Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:22-24

The Whole Matter

Intro.

1. Partial discipleship not a viable option for following Jesus, Lk. 14:33.

2. Whole (holos): “all…complete” (Strong’s, Thayer); entire, Mk. 1:33.

3. Let us hear the conclusion of the “whole” matter, Eccl. 12:13.

I. WE MUST LOVE GOD WITH OUR WHOLE HEART, Mk. 12:29-30.

A. Divided Loyalty is Impossible, Matt. 6:24.

1. Compromises faith with doubt, fear, and futility, Jas. 1:8 (5-8).

2. Commitment to Christ first and always (endure), Lk. 9:61-62.

B. Completely Sanctified, 1 Thess. 5:23 (cf. 1 Thess. 3:12-13).

1. Body: Living sacrifice, Rom. 12:1.

2. Soul: Life force, our whole existence (body and spirit), 1 Thess. 4:3, 7.

3. Spirit: Image of God…image of Christ, Col. 3:10; 2 Cor. 4:16.

II. WE MUST PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, Eph. 6:11, 13.

A. Always be Spiritually Alert (Equipped), 1 Thess. 5:6-8; 2 Cor. 6:7.

1. When we do not wear and use our armor it becomes “dusty and rusty” (Judy Wahlberg). Polish it and put it on.

2. Stability (stand against, 6:11, 14) and endurance (withstand, 6:13) is from the power of the Lord when we battle the enemy with God’s armor (6:14-17).

III. WE MUST DECLARE THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD, Acts 20:27.

A. The Great Commission (teach all of Christ’s will), Matt. 28:19-20.

1. How? Humbly, zealously, courageously, thoroughly, publicly and privately, Acts 20:19-20.

2. To be completely equipped for every good work, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

3. To prevent souls from being subverted by error, Titus 1:10-11.

IV. THE WHOLE WORLD…

A. Is Guilty before God, Rom. 3:19 (23).

1. All are under sin’s bondage and penalty, Rom. 6:23; 11:32.

2. All need salvation, Rom. 11:32 (1:16); Gal. 3:22; Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:39.

B. Is Deceived by Satan, Rev. 12:9; 1 Jno. 5:19.

1. He tempts us all through lying wonders, distortions, enticements, 2 Thess. 2:9; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; Jas. 1:13-14; 2 Cor. 2:11.

2. We have all been deceived, but that can end, 1 Pet. 5:8.

C. Can Escape Wrath, because Jesus is our Propitiation, 1 Jno. 2:2 (4:10, 14).

D. Undergoes Trials that Discipline, Punish and Correct it, Rev. 3:10.

-The saints remain steadfast and endure these, Rev. 14:12.

E. Can be Influenced by Faith, Rom. 1:8.

1. A church’s impact can reach around the globe, 1 Thess. 1:7-8.

a. Support preachers, benevolence to saints, Phil. 1:5.

b. By standing for truth and being an example of righteousness.

2. Salt of the earth, light of the world, Matt. 5:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:11-12.

-Leaven of righteousness also leavens the lump (Gal. 5:9).

F. Is Not Worth Your Soul, Matt. 16:26 (1 Jno. 2:17).

-Hyperbole that emphasizes the value of the soul, cf. Lk. 12:15-21.

Conclusion

1. Our life is made whole (complete, full) in Christ, Col. 2:9-10.

2. Faith gives us victory over the world because we give ourselves wholly to Him, 1 Jno. 5:4.

______

Additional…

V. THE CHURCH…

A. Is the Whole Building (temple) of God, Eph. 2:20-22.

-The church fits together when built upon Christ and apostles, so that God dwells with us. (There is no other temple of God.)

B. Is the Whole Body of Christ, Eph. 4:15-16 (1:22-23).

-Each part (member) active, strong, participating in the function of the body (church).

C. Is to be Edified if it Comes Together in One Place, 1 Cor. 14:23 (26).

-Edification: Worship and instruction (14:5, 18-19); Without confusion, so learning and worship may occur (14:33-36); Decency and order (14:40).

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: July 2, 2018