And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

THE
SPIRIT’S
SWORD

Volume 18, Number 14
10/11/2015

Published by
Mt. Baker
church of Christ

Location:
1860 Mt. Baker HWY
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 30821
Bellingham, WA 98228
(360) 752-2692

Sunday:
Bible Classes..........9:30 AM
Worship..10:30AM; 6:00PM

Wednesday:
Bible Classes.........7:00 PM
All sing last Wednesday

Web sites:
Mt. Baker church
Bible Answers

Editor......Joe R. Price

Elders
Morris Bass
Rick Holt

Deacons
Aaron Bass
Rich Brooks
Mike Finn
Dan Head

In this issue:

• Able to Admonish
• Walk by the Spirit
• Use God's Mirror
• Sermon Outlines:
  • The Sacrifice of Jesus
  • On Holy Ground
• Noteworthy News: Sensitivity Police

Able to Admonish
Joe R. Price

To admonish means “to warn, exhort". Admonition is instruction or counsel given to avoid or cease improper conduct (BDAG). Each Christian has the right and responsibility to admonish a fellow Christian in righteousness. We are not islands unto ourselves, since we all share in the spiritual blessings of Christ (Col. 1:12). While sharing together in heavenly blessings, we show genuine care for one another when we properly admonish each other. Admonitions given concerning spiritual things is an expression of true love and care for one another (1 Pet. 4:8).

For instance, the Holy Spirit guided Paul to write, “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another” (Rom. 15:14). Two things are stated here as prerequisite to being able to admonish: goodness and knowledge. Furthermore, we need these qualities in abundance. Goodness identifies purity of heart and honest motives, while knowledge implies the standard upon which the admonition is made. To be effective, admonition must reflect the goodness of Christ (Gal. 6:1-2). Additionally, knowledge of the truth enables us to offer correct admonition (Heb. 5:14; Jno. 7:24).

God calls on us to be able to admonish:

1. One another in song (Col. 3:16).
2. The disorderly (1 Thess. 5:14).
3. Brethren from whom we have withdrawn because of their sin (2 Thess. 3:14-15).
4. The factious man (Titus 3:10).
5. Every man to be perfect in Christ (Col. 1:28).
6. One another as beloved brethren (1 Cor. 4:14).
7. At all times (Acts 20:31).

Let us equip ourselves with goodness by purging out of our hearts all vestiges of moral impurity and evil motives. Let us grow in our knowledge of God's word so we always use God's standard of truth as we warn and exhort one another in the things of God.

-The Spirit's Sword (I:6), March 23, 1997

Walk by the Spirit
Joe R. Price

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” (Galatians 5:16-17)

Each of us choose either to live according to the will of God or to sin and satisfy the flesh. Just as Jesus said we cannot serve two masters, the apostle teaches we cannot walk or live by the Spirit and according to the flesh at the same time. They are opposite courses of conduct that produce opposite fruit. Those who practice the works of the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God, while those who bear the fruit of the Spirit demonstrate their kingdom citizenship (Gal. 5:19-23).

To "walk in the Spirit” is to be "led by the Spirit" and to "live in the Spirit". This means living according to the Holy Spirit-revealed gospel (Gal. 3:1-5; 5:16, 18, 25). When we “walk by the Spirit” our lives bear the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23).

In order to walk by the Spirit a person subjects himself to “the things of the Spirit” (Rom. 8:5-8). Let us heartily renew our minds and conform ourselves to the will of God and not to the wisdom of the world (Rom. 12:2). Let us more diligently crucify "the flesh with its passions and desires”, living in full submission and obedience to the gospel of Christ (Gal. 5:24).

As you make daily decisions affecting your life, be sure to consider how your decisions impact your fellowship with God and your soul’s eternal salvation. Decide to always be led by the Spirit and not to practice the works of the flesh.

Use God's Mirror
Joe R. Price

Most of us used a mirror this morning. In fact, most people use a mirror several times a day. The reasons are obvious. We want to know how we look because we care about how we look. A mirror is a tool we use to improve our appearance.

James 1:22-25 says the person who hears God's word but will not obey it is like a man who looks at a mirror, sees his appearance, yet fails to improve himself. He forgets what he saw - it makes no impression on him. Since we all need spiritual improvement, none of us should be like this self-deluded man. Consider the following comparisons of God's word to a mirror:

1. We must know how we look to God (Jas. 1:23). God's word shows us how we look to God. We must see ourselves as God sees us in order to examine ourselves and make God-approved improvements (2 Cor. 13:5). God's word shows us our sins and teaches us what to do about them (Rom. 3:23; Acts 2:38).

2. We should want to improve our appearance (Jas. 1:24). Nothing is gained by using God's word to learn of our spiritual condition but then failing to repent and obey God. Only by making the necessary changes in heart and conduct that God's word teaches will you be blessed (Jas. 1:25).

3. We must use a reliable mirror in order to be make reliable changes (Jas. 1:25). Some mirrors distort images instead of giving a clear reflection. Man-made doctrines distort the will of God and are not unreliable "mirrors" to use to be assured of God's approval (Matt. 15:1-9). God's word is reliable and sufficient to improve your spiritual condition before God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS

The Sacrifice of Jesus

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:18-24

1. Sacrifice of Jesus is the supreme example of acting under “conscience toward God” (2:19).
2. Faith forms the basis of sacrifice and is “commendable before God” (2:19, 20).
3. Jesus’ sacrifice is our example 1 Pet. 2:21.
4. What did Jesus sacrifice for us?

