Good "Looking"

09/02/2020 12:59

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Date: 6 February
Text: Titus 2:11-15
Title: Good Looking
 
Introduction:
 
U.N. Peace Keepers - Golan Heights - Fortification on top of a hill - tourists crawling all around through the military trenches etc - 2 U.N. Peace Keepers looking through a huge pair of binoculars over into Syria.
 exp. I took their picture and spoke briefly with them giving them a Gospel tract. I wanted to look through their binoculars.
 
ill. I've only seen one other pair of binoculars that big - back when I was in high school - we went on a Sr. Trip to Colorado. We visited a wealthy aunt and uncle of a girl in my class.
- He bought out a housing scheme that attached to governement land - mountain side.
- It was a massive log home - it had the longest single beam in the roof of any other log home - it had been lowered into place by a helicopter.
- He had two trout ponds off his front porch - brook trout and rainbow trout
- 8 of us got on 4 wheelers and went to the two log cabins "The Neighbours and Next Door"
- He had log tower on the house with a room (glass all around) binoculars 2 feet long for scanning the hillside for elk.
 
If you wanted to see anything on that hillside, you could TAKE A GOOD LOOK through those binoculars.
 
ill. I have a monocular now - that I really like to look through - some of your have taken a look through it yourself - it's amazing to just stop and take a good look at God's creation.
 
Text:Titus 2:11-14
 
I've entitled it, "Good Looking." 
 
But, I don't mean this morning that you need to "look good" like, "You really look good today."
 
 I mean that you need to "look good." (Like a man studying something through binoculars.)
 
We need to take a good look at the past, the present, the future and eternity! I wonder, have you had a good look at the past, present, future and eternity?
- In the past we'll see the cross.
- In the present we'll see ourselves.
- In the future we'll see Jesus.
- In eternity we'll see God.
 
I. The past: Take a good look at the cross.
Mark 15:15  And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
exp. Pause while Jesus receives the cat of nine tails up to 200 times ripping the flesh from his body.
16  And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.
17  And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
18  And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
19  And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
20  And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.
exp. Other Scripture tells us that his beard was torn from his face, he was blindfolded and beaten, now thorns pierce his brow - while he is treated as a fool before these wicked soldiers.
21  And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
22  And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
23  And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
24  And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
ill. Exibit on tayloring at Dumfermline Museum - Garments without a seam were to show the skill of the taylor - not to be worn - but Jesus had a garment woven without seam - the soldiers wouldn't rend it - they gamled for it.
25  And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
exp. Jesus hands were nailed to the cross as was his feet - when the cross was dropped into the ground it would pull the Saviour's bones out of joint.
26  And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
27  And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
28  And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
29  And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
30  Save thyself, and come down from the cross.
31  Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
32  Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.
33  And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
34  And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
35  And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.
36  And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.
37  And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.
exp. Other Scripture quote the words of Jesus just before His soul was released from his body and his words were - "It is finished." PAID IN FULL.
 question: What do you see this morning as we take a good look into the past at the cross?
A. See there God's grace.
11  For the grace of God....
exp. Grace is unmerited favour. It is the goodness of God towards us when we deserve judgment.
Romans 5:7  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
 ill. We've recently completed a study of Genesis. 
- Joseph was sold by his brother's into slavery which led eventually to imprisonment.
- Afterwards God brought him to a position of power.
- He could have used his power to rightly judge his brothers.
- But, rather than judging their wickedness, he forgave them and was good to them.
ill. Witnessing in Edinburgh - "It doesn't matter what you have done or how bad your life has been against God - God loves you and offers you His gift of forgiveness and everlasting life."
 app. Do you see the grace of God at the cross? Jesus loves you and died for your sin!
B. See there God's deliverance
 that bringeth salvation 
exp. Without the cross man is hopelessly lost.
 ill. Monday 28 October - people in Carlisle awoke to the screams of Phil Longcake (53) who had cllimbed a 290 foot chimney, he had slipped and his ankle was caught. A helicopter was unable to effect his rescue because of the precariousness of his position. A cherry picker from Scotland 14 hours later was able to get to him, but sadly Phil had already died.
ill. In contrast - the world watched last year as the youth football team in Cambodia was stuck in a cave. Rescuers worked around the clock doing incredible acts of bravery to rescue the team. Two of the rescuers have died. One during the rescue and one later from complications from the rescue - BUT THEY SAVED THE ENTIRE TEAM!
exp. We don't enjoy seeing a hopeless situation. As human being we want to see a way of salvation.
 note: The cross is the way of salvation. WITHOUT THE CROSS there would be no way of salvation.
 app. Have you had a good look at the cross? Do you see it as God's way of salvation.
C. See there God's revelation.
hath appeared to all men,
exp. Praise God - the cross was for all men and REVEALED TO ALL MANKIND!
ill. Wuhan evacuation of British Citizens - UK did their best to get the word out that this evacuation of British Nationals was taking place. There is no point in providing this evacuation without telling those how need it.
exp. God has not provided the way of salvation WHILE neglecting to tell the world about it. IT IS REVEALED TO ALL MEN!
 ill. Our Sunday School class - Romans 10 
17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18  But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
exp. Paul declared that in his day the Gospel message had gone to all the known world.
ill. Scotland may not read their Bible. They may not have a deep Bible knowledge. But, we would be hard pressed today to find someone who doesn't know that Jesus was crucified! 
note: GOD, THE FATHER, LOVED US ENOUGH TO CRUCIFY HIS SON FOR OUR SIN, WE CAN SEE AS WE LOOK AT THE CROSS THAT HE HAS REVEALED THAT LOVE TO ALL MANKIND.
app. If you hear this message and end up in Hell, it will not be because you are ignorant of the cross. 
transition: take a good look this morning into the past and see that God has revealed HIS grace  and SALVATION to all mankind. THE PAST - TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT THE CROSS.
 
