| |
Sermon:
Chase … a sermon about
goodness and pursuit
by Chris Cumming
printer-friendly
MP3
On the 18th of
January of this year (2020),
I presented to you the sermon, “Double-down”
which shared with you a hands-on perspective to repentance. I began
that sermon with this statement:
“Back in July and August of 2014, I gave four sermons as part of a
Holiness series.
You can see all these sermons at the
Las Vegas site.”
Today’s sermon is the eleventh in the Salvation series which was born in
the Holiness series Each Salvation Series sermon is stand-alone sermon
on the same overall subject: Holiness and Salvation.”
The “Double-down” sermon is part of the
Holiness series
of four (4) sermons. From this one sermon, I have put together fourteen
(14) sermons in what I call the, “Salvation
series.” You
can see these sermon titles and subjects on the
Sermons page
of the
Las Vegas site.
Each sermon has a key verse or two you heard in “Double-down.”
Again, today’s sermon is the eleventh sermon in this series.
Note:
Any scripture you see with an asterisk (*) is one found in the sermon
“Double-down.”
Let us begin.
Here is the key verse we read in the Double-Down sermon:
3 John 1:11*
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that
doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Double-down Phrases:
--Follow that which is good.
Definition:
---Follow:
conform to, comply with, or act in accordance with; obey. Imitate or
copy. Move forward. To go after.
Follow that which is good.
The name of this sermon today is Chase. “Chase” means:
1] to follow in pursuit.
2] to rush or hasten.
3] the object of pursuit.
In our case, the object of our pursuit is goodness.
Follow that which is good.
Notice the definition for the word, “Follow.”
---Follow:
conform to, comply with, or act in accordance with; obey. Imitate or
copy. Move forward. To go after.
I see this sermon directly linked the 4th sermon in this
Salvation series: “Mortification.”
The Specific Purpose Statement (SPS)
of that sermon is, “Mortify sin and
all evil and negative things.”
Notice our key verse for this sermon today:
3 John 1:11*
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that
doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
The first seven words of the verse is the embodiment of the
mortification sermon. The admonition of those seven words are, “Do not
follow that which is evil.” Best way to do that is to mortify it. In
that fourth sermon, I give the definition of, “mortify.”
Definition:
Mortify from the
dictionary is defined as: subjugate by abstinence and discipline.
Better is the Strong's definition: G2289: to kill (literally
or figuratively):
- become dead, (cause
to be) put to
death, kill, mortify.
So, based on our key verse, we have a duel mission:
1] Mortify sin and all evil and negative things.
2] Conform to, comply with and act in accordance with God and all
truth. God is truth. His Word is truth.
You will see this duel mission in several scriptures we read today,
later in this sermon.
Follow that which is good.
Where does it speak of God and His Word being truth (the
most good thing in the Universe)?
|
Scripture |
Statement within that Scripture-------------------Full scriptures at bottom of this page |
|
Exodus 18:21 |
If
you fear God, you are a person of truth. |
|
Exodus 34:6 |
The
Lord God is abundant in goodness and truth. |
|
Deuteronomy 32:4 |
God
is a God of truth. |
|
1 Kings 17:24 |
The
word of the Lord is truth. |
|
Psalm 25:5 |
David calls on God to lead him in truth |
|
Psalm 31:5 |
David refers to God as the God of truth |
|
Psalm 57:3 |
David states that God will send forth His truth |
|
Psalm 61:7 |
David states that God’s truth will preserve him (David). |
|
Psalm 86:15 |
David states that God is plenteous in truth. |
|
Isaiah 25:1 |
Isaiah says that the counsels of God are truth. |
|
Scripture |
Statement within that Scripture |
|
Isaiah 65:16 |
This
one says that if one desires to be blessed, he/she will bless
him/herself in the God of truth. |
|
John 4:24 |
We
are commanded to worship God in spirit and in truth. This verse
verifies that we worship God by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We worship Him by being in truth, from a position of truth. He
is truth. |
|
Romans 2:2 |
God’s judgment is according to truth. |
|
2nd Thessalonians 2:13 |
This
verse speaks to the fact that God called us from the beginning
of the world to the salvation process and therefore,
sanctification by the Spirit of God and to belief in the truth.
Clearly that truth is from God. |
|
1 Timothy 3:15
[see
Lesson] |
The
declaration of this verse is that God is the pillar and ground
of truth |
|
2nd Timothy 2:25
[see
Lesson] |
God
brings to us repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.
