Sermon: Good Things
by Chris Cumming                                      printer-friendly     MP3

Today is the third sermon of our series on Holiness.  In our first sermon, “Piety” we discussed the concept of holiness and righteousness.  The scriptures we read encourage us to adhere to sound words and doctrine in opposition to all heresies, false doctrines and all things negative, beginning with sin.  In our second sermon, “Rampageous” we covered a list of many negative things, including sin that we are to push back and overcome with our righteousness and holiness.  Today we are going to look at many of the good and positive things God promises to those walking in righteousness and holiness.

The purpose of this sermon today is to show the good things promised to those on the path of righteousness.

Walk in Holiness.  Receive good things from God.

Turn in your Bibles to a foundational scripture the fully explains this whole process.  Turn to 2 Peter 1.

2 Peter 1:1-4
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Notice:
Verse 1: Peter is writing to the righteous brethren.  He is writing to holy people moving forward in the faith [the Salvation Process].

Verse 1:
--The righteousness of these brethren is from God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Verse 2:
--Peter speaks to our increasing continually in this righteousness and holiness.
-- The means of our increase in holiness is the knowledge of God.  We know that with knowledge comes understanding and then wisdom.

Verse 3:
--We attain and grow in holiness by the power of the Holy Spirit.
--We are offered this plan of holiness by the will, design and purpose of God.
--God gives us all the things we need that pertain to life, godliness and holiness.
--God repeats the means of how this is done: Knowledge.
--God has called us to holiness and eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

Verse 4:
--Because of and predicated on our being holy and righteous, He has and is giving us GREAT and PRECIOUS promises.
--The purpose and design of the promises; the good things, is that they help us in the process of attaining divine nature.
--The process of attaining divine nature is possible because our righteousness and holiness have opposed and pushed back the negative things of the world [lust, greed, worldliness and human nature].

As if this was not enough information, how does Peter continue in this discourse?  Does it speak to the Salvation Process?  Does it speak to just how we attain divine nature and oppose all things negative?  Go to verse 5 of 2 Peter 1.

2 Peter 1:5-8
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Notice:
Verses 5-7: 
--Clearly a list of the fruits of the Spirit of God.  The question is, however, just how to we add all these Godly principles to our character?

Verse 5:
--By diligence [and therefore fervency and zeal].

Verse 8:
--These fruits must be in you; in your character.  That is, you must be constantly in the process of these additions.
--This process must ABOUND.
--If the process of attaining holiness and Godly character is abounding [continually redoubling], you will not be without [barren] or unfruitful in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

What happens if a firstfruit is not participating in this process and abounding with diligence in attaining this divine character?  See the next verse.

2 Peter 1:9 
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

Having said this, what does God say next through Peter?  Does He say anything about diligence again?  Does God give any promise at this point?

2 Peter 1:10 
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.

Notice:
Verse 10
--God is clearing giving encouragement and command to prevent going spiritually blind [verse 9].
--Invoke diligence.
--Make your calling and election sure.
--The Promise: If you do these things, you will never fail in your quest for Christ-like character and the Kingdom of God.  You will be the wise virgin of Matthew 25.

The word, “Abound” as seen in verse 8.

2 Peter 1:8a
For if these things be in you, and abound,…

Abound:
From the dictionary:
--to occur or exist in great quantities.
--to be rich or well supplied in.
--to be filled with.
--via Old French from Latin, “abundare”:  to overflow and to flow.

Notice: Not only are the fruits of the Spirit in great abundance [overflow], they are actively flowing.

Now the word, “abound” from Bible helps:
--this is Strong’s word, “G4121” which is from G4119: to do, make or be more, that is, increase; by extension to superabound: -rendered: abound, abundant, make to increase.
--for “abound,” better multiply, as expressing the activity of life in each as reproducing itself in manifold acts [Glory to Glory-2 Corinthians 3:18] ~Cambridge Bible
--and abound - increase in their acts and exercises by the frequent performance of them: they make you; both by way of influence and evidence. ~John Gill
--And abounding - Increasing more and more, otherwise we fall short. ~John Wesley Explanatory Notes

Now back to 2 Peter 1:4

2 Peter 1:4
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

We are now going to list these promises.  From verse 4, we clearly see these promises are for the here and now and for the World Tomorrow.


