PEACE IN Jesus
SERMON 455; BY JOE McClure; 8/20/2007; Text Verse: I Peter 3.10-12
1 Peter 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Here is a New Covenant commandment from the Lord. Are you seeking peace?
Are you aggressively making all possible efforts to have peace, and to keep the peace?
In order to have peace, it is many times necessary that there first be turmoil and anxiety before peace is achieved.
There are times when a war must first be fought before peace can be achieved.
I want to pursue the concept of peace as found in the covenant of Christ.
To start with, you might think what the word ‘peace’ brings to your mind.
SHALOM
To some it means a cessation of hostile activities, such as we might find on the world scene, or between neighbors.
To some it means a calmness of spirit, or a lack of anxiety.
When you read the word of the gospel, you will discover that it sometimes is literal in meaning, and sometimes it is figurative.
I know that you have read the word in many of the scriptural passages, but may not have stopped to think on it before, so today, lets just look particularly at some New Testament Scriptures.
PREACHING PEACE
In Acts 10, we read of the conversion of the Gentile Cornelius, and his household, and the preaching of the gospel by the Apostle Peter. I will read a small excerpt from that sermon in order to give us the context in which the word ‘peace’ is used.
Acts 10:34-38 Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
First, it is most obvious that the word which was preached to the children of Israel offered them peace, and that this peace relied upon submitting to Jesus as Lord.
DEFINITION OF THE WORD
Before proceeding, I want to give you the definition of the word ‘peace’ as found in the Greek-English Lexicon, a dictionary of a type.
1515 ~eirhnh~ eirene \@i-ray'-nay\@ probably from a primary verb eiro (to join)
Translated in the King James Bible as the word ‘peace’ 89 times; as ‘one’ 1 time; as ‘rest’ 1 time’ as ‘quietness’ 1 time.
[1) A state of national tranquility; 1a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war; 2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord; 3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous); 4) of the Messiah's peace; 4a) the way that leads to peace (salvation); 5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is 6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death]
Now we know that we have many neighbors who live in peace in their communities, and still have not obeyed the gospel of Christ.
So, we won’t study so much about feeling safe or secure in one’s home, or out in public society for the unsaved, but there is no doubt that those who are at peace in Jesus do make the best neighbors and citizens.
I want us to concentrate on the peace we have in Jesus.
The primary meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words, which have been translated in your bibles, as the word ‘peace’, is ‘to join’.
Consider two people in an argument with differing views on a topic as being at odds. In order for them to have peace among them, they must come to an agreement, and when they join together and agree, then they have peace among them, because they are of one mind.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Jesus has a plan for your life, which is revealed in the Bible. It is there, awaiting your discovery, but until you discover it, and implement His plan as your plan, there will be unrest between you and the will of Christ.
When we heard the words of the gospel of salvation, which instructed us to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and confess Him, and to be baptized in His name for the remission of our sins, there were two possible outcomes.
We could have rejected the plan of Jesus.
We could have accepted His plan and become one with Christ.
Becoming a Christian is a joining, or a making of peace with God.
Enmity or Peace?
From a figurative sense, we can look at the unbeliever as the opposition to God and Christ, and only when he becomes a believer can there be peace with God.
We see this in Romans 8.
Romans 8:5-9 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Notice the Word, which by the Holy Spirit, in this place tells us that God looks upon the unbeliever as ‘hostile’ to His way, in opposition to life and peace, and even hating the way of God.
If you brethren and sisters can remember how it was before your obedience, there was a war going on in our hearts each time we heard or read the Word of God.
God’s Word condemned us, and we struggled against it, and tried to make up excuses, until we finally were changed and released from that struggle, and finally had peace with God by Jesus Christ.
We see that Jesus plainly pointed this out as he taught the disciples.
John 7:7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
We must understand that this type of unrest will continue as we preach the gospel to the world.
Until the hearers obey Jesus as the Lord of their life, they will never be at peace with God, nor with those who tell them of their lost state.
As Christians, as we are faithful in our obedience, our peace continues.
Peace in Jesus is first that of a spiritual nature than the physical.
Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
As we read the New Testament scriptures, we see the apostles and several of the Christians at odds with the world when they preached the gospel truth of salvation in Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without [were] fightings, within [were] fears.