II. The present: Take a good look at yourself.
note: God's Word in v.11 was a portal into the past. "hath appeared unto us." Now it is a mirror to help us in the present. "Teaching us that,...."
ill. GOD'S WORD IS A MIRROR.
exp. Our study in James on Thursday nights will soon come to....
James 1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
 question: Did you take a good look in a physical mirror this morning? We can probably guess whether or not you did. If you rightly used the mirror, it changed your life this morning.
exp. If we rightly use the mirror of God's Word, it will change our lives.
A. Put off earthly rags.
12  Teaching us that, denying....
exp. To deny - is to say no.
 ill. State of the Union Address - Illegal Immigrants used to get into the USA and be allowed to stay. According to what was said at the State of the Union - catch and release is done. They are being caught and deported. THEY ARE BEING DENIED ILLEGAL ENTRY. 
exp. "no" they can't enter the country illegally.
ill. Drug commercials when I was a kid, "Just Say No!"
NOTE - God's word teaches us to say, "no" to ungodliness.
1. Say no to ungodly actions.
....denying ungodliness 
 exp. Ungodliness is wickedness. 
ill. Kobe Bryant - Amercian Basketball player who died in a helicopter crash. I saw a short video about the area where Bryant grew up. There was a sign on the basketball court which I liked, it said something like "No profanity tolerated here."
 exp. They were saying NO to ungodliness.
app. Take a good look in the mirror, Does your life say, "NO" to ungodliness. Or is it tolderated?
2. Say no to ungodly desires.
denying...worldly lusts, 
exp. This world wants to bring OUT wicked desires in men that are contrary to GOD.
1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
- Lust of the flesh - what my flesh wants that God has not given.
- Lust of the eyes - what my eyes want that God hasn't given.
- Pride of life - what "I" want that God hasn't given.
ill. I've told you before about my dog Annie. She was good as long as she obeyed her master. But, when she got that look in her eye - looked at her master - looked the way of her flesh - AS SOON AS SHE DECIDED (LUST CONCEIVED) TO DEPART - SHE WAS AFTER HER FLESH.
exp. God's Spirit says one thing and ungodly desires say another thing. To whom do you yield?
Gal 5:16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
app. Take a good look in the mirror, are you saying no to ungodly desires? Yielding to God's Spirit?
B. Put on heavenly robes.
exp. Do you wonder today if it is really possible to deny ungodlingess and worldly lusts in our day and age? The end of our verse says "...in this present world;" God expects us to do so!
question: Would it be a comfort to you to know that Jesus is praying for your success here?
John 17:15  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18  As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19  And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
1. Put on robes of sobriety.
we should live soberly, ....in this present world.
 exp. "soberly" is true behaviour (moderation)
def. the avoidance of excess or extremes, especially in one's behaviour
exp. God has given a lot of ingredients to life  - but none should be used to excess.
 ill. I grew up in a home in a musical home. My dad is a gifted pianist. As a preacher he would preach on music - 5 main ingredient GOD HAS GIVEN to music.
- Volume
- Rythm
- Pitch
- Harmony
- Instrument (?)
exp. Bad music over emphasizes one or all of the ingredients while good music blends them in moderation.
Php 4:5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
app. Is your life balanced with sobriety (moderation of appropriate behaviour?) 
TAKE A GOOD LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND PUT ON ROBES OF SOBRIETY.
2. Put on robes of righteousness.
we should live... righteously, ...in this present world.
exp. living "righteously" is true character
 def. This person is a "just" or truly "good" person.
Luk 6:45  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
ill. Simeon - Luk 2:25  And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
 ill. Barnabus - Acts 11:24  For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
app. Is your life characterized by righteousness? Are you a truly good man or woman who has true character? TAKE A GOOD LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND PUT ON ROBES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
3. Put on robes of godliness.
we should live... godly, in this present world;
exp. true piety.
question: This is not just a person with good character, but a person with character who is actively serving God.
James 2:17  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
ill. Simeon - Luk 2:25  And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
ill. I praise God, I had Godly grandparents.
- Grandma and Grandpa Shore - Faithfully attended church - 4 kids full time ministry
- Grandma and Grandpa Roth - founding members Emmanuel Baptist Church in Des Moines. Actively serving God there still!
app. What do you see as you look in the mirror - Is worship of God central to your life? Are you a godly person? 
transition: the past: As we look at the cross - we see God's grace and salvation! (We must take it.)
the present: As we look at ourselves - We are to say "no" to ungodly actions and wicked desires.
We are to put on robes of godliness, righteousness and moderation!
 
