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John the Baptist – The Greatest Born of Women

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Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:11

 

Who was this greatest man born of women? It seems with a recommendation like this from the Lord Jesus, we should be pretty interested to know as much as we can about this man that Jesus lauds as any of the Old Testament saints or New Testament Apostles.

1. John the Baptist’s background.

Heritage (Luke 1)

Prophecies (Luke 1, Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 4:5-6)

 

2. John the Baptist’s character in light of Jesus’ praise.

Prophet (Mark 11:29-33)

Spiritual Insight (Matthew 3, John 1)

Fearless (Luke 3:19)

Humble (John3:30)

Faithful (John 3)

 

3. How can those who are least be greater than John the Baptist?

Not Externals (Mark 10:23-26, Matthew 5:20)

By Faith (John 5:33-36, Matthew 11:28-30)

 

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Word and Spirit, Spirit and Word

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Introduction:
Last week we marked Ascension Sunday, the crown of the objective gospel. When we point to the objective gospel, we are talking about those elements of the gospel that would have been true had you or I never been born. But an objective gospel by itself saves no man—there has to be application. And when we are talking about application, we are talking about the two great elements of Pentecost, which are the Spirit and the Word.

The Text:
“That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Eph. 1:12–14).

Summary of the Text:
There are too many blessings crammed into the first chapter of Ephesians to be able to deal with them adequately. But suffice it to say that God has blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (v. 3). This includes election (v. 4), and predestination to our adoption as sons (v. 5). This is a purpose that lines up with His good purpose and will (v. 5). Our salvation results in praise for the glory of His grace (v. 6). We have redemption in accordance with His riches, not in accordance with our poverty (v. 7). In this God abounds toward us (v. 8), delighting to reveal the mystery of His will (v. 9). The point is the unification and unity of all things everywhere (v. 10). We were predestined to be included in all of this (v. 11), those believing first being to the praise of His glory (v. 12). And what is the catalyst that makes all of this take shape in the world? Hearing the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation, and trusting (v. 13). Having trusted, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God, which is the earnest of our inheritance (v. 14).

Higher Than I:
In order for us to be saved from our sins, there has to be a transcendent and immovable place that is extra nos, outside of us. Lead me, the psalmist cries, to a rock that is higher than I (Ps. 61:2). We live in a therapeutic age, where everyone wants deliverance to be whatever happens when drowning sinners clutch at each other.

And so it is. Your salvation is anchored outside human history entirely. It is fastened to the eternal counsels of God, counsels that settled on you and your salvation before the first atom was created. It is not bolted to the good pleasure of God—that would not be secure enough. It is the good pleasure of God.

There are two halves of realized salvation—the objective message, which is about Jesus, His birth, perfect life, spotless sacrifice, silent burial, explosive resurrection, and glorious coronation. That is gospel. Jesus is Lord. But what is that to you? How does it engage? What is it that causes it to plug into a sinner’s life and there to begin its transformative work?
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain” (1 Cor. 15:1–2).
In this place, Paul begins by noting the subjective response, and then goes on to declare the objective elements of objective gospel—death, burial, resurrection.

In This Room:
The work of the Father was before all worlds. The work of the Son was outside Jerusalem, two thousand years ago. The work of the Spirit is here and now, in this room. The Spirit’s work in all of this began on the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out in Jerusalem, and the words about Christ were preached in the streets of Jerusalem. Keep in mind what God is doing—He is saving the world. The earth will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Two thousand years ago, the Spirit was poured out in the streets of the city of man, and the gutters have been wet ever since. Some places we are already ankle deep, but oceanic glory is coming. Are you trying to avoid it? What are you going to do, stand on your chair?

So Put Out Your Hand:
This gospel reality exists independently of you. But you are summoned. You are invited. You are called. The gospel is objective forgiveness that God would place in your hand. What are you called to do? You are called to extend your hand, palm up. That is faith, and faith is the sole instrument for receiving the blessings of the gospel.

Do not dispute. Do not wrangle. Do not carp at words. Just extend your hand. Do not imitate those amateur high Calvinists who claim they cannot extend their hand. In defense of the prerogatives of the Potter, they tell the Potter not to tell them what to do.

The Praise of His Glory:
When grimy sinners are cleansed, all the glory goes to God. Philosophy can’t do this. Renewal projects cannot do it. Legislation cannot fix it. What can restore a drunk and drug addict? What can free men and women from the chains of lust? What can liberate us from churchy self-righteousness? The answer is, of course, exactly what the old gospel song said, which is nothing but the blood of Jesus.

