Sermon:  Are you Ready?
by Chris Cumming                                                              printer-friendly     MP3      MP3--2019     MP3--Feast 2020

 

The question I have for you today is a simple one.  Are you ready?

Before we can fully answer this question, we need to discuss the definition of the word, “ready.”  We then have to ascertain what it is that we should be ready for.  Does God want us to be ready?  Ready for what?

Let us begin with the definition of the word, “Ready.”

1] Prepared or available for service, action, or progress: I am ready to work. The soup will be ready in a minute. The pupils are ready to learn to read. 
2] Mentally disposed; willing: He was ready to believe her. 
3] Likely or about to do something: She is ready to retire. 
4] Prompt in apprehending or reacting: a ready intelligence; a ready response. 
5] Available.  As in Available for immediate use.
6] Prompt or quick in perceiving, comprehending, speaking, writing, etc.

Variations or idioms are:

“Make ready” which is an admonition to make preparations.
“At the ready” which is to say that one is available for immediate use.
“Get ready” which means to be prepared to start- “Get ready, Get set, go”

From these definitions we can easily form a whole list of questions, can’t we?

1] Are you available for service, as in Godly service?
2] Are you ready for action?
3] Are you ready for progress?
4] Are you willing to obey God?
5] Are you willing to move forward in the salvation process?  Are you ready for this?
6] As you examine yourself, are you likely to be a servant for God?
7] Are you prompt in apprehending the laws and principles of God?
8] Are you spiritually available?
9] Are you prompt in perceiving the will of God?
10] Are you constantly making yourself ready to meet the opportunities, tests and trials of God?
11] Are you immediately ready and available to God?
12] Are you getting ready?

The number 12 in the Bible is the number for organization or getting organized.  We have to be organized as firstfruits to be ever-ready for God.

Let us go to our first verse about being ready.  Turn to the book of Titus.  Titus is a letter from Paul to minister, Titus in Crete.  It is a letter full of instructions and admonitions for the firstfruits in cities throughout the area.

Titus 3:1 [see Lesson]
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.

Notice the commentary for “ready to every good work.”

To be ready to every good work - “To be prepared for” (ἑτοίμους  hetoimous); prompt to perform all that is good.  A Christian should be always ready to do good as far as he is able. He should not need to be urged, or coaxed, or persuaded, but should be so ready always to do good that he will count it a privilege to have the opportunity to do it. ~Barnes Notes

Now back to Titus 3 after Paul says, “be ready to every good work” for there are some examples of these good works.

Titus 3:2-6 [see Lessons]
2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 
3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 
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; 
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Along with examples of good works, God gives us examples of things that are not good works.

Titus 3:8-11 [see Lessons]
8  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. 
9  But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 
10  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 
11  Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

Does God command us to learn about good works lest we become unfruitful?

Titus 3:14  [see Lesson]
And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

Did Jesus give His life in part that we may be zealous of good works?

Titus 2:10-14 [see Lessons]
10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Before we get too much further in this discussion, we had better clarify the two kinds of works spoken of in the Bible.  We have a letter in the Letter Answering Department which speaks to this concept.  Quoting from that letter:

SUBJECT: Works

QUESTION:  What does the Bible mean by the word “Works”.  I was of the belief that we are not saved by works, but by faith.  What is the truth?

ANSWER: 

Here is the key verse: 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. –Ephesians 2:8-9 

The works being mentioned here are the kinds of works that one does personally of his or her own plan or design.  If it meant every kind of work, how do we explain the very next verse?

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. –Ephesians 2:10

Clearly we see two kinds of works being spoken of or these would be contradictory verses.  Notice what kind of works are being spoken of in verse 10---Works which have been ordained by God that we should walk in them.  Therefore, not our own works, but His works.  ---end quote---

Look at verse 10 again.  From it we have three important questions and answers:

1] Are we someone’s workmanship?   Yes, we are God’s workmanship.
2] Were we created in Jesus Christ?  If so, to what purpose?  We were created in Him unto good works.
3] What purpose has God ordained in us?  He ordained that we walk in [perform/manifest] good works.

The works we are preparing to invoke are accomplished by the power of God; the Holy Spirit.  This is, in fact, Christ doing these works in and through us.  Notice I used the word, “prepare” here.  We are always preparing and learning about these good works done by Christ.  Notice what it says in the “armor of God” scriptures:

Ephesians 6:13-15
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Notice the commentary on, “Preparation of the gospel of peace.”

The preparation of the Gospel - The word ἑτοιμασια which we translate preparation, is variously understood: some think it means an habitual readiness in walking in the way prescribed by the Gospel; others that firmness and solidity which the Gospel gives to them who conscientiously believe its doctrines. ~Adam Clarke

Therefore, the best way to be ready to good works is to [are you ready for this] immerse yourself into the Word of God.  Are you preparing yourself?

If Jesus gave His life that we might be zealous of good works, did He leave us an example of doing those good works?

Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

John 10:32  
Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

Ephesians 2:10 which we discussed a moment ago says that we were created in Jesus Christ unto good works.  

1] How are we able to do those works?
2] Who is really doing those works?
3] What is the purpose of these works?

Philippians 1:11  
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

For the past couple of years, we have been talking about doing good works and the fact that God guides us through life and offers us countless opportunities to do these good works.  Where in the Bible does it specifically talk about these opportunities?

