The Plowman

 

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Questions #13. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, February 28, 2010.

Introduction:
If you’ve ever read the Puritan writers you know they seemed to have been obsessed with the question of assurance.  They were intense naval gazers!  Introspection was a hobby.  Constantly questioning their own motives and thoughts.  Contrast that with the vast number of folks who today boldly, with great certainty claim to be saved in spite of the fact their life gives no evidence of it.  I’ve met scores of people who recall with great fondness and detail how they “walked the aisle” and “gave their heart to Jesus” years ago but have no interest in the church or the things of God today.  They rest in the assurance of their “decision” or their “baptism” but are unrepentant of their unbiblical lifestyle and their lack of involvement in the things of God.  “Houston, we have a problem.”

There is great comfort in knowing that God is at work in His people.  That the God who saves is the God who delivers.  That the One who began the good work in you, will complete His work.  In spite of our weakness and failings, in spite of our faults and unbelief we are stumbling towards glory and by God’s grace we will get there.  But that is only true for those who are genuinely born of the Spirit of God.  I understand that I cannot stand as anyone else’s judge and determine conclusively whether they are in or out of God’s Kingdom but I can and must speak the truth of the Scripture.  And the Scripture warns of “false” professions of faith.  Last time we talked about assurance, I want to follow up on that this evening.  Specifically I want to talk about how we know we belong to Christ.

Salvation on God’s Terms
The place to begin is to ask what are the terms of salvation?  What is required of those who are saved?  This assumes what the Scripture says about man, his creation by God, his fall and the consequences of that fall.

Recap:

• Creation in the image and likeness of God.
• Perfection in the Garden.
• Adam & Eves relationship and their relationship with God.
• The temptation of the Serpent.
• The rebellion.
• The cost.
• The curse.
• God’s remedy.

What is abundantly clear throughout Scripture is that we come to God on His terms.  We do not come to God in a manner of our choosing.  We are the offenders.  We are guilty.  What must we do to restore things, to make things right?  God, as Sovereign and as the offended party, sets the terms.

So what is it He requires?

Jesus himself came preaching, “Repent and believe the gospel…” Mark 1:15.
We find the same thing from the apostle Paul the other New Testament writers.
Repent and believe.

This means two things:

1. The man who has been born of God will hate sin and turn away from it (repent).
2. The man who has been born of God will love righteousness and truth.

Paul expresses it this way: But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.  2 Thessalonians 2:13

It must also be noted that these are not one time events.
This is not a matter of saying, “I once repented and believed.”
This is on-going.
It is a lifetime of repenting and believing.
In other words it is something you do and continue to do.

The Lasting Result of Such a Salvation
What is it that happens to those who repent and believe?
The Bible is clear - they are sanctified.

When we think about a person being a saint we think - moral perfection.
But that is not its primary meaning.
The primary meaning is “set apart” or “set aside for a specific purpose.”

In the OT when a pot was “sanctified” it was set apart for a sacred use.  When it is set aside for that sacred use it is not used for anything else.  It was, from that time on, devoted to God alone.

In salvation God’s men and women are set apart for God alone.
Unlike the men and women around them who serve other gods - they serve God alone.
This setting aside is done by God, not by the individuals.

This is critical - when God sets us apart He gives us new hearts.
This new heart results in a complete change of “heart” toward sin.
What we once loved, we now find repulsive.
We develop a growing disdain for sin and unrighteousness.
This disdain for sin is not because it harms us but because it is offensive to God.
Sin was once a delight for us (because it satisfied a desire/longing) now it is a burden.

This new heart also causes us to love truth and despise false teaching.
We say, along with the apostle Paul, “Let God be true, and every man a liar” (Ro. 3:4).
God’s truth becomes more important to us than anything else.
To the point we are willing to die for the truth.

• Paul
• Peter
• The early martyrs
• The Reformers

Now understand this “truth” is not just a bundle of doctrinal affirmations.
John 14:6 - it is Christ himself.

If a man does not trust and love the Lord Jesus, that man is not a Christian regardless of his testimony or what he professes.

You must ask yourself - “Do I truly love Christ?”
“Am I certain that I have believed in Jesus?”

But wait, isn’t it wrong to question?  NO!

Listen to Peter:

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9

Peter is saying cultivate these things, grow in these characteristics.
Then note what he says next:

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11

Peter is not talking about how to be saved.
He is telling us that there is a way to confirm to ourselves that we belong to Christ.
This is about determining whether my conviction is sound or delusional.
How can I know I belong to Christ?