When a sinner is saved, the sinner gets the forgiveness and joy. But who gets the glory? Paul was at pains to emphasize this in the passage surrounding our text. What He does results in praise of the glory of His grace (v. 6). He hauled us out of the mire so that we might be to the praise of His glory (v. 12). The culmination of our salvation is to the praise of His glory (v. 14). We are talking about God’s glory, but never forget that in this context we are talking about the glory of His grace.

What could possibly glorify the glory of God? The answer is porn addicts, drunks, liars, thieves, abortionists, sodomites, gluttons, and whores. The mines of God are deep, and He brings up the most unlikely ore. But when the propitiatory smelting is done, and the Craftsman of God is finished with us in His workshop, the crown that results is true glory added to infinite glory.

 

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Saved by the Word to do the Word

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Introduction
The title for this sermon is “Saved by the Word to Do the Word.” As you may suspect, there are different meanings of “word.” The first way is the common use of the word “word.” The second way is God’s Word meaning the Bible. And the final way is the Word as Jesus. James builds on these different meanings and begins with Jesus as Word (vs. 18, 21) who is able to save you. Because the Word saves you, you do the Word of God, which is the Bible. And James has a thing or two to say about our use of words. This simple truth––you are saved by the Word to do the Word–– provides the foundation for James’ commands (as well as for your life).

The Word as Jesus
Our spiritual beginning comes from the logos of truth (vs. 18). Your memory verse engine should start revving up. Where have you seen the Word and a beginning? John 1:1-3, 14. We are created by the Word spoken by the Father, and we are also saved by the Word. Look down at the end of verse 21, “…and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” James further identifies the Logos as the implanted word which is able to save your souls. We can’t skip over who is saving and who is being saved. The word saves you. Paul shows that the word of truth and salvation unite in Jesus, “In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephs 1:13). If the Word has saved you, then you should listen to what the Word has to say.

Hear the Word
“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (vs. 19). If the Word of Truth has created you, and the Implanted Word has saved you, therefore be swift to hear from the Word of God. The result for those quick-hearers, slow-speakers and long-fused people is spiritual rototiller in their garden. All the weeds of filthiness and rampant wickedness are ripped out and the soil is prepped to receive the implanted word (vs 20-21). Meekness is the tilled ground of the soul that receives the God’s word. If a seed is planted, you should expect a plant to grow. If the Word is heard, you should expect the Word to be done. At least, that’s what James thinks.

Do the Word
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (vs. 22). You are saved by the Word. You hear the Word. And now, you must do the Word. Suppose a man looks in the mirror and spots a chunk of spinach covering his four front teeth, but forgets about the vegetation for the rest of the day (vs 23). He’s not using the mirror properly. But when you look into the Bible, the perfect law, the law of liberty, you see yourself truthfully reflected. As a Christian, you look and see your true self in Christ, in the Word. If you look in the mirror, and see Jesus, that will change how you live. You can do the word because the Word is in you, and you will be blessed (vs. 25)

Law of Liberty: Legalism or Obedience
If we miss the first half of the message that the Word saves you, and only hear the second half––do the Word, then you can easily see that this is a heap of legalism. Why do we ‘do the word?’” Legalism says, “Do the Word in order for God to save you.” Obedience says, “Do the Word because God has saved you.”

Pure Religion
Just as Jesus, the Word of God, became incarnate, so God’s word in you must take on flesh. If the Word is really in you, then you will do the Word––the real kind. James says there are religion want-to-bes and religion realities. The false religion produces counterfeit forms of holiness that are worthless. But pure religion is a true reflection of God. Because you have been saved by the Word, you therefore guard your words. Because God has become your Father, you therefore visit those without a father or husband. You have have been washed by Jesus, you therefore you keep yourself unstained from the world.

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Decluttering Your Marriage #1

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Introduction:
Many of you have been married for quite a number of years now. This can be wonderful, like aging wine, but before anyone says awwww, it can also grow seriously un-wonderful, as bad spiritual habits compound with interest. Marriages can get badly cluttered, like a neglected garage, attic, or basement. And when things get cluttered, they also get people into a position where they really don’t know what to do. Where should they start?

The Text:
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1).

Summary of the Text:
We are going to begin with this text because it lays down some important principles for the process of decluttering any relationship, but particularly your relationship with your spouse.