We read of them being arrested, beaten, and forsaken; but they had the peace that was most important; peace with Christ.
**-àAre you looking for peace in the world, with the price being that of your silence, knowing that the gospel will cause unrest?
1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
We need to always remember that our Lord considers the works of the world as evil.
SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR GROWTH
As we ensue or struggle to be at peace spiritually, we are at the same time growing spiritually.
Just as the human body cannot grow physically and mentally without food and the stimulation of new information, neither can the man or woman in Christ grow without feeding on the Word of God.
RIGHTEOUS ATTITUDE
In order to have confidence in our eternal salvation, or have peace in Christ, it is necessary that we study the will of Christ to prove ourselves.
Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
In order to be at peace with God, it is necessary that you be in submission to the will of Christ, but you must first study to learn the will of Christ, and to consistently renew your mind by the word of God, in order to prove to yourselves the will of God for the church.
2 Peter 3:13-18 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.
If you are under the impression that you can achieve peace in Christ by listening to a preacher for 30-40 minutes each week, I fear that you are misled.
If you are failing to read and study in God’s Word, you should be at unrest!
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Peter says to be diligent. Peter was telling us to work hard at achieving a state of peace and holiness.
1 Peter 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
In other words, you and I can only achieve a fuller state of peace in Christ as we grow in our knowledge of the will of Christ for our lives, and when our faith increases.
SPIRITUAL VICTORY IN CHRIST
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.
As we noted earlier, we typically think of peace in the terms of gaining victory over our enemies, or coming to terms with them diplomatically. The Scriptures uses this thought figuratively to present the idea of spiritual peace.
In reference to one of the Messianic prophecies from the book of Isaiah, Paul pointed out the reign of Jesus as ruler and king.
Romans 15:12-14 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Here in Romans 15.12-14, I want you to notice that Jesus Christ rose to rule over the Gentiles.
In order for Jesus to rule in our hearts and minds, we must trust in Jesus. In order to have confidence in what we trust, it is key that we know the will of Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of [this] calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of [his] goodness, and the work of faith with power:
Peace and joy and belief and hope in Christ go hand in hand.
In order for your hearts to be filled with peace and joy, you must believe and hope in all the promises given in the Holy Scriptures.
We read of our final rest from our labors here in Heaven, and we believe, and we make those promises ours. At some point in our spiritual growth, we know that Heaven is ours, just as real as if we could see it.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
From a physical view, it is so easy for us to get wrapped in this present world, in its troubles, its sorrows, its excitement, and its pleasures. While we thank God for all that He has given us of the world, we are cautioned that God’s Kingdom is a spiritual realm.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
CONFIDENCE IN SALVATION
How sure are you of your salvation?
If you are spending your last day on this earth, how confident are you of your salvation in Christ?
Are you sure that you know the way that is right? Do you have any doubts?
Our peace in Christ is connected to the Holy Spirit’s teaching, and how much we know and understand and obey.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Being comfortable with our salvation might be considered as peace in Christ; but it may simply be self-deceit.
To know that you are eternally secure in your relationship with God, you must always be involved in seeking peace. Seeking peace is basically the same as studying to show that you are approved unto God.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
If I obey the gospel as taught in the Apostles’ doctrine, which came by the Holy Ghost, then I will have peace and joy and hope.
If you have read and studied the covenant of Christ, and feel that you have obeyed it to the best of your ability; you will not only have spiritual peace regarding your salvation, but you will also strive for peace with your fellowman.
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Each of us should have a burden upon your heart to share the gospel of peace, through Christ, with our friends and neighbors.
The gospel is more likely to be well received if we have a friendly relationship with the person we are sharing with. This is just good horse sense.
James teaches us the necessity of being at peace with one another.
James 3:13-18 Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Do you present the message of salvation in such a way that the hearer wants to listen?
The Bible shows us that we cannot expect to be in harmony with every person we meet, but those that we can live with in peace, we certainly should.
Another point that I wish to make concerning peace has to do with our lack of anxiety.
Assuming that you properly trust in Jesus and His Word, you are involved in constant prayers to God in faith, without wavering.
Because the peaceful saint is obedient to the gospel, then we have the means to be less anxious about the cares of our physical existence.
Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [24] And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. [25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. [26] Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
I have no doubt that as we grow and abound in these spiritual characteristics that we will be more at peace with those things which God has blessed us with physically. We will not care as much about the things of the flesh as before. The vanity of owning and having things physical will diminish.
We will complain less and thank God more as we grow spiritually.
Gaining the fruits of the Spirit do not come without diligent effort and work on your part.
Contentment or lack of anxiety about life will be one of the effects of our spiritual growth.
Philippians 2:13-16 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Do you fully believe that God is working in your life as one of His blessed saints of His family?
Do you place your trust in the promises of Christ, as we see in Hebrews 13.5-6?
Hebrews 13:5-6 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
When we achieve a state of spiritual peace regarding our salvation, we will also become more contented with our place in life and our function. We will be less concerned with the material things than the spiritual.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Finally, consider how all men define peace in their societies worldwide.
When people abide by the accepted norms or laws of any group, there is peace.
We are in a family, or a society if you will. We have a government, with Christ as our leader. We have norms established by the laws of Christ.
When we equally abide by the will of our King, or by His laws, then we can live in peace.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
REPROBATES?
REPROBATES
Sermon # 446; by Joe McClure; Text: Romans 1. 21-32 ; Date: 11/19/2006
The request has been made to study the concept of whether it is possible for a Christian to sin, and then arrive at a spiritual place where there is no possibility of obtaining God’s forgiveness; and whether such a spiritual state can be properly referenced in the Scriptures which use the word 'reprobate'.
Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Hebrews 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble [you], and thereby many be defiled;
Hebrews 12:16 Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
Hebrews 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
There is an apostate state in which the guilty party cannot find repentance, as there is no way back; but the question before us today is whether that is what the term ‘reprobate’ has reference to or not.
If a person indeed can become such a reprobate person who cannot receive forgiveness of his sins, he would be in such a state in which none of his sins would be pardonable.
MAIN REFERENCE FOR STUDY: ROMANS 1
In order to study this topic, I want first to direct your minds to Romans 1.
Here, we learn of the tremendous and wonderful power which the gospel message has for those who believe, and allow Christ to change their lives.
All that mankind knows of God’s truth and justice is found in His Holy Scriptures.
GOOD VERSUS EVIL:
The Word of God defines good morality, and establishes for us the limits of good and evil.
The Holy Scriptures, the Bible teaches us about honesty, virtue, purity, compassion, love; in effect, it teaches us of how God would have us to think, to talk, and to act.
Here, we see a contrast made between the specifics of the Christian way of life, and that of the lost sinner.
The message of the gospel reveals to mankind how to live in such a way as to have immortal life.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Our topic of the ‘reprobates’ speaks mainly in reference to those who have rejected the revelation of God. In other words, the reprobate has no respect for the Bible as God's Word. He does not regard the Bible as having come directly from the Holy Spirit.
Paul, in his opening message to the saints at Rome, speaks of the wrath of God upon all men, whether Jew or Gentile.
Romans 1:18-19 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them.
How is the wrath of God revealed from heaven?
The nature of God’s wrath is revealed, or made known to us by the gospel of Christ, which is the power of salvation to all men (v.16).
We need to fear the wrath of God.
Consider the willful sin and its danger to our souls:
{Hebrews 10.26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.}
How do men know about God?
Verse 19 of our text, in Romans 1st chapter, teaches us that God has shown Himself to these men who ‘hold the truth’.
Verse 20 speaks of these men having a knowledge of unseen or invisible things regarding the divine nature, and the Godhead.
With such knowledge of God, the case is made here that man is without excuse when he rejects God, and worships idols.
Standing before God, such men could never defend such a way of living as we see further defined in chapter 1.
In this setting, we read the verses 21-32, in Romans 1.
Romans 1:21-23 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Romans 1:24-32 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
We might get involved in studying all of these various sins, but for this study, we will leave that for a future study.
Let it suffice to see that the people in question seem to have undergone a change from good to evil. It appears that they are filled up with evil, not just a little evil, but overcome with evil.
Notice in verse 23 that these are men who once knew God, and then became such who made images of false gods, and worshipped the images.
