Sacred Truth Friday: Truth; Thorn in the Flesh

Morning Sermon
Truth

but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. - 1 Timothy 3:15 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Timothy3:15&version=NKJV
Behave myself in God's house. It's the pillar and ground of the truth. Do good to all, especially the brethren (Galatians 6:10). This is my spiritual family (Ephesians 3:15). Baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). Christ loves the church and gave Himself for the church (Ephesians 5:25). 

Truth

1. Live it
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. - 3 John 1:4 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3John1:4&version=NKJV
Live a blameless life (Luke 1:6). Don't walk as an enemy of the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18). 

2. Proclaim it
but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— - Ephesians 4:15 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians4:15&version=NKJV
Speak the truth in love. Value all souls. God wants all saved (1 Timothy 2:4-5).

3. Defend it
The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. - Philippians 1:16-17 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians1:16-17&version=NKJV
Always be ready to defend the Gospel (1 Peter 3:15). But do so with humility and gentleness.

Lesson: Truth. Live, proclaim and defend it.



Afternoon Sermon 
Thorn in the Flesh

It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: - 2 Corinthians 12:1 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Corinthians12:1&version=NKJV
Paul boasting. Gentle in presence. Bold in letters. Accused of timidity (2 Corinthians 10:10). Paul not inferior to apostles (2 Corinthians 11:5). Paul will cut off the opportunity for these false apostles (11:12-15).  Paul labored above all. Went through rough times (11:22-29).  

If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. - 2 Corinthians 11:30 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Corinthians11:30&version=NKJV
Paul boasts in his infirmities. Paul had visions (2 Corinthians 12:1-5). But chose not to boast (12:6). Given a thorn to humble him (12:7-8). He chose to boast in his infirmities. Made strong in Christ (12:9-10).

Lesson: my thorn in the flesh: ptsd. Keeps me humble. Don't let it impede me in living the Christian life, in sharing the Good News. 

Two wonderful sermons from Stephen Wiggins.




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