The Great and Precious Promises

Subject

Promises

Daily Needs
…food, drink, clothing, etc.

Matthew 6:31-33

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 

Long Life

Isaiah 46:4

And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

New International Version

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

 

Proverbs 9:11

For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

 

Desires of our heart

Psalm 37:4

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

 

Faithfulness of God

Deuteronomy 7:9 

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.

 

Healing

Psalm 103:1-3

1 A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

 

Word of God

Acts 20:32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

 

Knowledge

Proverbs 2:6b …out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

 

Wisdom

Proverbs 2:6a For the LORD giveth wisdom.

Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 

Forgiveness of sin
Spiritual Cleansing

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

Protection;
Freedom from Fear

Proverbs 1:33 

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

 

Protection from evil

Psalm 121:7 

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

 

Success

Ecclesiastes 3:13 

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

 

Notice the commentary:

 

And also that every man should eat and drink - Not to excess, but in moderation; and yet freely, plentifully, and cheerfully; and not alone, but giving the poor a portion with him; and in all having in view the glory of God, 1 Corinthians 10:31. ~John Gill

 

Quoted verse:

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

 

Ecclesiastes 5:19

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

 

Hears our Prayers

Jeremiah 29:12 

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

 

1 John 5:14 

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

 

Escape from Temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 

Strength

Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

 

Guidance

Psalm 32:8 

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Psalm 25:9-10

9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalm 34:11 

Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

 

Comfort
Rest

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

 

Assurance
Confidence
Boldness
Wisdom

Ephesians 3:10-12

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

 

Trust, Hope, Joy, Peace

Romans 15:12-13
12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost [Spirit].

 

Peace
Freedom from fear

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

 

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Mercy

Isaiah 30:18 

And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

 

Love

Jeremiah 31:3 ...speaking of Israel but clearly a message and gift to all firstfruits

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

 

Proverbs 8:17

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

 

Faith
Power to become sons

Galatians 3:25-26

25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

John 1:12-13

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

 

Courage

Isaiah 40:29

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

 

Colossians 1:11 

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.

 

Hope
A future …ultimate gift

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

 

Notice the commentary on the phrase, "thoughts of peace"

 

Thoughts of peace - Here God gives them to understand,

1. That his love was moved towards them.

2. That he would perform his good word, his promises often repeated, to them.

3. That for the fulfillment of these they must pray, seek, and search.

4. That he would hearken, and they should find him; provided,

5. They sought him with their whole heart, Jeremiah 29:10-13. ~Adam Clarke

 

Jeremiah 29:10-13 ...verse 12 referenced on God hearing our prayers

10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Note: The phrase “with all your heart.” is speaking to fervency, diligence and zeal.

 

Salvation
…ultimate gift

Titus 3:4-6

4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost [Spirit];

6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.

 

Eternal Life
…an ultimate gift

John 6:47

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

 

1 John 2:25

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Fruitfulness as we
grow older

Psalm 92:12-15

12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

13 Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

15 To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

 

Daily Benefits
…ultimate Salvation

Psalm 68:19 

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

 

Good Things

Psalm 84:11

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

 

1 Timothy 4:8 [see Lesson]

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

 

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

Psalm 34:10

The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

 


All these are just a short list of the great and precious promises of God based on our holiness.

When we were discussing the gifts of Knowledge and Wisdom, we made reference to Proverbs 2 and verse 6.  Let us go back to Proverbs 2 and have a reading from verse 1.  The whole passage speaks to our walk in holiness and the precious gifts from Almighty God.

Proverbs 2:1-11
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.
10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

Therefore walk in Holiness and Righteousness.

1 Peter 1:15-16
15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

So go now.  Be holy and claim all the good things of God.

  
 

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