Not by asking if I’ve “made a decision.”
Not by turning to my baptism certificate.
Multitudes will claim but of those and wind up in hell.
Rather I must apply the tests of Scripture.

That is the things Peter talks about here and what John says in 1 John.

• The doctrine test - 1 John 2:22-23
• The love test - 1 John 2:9-11
• Test of obedience - 1 John 2:3-6

We are to strive toward holiness.  We will not achieve perfection but we ought to progress in godliness.

Consider John 14:21, 23-24:
Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.

Jesus answered him, If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.

Some Tough Yet Vital Questions
Do you live to please God or to please yourself?
Do you hate sin and love righteousness?
Do you hate sin because it offends God or because it hurts you or people you love?

Is there a clear distinction between your life and the lifestyle of unbelievers?

• Eph. 2:8-9
• Eph. 2:10

Do you trust Christ or truths about Christ?

Are these questions unsettling?  If so that’s good.  Not because I want to create doubt or confusion but because it is necessary to test gold to insure it is genuine.  Gold is not placed in the fire to destroy it but to purify it.  The same is true of our faith.

Do you want God’s way in your life?  Do you trust Him to work His way in you?
Do you truth Him with your circumstances?

Ask yourself, “Do I want what God wants, even when I don’t know what it is?”  Or do you need to know what God wants to do because you can say, “yes”?

Don’t answer that quickly.  Think through the implications and then respond.

Our Comfort

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. John 6:37

 

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An exposition of Romans 9:1-33. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, February 28, 2010.

Introduction
Can you believe the weather we’ve had this year?  Oklahoma weather has always been crazy but this year seems to take the cake.  One day the sun is shining, it’s warm, flowers are blooming and the next day we are covered with snow and ice!  Just last week I was in my office near the end of the day.  I had come back from lunch about 3 hours earlier and it was nice and warm outside.  I didn’t even bother to wear a jacket.  After working at my desk for a couple of hours I looked out the window.  The sun was behind the clouds, I could see the tree limbs bending to the wind.  When I stepped outside I wondered, “Where is my coat?”  Temperature had dropped at least 20 degrees and I was in shock.  That’s not unlike the experience one has moving from Romans 8 to Romans chapter 9.  Chapter 8 is all sunshine.  “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  No condemnation, no separation and in between - no defeat!  What a glorious word.  What comfort.  What encouragement.  What peace.  Then comes the dark clouds of chapter 9.  Paul’s heart is broken over the lostness of his brethren, according to the flesh.  He is burdened to the point he could wish himself accursed, damned, for the sake of the Jews.  As you work your way through the chapter there are questions about God’s faithfulness and justice, teaching on sovereign election and God’s sovereignty in showing mercy to some and hardening others.  Romans chapter 9 is not for the faint of heart!

As I worked my way through the text trying to outline the chapter here is what I came up with:

• A burdened and broken heart - 9:1-5
• A somber and troublesome question - 9:6-13
• An even more disturbing answer - 9:14-29
• An undeniable conclusion - 9:30-33

While this is a theologically heavy chapter don’t let that frighten you away.  This is a wonderful chapter affirming God’s power and sovereignty which are essential to our having any hope or confidence.  At the heart of chapter 9 is the question of God’s faithfulness.  In responding Paul appeals to God’s sovereignty as the basis of our hope.  The truth of the matter is that if God is not faithful to His word, we cannot count on Romans 8 being true!

Once again there is the danger of focusing on the question of election and missing the larger truth.  I’m not saying it is nonessential or unimportant.  I’m saying too often we focus on the wrong aspect of the truth and neglect other applications.  At the heart of this chapter is the question of salvation and how it is we come to faith in Christ.  I’m afraid there is the tendency to analyze such passages to death.  We want to dissect this doctrine, analyze its particulars and methodically explain it when it is intended to inspire worship and adoration!  I’m convinced this is a text that ought to inform our understanding of the gospel and evangelism.  Far from discouraging evangelism, the truths of this passage ought to inspire it.  Rather than distract us it ought to empower us.

As we work our way through this chapter I want you to keep this in mind…

Thesis: Biblical evangelism demands a full-orbed Gospel.
Full-orbed means a well rounded, complete and faithful, taking everything into consideration.

Text: Romans 9:1-33
There are 3 things I want to point out, in light of this text.

