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Sermon: Cognation
by Chris Cumming
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MP3-2019
For decades now the church has been teaching that one of our primary
endeavors in the salvation process is building a relationship with Jesus
Christ and Almighty God the Father. We accomplish this in many ways
including:
1] remaining in the salvation process
2] immersion in the Word of God.
3] prayer, Bible study, meditation and fasting.
4] invoking the power of the Holy Spirit…doing good works.
However, the primary and most specific way we develop and maintain a
relationship with God is to develop the same character they have…Godly
character. To develop Godly character, a firstfruit must develop the
mind of both Christ and God the Father.
We have been talking about this for some time when we talk about the
fact that God does everything after the council of His own will.
Ephesians 1:11
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel
of his own will.
I have been teaching that we too
are to worketh all things after the counsel of our own will. I then add
that for this to work, our will must match His. So whether you wish to
say that we do all our works according to His will, the all-important
element is that our will matches His.
The purpose of my sermon this morning is to have all of us in Cognation
with Christ and God the Father. To be in Cognation with the Godhead, we
had better first understand the meaning of the word.
I went to a number of sources on this word and interestingly found a
number of definitions. Here is the meaning of the word:
Cognation:
1] Related or analogous in nature, character or function.
2] Related by blood. Spiritually we are related to God the Father by
the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
3] Related in thought.
4] Of the same or similar nature; of the same family, proceeding from
the same stock or root.
5] Allied or kindred. “Kindred” means, “having similar nature or
character.”
To be in Cognation with God, we
must have the same character, nature, function and thought. We must
have the same elements of will. We know that God worketh all things
after the counsel of his own will, so now we must determine what His
will is and then begin making Godly decisions. Let us do that now.
How to Determine the Will of God
Seeking the will of God is one of the most interesting experiences we,
as firstfruits, can become involved in. Some have searched or are in
the process of searching for years now. God finally shows us the way.
He leads us to decision making and guides us to our ultimate destiny.
What would you do if I told you that you were going on a special trip to
some unknown destination and for some purpose to be explained later?
What would you do? Surely, you would prepare for the trip. Witness the
story of Moses who prepared for 80 years without knowing what that
"special trip" would be.
Such is the case in our lives. Clearly God has called us and given us
His Holy Spirit and with that comes certain responsibilities, but He has
not shown us everything that we will do or be between that calling and
the return of Christ. Therefore we must prepare by building righteous
character, overcoming sin (being in the
process of overcoming), developing a close relationship with
God through prayer, study and fasting and seeking out His will day to
day. This means listening for the unction of the Holy Spirit (1 John
2:20).
Following is a checklist for making Godly decisions. Maybe it will help
you as you move toward YOUR destiny.
How to Make Godly Decisions
God’s Word is the Christian’s guide for making godly, successful choices
in life. The Bible says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to
my path” (Psalms 119:105). Before you make decisions, compare your
desires to what the scriptures say, and ask yourself the following
questions:
1. Would you be able to ask God to bless it?
Would your decision be something that you can take before God with a
good conscience and ask Him to bless? Or is it something that you know
the Lord would not be enthused about? “The blessing of the LORD makes
one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22).
Psalm 32:2
Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in
whose spirit there is no guile.
Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth
in him.
Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of
the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Proverbs 10:21-22
…read above but I want to add verse 21
21 The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of
wisdom.
22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow
with it.
Psalm 113:7-8
7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of
the dunghill;
8 That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.
2. Could you thank Him for it?
Would your decision be something that you can openly express
gratefulness and thankfulness to God? Or would it be something which
would seem inappropriate to thank Him for? “And whatever you do in word
or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the
Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).
Proverbs 3:5-7
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the
glory of God.
Philippians 4:4-7
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3. Would it be to God’s Glory?
Would your decision be something that can bring Glory and honor to
the Lord? Ask yourself how the Lord would be lifted up or blessed by
your plans. “...whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to
the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
John 7:18
He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh
his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in
him.
John 15:7-8
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye
will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be
my disciples.
Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
1 Corinthians 6:20
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and
in your spirit, which are God's.
4. Would it be of the world?
Would your decision be an indulgence upon worldly, carnal appetites or
lusts? “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone
loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
Romans 13:11-14
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of
sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off
the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness,
not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the
flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Galatians 5:16-17
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust
of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the
flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do
the things that ye would.
5. Would it be a stumbling block to others?
How would your decision affect the lives of your brethren in Christ?
Even if you don’t feel it’s wrong, could it offend or harm the sensitive
faith of those who don’t share your convictions? “...beware lest somehow
this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak” (1
Corinthians 8:9).
