January 4, 2009
Morning Service

II Cor. 13:1

 

Review:

1.      In chapter 12 Paul spoke of a  man that had some great visions, even caught up into paradise.  Many believe he was talking about himself.

2.      Then he told us of his thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan, to buffet him, and to keep him humble.

3.      He then reminds them of the many signs that accompany his ministry of Apostleship.

4.      Then finishing with chapter 12 Paul tells them he is coming to them a third time, and he hopes he doesn’t find them carnal, and living in sin.

 

Let’s begin this morning with verse one of chapter 13, and we will get no further than this.

 

2Co 13:1-14  This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

·          Moses taught the children of Israel this in, Deu 19:15  One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

• You can see how Paul uses the O.T. law.  This was one of the laws that Moses gave to the children of Israel.  Paul said in the Roman letter, Rom 7:12  Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
• Remember again the Apostle saying; 2Ti 3:15-17  And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  (16)  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
• The law of Moses had it’s purpose, and Paul tells us what it was;  Gal 3:24-25  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  (25)  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

• Jesus said, “I am not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill.”
• You might say it was part of his résumé to qualify for being the Messiah, the Anointed one of God, the Perfect Lamb of sacrifice for our sins.  Jesus was sinless, and according to John, 1Jo 3:4  Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
• Mat 11:2-6  Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,  (3)  And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?  (4)  Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see:  (5)  The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.  (6)  And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
• Jesus fulfilled all the demands of the Law, and that’s how the Apostle Paul could say, Col 2:8-14  Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  (9)  For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.  (10)  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:  (11)  In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:  (12)  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.  (13)  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;  (14)  Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
• Paul has already told us how simple the plan of salvation is, let me show you; 
1. Jesus said, Mar 16:15-16  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  (16)  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

 

 

 

 

2. Paul said, Rom 10:8-10  But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;  (9)  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10)  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  
3. Confess with thy mouth,  “I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.  I believe all that is written concerning Him in the Bible, and I receive Him into my heart and life to be my Savior.”
4. With the heart man believes unto righteousness;  unto right living;  by believing all that is written of Him we understand He has bought for us salvation, and a home in eternity one day with Him.  This is what should motivate us to right living, or righteousness.
5. Eph 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.
6. Paul made it very clear to the Philippian jailer,  When the jailer ask, “what must I do to be saved?”  Paul, and Silas replied, Act 16:31  “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

 

 GOD HAS LED US THIS MORNING, DOWN THIS ROAD OF EXPLANING THE PLAN OF SALVATION.

 

JESUS SAID, “Joh 7:37  In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

• How thirsty are you for the things of God?
• Are you willing to give up all, and follow the Lord Jesus Christ, and His teachings?

And again;  Rev 21:6  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

·          You can see that Jesus wants to give you of that Living Water, “If any man believes on me, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”   St. Jn. 7:38.

 

The Lord’s final invitation from the Church, and Himself;   Rev 22:17  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

 

HAVE YOU ACCEPTED THE LORD’S INVITATION FOR SALVATION?  IF NOT WHY NOT TODAY?

 

AND IF YOU ARE ALREADY A CHRISTIAN LET ME ENCOURAGE YOU TO SEEK AFTER A CLOSER WALK IN THESE CLOSING HOURS OF THIS DISPENSATION OF GRACE.