1. A full-orbed gospel understands “lostness” and knows the pain of a broken and burdened heart.  (9:1-5)
2. A full-orbed gospel boldly grapples with the weighty issues of theology in seeking to be faithful in applying the biblical text.  (9:6-29)
3. A full-orbed gospel comes to rest on the doctrine of salvation by faith because of God’s mercy and grace.  (9:30-33)

What then shall we say?  What are we to conclude?

Those who didn’t pursue righteousness - found it.
Those who did pursue it - never did.

Why?  How?
Because salvation is by grace because of faith.

 

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A look at Psalm 59:1-17. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, February 24, 2010.

 

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An exposition of Romans 8:28-39. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, February 21, 2010.

Introduction
According to the Scriptures we are to be a “peculiar” people.  That doesn’t mean “strange” or “weird.”  It means that we stand out as different.  A people “marked off” as belonging to some unique group or a particular identity.  It means that we think differently than those around us.  We have another way of interpreting the world, of assessing value, and determining what matters and what does not.  Our faith is not just a set if ideas or concepts that we believe to be true but a life that we embrace.  We embrace truth and that truth affects the way we live.  We actually believe there is a God and that belief impacts how we live our lives.  We actually believe that there is a heaven and a hell; that sin is more than an attempt to define evil; that Jesus really was the Son of God who came to save us from the wrath of God; and those beliefs are cherished and “lived out.”  Because of that we look, act and think differently.

One of the things that ought to stand out, and stand out even more as the days grow more wicked, is our optimism and hope.  Of all the people on the planet we ought to face the future with confidence and courage because we know where this is heading!  We know that history is going somewhere.  That there is a person who is directing this show and it will end at His throne and it will bring Him glory.  I’m not talking about a shallow, superficial, pollyanna kind of optimism but rather a deep and abiding confidence that all things work together for our good and His glory.  Our text this morning is found in Romans chapter 8 beginning with verse 28.

Text: Romans 8:28-39
This is a comforting and yet disturbing passage.
Comforting because it so powerfully assures us of God’s presence and work.
Yet disturbing because it uses a word that is bothersome - “predestination.”

What I hope to show you is that this is a very comforting passage assuring us a some wonderful truths.  Truths that will provide shelter in times of storm.  Truths that will anchor your soul in times of doubt, heartache and turmoil.  This is another of those “mountain peak” passages in Scripture.  Do you remember I said, a couple of weeks ago, that this passage is set off with “no condemnation” on one side and “no separation” on the other?  We’ve talked of the comfort from knowing there remains no condemnation for those who are in Christ - now we are assured that nothing will ever separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As we work our way through this text we are reminded that…

Thesis: As the people of God we are to be marked by an unshakable confidence and an abiding comfort.
Let me point out two things from this text.

1. Our confidence rests in God’s sovereign and gracious work.  (8:28-29)
2. Our comfort is born of God’s preserving love.  (8:31-39)

Our confidence rests in God’s sovereign and gracious work.
Our comfort is born of God’s preserving love.

Thus we are marked by an unshakable confidence and an abiding comfort.

 

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A look at Luke 10:25-37. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, February 17, 2010.

 

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Questions #11. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, February 10, 2010.

Introduction
It is a natural question and one worth asking.  If, as God’s people, we to be about His business then it is worth asking, “Who is doing the work of God today?”  If we are to determine who is doing the work of God must we look to the New York Times best sellers list?  Or perhaps we turn to our own Baptist Messenger.  A few weeks ago the Messenger featured two articles one naming those who have the most influence on Southern Baptist another naming 10 pastors who should be watched as rising stars within the convention.  But what of those who didn’t make either list?  Are they having any impact on the Kingdom of God?  What about that young couple who turns their back on family, friends and fortune and give their all to an obscure place on the other side of the world where they will labor for decades and see a meager harvest and may even be modern day martyrs?  What are we to say of than dedicated layman who quietly serves behind the scene maintaining the building and doing a thousand things no one even notices?  What of that faithful woman who rocks and loves babies in the nursery?  Or the deacon who stands outside the hospital room and weeps with a family following the death of their loved one?  Which of these is doing the work of God?

We suffer under a great delusion born of our modern culture, “If it’s bigger it must be better.”  The man preaching to millions through radio, television and the internet must be doing a great work.  The one who is a household name around the world must be considered great in the Kingdom of God.  According to who’s standard?  What is the criteria for determining greatness in God’s sight?  We must not forget His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.  Let me give you a list of activities and I want you to rank them in order of importance:

• Mopping a dirty floor
• Wiping a runny nose
• Winning a soul to Christ
• Giving an honest days work to your employer
• Praying for a missionary

Now obviously there are things on this list that are of greater importance.  Certainly winning a soul for Christ and wiping a runny nose do not have the same importance in light of eternity.  Would you put mopping a dirty floor on the same level as praying for a missionary?  Let me ask you to hold off on making your list and let’s think about the big picture for a minute.