III. The future: Take a good look for Jesus.
13  Looking for....
v. 11 was past "hath appeared" v.12 was present "teaching us" now future - "looking for...."
exp. The past - The cross brought us to salvation.
The present - The mirror brought us to sanctification.
The future -  Jesus will bring us to glorification.
A. He is our Hope.
13  Looking for that blessed hope, 
 question: Goodbye's are hard - but seeing someone after an absence is fun.
saying: Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
 ill. I'm not looking forward to our departure, but I will be looking forward to our return.
exp. The disciples said goodbye to very real and present Saviour. Jesus is coming again! 
Act 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
app. If we are saved and sanctified, WE ARE READY AND CAN REJOICE IN HOPE.
B. He is our God.
and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
exp. Last Sunday night - Christology - we've often emphasized the deity of Jesus.  
 question: What person of the God head is going to appear? 
1 Thesallonians 4:15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
 app. If I wasn't born again, I'd be afraid of this day. It is coming soon! God is coming back!
C. He is our Saviour.
and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
exp. He is called our SAVIOUR, because he has saved us from our sin.
Mat 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
 ill. If I said to a criminal today, I want to save you from a life of crime. What am I seek to save him from? A life wrecked by crime and the judgment of law against himself.
app. Jesus took the judgment against us and died guilty of our crimes. He is our SAVIOUR from our sins! SIN HAS HELL FOR IT'S PUNISHMENT. Is He your Saviour?
D. He is our Substitute.
14  Who gave himself for us, 
exp. If you want something to meditate on - meditate on this. "WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR US."
 note: Then ask yourself what you have given for Him WHO TOOK YOUR PLACE ON THE CROSS?
hymn: "Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far to small, love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul my life my all."
 app. Each of us ought to turn and give ourselves back to Him who gave himself for us.
Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 
E. He is our Redeemer.
that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
exp. We had a sin debt that was more than we could pay. JESUS PAID IT ALL BACK AS HE RANSOMED US FROM OUR SIN DEBT.
 ill. Witnessing in Edinburgh - I have done too many bad things. I told him about the Apostle Paul who killed Christians.
1Ti 1:16  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
app. Jesus PAID THE PRICE FOR ALL SIN. Your sin debt is not TOO LARGE FOR JESUS TO PAY. You can be REDEEMED from ALL iniquity.
F. He is our Head.
 and purify unto himself a peculiar people, 
exp. The peculiar people - are the SINNERS changed to SAINTS. He joins them into a spiritual body called the church (called out assembly.)
Ephesians 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
 app. As our Head, he has purified us and made us distinctly different from the world. 
G. He is our Motivator.
zealous of good works.
exp. Where someone used to make haste to do evil, they now make hast to worship God. Our world can't understand it.
 ill. We had the joy of seeing Jamie and Rebekah Cooling married. Jamie had been saved 2 years and Rebekah has been saved 1 year. WHAT A CHANGE HAD TAKEN PLACE IN THEIR LIVES!
App. Praise God, He is our motivator who makes us a people zealous to do good.
 