Notice this from the John Gill commentary:
“Repentance is the gift of God: it is he that opens the eyes of
the understanding, and works conviction in the mind, and leads
into all truth, as it is in Jesus; and induces men to repent of
their errors, confess their mistakes, and own the truth.”
~John Gill
Repentance is the gift of God. Repentance is a process in which
God is very much involved on a daily basis of the firstfruit.
He convicts the mind, leads them to all truth, including truth
that will be used to mortify the sin of which they are repenting
and then commands that we own that truth.
Why would God command that we “own the truth?” Because that
truth will maintain the mortification of sin and have us in
constant maturity to eternal life (salvation). |
|
Titus 1:1
[see
Lesson] |
Truth is after godliness. Notice the commentary on the phrase,
“The acknowledging of the truth.”
And
the acknowledging of the truth
- by which is meant the Gospel, often called the truth, and the
word of truth; in distinction from that which was shadowy, the
ceremonies of the law; and in opposition to that which is false,
it being from the
God of truth,
concerning
Christ, who is the truth;
and
containing nothing but truth, and what is led into by the
Spirit of truth.
~John Gill
[emphasis
mine] |
|
1 John 4:6 |
Anyone who is of God knows the truth. |
Let us now
look at scriptures that declare that the Word of God is truth.
|
Scripture |
Statement within that Scripture-------------------Full scriptures at bottom of this page |
|
1 Kings 17:24 |
The
word of the LORD is truth. |
|
Psalm 33:4 |
The
word of God is right. He does all things in truth.
Notice what the scripture means when it says God does all things
in truth:
And
all his works are done in truth - his works of creation are done in the truth of things, with
the utmost exactness and accuracy,
and are a wonderful display of his power,
wisdom, and goodness: his works of providence are
according to the counsel of his own
will,
and are done in the wisest and best manner; and his work of
redemption is a proof of his veracity and faithfulness to his
covenant oath and promise; and
his work of grace upon the hearts of his people is truth in the
inward parts;
and which, as he has promised to carry on and finish, he is
faithful and will do it; in short, his way of acting both
towards the godly and ungodly agrees with his promises to the
one and his threatenings to the other,
and so is in truth;
and the whole of this
is a
reason why the saints should praise the Lord.
~John Gill
[Emphasis
mine]
|
|
Isaiah 39:8 |
Hezekiah calls the word of God good. He adds that his life will
be filled with this truth. |
|
John 1:14 |
Jesus is called the Word of God. He was made flesh and was full
of truth. |
|
John 17:17 |
We
are sanctified by truth. God’s Word is truth. |
|
2 Corinthians 4:2 |
Firstfruits manifest good things in truth. |
|
Ephesians 1:13 |
The
Word of God called truth. |
|
Colossians 1:5 |
Gospel called truth. |
|
James 1:18 |
God
begat us to the salvation process via His word of truth. |
|
1 John 3:18 |
Admonition to manifest the Word of God in truth. That is, to do
good works using the Word of God as your guide. |
You now know what it is we follow after. You have verification of what
is good. Let us look at scriptures that speak to our following that
which is good. Again, our key scripture:
3 John 1:11*
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that
doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Follow that which is good.
Exodus 23:2
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak
in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:
The commentary says:
This verse might
be more strictly rendered, “Thou shalt not follow the many to evil;
neither shalt thou bear witness in a cause so as to incline after the
many to pervert justice.” ~Barnes Notes
Psalm 37:27
Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Note:
The phrase “dwell for evermore” speaks to the here and now (length
of days and prosperity) and
ultimately in the Family of God.
Proverbs 12:11
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that
followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
Isaiah 1:16-17*
16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from
before mine eyes; cease to do evil (Mortify
it);
17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the
fatherless, plead for the widow.
John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
John 12:26
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also
my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour (value,
prize).
1 Corinthians 4:16
Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
Note:
“followers” is G3402, “an imitator”
1 Corinthians 11:1
Be ye followers (G3402)
of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Ephesians 5:1
Be ye therefore followers (G3402)
of God, as dear children;
Philippians 3:17
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye
have us for an ensample.
Note:
“followers together” is G4831 which is a compound of G4862 and G3401 and
refers to us as being “co-imitators.” We all follow God and Christ
together.
