Indebted & Entrusted Baptist Faith & Message ““ XIII. Stewardship God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth. Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19. 1. Indebted To God? Actually, No (Colossians 2:14) 2. Indebted To the Bank? Actually, No (Romans 13:7-8) 3. Indebted To the Lost? Actually, YES! Listen for the concepts of indebtedness and being entrusted with the gospel Luke 12:47-48 What have you been given? Luke 16:11 True riches! Romans 1:13 “Under obligation” is literally “debtor” 1 Corinthians 9:17 Stewardship entrusted 2 Corinthians 5:19 God has committed to us”¦ Galatians 2:7 entrusted with the gospel 1 Thessalonians 2:4 we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel 1 Timothy 1:11 entrusted with the glorious gospel of the blessed God 1 Timothy 1:18 entrusted to fight the good fight 1 Timothy 6:20 guard what has been entrusted to you 2 Timothy 1:12 Him Guard the treasure which has been entrusted to you Titus 1:3 entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior 4. Christ’s Great Commission, Our Marching Orders (Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:45-47) 5. The Finish Line (Revelation 5:9; 7:9-10) 6. To God Alone be The Glory (Isaiah 48:11) 100 years from now”¦

“Guard and Grow” 2 Peter 3:17-18 Purpose: To arm you with the double-edged sword against false teachings 1. First Edge of the Sword: GUARD Yourself from Lies! 2 Peter 3: 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, The Command = Guard Why? 1) so that you are not carried away 2) and thereby fall from your own steadfastness Deuteronomy 13:1-5 Stay with the LORD no matter what! Guard against these errors: 1. Disbelief (Genesis 3:1 Satan’s strategy in the garden and today) 2. Doubt (Matthew 21:21; James 1:6) 3. Beware of False Christs (Matthew 24:24) 4. Know them by their fruit (Matthew 7:16-20) 5. Falling out of fellowship, i.e., be an “iron man” (Proverbs 25:17; Hebrews 10:25) 2. Second Edge of the Sword: GROW in the Lord! 2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. Many today do not know God Jesus IS Truth (John 14:6) Doxology TO Jesus: here; 2 Timothy 4:18; Revelation 1:5-6 Use your sword against the Lion! (Luke 22:28-34; 1 Peter 5:5-11) Joshua 24:14-15

“The Road Few Travel” 2 Peter 3:15-16 Purpose: The Scriptures are the authority for life and the basis of judgment. 1. Because the Scriptures are the authority for life, we must handle them like a treasure! 2 Peter 3:15″¦ just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand”¦ In Ephesians 3, Paul’s wisdom is from God = revelation 2 Timothy 2:14 1 Timothy 4:16 We must handle the Scriptures with Total Trust!!!! What danger is there if we deviate from this book? Galatians 1:8; Revelation 22:18-19 There is only one path, one road, one way! 2. Because the Scriptures are the basis of all judgment, we must handle them with fear! 2 Peter 3:16″¦ which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. If we Follow Scripture = We Live If we Distort Scripture = We head toward destruction We must handle the Scriptures with humility and submission Proverbs 1:7 Psalm 1 What is your relationship with God? What is your relationship with Scripture? Are you on the path of Scripture, or off the path?

“The Road Few Travel” 2 Peter 3:15-16 Purpose: The Scriptures are the authority for life and the basis of judgment. 1. Because the Scriptures are the authority for life, we must handle them like a treasure! 2 Peter 3:15″¦ just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand”¦ In Ephesians 3, Paul’s wisdom is from God = revelation 2 Timothy 2:14 1 Timothy 4:16 We must handle the Scriptures with Total Trust!!!! What danger is there if we deviate from this book? Galatians 1:8; Revelation 22:18-19 There is only one path, one road, one way! 2. Because the Scriptures are the basis of all judgment, we must handle them with fear! 2 Peter 3:16″¦ which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. If we Follow Scripture = We Live If we Distort Scripture = We head toward destruction We must handle the Scriptures with humility and submission Proverbs 1:7 Psalm 1 What is your relationship with God? What is your relationship with Scripture? Are you on the path of Scripture, or off the path?

“Focused on our Prize, Focused on our God” 2 Peter 3:14-15a Purpose: To live the Christian life focused on God and His Word 1. Focused on Our Prize, God’s Acceptance of Us 2 Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; Be diligent “¦to be found “¦in peace “¦spotless “¦blameless This is opposite of the False Teachers in 2 Peter 2:13 1 Peter 1:6-7; 1 Peter 2:2 How will you be found by God? 2. Focused on Our God, Trusting His Plan and Timing 2 Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; God’s patience Salvation 1 Peter 1:8-9 Exodus 34:5-7 Rom 9:22 2 Peter 2:9

“God’s Patience Our Salvation” Text: 2 Peter 3:3-9 Purpose: To rediscover the reality of God’s Sovereign Control over all things! 1. Be aware of the reality of People’s Poor Perceptions! 2 Peter 3:3 Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 1:16-21 God’s Word is sure, follow it until you see Christ Isaiah 55:8 God’s ways are not our ways Romans 8:28 God causes all things to work together Isaiah 40:10-15 God is God of All 2. Be aware of the reality of GOD’s Power! 2 Peter 3:5 For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, 6 through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. 7 But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. Deuteronomy 29:29 God knows what we do not know Psalm 36:6 God’s righteousness, judgments and preservation of man and beast Romans 11:33-12:3 God’s unsearchable and unfathomable ways, therefore “¦ 3. Be aware of the reality of GOD’s Person, Promise, and Patience! 2 Peter 3:8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. Job 42:1-6 no purpose of God can be thwarted Romans 9:6-21 God has mercy and hardens whom He desires How does this apply to my life? 1. God is vindicated, keep trusting Him 2. Don’t be willfully ignorant of God’s truth, like the mockers 3. Beware of the schemes causing doubt of Jesus or God’s Word 4. God’s wrath is imminent, come to Him before it’s too late 5. Remember, learn, study, fear the Lord 6. Escape the judgment, you must be born again by personally believing in Jesus Christ

Remember The Truth 2 Peter 3:1-2 Purpose: How to stay safe with false teachers trying to entrap us all around. Proposition: The 3 R’s of Total Resistance to false teachers. 1. Apostle Peter’s Purpose: Reminder! 2 Peter 3:1 This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, Stir up your mind! 2 Peter 1:12-13 Deuteronomy 6:4-15 Psalm 78:1-11 What’s at stake? Revelation is Life! Deuteronomy 31:45-47 2. Our Response: Remember! 2 Peter 3:2 that you should remember “¦ Jesus taught Peter to Feed His Sheep: John 21:15-19 What food? Pure milk of the word: 1 Peter 2:1-5 3. The Root of All truth: Revelation! 2 Peter 3:2 that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles. Scriptures = Word = Revelation Weaned off the World, Wed to the Word! 2 Peter 1:19-21 The church, your family, your personal life, all must be built upon the Scriptures God will never lead you in any way that contradicts the Scriptures

True Christians Never Fall Away 2 Peter 2:20-22 Purpose: To encourage true Christians to persevere in the faith. Peter exposes three aspects of False Teachers that challenge us to live as authentic Christians! 1. Their “morality” is Temporary, But True Christians Persevere 2 Peter 2:20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome Hebrews 10:26-31 Luke 9:62 2. They Have Exchanged God for the World, But True Christians Remain in God 2 Peter 2:20″¦ the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. Luke 11:23-26 3. Their Nature is Never Truly Changed, A True Christian’s Nature Is Forever Changed 2 Peter 2:22 It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.” Matthew 24:8-14 Combat this tendency to fall away by exercising your perseverance! Consider these Christian New Year resolutions: Join, Grow, Serve, Go!

