He Deliver's Hope 1.3 | Charged (LIVE 5/26/24)

  He Deliver's Hope 1.3 | Charged | Duties of the Young & Old

By Rev. Nicholas Sybrowsky 

Heb. (נּט רּקהץ מּןביםךשד דּטנרם'דלט)

Gk. (Βψ Ρεω. Νιξηολασ Σψβροωσκψ)

Invocation:

LORD, we have come today to worship.  You are our God, and we love you.  Thank you for the substitutionary work upon the cross.  Thank you for the blood of Jesus Christ that atones for our sins.  We stand before you in humility, recognizing your presence.  Your grace sustains us.  Your love motivates us.  Your presence commits us to do your will.  We love you; we are your people.

Opening Word & Reading for Worship:

The Parable of the Lost Sheep:

  "(1) Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. (2) But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." (3) Then Jesus told them this parable: (4) "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? (5) And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders (6) and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' (7) I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." (Luk 15:1-7 NIV)

Tithes & Offerings:

Father, it is at this time that we have the opportunity to give back a portion of what you have blessed us with.  Open our eyes to see how blessed we are and that you are the one that has supplied us with what we have.  As we determine what we can give, may we remember that we cannot out give you!

Bless both the gift and the giver; may the money be used in a way that will benefit your work here on earth.  May we be able to use this money to help draw others closer to you in some way.  Be with us throughout the remainder of the service, and may you be pleased with our offerings to you both now and in our worship in spirit and in truth.  And every disciple of Jesus in agreement said, Amen.

Charged with Duties for the Young & Old

Intro:

Our Future is Anchored in the Blessed Hope:  Each Generation is responsible to promote the right teaching and the right teaching is critical to the vitality of the church.

Last week on Pentecost we examined Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost in Chapter 2 of Acts.  In "Peter's No Chicken" we witnessed Peter publicly take courage in facing the Nations visiting Jerusalem on their annual customary pilgrimage.  They visited for the annual festival known as the Feast of Weeks also known as Pentecost ("Fiftieth Day"), The Day of First of Fruits and the Feast of the Ingathering. Peter's sermon ended with "about 3,000 souls...added to" the church assembly.

After this explosive growth, What was life like among the believers?

"(42) And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (43) And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. (44) And all who believed were together and had all things in common. (45) And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. (46) And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, (47) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." (Act 2:42-47 ESV)

So, What was life like among they that believed in Christ Jesus?

We basically witness the same pattern of practices after Pentecost as was done before Pentecost.  As the disciples waited on the "helper" in the 10 days following Christ's ascension before Pentecost, they practiced what Jesus taught them. After the day of Pentecost they continued in that which they were engaged in the upper room when the Baptism in the Holy Spirit occurred.  These practices empower vitality in the church and promote growth in the community of believers.  

Many churches today desire to pattern themselves after the New Testament (NT) church in hopes of experiencing the same power, growth and effectiveness that it had.  This passage (2:42-47) gives a general overview of the things that gave the (NT) church the ability to experience God's miraculous power (v.43) and consistent growth (v.47).  Remarkably, these things were quite plain and practical.*

(*Footnote Acts 2:42-47 Commentary MEV Fire Bible D. Stamps)

Because the Lord Jesus Christ was Fully God and is seated at the right hand of God our Father, His blood & righteousness deliver us from bondage and His Spirit empowers us with hope.  An oversimplified version of this may sound like, He Delivers Hope.  His name is Jesus Christ!

One of our core doctrines in the Assemblies of God is that All Christians who have died will one day rise from their graves and will meet the Lord in the air.  Christians who have not yet died will be raptured or caught up with them, to be with the Lord.  Then Christians of all ages will live with God forever.  

The scriptural truth of the Lord's soon return is "the Blessed Hope" described fairly well within the following scripture addresses:  Romans 8:23; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Titus 2:13.  

