July, 2002

Intro.

1. One’s motive for asking Bible questions is crucial to understanding – Jno. 7:16-17 (cf. Jno. 6:25-26; Matt. 22:15-18; Acts 17:10-12).

2. As we ask Bible questions & seek God’s answers, our hearts must be pure, seeking truth that we may humbly obey God in our lives.

#1-A: “On the Lord’s day, is the Lord’s Supper more important than singing, prayers, lessons??”

1. Of first importance is true worship (heart & deed) – Jno. 4:24; Matt. 15:7-9.

2. Collective worship serves at least two purposes: To honor God & to strengthen each other – Heb. 2:12; 10:24-25; 1 Cor. 14:26.

a. Same basic purposes for each act of worship (although their specific purposes are different): Singing (Col. 3:16); prayer (Acts 2:42); giving (1 Cor. 16:1-3); Preaching (Acts 20:7); Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:33-34).

b. All acts of worship are afforded the same importance in scriptures – cf. Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 14:26.

c. To elevate one part of worship as more important (superior) than the others is to do so without scriptural precedent & approval!

– Silence of scriptures (Col. 3:17).

#1-B: “When is it okay to miss it, and when is it not okay?”

1. So, with proper attitude & conduct we should keep every part of worship.

2. Not right to forsake one part of assembled worship as long as one partakes of the Lord’s Supper – Heb. 10:24-25.

3. This type of attitudes has fostered:

a. Drive-up communion.

b. Taking communion to the mountains; to the shut-ins.

c. Leaving after partaking of the Lord’s Supper.

d. Minimizing the value of the other parts of worship.

4. Incapable, but have a right heart – 2 Cor. 8:12 (don’t put your ox in the ditch!)

5. By our faithful participation in worship we stir up one another to love & good works (to hold fast our confession) – Heb. 10:22-25.

#2: “How much influence and impact do we really have on the younger and older brethren? What about those seeking truth?”

1. Your influence is greater & spreads much farther than you realize – 1 Cor. 5:6-8 (like leaven, so build & keep a good influence).

2. Even after you die you will have an influence – Heb. 11:4.

3. On brethren: Young & old to influence/impact each other – Tit. 2:1-8; 1 Tim. 4:12.

4. On truth-seekers: cf. 1 Pet. 3:1-2. (“Show me a sermon any day.”)

5. If you lose your influence it is difficult to get back – Mk. 9:50.

6. Do not be deceived about others influencing you! – 1 Cor. 15:33-34

#3: “How much does character make an impact on others? How much does it please God?”

1. Impact on others (Phil. 2:15-16):

a. Joseph – Gen. 39:2-6 (more handsome in character!).

b. Daniel – Dan. 6:1-5 (evil men knew & influenced by his good character).

2. Pleases God:

a. Favor & high esteem - Prov. 3:1-4.

b. Without it we will not “see” God – Heb. 12:14 (2 Pet. 1:5-11).

c. Character: New heart of the new man in Christ – Col. 3:10-17.

#4: “Where did the women come from that Cain and Seth married?”

1. From Adam & Eve:

a. Eve is the mother of all living – Gen. 3:20 (sister or niece).

b. Gen. 1:28 – They multiplied & began to fill the earth.

c. After the birth of Seth there was 800 years of having “sons & daughters” – Gen. 5:4 (Adam lived 930 years, 5:5).

Conclusion

1. The scriptures equip us to partake of life & godliness through knowledge of God: that we can escape sin & partake of the divine nature – 2 Pet. 1:3-4.

2. Faith is content with & conforms to God’s answers (truth) – Rom. 10:17.