transition: The past - Take a good look at the cross - salvation.
The present - Take a good look at yourself - sanctification.
The future -  Take a good look at Jesus - glorification.
 Eternity - Take a good look at God - 
 
IV. Eternity: Take a good look at God.
 exp. Salvation, Sanctification and Glorification are what really matter. It will be clearly seen in eternty when we see God. WE NEED TO TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT GOD NOW!
A. You have a charge.
15  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. 
 exp. Timothy as a preacher was given this message to give to others. THIS MESSAGE HAD ALL AUTHORITY BEHIND IT.
Matthews 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
quote: “You have one business on earth – to save souls.”
― John Wesley
app. Do you not think that if you were face to face with God He would give you this same charge Paul gave to Timothy - teach salvation, sanctification and coming glorification!
B. You are responsible.
Let no man despise thee.
exp. It doesn't matter that the world has little appetite for God's Truth. We are responsible to give them what they need.
 ill. Richard Wurmbrand - “It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their [the communists’ ] terms. It was a deal; we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching. They were happy beating us, so everyone was happy.” ― Richard Wurmbrand, Tortured for Christ
app. Are you happy not telling others what really matters? Or are you willing to take a good look into eternity at God and realise his charge to your and your responsability?
 
conclusion: 
 
We need to take a good look at the past, the present, the future and eternity! I wonder, have you had a good look at the past, present, future and eternity?
- In the past HAVE YOU SEEN THE CROSS? What changed? (salvation, baptism)
- In the present HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF? What changed? (put off, put on)
- In the future DO YOU SEE JESUS? What changed? (Are you ready?)

 

- In eternity DO YOU SEE GOD? What changed? (Are you responsable?

Date: 6 February

Text: Titus 2:11-15

Title: Good Looking

 

Introduction:

 

U.N. Peace Keepers - Golan Heights - Fortification on top of a hill - tourists crawling all around through the military trenches etc - 2 U.N. Peace Keepers looking through a huge pair of binoculars over into Syria.

 exp. I took their picture and spoke briefly with them giving them a Gospel tract. I wanted to look through their binoculars.

 

ill. I've only seen one other pair of binoculars that big - back when I was in high school - we went on a Sr. Trip to Colorado. We visited a wealthy aunt and uncle of a girl in my class.

- He bought out a housing scheme that attached to governement land - mountain side.

- It was a massive log home - it had the longest single beam in the roof of any other log home - it had been lowered into place by a helicopter.

- He had two trout ponds off his front porch - brook trout and rainbow trout

- 8 of us got on 4 wheelers and went to the two log cabins "The Neighbours and Next Door"

- He had log tower on the house with a room (glass all around) binoculars 2 feet long for scanning the hillside for elk.

 

If you wanted to see anything on that hillside, you could TAKE A GOOD LOOK through those binoculars.

 

ill. I have a monocular now - that I really like to look through - some of your have taken a look through it yourself - it's amazing to just stop and take a good look at God's creation.

 

Text:Titus 2:11-14

 

I've entitled it, "Good Looking." 

 

But, I don't mean this morning that you need to "look good" like, "You really look good today."

 

 I mean that you need to "look good." (Like a man studying something through binoculars.)

 

We need to take a good look at the past, the present, the future and eternity! I wonder, have you had a good look at the past, present, future and eternity?

- In the past we'll see the cross.

- In the present we'll see ourselves.

- In the future we'll see Jesus.

- In eternity we'll see God.

 

I. The past: Take a good look at the cross.

Mark 15:15  And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

exp. Pause while Jesus receives the cat of nine tails up to 200 times ripping the flesh from his body.

16  And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band.

17  And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

18  And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!

19  And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

20  And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

exp. Other Scripture tells us that his beard was torn from his face, he was blindfolded and beaten, now thorns pierce his brow - while he is treated as a fool before these wicked soldiers.

