Grace and Holiness
Grace and Holiness5
Do We Then Make Void the Law Through Faith?
By C.H. Spurgeon0MAT 5:48JHN 14:15ROM 8:152CO 5:14GAL 5:13EPH 2:8HEB 12:14JAS 1:221PE 1:141JN 4:21C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that believers, as adopted children of God, are called to obey their heavenly Father out of love rather than obligation. The relationship with the law changes upon adoption; believers are not slaves but beloved children who should delight in fulfilling God's will. Spurgeon encourages believers to pursue holiness and love for one another, not as a means of salvation but as a response to Christ's love and commands. He highlights that grace empowers obedience and that true holiness stems from a heart transformed by love for God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a joyful and willing obedience to God's commandments as a reflection of one's relationship with Him.
Matthew 7:6
By Chuck Smith0LEV 10:10DEU 23:3JER 15:19EZK 22:26MAT 7:1JHN 3:1JHN 4:7ROM 16:17Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of discernment in the Christian faith, particularly in the context of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:6. He warns against the dangers of indiscriminate acceptance that can lead to heresy and the neglect of church discipline. Smith illustrates that Jesus practiced discernment, choosing when to engage with individuals based on their openness to the truth, and highlights the necessity of distinguishing between the holy and the unholy in preaching. The sermon calls for a balance between grace and holiness in the message of the Gospel.
Emmanuel Matthew 3
By John Nelson Darby0MAT 1:20John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound relationship between God and man as revealed in the life of Jesus Christ, who embodies both divine holiness and perfect humanity. He illustrates how Jesus, though tempted in every way like us, remained sinless and serves as our ultimate example and friend in the journey of faith. Darby encourages believers to study Jesus' life and character to understand their own spiritual journey and the grace available to them. He highlights the importance of recognizing our need for God and the transformative power of His love, which is fully manifested in Christ. Ultimately, Darby reassures that through Jesus, heaven is opened to us, and we are invited to share in His glory.
Sanctification--No. 6
By Charles Finney01TH 5:23Charles Finney addresses the doctrine of entire sanctification, emphasizing that while all have sinned, it does not negate the possibility of living a sin-free life through faith in Christ. He counters objections from scripture that suggest sin is unavoidable, arguing that the New Covenant offers greater grace and the potential for complete sanctification. Finney asserts that the teachings of Jesus and the promises of the New Testament affirm the attainability of holiness in this life. He encourages believers to reject doctrines that excuse sin and to embrace the transformative power of God's grace. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of faith and the responsibilities that accompany it in the pursuit of holiness.
Carnal Confidence and Confidence of Faith
By John Nelson Darby0EXO 15:13NUM 17:10JHN 6:37ROM 2:5ROM 5:11CO 6:19EPH 2:181TI 3:15HEB 4:161JN 2:1John Nelson Darby addresses the contrast between carnal confidence and the confidence of faith, emphasizing that true confidence comes from recognizing our position before God and walking in His presence. He explains that many believers may experience a false sense of security, leading to despair when confronted with God's holiness, as seen in the Israelites' fear of approaching the tabernacle. Darby highlights the importance of understanding our identity as priests in God's sanctuary, which should instill holy confidence rather than fear. He encourages believers to embrace their relationship with God through grace, rather than relying on their own merits or assumptions. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper realization of being at home in God's presence, which brings true joy and assurance.