Quote from Forum Archives on August 7, 2003, 10:52 am

Posted by: henkf <henkf@...>

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AS IT BECOMES SAINTS

Phil. 1:27 KJV

Introduction

 

1.   What do you think of when you hear the word "saint"?

2.   Many terms used in N.T. to describe God's people from
     standpoint of relationships, responsibilities, etc.
     A. Children of God (Eph. 5:1).
     B. Disciples (Acts 11:26).
     C. Brethren.

3.   Term often used, misunderstood is that of "saint" (Rom. 1:7;
     Eph. 1:1; etc.)
     A. Concept of religious world of one who has lived an
        exceptionally holy life: "Canonized" after death: One
        through whom living can approach God.
     B. Those who may exclaim, "I don't claim to be a saint"
        when making excuse for actions: Even professing
        Christians use expression.

4.   "Saint" is one who has been "set apart" for special purpose:
     "To God," "Called out"  (cf. 2 Cor. 6:17). "Sanctified by
     blood of Christ" (Eph. 1:6,7).  By the Spirit (I Cor. 6:11).
     A. Work of God. Yet, man has responsibility (2 Tim. 2:21).
        God uses only the sanctified, the "holy." (see 2 Tim. 2:21)
     B. One of greatest challenges to N.T. writers was to cause
        people to realize that they had been "set apart": "In, but
        not of the world." To cause them to think of themselves
        as saints (therefore, to act the part.)
        1. There is a difference in the way a "saint" and one of
           the world thinks and acts. There is no clearer
           illustration of the point than Eph. 5:6-8.  Contrast of
           children of darkness, children of light.
           a. "Child of" is a partaker of characteristics of one
              who reigns over darkness or light.

5.   N.T. teaches that there is a certain manner of life which God
     expects of His "saints"; A manner of life that "BECOMETH
     SAINTS" (Eph. 5:3). "That which is fitting, proper,
     appropriate."
     A. Some things are "out of place," RIDICULOUS (see Prov.
        11:22). As a child of God, would not want to do what is
        "unbecoming," bring reproach on name of Christ (see
        Rom. 2:24).

 SOME THINGS THAT "BECOMETH SAINTS."

     A. It becometh saints to "fulfill all righteousness" (see
          Matt. 3:15). To do the righteous commandments (Psa.
          119:172). "Be not deceived," the righteous man practices
          righteousness (I Jn. 3:7).
        1. Mission of John was authorized from heaven (Mk.
           11:30,31). Same true of Moses (I Cor. 10:2). Christ
           came to "fulfill." Attitude toward that which is
           authorized from heaven (see Matt. 5:19,20). Attitude
           of Scribes, Pharisees was to ignore commands which
           they considered unimportant, distasteful.
           Righteousness of kingdom must exceed this.
        2. "Becometh saints" to be submissive to all of God's
           commands. Many subject commands to personal
           standard: "Don't see why this is necessary." (Baptism,
           etc.)
           a. Realize that not in man to direct own steps (Jer.
              10:23).
           b. Not "faith," "obedience" when select which
              commands will obey. Men do what is required if
              pleased to do so; reject if not to liking (see James
              2:10).
           c. No such thing as "unimportant command."
              Attitude often expressed when question raised
              concerning teaching, practice: "Trivial, Concerned
              with minor details" (see Mt. 23:23). Attitude
              toward "small things" grows to include greater.
              (Such is cause of apostasy).
           d. Whether compromise in doctrine or morals.
              (Termites destroy more houses than fire.)

     B. "Becometh gospel" (Phil. 1:27). Gospel produces "saints"
        (Jn. 17:17). Produces ONLY SAINTS...AND SAINTS
        ONLY. GOSPEL "WORKS EFFECTUALLY" (I THESS. 2:13).

     C. Becometh saints to receive, show hospitality, assist those
        who have need (Rom. 16:1,2).
        1. Phoebe had done nothing for those in Rome, but for
           others (v. 2). Help her for this reason.
        2. Saints profess to be concerned with good of
           fellowman: love those who love the Lord: Then,"act that
           way." Love for others springs from love for Lord...
          "Natural."
           a. "Assist in whatever business she has need of you."
              Not just "welcome to the worship services."
           b. Something wrong when one feels like stranger
              after long period of time.

     D. Becometh saints to abstain from fornication, uncleanness,
        covetousness (Eph. 5:3). (This is what most think of when
        think of "Saint"-- One who is "holy," "pure."
        1. Things that "defile" (Mk. 7:18-23). Make "filthy."
           Corrupts the heart. Not "isolated acts."  Unable to
           approach God (see Rev. 3:4).
           a. "Hate garments spotted by flesh" (Jude 23).
           b. One who abides in tabernacle of Lord is one "in
              whose eyes a vile person is despised" (Psa. 15:4).
        2. Such practices not to be "named" among saints (Eph.
           5:3). Not to be practiced.
           a. Christian is joined to Christ: belongs to Him (I Cor.
               6:17). Therefore must "flee" (I Cor. 6:18).
           b. As heart is defiled, not able to see God (Matt.
              5:8). No conception of, appreciation of spiritual.
              "No inheritance in kingdom of Christ and of
              God" (Eph. 5:5). But, wrath of God on children
              of disobedience (v. 6).

     E. Becometh saints to use tongue in proper way (Eph. 5:4).
        Note: That which is not "convenient," ie., that which is
        not suitable.
        1. "Filthiness," "obscene things, obscene manner: No
           regard for modesty, inconsistent with reverence, fear
           of God."
        2. "Foolish talking." "Talk of a fool: Insensitive to
          graver aspects of life."
        3. "Jesting." Not always "serious," but "special skill" in
           speech which shows no faith in God, no reverence for
           moral law, no sense of the grandeur of human life."
        4. "Bitterness, wrath, clamor, evil speaking...Not fitting"
           (Eph. 4:31).
        5. Tongue to be used for praise, thanks, encouragement
           (Col. 4:6). "Speech that gives intellectual
           nobleness even to uncultivated; inspires self-respect
           and dignity" (Biblical Illustrator).

     F. Modesty, orderly dress becometh saints (I Tim. 2:9,10).
        "In no one point of view is the inconsistency in
        the Christian world more strikingly apparent." Contrast
        in godly and ungodly...holy and unholy. Difference can
        be determined.
        1. If "modest" clothing harmonizes with godly character,
           what is indicated by "immodest clothing"?
        2. Clothing reflects something about character (Gen.
           38:15). True today.
        3. Modesty involves more than the outward appearance:
           concerns the heart. "Until renewed by God's grace,
           regard will be only for the outward."
           a. One professing godliness doesn't "emphasize
              outward adorning" with time, money while
              neglect the "inward."
        4. Just as essential as "men lifting up holy hands" (I
           Tim. 2:8).

Conclusion

        1. Is your conduct that which "becometh a saint?" What
           great opportunity. REMEMBER WHO AND WHAT YOU ARE.
           YOU ARE "CALLED TO BE A SAINT." LIVE LIKE IT!

        2. Have you obeyed the gospel? Only by doing so can
           you be made clean, set apart for God's use. The
           sanctified are to be honored by God. Others will
           experience the "wrath of God" which is to come on
           the children of disobedience (Eph. 5:6).

 

 

Recommend "Sermonsonthe net" to your friends.

All they have to do is send a blank  email to [email protected]

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