21  And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.

22  And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.

23  And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.

24  And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.

ill. Exibit on tayloring at Dumfermline Museum - Garments without a seam were to show the skill of the taylor - not to be worn - but Jesus had a garment woven without seam - the soldiers wouldn't rend it - they gamled for it.

25  And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

exp. Jesus hands were nailed to the cross as was his feet - when the cross was dropped into the ground it would pull the Saviour's bones out of joint.

26  And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

27  And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.

28  And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.

29  And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,

30  Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

31  Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

32  Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

33  And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

34  And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

35  And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias.

36  And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.

37  And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost.

exp. Other Scripture quote the words of Jesus just before His soul was released from his body and his words were - "It is finished." PAID IN FULL.

 question: What do you see this morning as we take a good look into the past at the cross?

A. See there God's grace.

11  For the grace of God....

exp. Grace is unmerited favour. It is the goodness of God towards us when we deserve judgment.

Romans 5:7  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 ill. We've recently completed a study of Genesis. 

- Joseph was sold by his brother's into slavery which led eventually to imprisonment.

- Afterwards God brought him to a position of power.

- He could have used his power to rightly judge his brothers.

- But, rather than judging their wickedness, he forgave them and was good to them.

ill. Witnessing in Edinburgh - "It doesn't matter what you have done or how bad your life has been against God - God loves you and offers you His gift of forgiveness and everlasting life."

 app. Do you see the grace of God at the cross? Jesus loves you and died for your sin!

B. See there God's deliverance

 that bringeth salvation 

exp. Without the cross man is hopelessly lost.

 ill. Monday 28 October - people in Carlisle awoke to the screams of Phil Longcake (53) who had cllimbed a 290 foot chimney, he had slipped and his ankle was caught. A helicopter was unable to effect his rescue because of the precariousness of his position. A cherry picker from Scotland 14 hours later was able to get to him, but sadly Phil had already died.

ill. In contrast - the world watched last year as the youth football team in Cambodia was stuck in a cave. Rescuers worked around the clock doing incredible acts of bravery to rescue the team. Two of the rescuers have died. One during the rescue and one later from complications from the rescue - BUT THEY SAVED THE ENTIRE TEAM!

exp. We don't enjoy seeing a hopeless situation. As human being we want to see a way of salvation.

 note: The cross is the way of salvation. WITHOUT THE CROSS there would be no way of salvation.

 app. Have you had a good look at the cross? Do you see it as God's way of salvation.

C. See there God's revelation.

hath appeared to all men,

exp. Praise God - the cross was for all men and REVEALED TO ALL MANKIND!

ill. Wuhan evacuation of British Citizens - UK did their best to get the word out that this evacuation of British Nationals was taking place. There is no point in providing this evacuation without telling those how need it.

exp. God has not provided the way of salvation WHILE neglecting to tell the world about it. IT IS REVEALED TO ALL MEN!

 ill. Our Sunday School class - Romans 10 

17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

18  But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

exp. Paul declared that in his day the Gospel message had gone to all the known world.

ill. Scotland may not read their Bible. They may not have a deep Bible knowledge. But, we would be hard pressed today to find someone who doesn't know that Jesus was crucified! 

note: GOD, THE FATHER, LOVED US ENOUGH TO CRUCIFY HIS SON FOR OUR SIN, WE CAN SEE AS WE LOOK AT THE CROSS THAT HE HAS REVEALED THAT LOVE TO ALL MANKIND.

app. If you hear this message and end up in Hell, it will not be because you are ignorant of the cross. 

transition: take a good look this morning into the past and see that God has revealed HIS grace  and SALVATION to all mankind. THE PAST - TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT THE CROSS.

 

II. The present: Take a good look at yourself.

note: God's Word in v.11 was a portal into the past. "hath appeared unto us." Now it is a mirror to help us in the present. "Teaching us that,...."

ill. GOD'S WORD IS A MIRROR.

exp. Our study in James on Thursday nights will soon come to....

James 1:22  But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

 question: Did you take a good look in a physical mirror this morning? We can probably guess whether or not you did. If you rightly used the mirror, it changed your life this morning.

exp. If we rightly use the mirror of God's Word, it will change our lives.

A. Put off earthly rags.

12  Teaching us that, denying....

exp. To deny - is to say no.

 ill. State of the Union Address - Illegal Immigrants used to get into the USA and be allowed to stay. According to what was said at the State of the Union - catch and release is done. They are being caught and deported. THEY ARE BEING DENIED ILLEGAL ENTRY. 

exp. "no" they can't enter the country illegally.

ill. Drug commercials when I was a kid, "Just Say No!"