Based on Verses 21-22, let’s notice the progression of the men in question:
1. Knew God
2. Refused to give God the glory
3. Refused to give God their thanks
4. Self reasoning became vain, foolish, empty
5. Hearts were darkened
6. Claiming themselves Wise, Became Fools
As we can see, these men had separated themselves from light and truth, which could have saved them.
In their foolish self-proclaimed wisdom they created false gods in their minds' eyes and in idol forms, as they wanted.
Without God’s light, they had no spiritual center, no Godly conscience to cause them to doubt their own wickedness. They no longer acted, thought, or spake based upon Godly principles.
1. Because of such a downfall, God first gave them up to uncleanness, an immoral state of living in which they gave in to all their evil lusts of the flesh.
2. Then God gave them up unto vile affections.
3. Then God gave them over to a reprobate mind.
The term ‘gave up’ means ‘to surrender to’.
The tense of the words ‘to, unto, and over to’ in these verses is in the past tense, indicating that all of these sins were the cause of God’s surrender of them to their own desires and lusts and self-defined way of living.
In this same letter, we see this further dealt with in the 8th chapter.
Romans 8:1-6 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace.
Here we see an eternal fact, which cannot be denied.
The law of Spirit has the power to free us from the law of sin, the law of death.
The law of the Spirit of life has the power to give us life and peace, if we are so minded.
If we freely choose to despise God’s law, in exchange for a love of our own designs, then we are promised death; and God’s promises are sure.
ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF GODS GLORY:
As Paul continues in his writing of the epistle to the Romans, he not only shows that the Gentiles stand condemned in their immorality, but also that the Jews stood condemned in their immorality as well.
If you were to study chapter 2, and 3, you would see this message develop.
I want to take you briefly to chapter 3 to read just a few excerpts there.
Romans 3:9-10 What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Without Christ’s coming, and without the gospel of Christ, there would have been no hope of salvation for those under sin.
Romans 3:11-12 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Paul goes on to develop his point, that there is salvation in Christ for both the Jews and the Gentiles who have been condemned in their sin.
Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Regardless of their past, now both the Jew and Gentile can have righteousness by believing in the faith of Jesus Christ.
By contrast, the opposite is true as well; that those who do not believe in the faith of Jesus Christ cannot have the righteousness of God.
Romans 3:23-26 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
What is the overall picture seen in the first 3 chapters of Romans regarding sin?
- Obey the gospel of Christ, and be justified by God.
- Be blessed by God in your faithfulness to Christ.
- Disobey the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and suffer God’s wrath.
- Unrighteous behaviour separates men from God.
Man has the freedom, of course, to choose whether to obey God, or to disobey; the right to choose life, or death; wrath from God, or peace in Christ.
Jesus said:
John 3:35-36 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
GODS WRATH UPON THE SINNER:
There are several ways in which the wrath of God is expressed in the lives of the disobedient.
One is the natural results of a sinful lifestyle, and its resulting corruption of our souls, minds, and flesh.
Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
The wrath of God is presently against all those who have chosen to serve Satan.
While most folks who have not obeyed the gospel would not admit that they do the will of Satan, this is why they are foolish, and self deceived.
1 John 3:7-8 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
God’s wrath is revealed in this life when God rejects the prayers of the wicked, and refuses to bless the wicked.
1 Peter 3:10-13 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil. 13 And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
Men, who have given themselves over to sin, are subject to God’s wrath on this earth, in that they suffer the penalties of darkness, as administered by men themselves upon lawbreakers.
While God’s Word teaches us to obey those who have rule over us, those in darkness may be punished for disobeying men’s laws.
God’s wrath in an eternal sense is revealed in those passages of the Scriptures, which speak of the final Judgment Day.
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
In the text of Romans 1:28, those who did not want to keep God in their minds, God gave them over to the other side, the side of darkness.
As Christians, we face the side of darkness as a place of danger.
Matthew 6:22-23 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great [is] that darkness!
If you are not ‘in the faith’, then you have denied Jesus Christ a place in your heart and mind and soul.
Do you want to give up the side of light?
To be of a reprobate mind means that we will have no protection against Satan, and in such a place we will do those things, which are evil, as those of Romans 1.
What is a ‘reprobate’ mind?
Let us examine some more scriptures, which are spoken directly to Christians in warning, and see if they will help us better define the word ‘reprobate’.