I. JESUS SACRIFICED HEAVEN’S GLORY.

A. He Emptied Himself of the Glory, Honor and Majesty of Deity, Phil. 2:6-8; Jno. 17:5; Jno. 12:37-41-Isa. 6:1-5; Matt. 17:2.
B. We must Sacrifice Glory and Honor for His Sake, Jno. 12:42-43; Phil. 2:5; Jno. 17:1,4.

II. JESUS SACRIFICED COMFORT, 2 Cor. 8:9.

A. The Life of Jesus was Difficult, Demanding and often Dependent on Others, Lk. 2:7; Matt. 2:14-15; Mk. 6:3.
B. Christians are to Sacrifice Comfort in Order to Follow Jesus; Lk. 9:57-62; Matt. 6:25-34; Heb. 11:24-25. cf. 1 Cor. 4:8-14.

III. JESUS SACRIFICED JUSTICE.

A. He was not Treated Fairly: He was Despised, Rejected, Oppressed and Humiliated, Isa. 53:3-8; Jno. 1:10-11; Acts 8:32-33; Jno. 15:25.
B. Christians must Sacrifice the Approval of Others in Order to Follow Christ, 1 Pet. 3:13-18. Matt. 10:34-37; 1 Pet. 4:4; 3 Jno. 9-10; 2 Tim. 4:16-17.

Conclusion
1. Sacrifice of Jesus an expression of complete love, Eph. 5:2.
2. Song: “I gave my life for thee…what hast thou given for me?” Matt. 5:29-30 (Lk. 9:23).

You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS

On Holy Ground

Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:1-8

1. Holy: Separated (set apart, dedicated) and hence, separated from sin and consecrated to God, sacred (Vine).
2. God called Moses on holy ground, Exo. 3:2-6.
3. We stand on holy ground, having been called by God into the fellowship of His Son, 1 Cor. 1:9; 3:16-17; 2 Cor. 6:16; 1 Pet. 1:15-16.
4. How do we present ourselves before the Lord: Humble reverence or neglectful disregard of God?

I. HOLY GROUND SIGNIFIES…

A. The Presence of God, Exo. 3:5; Psa. 139:7.
B. An Undeniable Contrast between Man and God, cf. Isa. 6:1-7; Jer. 10:6-7.
C. That Serving God must be Reverently Regarded by all who Approach Him, Lev. 26:1-2; Exo. 30:17-21; Exo. 28:29-30, 31-35, 40-43.

II. THE DEMANDS OF HOLY GROUND.

A. Holiness, Exo. 3:5; 2 Cor. 7:1; Jas. 4:8.
B. Humility, Exo. 3:6; Lk. 18:13; Hab. 2:20.
C. Homage, Rev. 15:4 (Psa. 86:8-10).

III. WE ARE ON HOLY GROUND…

A. As the Church, 1 Cor. 3:16-17; Rev. 2:4-5, 14-16.
B. When we Worship God, Jno. 4:23-24; Matt. 5:23-24.
C. When We Teach God's Word, Psa. 19:14.
D. In Our Marriages, Heb. 13:4; Matt. 19:6; Eph. 5:22, 25.
E. As We Live in this World of Sin, 2 Cor. 6:17-7:1; 1 Pet. 1:13-17.

Conclusion
We stand on holy ground; how do we respond?

NOTEWORTHY NEWS
(Current events in the light of Scripture)

Sensitivity Police
Joe R. Price

Europe met the Americas in 1492 when Columbus landed on a Bahamian island. Since 1937, the United States of America has marked the event with Columbus Day. A move has been underway for some time to change Columbus Day to "Indigenous Peoples' Day" by those who see Columbus as a "terrorist" who introduced great harm to this hemisphere (see "Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day", Elisa Cipollone, lifezette.com). For example, the city of Bellingham, WA, will not celebrate Columbus Day on October 12. It will celebrate Coast Salish Day in honor of the coastal tribes of the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia ("Bellingham to hold ceremony on first Coast Salish Day", Samantha Wohlfeil, The Bellingham Herald).

This reminds us that some people try to change history to suit their preferences. We do not defend any atrocity perpetuated by Columbus or others. But, Columbus did come. To ignore that fact is not good history.

Some try to discredit the Bible to suit their lack of faith. For example, the Hittites (often mentioned in the Old Testament) were said to be mythical by unbelievers (Gen. 15:20; 26:34; 36:2). 19th and 20th century archaeology demonstrated the accuracy of the Biblical record with the discovery of an entire Hittite city (allaboutarchaeology.org).

Sin is redefined to suit today's fleshly, lustful pursuits. Fornication is called a "love affair" (Heb. 13:4). Marriage is redefined to include "same-sex", accommodating sin, undermining birth-oriented families and destabilizing society (not to mention destroying souls, Gen. 2:23-24; Rom. 1:24-27). This redefinition of the family also threatens parental rights (see "To Whom Do Children Belong? How Same-Sex Marriage Threatens Parental Rights", Melissa Moschella, thepublicdiscourse.com), Psalm 127:3-5.

Secularism tries to run roughshod over people of faith. Masked with pleas of sensitivity and inclusion, its faithless aims are exposed and defeated by the light of God's word of truth (Jno. 3:19-21; 2 Cor. 10:3-6).

The Spirit's Sword is a free, weekly publication of the Mt. Baker church of Christ, Bellingham, WA
Send all questions, comments and subscriptions to the editor at: ssword@bibleanswer.com