Maybe in answering the question about what is most important we should ask the question a little differently.  Perhaps we should ask, “What is the most important thing for me to do right now?”  Asking the question in that way recognizes that you need to consider your ability in the context of your immediate circumstance.  At the same time we must remember the biblical injunction to do all that we do for the glory of God.  Wherever I am, whatever I do - I’m to do it for God’s glory.  I am to do it in service to Him.  If at this moment there is a runny nose that needs wiping, I need to do that and I need to do it for the glory of God.

To do something for God’s glory is to do it for the purpose of pleasing Him.  The man who is seeking to please God is doing the most important thing a creature can do.  It is doesn’t matter if men see what he is doing as being important or not.

Here is the principle: You are doing the work of God when you seek to please Him.  You are not doing the work of God if your goal is not to please Him.

What we do is not the most important thing.  You may be praying for a missionary or you may be giving your employer an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.  The act is secondary.  Aiming to please God is the important thing.

Some Examples:

• The example of Mary - Mark14:3-9.
• Consider the story of Naaman the leper - 2 Kings 5.
• 2 Kings 5:2,3
• 2 Kings 5:11
• One last example - Dorcas - Acts 9:39-42

Don’t misunderstand me.  I’m not saying you should not pray for missionaries, or hand out tracts or witness to your neighbors.  You are to do all of that.  But I am saying, broaden your understanding.  You are to do all that you do for the glory of God.

What is your job for God?  I don’t know.  But I can tell you its not hard to figure out.  Where did God put you?  In an office?  Aim to please Him, and your office work becomes the work of God.  A classroom?  Aim to please Him and your classroom becomes the work of God.  A shop?  A home?  A sales rout?  Just keep before you the fact that you are serving God not man.  Your day to day chore is Christian work when you aim to please Him in all that you do.

 

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An exposition of Romans 8:18-27. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, February 14, 2010.

Introduction
It is not the sort of thing we think about.  We prefer to push it out of our minds and put off dealing with it as long as possible.  But I’ll tell you when I think about it.  I think about it when I’m standing in the hospital hallway at 2:30 in the morning.  Or when sitting in an ICU waiting room anticipating the doctor’s morning report.  I think about it when I’m pulling up to the house of that total stranger who has no idea I’m about to knock on their door and change their life forever by announcing the death of their loved one.  “What’s next?”  “What is there after this life?”  “What are we to make of eternity?”

Now, death is not the only thing that causes me to consider eternity.  I also think about it when I’ve had enough!  You know what I mean.  When I’ve had it up to here.  When it’s been a rotten day on top of a rotten month and I just want to slap the next face I see.  When I think, “I just want all of this to be over.”  You have to admit there is something about tragedy and heartache that simplifies life.  Pain has the unique ability to clarify issues.  You would gladly trade it all - the house, the car, the job just for some peace.  When all hell breaks loose in your life and you are toss about by the winds of pain and sorrow - you look up and you give thought to the world to come.

But here is the thing, as the people of God we are to be different from the world around us.  Part of the work of the Spirit in us is that we have a new mindset, a new life, a new dynamic at work in us and we see the world differently.  We are possessed of a joy beyond understanding.  We have a hope that is steadfast and sure.  That hope, that joy makes a difference now and forever.

As we continue our walk through the 8th chapter of Romans I want to show you that…

Thesis
Part of what it means to live by the Spirit is to live expectantly in anticipation of our future glory.
Our text this morning is found in Romans 8 beginning at verse 18.

Text: Romans 8:18-27
As we move through this text note the connection between groaning and glory.
We live in a fallen world.  Sin has brought devastation and that devastation affects all of the creation.  As Christians we are not immune.  We are not given a free pass.  We do suffer.  We experience genuine heartache.  But look at what Paul says in the opening verse of our text.

8:18 - that is an extraordinary statement.

Picture an account ledger - in one column “the sufferings of this present world” in the other “the glory that is to be revealed”.  Paul says the glory far outweighs the sufferings of this life to the point that there is no comparison between the two!

We must lift our eyes and look to the glory yet to come.

Let me point out three things.

1. Even the creation longs for that glorious day.  (8:19-22)
2. We, as the adopted heirs of that glory, long for its fulfillment in the resurrection.  (8:23-25)
3. The Holy Spirit enters into our burden and expresses our hope and longing.  (8:26-27)

Conclusion
A glory awaits us that exceeds our wildest imagination.  You and I are going to be creatures so glorious that if we saw such ones today we would be tempted to fall down and worship them!  Because of the greatness of such a glory and because of our weakness we groan.  But we’re not alone.  The whole of creation groans awaiting that day.  The Spirit himself groans.  And one day our groaning will be replaced with glory.

 

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A Wednesday evening Bible study from Exodus 32, for the gathered fellowship at Trinity Baptist Church on February 10, 2010.

 

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An exposition of Romans 8:1-17. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was brought to the fellowship of Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, February 7, 2010.

Introduction:
If you go to Mardels or any number of Christian Bookstores you will find entire sections dedicated to the work of the Holy Spirit.  You will find books on the filling of the Holy Spirit, on how to walk victoriously in the Spirit, how to be led by the Spirit and a number of books on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Now when you are there and you see someone on that aisle wearing a trench coat and dark glasses…they are probably a Baptist!  Because we’re just not into that sort of thing.  That’s what those other folks do.  And you know they are really “off track” doctrinally.  It seems too often we, as Baptists, are like those disciples of John found in Acts 19:2.  When asked if they had received the Holy Spirit they replied, “We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”  Talk of the Holy Spirit “frightens” us because there is such abuse.  I’m not deny there is great abuse in this area.  But we have nothing to fear from the 3rd Person of the Trinity.  The work of the Spirit is essential.  Apart from the working of the Spirit of God there would be no salvation.  It is the Spirit that quickens us making us alive and enabling us to see the beauty of Christ and the wonder of the Gospel causing us to flee to Christ for life.  It is the Spirit of God who indwells every believer conforming us to the image and likeness of Christ, teaching us to observe all that He commanded us, and moving us toward sanctification and glorification.  The work of the Holy Spirit is essential to your growth and maturity as a Christian.  Apart from the presence and power of the Holy Spirit you cannot be what God has called you to be.  This morning we are going to consider “life in the Spirit.”

Now we hear that phrase and because of our context we think of tongues, healing crusades, prophetic utterances and let’s go ahead and acknowledge it  - nonsense! If you are God’s child you have been called to live and walk in the Holy Spirit.  It is not an option.  It’s not an elective - something you can choose to do or not do - it is required.  But you can do it without ever “jumping a pew” or speaking in an “unknown tongue.”  I want to show you what life in the Spirit is all about and we find it in Romans chapter 8.

Text: Romans 8:1-17

In Romans 7 Paul speaks openly and honestly about his on-going struggle with sin.
There we discover the tension in salvation present and not yet.
We are saved but we are also being saved.
We are declared righteous in the sight of God because of Christ but we are not yet perfected.
In our journey toward holiness we struggle.
We often slip and fall.
At times we yield to sin and thus fall victim to its passions and desires.

Paul ends chapter 7 with a cry, “Wretched man that I am!  Who will deliver me from this body of death?”  But this is not a cry of despair.  This is not a hopeless surrender.  It is a shout of affirmation because he goes on to say, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”  Victory is not secured by means of our heroic struggle with sin but rather by God’s gracious provision in Christ.

Romans 8 is then marked off by two great statements.
One at the beginning and the other at the end.
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…”
“…nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
No condemnation at the beginning.
No separation at the end.
And no defeat in between!

Paul makes reference to the Spirit some 20 times in this chapter.
This morning I want to focus our attention on the first 17 verses.
It is here that we discover…

Thesis: Genuine saving faith rejoices in the life altering work of the Holy Spirit.
There are two things I want to point out from our text.

1. Paul, with a prophetic voice, boldly declares our freedom and deliverance through the work of the Holy Spirit.  (8:1-4)
2. Paul, with pastoral concern, outlines the Spirit’s work on our behalf.  (8:5-17)

There are 4 things attributed to the work of the Spirit.

• Through the Spirit we’ve been granted a new mind - (8:5-8)
• Through the Spirit we’ve been given new life - (8:9-11)
• Through the work of the Spirit we are driven by a new dynamic - (8:12-13)
• Through the work of the Spirit we are made heirs of a glorious new family - (8:14-17)

 

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From Genesis 2:15-3:10. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was brought to the fellowship of believers at Trinity Baptist Church on Wednesday evening, February 3, 2010.