Immanuel, God With Us Christmas 2019 1. There is Only One True God Isaiah 45:5 “I am the LORD, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me; 6 That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other.” See also Isaiah 44:6 2. There is Only One Savior Isaiah 43:10 “You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, So that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. 11 “I, even I, am the LORD, And there is no savior besides Me.” Isaiah 45:21 “Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me. 22 “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. 7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” See also Acts 20:28; Titus 1:1-4, 2:11-14, 3:4-7; 2 Peter 1:1; Jude 25 3. Only God Can Forgive Sins – And Jesus Did It! See Luke 5:20-25 where Jesus heals the paralyzed man and forgives him of his sin 4. What’s in a Name? Everything! See Isaiah 9:6-7 Matthew 1:21 “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus. Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a 1manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Acts 4:12 “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

God Alone Satisfies Our Thirst 2 Peter 2:17-19 Purpose: To satisfy our greatest thirst by trusting Christ alone 1. We Thirst When We Trade the Truth for a Trap 2 Peter 2: 17 These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved. 18 For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, 19 promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; Jude 12-13 & Jeremiah 2:13 Empty Promises Never Deliver 2. We Thirst When We Are Enslaved to Anything Except Christ 2 Peter 2:19b for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. John 16:33 & Paul’s theme in Romans 6-8 & John 8:29-36 The FTs want to enslave you with at least the four traps mentioned: 1) arrogant boisterous words 2) fleshly desires 3) sensual behaviors 4) false freedoms that are unbiblical 2 Corinthians 5:3-6

False Teachers Everywhere 2 Peter 2:13b-16 A Poor Rich Man and a Rich Poor Disciple (Mark 10:17-31) Purpose: to remind Christians not to trade earthly temptations for heavenly treasurers 1. False Teachers are Addicted to This World, but We Live for Christ! 2 Peter 2:13 … They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, Compare this to 2 Peter 3:14 “make every effort to be found spotless, blameless” A quote from Charles Spurgeon Godliness with contentment is great gain! 1 Timothy 6:3-12 “It is precisely those who fail to become solidly grounded in Christian truth whom false teachers find to be easy prey. Like trees with shallow roots, they are easily swayed and toppled.” Don’t be enticed! 2. False Teachers Live for Fleeting Pleasures, but We Live for Heavenly Realities! 2 Peter 2:14 “¦ accursed children;15 forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16 but he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet. Balaam: Numbers 22-24; Deuteronomy 23:3-5; Joshua 13:22, 24:9-10; Nehemiah 13:1-2 The example of Moses: Hebrews 11:23-27 Heavenly motivation v. human desires: 2 Corinthians 5:5-9; Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 6:33 Don’t forsake the way of Christ!

The False Teacher’s Failure 2 Peter 2:12-13 Purpose: to draw near to God’s truth for our own salvation Does it really matter what we believe? The importance of ensuring salvation through correct teaching in 1 Timothy 4:13-16 1. False Teachers Have No Hope of Life with God 2 Peter 12 But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed,13 suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. What’s a Christian to do? Bad company corrupts good morals! 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15 2. False Teachers Suffer Due to Wrong Beliefs and Behavior 2 Peter 12 But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed, 13 suffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. Peter’s use of “Knowledge” in 2 Peter 1:2-8; 2:12; 2:20; 3:18 Paul’s similar concern in 2 Timothy 4:1-4 So you see, we must stay in the true knowledge of God, and reject any false teaching

Thanks Be To God 1. Thanks Be To God, Jesus is Alive 1 Corinthians 15:55 “O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. Thanks Be To God, Jesus Sets Sinners Free Romans 6:17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. See also Romans 7:24-25 3. Thanks Be To God, Jesus Calls Us To Serve 2 Corinthians 9:13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, 14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! A Thanksgiving Story How can we confess the gospel and contribute liberally to Jesus Kingdom?