Say that someone else is overtaken in a fault. You see a problem over there. Who should correct it? Paul first states what the qualifications are for the one undertaking the job of correcting another. He says that the task is limited to those “which are spiritual.” If you are annoyed, bothered, frustrated, exasperated, you are the one person on the planet who may not correct the problem. And the problem is that when you are qualified, you are not motivated. And when you are motivated, you are not qualified. But say that someone is overtaken in a trespass, and suppose further that you are qualified to say something. Paul has additional cautions. The first is that you are there to administer a restoration, not a beat down. The second is that you must conduct yourself in a spirit of meekness, gentleness, and humility. The third is that you must keep one eye on yourself, remembering that you too are susceptible to temptation.

So the presenting problem is that somebody else sinned, and you might be a person who could help. If you already succumbed to temptation, you need to stay out of it. If you cannot come with restoration in your heart, stay out of it.

If you are not functioning in spirit of meekness, then stay out of it. And if you are not mindful of your own frailty in these things, then stay out of it.

Considering Yourself:
I want to begin by helping you to “consider yourself.” This is coming from four decades of marriage counseling—and I want to assure you that I have pretty much seen it all. What creates intractable marriage problems? The answer to that question is not sins, but rather one sin—the sin of pride—the opposite of the spirit of meekness. Particular sins would be things like alcohol, porn, financial irresponsibility, and so on. One of you does something wrong or foolish, you recognize it as a sin, and then work with your spouse on reconciliation and forgiveness. Things can be messy but are pretty straightforward.

But what gets your marriage stuck right up to the axles? What creates marriages that are just impossible? This feat is accomplished by means of pride. “Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?” (Eccl. 7:16). In other words, you destroy your marriage with what you think are your virtues. You don’t repent of virtues, do you? Many Christians are marital Pharisees, flatly convinced of their own righteousness and of the ungrateful unrighteousness of everybody else under the same roof, not to mention the obtuseness of the counselor who fails to recognize the evil you must contend with daily. This is a common problem in the church, and it is why Jesus used to think it was important to say crazy stuff. “Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you” (Matt. 21:31).

You call it righteous indignation, but God calls it the wrath of man. You call maternal concern, but God calls it manipulative worry. You call it prudent input, but God calls it a critical spirit. You call it decisive leadership, but God calls it financial irresponsibility. You call it theological precision, but God calls it neglecting the weightier matters of the law. But whoever repents of righteous indignation, maternal concern, prudent input, decisive leadership, or theological precision? Nobody repents of those things, which is why many pastors wish there were a counseling equivalent of SWAT teams.

How to Approach a Pile of Clutter:
Now if you are at an impasse in your relationship, then you need to recognize that your pile of clutter is almost certainly the result of two piles of clutter that merged. And if you come to the realization that you have a significant amount of unconfessed sin in your life, then—returning to our text—do not start with the other person’s pile of clutter.

If they need to be motivated, if they need to see how easy it is to do, then here’s an idea. Show them how. You’ve got your own pile. Confess your own sins. Astonish the world.

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Prov. 28:13).

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

A Third Party
We need to realize that moralism doesn’t work in marriage any better than it works anywhere else. Moralism is a bust. High standards and traditional values are the ropes that sinners use to throttle one another. A spiritual home is a home full and overflowing with grace. And it is not possible for a marriage to be overflowing with grace unless it is overflowing with Christ.

And so Christ must be present in order for a marriage to be blessed. He need not be present for entropy to govern everything. He need not be present for your attic to fill up with useless clutter. He need not be present for pride to take over the atmosphere at the dinner table. He need not be present for conversations to grow snark and criticism the way gardens grow thistles. But He must be present for us to see all these things rightly.

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Mary the Mother of Jesus

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Luke the historian (Luke 1:1-4) and Mary as a source (Luke 2:19).

Why Mary includes the story of Jesus staying back in the temple when he was twelve (Luke 2:41-52)

 

Glory only in the Lord
Mary as a ‘real’ mother.

 

How do we interpret the history?

 

Motives:
His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

 

Reasons:
And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

 

What is the Father’s business and is this news to Mary?

 

Who is to benefit from this history?

 

Mary’s preparation.
Our understanding.

 

Take aways:
What is in God’s Word is there for a reason.

Mary (in particular) and Joseph were children of Adam needing redemption like all of us.
God was merciful to Mary

God is merciful to us. God through Mary and Luke included this history of Jesus’ life to remind us that God is always working. Always working toward His purpose of saving the world. He is saving the world through His Son and through His Bride. We are His Bride and He is cleansing us, strengthening us and beautifying us so that the light of the Gospel might shine through us in the world that the world may be drawn to the Head of the Bride, the Lord Jesus.

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