1 Thessalonians 1:6
And ye became followers (G3402)
of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction,
with joy of the Holy Ghost (Spirit):
1 Thessalonians 2:14
For ye, brethren, became followers (G3402)
of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also
have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of
the Jews:
2 Timothy 3:10
[see
Lesson]
But thou hast fully known my doctrine (truth),
manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
Hebrews 6:12
That ye be not slothful, but followers (G3402)
of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
1 Peter 3:13
And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers (G3402)
of that which is good?
Follow that which is good.
Have you
ever tasted God?
Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth
in him.
Notice the commentary:
O taste and see
- This is an address to others, founded on the experience of the
psalmist. He had found protection from the Lord; he had had evidence of
His goodness; and he asks now of others that they would make the same
trial which he had made. It is the language of piety in view of personal
experience; and it is such language as a young convert, whose heart is
filled with joy as hope first dawns on his soul, would address to his
companions and friends, and to all the world around; such language as
one who has had any special comfort, or who has experienced any special
deliverance from temptation or from trouble, would address to others.
Lessons, derived from our own experience, we may properly recommend to
others; the evidence which has been furnished US that God is good, we
may properly employ in persuading others to come and taste his love. The
word "taste" here-Taa`am (OT:2938)-means properly to try the flavor of
anything, Job 12:11; to eat a little so as to ascertain what a thing is,
1 Samuel 14:24,29,43; Jonah 3:7; and then to perceive by the mind, to
try, to experience, Proverbs 31:18. ~Barnes'
Notes
When God protects us, blesses us, answers a
prayer, heals us, gives us increase and on and on, we taste Him. One
definition of "taste" is...
To perceive as if by the sense of taste.
When these things happen to us, like answered
prayer and healing or when we experience unction [1 John 2:20] or get
insight on something spiritual, we 'perceive' or taste God.
To perceive is to...
1] To become aware of directly through any of the senses.
2] To achieve understanding of; apprehend.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 73:28
But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the
Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.
Psalm 100:5
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth
to all generations.
Matthew 19:17
And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but
one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the
commandments.
Luke 10:27
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all
thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
John 10:10-11
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:
I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the
sheep.
John 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Romans 12:21
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Note:
See this verse fully explained in the Ministers Notebook at the Las
Vegas site
here.
So one more time now…
3 John 1:11*
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that
doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Follow that which is good.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
God is Good Scriptures
|
Scriptures
for God is True and Good
|
|
Exodus 18:21
|
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such
as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such
over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds,
rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: |
|
Exodus 34:6
|
And
the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The
LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in
goodness and truth, |
|
Deuteronomy 32:4
|
He
is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment:
a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. |
|
1 Kings 17:24
|
And
the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man
of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth. |
|
Psalm 25:5
|
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my
salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. |
|
Psalm 31:5
|
Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O
LORD God of truth. |
|
Psalm 57:3
|
He
shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him
that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy
and his truth. |
|
Psalm 61:7
|
He
shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth,
which may preserve him. |
|
Psalm 86:15
|
But
thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious,
longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. |
|
Isaiah 25:1
|
O
LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy
name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old
are faithfulness and truth. |
|
Isaiah 65:16
|
That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in
the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear
by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten,
and because they are hid from mine eyes. |
|
John 4:24
|
God
is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in
spirit and in truth. |
|
Romans 2:2
|
But
we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth
against them which commit such things. |
|
2nd Thessalonians 2:13
|
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for
you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the
beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the
Spirit and belief of the truth: |
|
1 Timothy 3:15
[see
Lesson]
|
But
if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to
behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the
living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. |
|
2nd Timothy 2:25
[see
Lesson]
|
In
meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of
the truth; |
|
Titus 1:1
[see
Lesson]
|
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of
the truth which is after godliness; |
|
1 John 4:6
|
We
are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of
God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the
spirit of error. |
The Word of God is Good
|
Scriptures for Word of God being True and God
|
|
1 Kings 17:24
|
And
the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man
of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth. |
|
Psalm 33:4
|
For
the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in
truth. |
|
Isaiah 39:8
|
Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which
thou hast spoken. He said moreover, For there shall be peace and
truth in my days. |
|
John 1:14
|
And
the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his
glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of
grace and truth. |
|
John 17:17
|
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. |
|
2 Corinthians 4:2
|
But
have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in
craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by
manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's
conscience in the sight of God. |
|
Ephesians 1:13
|
In
whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed,
ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, |
|
Colossians 1:5
|
For
the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard
before in the word of the truth of the gospel; |
|
James 1:18
|
Of
his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should
be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. |
|
1 John 3:18
|
My
little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but
in deed and in truth. |
|
|