Scripture Reading: John 10:22-28
Plainly Preaching Christ
Intro.
1. Jno 10:24: Jesus’ enemies complained that He did not plainly tell them who He was (He had, but they rejected it, 10:25).
2. Jno 16:25 (12-13): Jesus promised “plain” speech to apostles.
3. Plain - [AV - boldness 8, confidence 6, openly 4, plainly 4, openly + 1722 2, boldly + 1722 1, misc 6; 31] (Strong)
a) freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech
1a) openly, frankly, i.e. without concealment
1b) without ambiguity or circumlocution
1c) without the use of figures and comparisons
b) free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance
c) the deportment by which one becomes conspicuous or secures publicity
4. This is how Jesus spoke through His gospel! The apostles used plainness of speech, too (2 Cor. 3:12):
a. Frankness (w/o reservation or ambiguity), Acts 20:20, 27.
b. Bold confidence, 1 Tim 1:7 (Rom 1:15-16).
c. Conspicuous (publicity), Acts 26:26 (17:6).
5. Such plainness of speech is not rude, unloving or uncaring!
a. Some brethren are against plain teaching/preaching today.
6. Some of the plain teachings of the gospel we must proclaim frankly, boldly and conspicuously.
I. HOW TO BE SAVED FROM SINS.
A. Some Say, “You will run people off!” Matt 15:11-13
-Without these actions of faith, none will be saved! (Matt 7:21)
B. “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” Acts 2:37; 16:30-31 Must:
-Hear gospel, Jno 6:45; Rom 10:17); Believe Christ, Jno 8:24; Repent (Acts 17:30); Confess faith, Matt 10:32; Be baptized in water, Acts 22:16; then, be faithful, Rev 2:10.
II. THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, Matt 16:18.
A. Some Say, “This is too hard and offensive!” Jno 6:60-61, 66
1. Yet, the truth remains the same.
2. If you are not a member of His church, why not? When?
B. The Church is Vitally Important:
1. Jesus loved the church, Eph 5:25.
2. Jesus died for the church, Acts 20:28; Eph 5:25.
3. Jesus adds saved people to His church, Acts 2:47.
4. Jesus only has one church, Eph 1:22-23; 4:4.
5. You cannot be saved outside of His church, Eph 5:23.
III. ASSEMBLED WORSHIP IS REQUIRED OF CHRISTIANS, Heb 10:24-25 (Jno 4:23-24).
A. Some Say, “You’re going to hurt people’s feelings!” and, “At least I’m here some of the time!” (Psa 122:1)
1. We must rebuke and exhort when needed, 2 Tim 4:2.
2. How will some enjoy heaven when they do not enjoy gathering with saints to worship God here on earth?
B. Some have become Slack in Attending Bible Classes and Worship Services.
1. Excuses not attending (vacation, too tired, special events, work, etc.) “Only Wed.”; “Only Singing night.”
2. Priorities must be established and observed (Matt 6:33).
3. Adoration of God in collective worship is ordained by God!
IV. GODLY LIVING, Tit 2:11-12; Jas 4:4.
A. Some Say, “Tired of hearing about it!” Psa 119:97 (Job 23:12)
1. Must get serious about the evils of sin and abstain!
2. Must get serious about godly attitudes and conduct at home, work, private and public, school, play, etc.
B. Abstain From Every Form of Evil, 1 Ths 5:21-22.
1. We will reap what we sow, Gal 6:7, 9.
a. Immodest dress, 1 Tim 2:9-10.
b. Lasciviousness (dance, etc.), Rom 13:13.
c. Fornication, 1 Cor 6:18 (premarital, extra-marital).
d. Divorce and remarriage, Matt 19:6, 9.
e. Alcohol and other drugs, Titus 2:11 (1 Pet 4:3).
V. A JUDGMENT IS COMING, Acts 24:25.
A. Some Say, “You’re trying to scare people!” Heb 10:31; 12:29
-Are you ready for the judgment day?
B. We will be Raised from the Dead, Jno 5:28-29.
C. All will be Judged by Truth, 2 Cor 5:10; Rom 2:2 (Jno 12:48).
1. Only two possible outcomes, Jno 5:28-29; Matt 25:46.
2. Our judgment will be fair, Rom 2:5.
Conclusion
1. Jesus has spoken to us plainly through His gospel.
2. Rom 1:16: We must not be ashamed of the gospel; instead, immediately obey it! Will you be saved today?!
Preach a sermon preacher,
But don't get too specific;
As long as you generalize
We think you are terrific.
Preach a sermon preacher,
Make it good and plain;
But don't you dare to get so close
As to call sin by its name.
Preach a sermon preacher,
Preach it round or flat;
We love to play at hide and seek,
And guessing where you're at.
Preach a sermon preacher,
Make it what we love to hear;
We'll pat you on your spineless back
While you scratch our itching ears.