Thus far in this He Delivers Hope series we've examined Romans 8:23, 1 Cor. 15:51, 1 Thess. 4:16-17  And today we'll get into Titus 2:13.  We also have the 2 Men of Gadara in mind with regard to deliverance from bondage(Mk 5:3-13).  Let's keep this miracle performed by Jesus in mind.  Remember when Jesus crossed the lake and performed this miracle and how the town was upset and how Jesus saw these souls as important.  More important than our earthly farming harvest is the spiritual harvest of souls.  Amen?

Let's continue to discuss this hard topic of rapture and the mystery of resurrection.  That said it's important I point out that which is obvious to some of you, we are touching on Prophecy.  Events that have passed and those events that are going to occur. To the Romans Paul wrote about living the crucified life in the strength of the Holy Spirit awaiting the glory that is to be. 

23 Not only that, but we also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan within ourselves while eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 

                                                            ~Romans 8:23 (MEV) 

 And to the people at Corinth he encouraged them to be more concerned not with what they eat but with conscience, Christ's substitutionary work upon the cross and His Resurrection.  Facts that they once gained a sense in freedom from sin but foolishly began using said freedom as a license to return to sin like a dog does to vomit (Pro. 26:11).  He was led to share this with them:

Listen, I tell you a mystery:  We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  

                                                    ~1 Cor 15:51-52 (MEV)

To the people of the church in Thessalonica Paul wrote regarding Sanctification & Love [for those] Who Died in Christ.  Calling them to Live in and for Christ, which is a life pleasing to God.  Encouraging them with The Hope of Resurrection.

"(16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall be forever with the Lord." (1Th 4:16-17 MEV)

Finally we arrive at our main passage for today's message!  

"as we await the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ~Titus 2:13 (MEV)

 Let's get into the context in the book of Titus!  This is considered to be a personal "Pastoral" letter from the apostle Paul (like 1 & 2 Tim.) because it deals with matters relating to church organization and ministry.  Titus is one of Paul's younger assistants.  He was a Gentile (non-Jewish) convert to Christianity, known on the basis of Gal. 2:3. 

"(3) But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek." (Gal 2:3 ESV)

Although Tutus is not mentioned by name in the book of Acts (perhaps because he was the brother of Luke, who wrote Acts and did not mention himself in the book either), various other references suggest that he an Paul had a close relationship.  One example of this is that Tutus is mentioned thirteen times in Paul's letters and we know Tutus worked with Paul to establish the church at Crete as described by Paul in this letter in verse 1:5

"(5) This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you--" (Tit 1:5 ESV)

This epistle can be read on average in :07 minutes.  It's theme is Sound Teaching and Good works.

Some of the PURPOSE (MEV) for the Pastoral Letter.  In NT times, the Cretans had a reputation for their terrible moral standards; the people were known for dishonesty, laziness and gluttony (1:12, 13).

"(12) One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." (13) This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith," (Tit 1:12-13 ESV).

Emphasize:  "...that they may be sound in the faith,"

Therefore, Paul wrote primarily to instruct Titus in his task of setting in order the unfinished business in the churches of Crete, including the appointment of elders to lead.

We pick up in this letter at Chapter 1:16

"(16) They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work." "(1) But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. (2) Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. (3) Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, (4) and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, (5) to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (6) Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. (7) Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, (8) and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. (9) Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, (10) not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. (11) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, (12) training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, (13) waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (14) who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (15) Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you." ~(Tit 1:16-2:1-15 ESV)

1. The Teaching of Sound Doctrine.

This main passage includes the foundation for Christian living:  Belief that is in alignment with the (AGSFT V. and XIII.) Salvation of Man and the Second Coming of Christ (2:11-14).

(11) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, (12) training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, (13) waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, (14) who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.(Added Emphasis :13)

In chapter two we see Paul instruct Tutus about the character and spiritual qualifications necessary for all those who are to be selected as elders (or overseers, i.e. pastors) in the church. 

Duties of the older:  

1. Be- sober (or vigilant).  
2. Be- serious. 
3. Be temperate.  
4. Be sound in faith, 
5. be- sound in love 
6. and be-sound in patience.