Galatians 6:7-10
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 

Verse 7:  God is surely judging us on what we are doing.
Verse 8: God wants us to sow to the Spirit.  That is, He wants us creating and manifesting good works.
Verse 9: We should never be weary in doing good works.  Indeed, we increase our power in doing so.
Verse 10: “As we have therefore opportunity.”  Most every commentary will state the obvious; that you and I are in the time of sowing and reaping now.  That is, now is our time of opportunities and we must take advantage of them as we are able.  How do we do this?

Ephesians 5:14-17
14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Colossians 4:5 
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

The meaning from the commentaries for, “redeeming the time” is to “purchase” or “to buy up” the time from our own life.  That is, we are to free up time from our bondage to this world.  If we are caught up in things that steal our precious time, we need to get rid of the actions or situations that are taking up that time.

There is a song by the Little River Band with the title, “Lady” that has as part of the lyrics, “Take time to make time.  Make time to be there.”  The more time you purchase or take back, the more opportunities will automatically come your way.

We just read Colossians 4 and verse 5 about redeeming the time.  Notice what Paul says in the first part of that letter:

Colossians 1:9-14  …Paul is praising the members at Colosse for the good works they are doing.
9  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 
10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 
11  Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 
12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 
13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 
14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Notice a process being spoken of here.  Paul is showing the importance of knowledge and spiritual understanding.  He is praying that the members have knowledge of God’s will which will feed and result in wisdom---action---good works.  Indeed, in verse 10 he states that if we are living by every word of God, we will be fruitful in “every good work.”  Interestingly, as we increase in the number of good works, we increase in the knowledge of God.  God is found in all good works as He is the one doing those works in and through us by His Son.

Verse 11: We are strengthened will ALL might---by the power of the Holy Spirit---unto Godly principles, of which three are named---patience, longsuffering and joy.

Verse 12:  We give continual thanks to God who hath made us part of this great process of good works.

Verse 13: This process of good works delivers us from spiritual darkness.

Verse 14:  The process gives us redemption---forgiveness from sins.  Notice how all Godly processes are only possible through shed blood.

In our recent and ongoing study of 1 Timothy 5, we have been learning about widows who devoted their life of widowhood to the service of the church.  What do you remember about the requirements regarding these widows?

1 Timothy 5:9-10 [See Lesson]
9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 
10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Note that she is one who diligently followed every good work.  Let us see this explained in the commentary:

If she have diligently followed every good work - This is one of the characteristics of true piety. A sincere Christian will, like God, be the friend of all that is good, and will be ready to promote every good object according to his ability. He will not merely be the friend of one good cause, to the neglect of others, but he will endeavor to promote every good object, and though from special circumstances, and special dealings of Providence, he may have been particularly interested in some one object of charity, yet every good object will find a response in his heart, and he will be ready to promote it by his influence, his property, and his prayers. ~Barnes Notes.

Notice the Adam Clarke on this phrase:

Diligently followed every good work - In a word, if she have been altogether a Christian, living according to the precepts of the Gospel, and doing the Lord’s work with all her heart, soul, and strength.  ~Adam Clarke

Notice two things as we go through the entire chapter of 2 Timothy 2.  First look for all the admonitions to avoid negative elements and occasions and to strive for the positive elements and occasions. [See sermon: “Pure Occasions]

2 Timothy 2:1-26 [see Lessons]
1  Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 
2  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 
3  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 
4  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 
5  And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 
6  The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 
7  Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 
8  Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 
9  Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 
10  Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 
11  It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 
12  If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 
13  If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 
14  Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 
15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 
16  But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 
17  And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 
18  Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 
19  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 
20  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 
21  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 
22  Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 
23  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 
24  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 
25  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 
26  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Let us recap the good and negative works mentioned in this chapter.

Here is a set of questions for you:
1] Did God resurrect Jesus?
2] Does Paul pray that the members of the church become perfect?  If so, how?
3] In calling us to good works do we discover God’s will?
4] Does allowing Christ to work through us result in you doing what is well pleasing in God’s sight?
5] Who gets all the glory for this?

Hebrews 13:20-21
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Notice the commentary on this…

Make you perfect - The apostle here does not affirm that they were then perfect, or that they would be in this life. The word used here - καταρτιζω  katartizō - means to make fully ready; to put in full order; to make complete. The meaning here is, that Paul prayed that God would fully endow them with whatever grace was necessary to do his will and to keep his commandments. ~Barnes Notes

The Bible speaks to letting our light shine.  How is this accomplished?

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Notice again the reason for good works; to glorify the Father.

Should we be afraid of rulers?  If not, then how do we remain unafraid?

Romans 13:3  
For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

What is God’s admonition to the rich regarding good works?  How are these individuals to be rich?

1 Timothy 6:17-19 [see Lessons]
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

In 2 Timothy we read of the primary purposes of the Word of God; what it is good for.  What is it good for?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 [see Lessons]
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, throughly furnished unto all good works.

When it comes to our relationships with other firstfruits, what is one of our primary admonitions from God as found in Hebrews 10?

Hebrews 10:24  
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

I want to finish with some quotes on doing good works.

---No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

---Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.

---Be of service. Whether you make yourself available to a friend or co-worker, or you make time every month to do volunteer work, there is nothing that harvests more of a feeling of empowerment than being of service to someone in need.

---It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference. [well, not so for firstfruits]       

--- Set your heart on doing good. Do it over and over again, and you will be filled with joy.

So, after hearing all that we have discussed today, I have a simple question for you…

Are you ready?

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