Christians are instructed to prove themselves by examining what we are and believe by comparison with Christ’s instructions.
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Have you proved to yourself that Jesus Christ is within you, in your mind, heart, and soul?
Are you sure that you are walking ‘in the faith’?
The real proof of whether Jesus Christ is in us is proving by the Word of God that we are right with God, in word, thought, and deed.
Romans 8:7-11 Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Are you subject to the law of God?
Do you seek to please God in all things?
Are you sure that you are spiritual in direction, and in obedience?
If you answer in the affirmative to these questions, Jesus Christ is in you, and you have an assurance of eternal life, and you have God’s righteousness.
We are admonished to examine ourselves to make sure that Jesus Christ is in us.
According to this verse, if you are a reprobate, you would not be in the faith, and Jesus Christ would not be ‘in you’, and you would not meet the test of God’s approval.
The context here defines the word ‘reprobate’ for us if we will watch carefully.
Notice that by these scriptures here in II Corinthians 13.5-8 that a reprobate is the opposite of being approved by God.
A reprobate is the person in whom Jesus Christ is absent.
2 Corinthians 13:6-8 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
This usage of the word ‘reprobates’ in application to an Apostle might seem strange.
In order to understand the meaning of the word ‘reprobates’, we need to look at the entire context.
Look at the beginning of II Corinthians 13, and read the first 3 verses.
2 Corinthians 13:1-3 This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
In most of the 12th chapter, Paul is making a defense of his apostleship, and in other places in the letter as well.
It appears that some of those in Corinth had been caused to doubt the authority of the Apostle Paul.
They were seeking a proof that Christ indeed spake through Paul, that his words were divinely inspired.
So, in our text of II Corinthians 13.6-8, Paul tells them that his hope was that they would trust in him, that he is not unapproved of God. He does not want them to distrust the message he has given them.
If they considered Paul as a reprobate, then his teaching would be in doubt.
2 Corinthians 13:6-8 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
Paul’s prayer was simply that they would not do evil, but instead do that which is honest. This was his prayer, rather than praying for approval by the Corinthians, even though Paul had been accused of being a reprobate.
Now, I want to go back again to the text in Romans 1.28.
Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
What were those things?
The text following Romans 1.28 provides the type of sinful activities, which are not approved of by God, and not fit, for a person professing Godliness.
Romans 1:29-31 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
The fact of the matter is that these sins separate one from any fellowship with Christ.
Those who wish to become Christians must repent of such sins, as those in Corinth had repented.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Now, I want to direct your minds to our next reference in which the word ‘reprobate’ is used.
PURE OR DEFILED?
Titus 1:15-16
Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. [16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
From these 2 verses, let’s see if we can see a definition of the word ‘reprobate’ in the context.
· Defiled
· Unbelieving
· Mind and conscience defiled
· Hypocrites, in that they profess a knowledge of God
· Abominable (detestable)
· Disobedient
Then the text closes by saying that they are ‘unto every good work reprobate’. Such people are unapproved by God, and unfit to wear His name, and we can tell by their works.
This fits the other descriptions of the reprobate person, with reprobate works in Romans 1.29-31; and that they are workers of evil in II Corinthians 13.7-8.
The text says that they are reprobate unto EVERY good work.
It appears that those described in Romans 1.28-32 were also ‘reprobate’ unto every good work, as they were ‘filled with all unrighteousness’; where the word ‘filled’ indicates that the vessel is overflowing with evil works.
Could those of Titus 1.16 ever come to repentance, after becoming reprobates?
· The point that I want to make here is that such a judgment is not ours to make, as we look at the entire context.
Lets read back a few verses and see if these brethren might have had a chance of coming back from their apostate state. Let’s begin with Titus 1:9. Paul is finishing up with the qualifications for the elders in the cities of Crete (v.5). Verse 9 is the final word given regarding the elders, and then Paul makes a point regarding why that this is so important.
Titus 1:9-16 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
The gainsayers were those who were out there speaking against the truth of the gospel.
10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
These deceivers were mostly Jews, and they were actively speaking lies against the truth.
11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
These false teachers had been able to lead entire families away from the truth into error. Here we see the motivation as ‘filthy lucre’ or financial gain from those they subverted.
12 One of themselves, [even] a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians [are] alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
These reprobates were to be rebuked sharply in the hopes that they would turn from their evil teachings and practices, and become sound in the faith.
14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 15 Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
We see here the influence of the teachings of the Jewish traditions.
Reference:(1 Corinthians 6:12 ¶ All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.)
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
We can see that even though these false teachers were reprobates, the elders were to rebuke them sharply, in the hope that they would repent.
Now, turn to our last text, in which the word ‘reprobate’ is used.
2 Timothy 3:1-9
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [6] For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, [7] Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. [8] Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. [9] But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
Again, we see a list of sins, similar in many ways to the other passages of sins we find that separate men from fellowship with Christ, and His church.
Again, we notice, as in the other passages, that these reprobates claimed to be Godly.
As in the passage from Titus 1, we again notice that some of these reprobates were false teachers. The reprobates in Titus were to be stopped by the rebuke of the elders, while in this passage, Paul simply states that they would ‘proceed no further’, having their sins exposed.
A comparison is made to Jannes and Jambres , which are not mentioned in any of the OT scriptures, but are mentioned in the ancient histories as being the magicians used by Pharaoh when Moses and Aaron went into Egypt to confront him to release the Israelites. They resisted Moses, but God won the victory in the end.
While there does not immediately appear to be any instructions to Timothy to attempt to bring these reprobates back to the truth, there are some other Scriptures which might indicate a similar thought as we find in the book of Titus, that of a return to ‘sound doctrine’.
In a larger context, if we look at the preceding verses in the 2nd chapter, we see that Paul has just finished telling Timothy to teach those who are in error.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
In the text following the passage in II Timothy 3.1-9; we see in the following chapter that Timothy is told that time was coming when evil men would increase in number, and when people would reject sound doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 I charge [thee] therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
So, from the fuller picture of the work of his ministry, even though a person had become a reprobate, the evangelist was at least to instruct those who oppose the truth, if God will perhaps grant them repentance, and agreement with the truth.
In the OT, we find the word ‘reprobate’ used in the prophecy given to Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 6:26-30
O daughter of my people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning, as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for the spoiler shall suddenly come upon us. [27] I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way. [28] They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters. [29] The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire; the founder melteth in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away. [30] Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the LORD hath rejected them.
Throughout the OT history of the Jewish people, we see that time and again, they rejected God’s Word, and then God would reject them until they came to a place of repentance.
What have we learned?
We cannot do evil, and continue in fellowship with God.
The Lord cannot add a person to the church until he repents of his sins.
God rejects the Christian who turns from the faith, and reaches a place in his life when his conscience no longer responds to the gospel of Jesus Christ. If the person no longer is in the light of Christ, there is no forgiveness of sins by the blood of Christ. There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.
The reprobate is not to be afforded fellowship. After all, he has separated himself from the truth, and from sound doctrine; and has rejected the truth, and has shown that he no longer wishes to be one with Christ and His church.
While the heretic is to be rebuked, and admonished to return to the faith, according to the instructions from the Lord, such a person is only to be given 2 such chances, before being rejected by the church.
Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
While we know that our God is longsuffering, and not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, a man, by one’s own choices which he makes, can become subverted to the extent that he is past feeling any shame in his evil ways.
Ephesians 4:17-19 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
In other words, a person may reach a place where he no longer feels guilty when the truth is spoken. If a person does not believe, then why would he feel guilty?
Such a person has no fear of Judgment Day, nor the wrath of our God of vengeance.
I Timothy 4.1 ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Those who have given their lives over to all unrighteousness, while they should be rebuked, they are to not to be afforded the fellowship of the servants of Christ. Just as God has given them over to a reprobate mind, so we too must give them up to their heresy, if that is their desire.
They have not only cast off Christ from their lives, but Christ has cast them away from His fellowship.
Romans 16:17-20
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. [18] For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. [19] For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. [20] And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Now, please turn with me to the book of Jude.
There is a distinction made between the one who is fully devoted to evil, and the one who can still be touched with the truth.
I am posting this chapter for further study on your part, without further comment.
God bless you in your studies to be approved to Christ, our Lord.
Jude 1:
Jude 1:1-2 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, [and] called: 2 Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 8 Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. 17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Joe McClure
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