NOTE - God's word teaches us to say, "no" to ungodliness.

1. Say no to ungodly actions.

....denying ungodliness 

 exp. Ungodliness is wickedness. 

ill. Kobe Bryant - Amercian Basketball player who died in a helicopter crash. I saw a short video about the area where Bryant grew up. There was a sign on the basketball court which I liked, it said something like "No profanity tolerated here."

 exp. They were saying NO to ungodliness.

app. Take a good look in the mirror, Does your life say, "NO" to ungodliness. Or is it tolderated?

2. Say no to ungodly desires.

denying...worldly lusts, 

exp. This world wants to bring OUT wicked desires in men that are contrary to GOD.

1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

- Lust of the flesh - what my flesh wants that God has not given.

- Lust of the eyes - what my eyes want that God hasn't given.

- Pride of life - what "I" want that God hasn't given.

ill. I've told you before about my dog Annie. She was good as long as she obeyed her master. But, when she got that look in her eye - looked at her master - looked the way of her flesh - AS SOON AS SHE DECIDED (LUST CONCEIVED) TO DEPART - SHE WAS AFTER HER FLESH.

exp. God's Spirit says one thing and ungodly desires say another thing. To whom do you yield?

Gal 5:16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

app. Take a good look in the mirror, are you saying no to ungodly desires? Yielding to God's Spirit?

B. Put on heavenly robes.

exp. Do you wonder today if it is really possible to deny ungodlingess and worldly lusts in our day and age? The end of our verse says "...in this present world;" God expects us to do so!

question: Would it be a comfort to you to know that Jesus is praying for your success here?

John 17:15  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

18  As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

19  And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

20  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

1. Put on robes of sobriety.

we should live soberly, ....in this present world.

 exp. "soberly" is true behaviour (moderation)

def. the avoidance of excess or extremes, especially in one's behaviour

exp. God has given a lot of ingredients to life  - but none should be used to excess.

 ill. I grew up in a home in a musical home. My dad is a gifted pianist. As a preacher he would preach on music - 5 main ingredient GOD HAS GIVEN to music.

- Volume

- Rythm

- Pitch

- Harmony

- Instrument (?)

exp. Bad music over emphasizes one or all of the ingredients while good music blends them in moderation.

Php 4:5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

app. Is your life balanced with sobriety (moderation of appropriate behaviour?) 

TAKE A GOOD LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND PUT ON ROBES OF SOBRIETY.

2. Put on robes of righteousness.

we should live... righteously, ...in this present world.

exp. living "righteously" is true character

 def. This person is a "just" or truly "good" person.

Luk 6:45  A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

ill. Simeon - Luk 2:25  And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

 ill. Barnabus - Acts 11:24  For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

app. Is your life characterized by righteousness? Are you a truly good man or woman who has true character? TAKE A GOOD LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND PUT ON ROBES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

3. Put on robes of godliness.

we should live... godly, in this present world;

exp. true piety.

question: This is not just a person with good character, but a person with character who is actively serving God.

James 2:17  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

ill. Simeon - Luk 2:25  And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

ill. I praise God, I had Godly grandparents.

- Grandma and Grandpa Shore - Faithfully attended church - 4 kids full time ministry

- Grandma and Grandpa Roth - founding members Emmanuel Baptist Church in Des Moines. Actively serving God there still!

app. What do you see as you look in the mirror - Is worship of God central to your life? Are you a godly person? 

transition: the past: As we look at the cross - we see God's grace and salvation! (We must take it.)

the present: As we look at ourselves - We are to say "no" to ungodly actions and wicked desires.

We are to put on robes of godliness, righteousness and moderation!

 

III. The future: Take a good look for Jesus.

13  Looking for....

v. 11 was past "hath appeared" v.12 was present "teaching us" now future - "looking for...."

exp. The past - The cross brought us to salvation.

The present - The mirror brought us to sanctification.

The future -  Jesus will bring us to glorification.

A. He is our Hope.

13  Looking for that blessed hope, 

 question: Goodbye's are hard - but seeing someone after an absence is fun.

saying: Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

 ill. I'm not looking forward to our departure, but I will be looking forward to our return.

exp. The disciples said goodbye to very real and present Saviour. Jesus is coming again! 