Matthew 18:6-7
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me,
it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and
that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that
offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
Luke 17:1
Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will
come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
1 Corinthians 10:24
Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
6. Would it be a weight or hindrance?
Would your decision be something that would drag down your Christian
life or influence you toward disobedience? “...let us lay aside every
weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with
endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
1 John 2:15-16
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any
man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
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.
Galatians 5:7-9
7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
Luke 21:34
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged
with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that
day come upon you unawares.
Luke 12:15
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a
man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he
possesseth.
7. Would it please God or man?
Whom do you hope to please by your decision? Will it bring pleasure to
God, or will it appease self or man? “And whatever you do, do it
heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23).
Did Hezekiah do things that
pleased God?
2 Chronicles 31:20-21
20 And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which
was good and right and truth before the LORD his God.
21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God,
and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with
all his heart, and prospered.
Psalm 119:10-16
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy
commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all
riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no
work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou
goest.
8. How would the Devil react?
Would your decision or actions be considered a victory or a defeat by
the Devil’s forces? Would Hell (meaning the
dark spirit world) celebrate your choice as a fulfillment of
Satan’s desires, or would the enemy be angry and disturbed? “Be sober,
be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring
lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith,
knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in
the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).
Ephesians 4:27
Neither give place to the devil.
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you.
Ephesians 6:11-12
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
9. What would the consequences be?
What kind of long-term ramifications would you have to face for your
decision? Remember, God will forgive sin and poor judgment, but you may
have to live with the results of your decision for the rest of your
life. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows,
that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
Romans 8:13
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the
Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Romans 6:12-13
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey
it in the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto
sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the
dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
Proverbs 22:8
He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger
shall fail.
2 Corinthians 9:6
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and
he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Hosea 10:12
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow
ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain
righteousness upon you.
10. Would it edify you?
Would your decision or actions bring you closer to God or pull you
farther away? Will it edify (build you up) in the Lord, or will it
weaken your confidence of the Lord’s strength in your life? “All things
are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful
for me, but not all things edify” (1 Corinthians 10:23).
1 Corinthians 8:1
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have
knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
1 Corinthians 14:4
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that
prophesieth edifieth the church.
Ephesians 4:11-16
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some,
evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for
the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of
the fulness of Christ:
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.
Jude 20
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying
in the Holy Ghost.
11. Would it serve the right master?
Will your decision require you to yield to the demands of someone or
something other than Christ? Will it cause you to compromise your
submission and obedience to Jesus? “No one can serve two masters; for
either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal
to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon”
(Matthew 6:24).
Joshua
24:15
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom
ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on
the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land
ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
1 Kings 18:21
And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between
two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow
him. And the people answered him not a word.
Matthew 4:10
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written,
Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
12. Would His indwelling presence agree with it?
Would your decision bring peace to your inner man, or would it
create discomfort or distress? Is your choice directed by the promptings
and leading of the Holy Spirit, or by the appetites of the flesh?
“However, when it, the Spirit of truth, has come, it will guide you into
all truth...” (John 16:13). “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you
shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Would you want to be doing this when Christ comes again? If Jesus
would appear to inspect your decision or actions, would you be
embarrassed or delighted? Would His presence make you comfortable or
insecure? “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at
an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).
1 John 4:13
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given
us of his Spirit.
13. Would it promote love?
Would your decision or actions express love and harmony, or would it
reflect retribution, jealousy or injury to your neighbor? “Owe no one
anything except to love one another... Love does no harm to a neighbor;
therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:8, 10).
Galatians 5:14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself.
Colossians 3:14
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of
perfectness.
1 Timothy 1:5
[see
lesson]
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a
good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
James 2:8
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
14. Have you sought the Lord about it?
The Lord promises to give leadership and direction to our life. Consult
Him in prayer. Remember, God will never speak something to our heart
that contradicts his written Word. “In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:6). “There are many plans in
a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel; that will stand”
(Proverbs 19:21)
Proverbs 16:3 …see sermon, “Assiduity.”
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be
established.
15. Have you sought Godly
counsel or advice?
Ask the advice of those who live Godly lives and have a track record
of experience and wise decision making. Avoid the counsel of those whose
Christian life is questionable or who have experience of failure in
making sound decisions. “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But
in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
“Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly...”
(Psalm 1:1).
Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of
counsellors they are established.
Psalm 64:2
Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of
the workers of iniquity:
Job 21:16
Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far
from me.
Decisions come to us each day.
This is God's plan for us...to make decisions. Each decision and
collections of decisions lead us somewhere.
This now is a checklist that will help you come into conformity with the
mind of God the Father and Christ. Do this and you will be in Cognation
with God.
Let us all be in Godly Cognation!!
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