The Webster Bible Church Podcast

A Life Of Expectation - Matthew 5:10-12

Transformative Truth: 
True Righteousness brings persecution; persecution for Jesus' sake brings eternal reward.

First, to stay faithful, you must arm yourself with the expectation of a righteous life.

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:3

Second, to stay faithful, you must arm yourself with the expectation of persecution.

For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:20-21

We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous.  Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.

To stay faithful, you must arm yourself with the expectation of eternal rewards.

And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you. Jeremiah 1:18-19

Why has my pain been perpetual And my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Wilt Thou indeed be to me like a deceptive stream With water that is unreliable? Jeremiah 15:18 NASB

My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, "My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord." Lamentations. 3:17-18

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." 
Lamentations 3:21-24

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 2 Corinthians 2:15-16

Blessed Are The Peacemakers - Matthew 5:9

Transformative Truth: 
Believers prove their relation to God by making peace with others.

1. God is the consummate Peacemaker.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Christ], and through him to reconcile to himself all things ...by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 NIV

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:1-2 NIV

2. God wants us to be conscientious peacemakers.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV

The Four G's of Peacemaking a. Glorify God. b. Get the log out of your eye. c. Gently restore. d. Go and Be Reconciled.

Glorify God: How can I please and honor God in this situation?

Get the log out of your own eye: How can I show Jesus' work in me by taking responsibility for my contribution to this conflict?

The Seven A's of Confession Address everyone involved. Avoid If, But, and Maybe. Admit specifically. Acknowledge the hurt. Accept the consequences. Alter your behavior. Ask for forgiveness (and allow time).

Gently restore: How can I lovingly serve others by helping them take responsibility for their contribution to this conflict?

The three qualifications of a good surgeon are requisite in a reprover: He should have an eagle's eye, a lion's heart, and a lady's hand: in short, he should be endued with wisdom, courage, and meekness [gentleness].

Go and be reconciled: How can I demonstrate the forgiveness of God and encourage a reasonable solution to this conflict?

"I will not dwell on this incident." "I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you." "I will not talk to others about this incident." "I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal relationship."

Believers prove their relation to God by making peace with others.

Blessed Are The Merciful & Pure In Heart - Matthew 5:7-8

Transformative Truth: 
God blesses those who show mercy to others from the heart.

“Blessed are the merciful. . .” Matthew 5:7

“Blessed are the pure in heart. . .” Matthew 5:8

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as he is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:2-3

Happy Are The Hungry - Matthew 5:6

Transformative Truth: 
God satisfies those who earnestly seek his salvation.

None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. 
Romans 3:10

God satisfies those who earnestly seek his salvation.

My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way. Isaiah 51:5

God makes repentant sinners the royal subjects of his eternal kingdom.

The Prerequisites for Righteousness

The Pursuit of Righteousness

O how blessed are those who long for total righteousness - like starving people long for food and those dying of thirst long for water - for they will be truly satisfied! 

"I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith."  - Paul the Apostle (Philippians 3:9-10 NLT)

The Promise of Righteousness

Peace (Romans 5:1)

Pardon (Romans 8:1)

Power (1 Peter 2:24; Ephesians 3:20)

Perfection (1 John 3:1-2)

God satisfies those who earnestly seek his salvation.

Blessed Are The Meek - Matthew 5:5

Transformative Truth: 
Biblical Meekness is essential for anyone who will enter into the New Earth to come.

(1) The “If this” Part: “Blessed are the meek”
 (a) Meekness in the eyes of the world.
 (b) Meekness according to God:
  (i) not weakness of character,
  (ii) but strength of character.
  (iii) It is the attitude of one who:
   1.  Realizing his own spiritual poverty, acknowledges he deserves nothing 
        from the hand of God or his fellow man.
   2.  Does not become resentful toward God when bad things happen or 
        when others treat him badly, knowing that God is using it to purify him.
   3.  Believes God will work all things for this good, so he leaves his case with
        God-relying on God rather than his own strength to defend against injustice.
 (c) Moses’ reaction in Numbers 12 shows self-control as a key
      element of Biblical meekness.
 (d) The Biblically meek must be able to exhibit ________________.
(2) The “Then That” Part: “They shall inherit the earth”
 (a) The Present View - The meek already inherit the earth in this life (1 Cor. 3:21)
 (b) The Future View - The __________ _______________ to come.
(3) Conclusion: Biblical Meekness is necessary because:
 (a) It is a necessary character trait of those who are saved;
 (b) It is commanded by the Lord;
 (c) It is essential for our being effective witnesses;
 (d) Without meekness within us, we cannot give glory to God.

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn - Matthew 5:4

Transformative Truth: 
We can be blessed even in our mourning, as we consider our position
in the Kingdom now, and the comfort to come.

1 - Blessed are those who mourn - Now. Christians mourn in ways the
world cannot know.

2 - Blessed are those who mourn - For we SHALL be comforted.
    a. A FUTURE (and certain) Comfort / They SHALL be comforted.
    b. A COMPREHENSIVE Comfort / They shall BE comforted.
    c. A PERSONAL comfort for our particular mourning / THEY shall
       be COMFORTED.

Poor in Spirit - Matthew 5:1-3

Transformative Truth: 
To enter God's kingdom you must be poor in spirit.

Two realities about God's people:

1) Their posture

2) Their position

 

Introduction & Context

The Setting

The Purpose of the Sermon on the Mount

What is a Beatitude?

 

Matthew 5:1-3  Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

Two realities about God's people:

Their posture - who are the poor in spirit?

Their position in the Kingdom - When, What, Where, How

 

Our Ever-Faithful Lord - 2 Timothy 4:15-22

Transformative Truth: 
The Lord’s empowering presence enables us to finish life well.

1. The presence of the Lord 2 Timothy 4:16-17a

2. The power of the Lord 2 Timothy 4:17b-18a

I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. Acts 20:24

3. All praise to the Lord 2 Timothy 4:18b

Final Greetings 2 Timothy 4:19-22

1. Christian ministry is relationally hard.

2. Friends in ministry will abandon us.

3. Not all letdowns will last.

4. Christ-exalting friendships further our joy in Jesus.

5. Only Jesus is our perfect friend. 

Friends And Foes - 2 Timothy 4:9-15

Transformative Truth: 
Specific persons have a profound impact on a Christian’s life.

1. Timothy, the Faithful Son 2 Timothy 4:9

2. Demas, the Unfaithful Deserter 2 Timothy 4:10

3. Crescens, the Faithful Unknown  2 Timothy 4:10

For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. Hebrews 6:10

4. Titus, the Faithful Comforter 2 Timothy 4:10

5. Tychicus, the Faithful Messenger  2 Timothy 4:12

6. Luke, the Faithful Companion 2 Timothy 4:11

7. Mark, the Unfaithful Restored 2 Timothy 4:11

8. Carpus, the Faithful Host 2 Timothy 4:13

9. Alexander, the Faithless Opponent 2 Timothy 4:14-15

Specific persons have a profound impact on a Christian's life.

1. Our interpersonal connectedness

2. Our individual contributions

3. The indispensable characteristic

4. The inevitable consequences

Fighting Hard To The Finish - 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Transformative Truth: 
Live each day with death and eternity in view.

The Present: View of Death 2 Timothy 4:6

The Past: Victory in Life 2 Timothy 4:7

The good fight I have fought. The race I have finished. The faith I have kept.

I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. Acts 20:24

The Future: Vindication by God 2 Timothy 4:8

"I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith." - Paul the Apostle (Philippians 3:9 NLT)

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24

He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Two men looked through the bars. One saw the mud, the other, the stars.