Act 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

app. If we are saved and sanctified, WE ARE READY AND CAN REJOICE IN HOPE.

B. He is our God.

and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

exp. Last Sunday night - Christology - we've often emphasized the deity of Jesus.  

 question: What person of the God head is going to appear? 

1 Thesallonians 4:15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

 app. If I wasn't born again, I'd be afraid of this day. It is coming soon! God is coming back!

C. He is our Saviour.

and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

exp. He is called our SAVIOUR, because he has saved us from our sin.

Mat 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

 ill. If I said to a criminal today, I want to save you from a life of crime. What am I seek to save him from? A life wrecked by crime and the judgment of law against himself.

app. Jesus took the judgment against us and died guilty of our crimes. He is our SAVIOUR from our sins! SIN HAS HELL FOR IT'S PUNISHMENT. Is He your Saviour?

D. He is our Substitute.

14  Who gave himself for us, 

exp. If you want something to meditate on - meditate on this. "WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR US."

 note: Then ask yourself what you have given for Him WHO TOOK YOUR PLACE ON THE CROSS?

hymn: "Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far to small, love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul my life my all."

 app. Each of us ought to turn and give ourselves back to Him who gave himself for us.

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

E. He is our Redeemer.

that he might redeem us from all iniquity,

exp. We had a sin debt that was more than we could pay. JESUS PAID IT ALL BACK AS HE RANSOMED US FROM OUR SIN DEBT.

 ill. Witnessing in Edinburgh - I have done too many bad things. I told him about the Apostle Paul who killed Christians.

1Ti 1:16  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

app. Jesus PAID THE PRICE FOR ALL SIN. Your sin debt is not TOO LARGE FOR JESUS TO PAY. You can be REDEEMED from ALL iniquity.

F. He is our Head.

 and purify unto himself a peculiar people, 

exp. The peculiar people - are the SINNERS changed to SAINTS. He joins them into a spiritual body called the church (called out assembly.)

Ephesians 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 app. As our Head, he has purified us and made us distinctly different from the world. 

G. He is our Motivator.

zealous of good works.

exp. Where someone used to make haste to do evil, they now make hast to worship God. Our world can't understand it.

 ill. We had the joy of seeing Jamie and Rebekah Cooling married. Jamie had been saved 2 years and Rebekah has been saved 1 year. WHAT A CHANGE HAD TAKEN PLACE IN THEIR LIVES!

App. Praise God, He is our motivator who makes us a people zealous to do good.

 

transition: The past - Take a good look at the cross - salvation.

The present - Take a good look at yourself - sanctification.

The future -  Take a good look at Jesus - glorification.

 Eternity - Take a good look at God - 

 

IV. Eternity: Take a good look at God.

 exp. Salvation, Sanctification and Glorification are what really matter. It will be clearly seen in eternty when we see God. WE NEED TO TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT GOD NOW!

A. You have a charge.

15  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. 

 exp. Timothy as a preacher was given this message to give to others. THIS MESSAGE HAD ALL AUTHORITY BEHIND IT.

Matthews 28:18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

quote: “You have one business on earth – to save souls.”

― John Wesley

app. Do you not think that if you were face to face with God He would give you this same charge Paul gave to Timothy - teach salvation, sanctification and coming glorification!

B. You are responsible.

Let no man despise thee.

exp. It doesn't matter that the world has little appetite for God's Truth. We are responsible to give them what they need.

 ill. Richard Wurmbrand - “It was strictly forbidden to preach to other prisoners. It was understood that whoever was caught doing this received a severe beating. A number of us decided to pay the price for the privilege of preaching, so we accepted their [the communists’ ] terms. It was a deal; we preached and they beat us. We were happy preaching. They were happy beating us, so everyone was happy.” ― Richard Wurmbrand, Tortured for Christ

app. Are you happy not telling others what really matters? Or are you willing to take a good look into eternity at God and realise his charge to your and your responsability?

 

conclusion: 

 

We need to take a good look at the past, the present, the future and eternity! I wonder, have you had a good look at the past, present, future and eternity?

- In the past HAVE YOU SEEN THE CROSS? What changed? (salvation, baptism)

- In the present HAVE YOU SEEN YOURSELF? What changed? (put off, put on)

- In the future DO YOU SEE JESUS? What changed? (Are you ready?)

 

- In eternity DO YOU SEE GOD? What changed? (Are you responsable?

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