LEAVING TIMOTHY IN EPHESUS TO SET CERTAIN THINGS IN ORDER 3. HOPING TO COME TO THEM PERSONALLY IN A SHORT TIME 4. GIVING THEM CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS UNTIL HE CAN BE PRESENT Why did Paul have such a passion for these assemblies? HE CARRIED THESE CHURCHES IN HIS HEART. ESV 2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one-- I am talking like a madman-- with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. BECAUSE OF HIS LORD’S LOVE FOR THE CHURCHES ESV Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, To love the Lord Jesus is to love what He loves.

A Sure & Steadfast Hope

July 14, 2024 • Richard Caldwell Jr. • Lamentations 3:19–24

Introduction: The sorrow expressed in the book of Lamentations is something foreign to us. There are different kinds of sorrow. In some respects, a broken heart is a broken heart, but there are some things that will be unique to each one of us in our particular sorrow. There are tears that we will shed, at some point in our life, that no one but our Great High Priest will ever be able to fully understand. We do our best to comfort one another in the love of Christ, but we sense, even as we desire to be ministers of mercy, our great limitations. We sense our own limitations in trying to help those who are hurting, and we sense the limitations of others when WE are hurting. And when you have tried to pour your heart to another human being who hasn’t faced your particular trial, you can appreciate their love toward you, but there is also a loneliness felt in knowing that they really don’t completely understand. What the prophet Jeremiah describes in this book, we read, and we benefit from, but in a sense, we can only sit in silence and listen as he tells us what he feels, and as he tells us what he has seen. For we have never seen anything like what he saw. For over 40 years this prophet gave to his people the warnings from God. He told them that destruction was coming. They despised him for it. They mocked him, they persecuted him, and they rejected him. But what he was given to proclaim — arrived. Everything that God said, through the prophet Jeremiah, one day came. And what came was horrific. Jeremiah writes this sometime between the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., and when he was forced to depart to Egypt in 583 B.C. (Jeremiah 43:1-7) Throughout the book he tells us of his sorrow in 5 poems. You get a taste of the entire book and a context for our verses by paying attention to his 3rd lament which is found here in this 3rd chapter. In chapter 3 he is the afflicted man. He is telling us of his overwhelming grief. *He is in absolute darkness with the hand of God turned against him again and again all day long. (vs.1-3) *His flesh and skin waste away, and God has broken his bones, and enveloped him with bitterness and tribulation and made him to dwell in darkness like the dead. (vs.4-6) *He is a man who is walled in without escape, and his chains are heavy. He calls and cries out for help but God shuts out his prayers and his ways are blocked, and his paths are crooked. (vs.7-9) *His despair makes him feel like God has become like his enemy. Like a bear that has ripped him to pieces, or a lion. He has been reduced to desolation. He is the target for the bow and the arrows of God and the arrows have gone right to his innermost parts. (vs.10-13) *He is a laughingstock. He is taunted. (vs.14) *His life feels like nothing but unending bitterness and misery (vs.15-16) *He is so sorrowful that he can find no peace, and he can’t remember goodness, he has forgotten what happiness is. (vs.17) *His mindset is that he cannot endure anymore and he has no hope. All he can think about and remember are his afflictions. (vs.18) And before you think Jeremiah to be a bit dramatic, realize what he has seen. His people, God’s people, have been conquered by Babylon. The city walls are broken down. The walls, the towers, the homes, the palace, and the temple have all been destroyed. It was in mid-July when the city fell and it was in mid-August when the temple was burned. (MacArthur Commentary – 883) It is the HEAT OF THE YEAR time in Jerusalem. So conditions would have been miserable. The enemies of God have triumphed, and they are gloating. The children of Zion are treated like trash. Many, many have been slain by the sword, and in fact their bodies lie in the dust. Many have been carried away captive, and those who live and remain are in misery.