Duties of the older women:  

Likewise,  (Older: 1-6) Seems to add the following, yet in my opinion these are conditions to be cultivated for both genders: 

1. Be-reverent in behavior (or holiness), 
2. Be-not quarrelsome, bearing false accusation (or troublemakers).  
3. Be-not enslaved to much wine, but teachers of good things, that they may teach the young women 
4. to love their husbands, 
5. to love their children, 
6. and to be self-controlled, 
7. pure, 
8. homemakers, 
9. good, 
10. obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored.   

Duties of the young:  Likewise, motivate...

1. Be- self-controlled(or discreet) in all things presenting yourself as an example of good works: in doctrine showing integrity, gravity, incorruptibility, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that the onw who opposes you may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

Self-controlled.  Everything here is being taught by an example above reproach by the older people.  

Reproach means:  to express disappointment in or displeasure with (a person) for conduct that is blameworthy or in need of amendment.  ~Merriam-Webster

The young are not off the hook!  

"(1) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. (2) "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), (3) "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."" (Eph 6:1-3 ESV)

"(20) Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." (Col 3:20 ESV).

Emphasis on "Children".  

Duties in the workplace: Servants:  

be-obedient to their boss, 

Be-pleasing in everything, not answering(or gainsaying: speak against or oppose.) back (a matter of loyalty.) or stealing but sowing complete fidelity, [for their sake] that they may exemplify the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

In other words:  

"When you work for an organization, in heaven's name, work for it, speak well of it and stand by the principles and objectives towards which it aims" ~Author Unknown

Remember:  "An ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness.  If you must growl, condemn and eternally find fault, then resign your position and when you are on the outside, damn to your heart's content.  But so long as you are a part of an organization, do not condemn.  If you do, the first high wind that comes along will blow you away and, probably, you will never know why."   

Biting the hand that feeds you.  Insider threats occur by predatory behavior.

3. Next week:  My desire was to examine our church Mission, Vision & Values.  And walk through Jude verse by verse.  But instead I sensed direction from God to enter into a new very long series:  Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

Conclusion:

If we want the same power, growth and effectiveness of Acts 2:42-47 we must align ourselves with sound doctrine.  Again if we want the pattern of power, growth and effective ministry we must be familiar with sound doctrine and develop personally to be that good example above reproach teaching sound doctrine for the sake of future generations THAT NONE SHALL PERISH eternally but that all may have an abundant life and that they to can have salvation from Jesus Christ and stand eagerly awaiting His second coming.  That all may have this blessed hope of which He Delivers.

Exhortation:

This doctrine is very important because it provides a primary motivation for witnessing and living a holy life.  For the believer, the return of Christ for His redeemed is a blessed hope indeed!  The translation or “snatching away” of living Christians, commonly called the Rapture (“to catch up”), will bring an end to suffering, pain, hardship, and difficulty.  We, as Christians, will then be with the Lord forever.  Thought the body is not alive between death and resurrection, the soul does not sleep but is consciously alive in the presence of the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8)

For the sinner, however, the Rapture is anything but a blessed hope.  To be left behind will involve indescribable suffering as God judges a rebellious and disobedient world.  God desires that all people should ask forgiveness and be restored to fellowship with Him (relationship NOT Religion).  He places this burden for the lost and their waiting eternal punishment on the hearts of those who already know His love and salvation.  It is for this reason that the primary mission of the Church is evangelizing the world, seeking to save as many as possible from the judgment to come.

Altar Call/Prayer as needed/Application:

Are you ready for the coming judgment?  To the saint, are you ready and are you setting an example above reproach?  To the sinner, do you have a sense of conviction to receive this salvation that comes only from Jesus Christ?  Are you ready for the coming Judgment?  Do you have hope or is it despair you sense?  

Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heave ~Jesus Christ (Mt. 10:32)

Benediction:

The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. ~Ps. 121:7,8 

Next Week a New Series: