Editor's Note: These lessons are based extensively upon a series of lesson by Gene Taylor, gospel preacher in Tallahassee, FL, found at http://www.centervilleroad.com/downloads/sermons/calling-election.pdf
Presented, September 17, 2006 am
MAKING YOUR CALL AND ELECTION SURE - 1
2 Peter 1:10 is a familiar passage to many of us. It comes at the conclusion of describing those things we need to add to our faith in order to reach spiritual maturity. Peter said in this verse, “therefore brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.” That leads to the subject I want to deal with today. What are some things we need to do that will build us up so that we can assure our salvation? Of course, we need the “Christian graces” mentioned in this text, but what are some things we can do to help us develop these attitudes in a practical manner - things that will actually draw us closer to God and keep us from the devil? Today we want to notice some passages (based upon a series of lesson by Gene Taylor) that are very familiar to us and give us direction in these things.
I. I. Put on the whole armor of God
a.
The first thing you need to do is set up a strong line
of defense. Having expelled the old man of sin from your life, you need to set
up borders so that he cannot return. And when he threatens we need to go to him
and engage him before he gets to our homeland. This requires militant action.
A frequent description of Christianity found in the New Testament is the analogy
of a soldier. That was a concept most in the Roman Empire were familiar with.
So Paul used their every day interactions with soldiers to describe our
spiritual battle with all that is evil.
b. Ephesians 6:10-18 addresses this battle and describes the armor of God in detail.
c. First, know that our armor is designed to battle a spiritual enemy – Eph. 6:11, 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
d.
It notes that we are to put on the WHOLE armor.
To be adequately protected we need EVERY piece of equipment issued.
e. Our armor is spiritual in nature.
i. Rather than a real girdle about our waist, we are girded with truth. John 17:17
ii. Breastplate of righteousness – being right with God, Matthew 5:6 – Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness
iii.
Feet shod
with gospel of peace –Footwear is
very important. Sometimes trivialized, but if we are wearing the wrong shoes –
we are handicapped in our efforts.
We need peace with God, with ourselves and with others.
Romans 10:15 – our footwear is peace found in the gospel. With God’s word we
can swiftly move with confidence.
iv.
The shield
of faith – A shield was movable
toward where the darts were being shot.
With faith, we can quench any dart Satan hurls at us.
v. The helmet of salvation – our hope and reason for being. Our heads need to be in the right place – looking toward heaven. Like Paul in Philippians 3:12-14
vi. The sword of the Spirit which is the word of God – Hebrews 4:12, etc. Our only offensive weapon is God’s word. It can convict, defend, and many other things.
vii. Praying always – this is also an important part of our “armor.” We need proper “marching orders.” Communication is essential to fighting any battle – especially our spiritual battle. How do we communicate? Prayer and study!
f.
Is our armor too heavy?
Are we willing to put this armor on? I’m fearful that many fall today simply
because they have not adequately prepared for the attack.
It is generally agreed that the downfall of Rome was primarily internal. One
example was an army that became increasingly more relaxed. Gibbon in his
History of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire noted how in later years
discipline was relaxed, soldiers exercised less, and eventually they began to
set aside their armor because it was too heavy. This rendered them vulnerable.
(Vol. III, pp. 271-272)
II. II. Love your neighbor as yourself
a. Love is something we MUST develop if there is to be assurance of hope. Next we need to learn to care about others. As Christians, we must continually remind ourselves of the need for Christian love. There is SO MUCH that we are called upon to do that involves others – be it directed specifically toward God, our brethren, our family, our neighbors, and in fact, EVERYONE!
b.
Remember 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 1 Peter 4:8 says, “and
above all these, have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a
multitude of sins.’”
1 Corinthians 8:1 says that this love edifies
Galatians 5:22 says that it is a fruit of the Sprit
2 Peter 1:7 places it at the pinnacle of the Christian graces that we build upon
our faith
1 Corinthians 14:1 says it is something to be pursued
c. A frequently quoted statement calls upon us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
i. This verse is from Leviticus 19:18 where Moses was giving instructions to Israel Because of the frequency with which it is addressed in scripture.
ii. On at least 3 occasions Jesus addressed this verse - Matthew 5:43, 19:19, 22:39. In these verses we all find that it was something the Jews clearly understood the importance of (though many did not know how to properly fulfill it).
iii.
Romans 13:9 says all the commandments are fulfilled in
that statement
Galatians 5:14 – says that all the law is fulfilled in that one word
James 2:8 – refers to it as the royal law (kingly).
d. The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25-37 records an occasion when a lawyer was questioning Jesus. The text says he was testing Him (25). When asked who this command applies to, Jesus gave the parable of the Good Samaritan in which He concluded that our neighbor is ANYONE we have opportunity to influence in some way.
e.
Do we really love our neighbors as we ought to? How
do we decide WHICH neighbors we will love more than the others? (Is that
right?)
Consider this, while we might be willing to help a neighbor with a physical need
immediately, what about one with spiritual needs. Most of us frequently come
across those who have been SPRITUALLY BEATEN AND ROBBED by Satan and His gang.
What are we willing to do for them to help heal them?
f. If we can learn to love others as we (ought to) love ourselves, we can make our call and election sure.
III. III. Choose godly companions
a. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
b. The fact is if we want assurance of our salvation, we need others to help us along the way. Who we choose to accompany us in this life will have a great impact upon our eternal security.
c.
1 Corinthians 15:33 warns evil company corrupt good
habits.
Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the
companion of fools will be destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers…”
d.
We all need good friends – Prov. 18:24 says, “A man
who has friends must himself be friendly. But there is a friend who sticks
closer than a brother” (NKJV)
(NASU) says, “A man of too many friends comes to ruin…” which is the
translation of some Greek versions.
Both texts identify the value of TRUE friends. Certainly you need to be
friendly if you are to develop quality friendships. AND it is better to have
just a few QUALITY friends (or even one) rather than many friends if it means
compromise. Think about that.
e. What constitutes a good friend?
i. He is there whenever you need him or her: Both the good and bad times. He is there when no one else is there. Like Luke standing with Paul when he was cold and in prison in Rome as he wrote to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:11).
ii.
He will tell you what you need to hear even when you
don’t want to hear it. Prov. 27:6, 9
One man said, “Good friends are those who are not just good TO us, but good FOR
us” (
iii. Find friends who are moral, modest, in control, honest, law-abiding and sober. They are of a character that will influence you to do good. They are worthy of imitation.
iv. Also, find friends who respect God and His laws. In other words, FIND CHRISTIANS!
f. So if you want to make your call and election sure, find others who will help you achieve that goal. And AVOID those who try to drag you away from it.
These are a few things you can do to strengthen your hope of eternal life. Next week we will notice two more things to add to these. If you will do these things, you will be well on your way to an assurance of your salvation. If you doubt your eternal condition, chances are you need improvement in some of the things we have examined this morning. But, as always, it is not too late to do something about that. It simply takes resolve. How sure are you of YOUR salvation?
Part 2
Presented, September 24, 2006
MAKING YOUR CALL AND ELECTION SURE – 2
2 Peter 1:10
Today, we present part 2 of a lesson dealing with some practical things we can do the help us make sure that we are prepared to stand before God. In our last lesson we noted that we CAN know we are saved, but it depends upon our willingness to DO what God requires. When we obey God in all things we have nothing to be fearful of. We discussed 3 things we ought to do. These include: 1) putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) because we have to be adequately equipped to fight the battle we face against Satan who wants to hinder our call and election; 2) loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39, etc.) because so much of what we are commanded to do involves dealing with others; and 3) choosing godly friends (1 Corinthians 15:33) because we need help and encouragement as we travel the strait and narrow road (Matthew 7:13-14). Today we present 2 more things we need to do to give us assurance.
I. We need to use our abilities wisely
a. We are given a number of responsibilities as Christians (some of which we have discussed). Whatever those might be, we need to develop our abilities to their fullest extent AND do so wisely.
b. The parable of the talents – Matthew 25:14-30 tells a parable in which our Lord spells out the need to use our abilities or talents.
i. A man, before he goes on a journey, calls his servants and entrusts each of them with a certain portion of his goods to manage while he is gone.
ii.
Each one was given resources “according to his
ability” (15). We are told one was given 5 talents, another 2 talents and a
third one 1 talent.
What was a talent? A large sum of money. One author notes it was the
equivalent of about 20 years wages for the average worker. Other descriptions
are given, but whatever the amount it was HUGE. The point being, each one HAD
ABILITY.
iii. We are told the master (lord) was gone for a long time (19), which means these servants were not being supervised all the time, if at all.
iv. When the master returned he demands an accounting.
1. The two faithful servants present their abilities before their lord having doubled them. The master commends and rewards each of them accordingly. He tells them, “You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.” They were told, “WELL DONE!”
2. The third servant presents the master’s talent without any increase. He begins to make excuses. He is called a wicked and lazy servant (26) who showed NO initiative. What he had was taken from him and given to the 5 talent servant and then he was cast into outer darkness.
3. Of course, the point of this parable is that we are accountable to God for our abilities. Hence the punishment at the end. Whatever abilities we have, they MUST use them to God’s glories.
c. What are your abilities?
i. Not everyone has the same abilities – we all have different things we can and cannot do. This is borne out in passages like Romans 12:6-8 speaks of prophecies (miraculous) and the rest still apply – ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, or mercy. See also 1 Peter 4:10-11.
ii. The key is to find out what your abilities are and to develop them. To do this requires honest examination and some work. And REALIZE that most of us have more abilities than we think we do. Many never try to develop as they should. Also realize that you will never KNOW what you can do until you try.
d. Carry out your abilities with:
i.
Diligence
– what was wrong with the one talent
man? He was lazy and wicked. He did NOTHING! The other two worked and
increased their resources.
2 Peter 1:5 – the beginning of our original text calls for us to develop by
“giving all diligence” It is also found in verse 10 where we are to “be even
more diligent to make your call and election sure.”
2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God…”
Romans 12:11, Christians are to among other things be, “not lagging in
diligence”
ii.
Wisdom
- If we act foolishly or with indifference, our salvation can be called into
question. We must use our talents wisely. There are many talented individuals
who misuse their abilities for evil intents. Use what you have for God’s glory.
James 3:13, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good
conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.”
Proverbs 2:10-11, “When wisdom enters the heart, And knowledge is pleasant to
your soul, discretion will preserve you, understanding will keep you.”
Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom…”
iii.
Fullness
– this gives you a life with REAL purpose. For your abilities to have impact,
you need to develop them as far as possible. Sadly, many waste their talents
because they don’t use them to their fullest. It is like the seed that is
sitting in the barn – it will NEVER produce a crop. But you are STILL
responsible to produce fruit! (John 15:2).
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your
might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave, where
you are going.”
iv.
With
accountability – In the parable of the
talents, one of the great lessons is that of accountability. All 3 servants
were accountable to the master. In the same way we must realize that we are
going to answer to God for how we used our talents. When Jesus taught this
parable He was NOT interested in farming per se.
Note James 4:17 which says, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does
not do it, to him it is sin.”
e. IF you are doing the best you can, you have no need to fear standing before God.
II. We need to grow in Christ every day.
a.
We must CONTINUALLY remind ourselves that God expects
us to grow. It simply is NOT an option! This final step we will address in
this study is one that naturally makes sense. It is a rule of Christianity that
with maturity comes security.
2 Timothy 4:6 describes a mature Paul who is ready to die and he KNOWS where he
is headed.
The apostle John, who during the life of Jesus was impetuous, wanting to call
down fire on a Samaritan village that had rejected Jesus (Luke 9:54) and with
the help of his mother requested of Jesus that he and his brother James have a
position of prominence when the Lord came in His kingdom (Matthew 10:37,
20:20-21), writes 1 John with absolute assurance and an understanding of how we
can KNOW that we have eternal life.
Our text for this study (2 Peter 1:10) was written by Peter as he was preparing
to die as well. This was the same Peter who denied Jesus 3 times and was later
rebuked by Paul for hypocrisy.
YES, with maturity can come security.
b.
2 Peter 3:20-21 says it plainly.
Hebrews 6:1 calls for us to go on to perfection
c. As we mature, changes ought to be clearly visible.
i. WE have put off the Old man and put on the New man - Col 3:9-10
ii. We are no longer carnal, but instead spiritual – Romans 8:6
iii. Instead of loving the world, he loves the Lord God – 1 John 2:15-17. And with maturity, that love grows stronger and stronger.
d. How can we mature as we ought? One author suggests that every day:
i. Let God say something to us – by opening our Bibles – Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
ii. Say something TO God – in prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
iii. Say something FOR God – telling another about Him. 1 Peter 3:15. Don’t be ashamed of Him. The more you tell others about Him, the stronger you will become.
iv. Do something for God – Galatians 6:10, “as we have opportunity, let us do good….”
v. Give something to God – Romans 12:1-2, present your bodies as living sacrifices.
vi. Recall something of God’s goodness – James 1:17, realizing that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. (Based on outline by Bobby K. Thompson - Book IV)
Thus we find some things that can help us live our lives with assurance. While it is easy to remind ourselves of these things, it is much more challenging to actually apply them. But if we will, we will be closer than ever before to obtaining an eternal reward with Him in heaven. What about you? Are you sure about your calling and election? If not, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?