fromthepreacherspc

AM I MY BROTHER’S KEEPER?
Genesis 4:9

INTRODUCTION
A. Perhaps one of the more thought-provoking questions in the Bible is that one asked by Cain…
1. Cain had killed his brother because God had accepted Abel’s offering, but not his own (Gen. 4:3-8)
a. Abel had offered a bloody sacrifice pleasing to the Lord
b. Cain had brought an offering from the fruit of the ground which did not please the Lord
c. Cain killed his brother in jealous anger
2. When the Lord inquired concerning Abel, Cain’s response was: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9)
B. This is a question we would do well to ask ourselves today:
1. Are we our brothers’ keeper?
2. Do we have a responsibility to watch out for and care for one another?
C. When one turns to the New Testament, it becomes clear that the answer is in the affirmative. In fact, there are many passages which emphasize…
DISCUSSION
A. OUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO ONE ANOTHER
1. We Are To “Love One Another”…
a. As commanded by Jesus
1) John 13:34-35
2) John 15:12, 17
b. As taught by Paul
1) Romans 13:8
2) 1 Thessalonians 4:9
c. As instructed by Peter – 1 Peter 1:22
d. As stressed by John
1) 1 John 3:11-12
2) 1 John 3:23
3) 1 John 4:7
4) 1 John 4:11-12
5) 2 John 5
e. But how are we to express such love?
1) How do we know if we are truly loving one another as we ought?
2) Other passages can provide the answer…
2. How We Show Our Love For One Another…
a. Romans 15:7
1) We are to “welcome” one another
2) “Accept one another” (NAS) – “receive ye one another” (KJV)
3) Not accepting sin or error, but we are all different – different in education, race, financial status, etc.
b. Romans 14:19
1) “Mutual up building”
2) We are to “edify another” (KJV)
3) Strengthen and build each other up
c. Galatians 5:13
1) We are to “serve one another”
2) Christianity focuses on providing for the needs of others – spiritual and physical
d. Galatians 6:1-2
1) We are to “bear one another’s burdens”
2) We all have burdens of various kinds that must be dealt with – but the burden in this context is the burden of sin
3) We must help one another overcome sin
e. Ephesians 4:32
1) We are to be “forgiving one another”
2) When a brother repents – we must forgive
3) Not on probation – not holding grudges…
f. Ephesians 5:21
1) We are to be “submitting to one another”
2) The idea is to be submissive to one another
g. Hebrews 3:12-13
1) We are to “exhort one another”
2) To “encourage” (NAS)
3) Lit. “to call to one’s side” – it carries the idea of motivation and if need be reproof
h. Hebrews 10:24-25
1) We are to “consider one another”
2) NAS – “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds”
3) This conveys the concept of careful consideration, thoughtful attention and deep concern
k. 1 Peter 4:8-10
1) We are to show “hospitality”
2) Notice it is to be done “without grumbling”
3. In light of such “one another” passages, is there any doubt that we are to be our brother’s keeper?
a. But how well are we doing?
b. To stimulate our thinking and help us reexamine how well we are fulfilling our obligations to one another, consider the following questions…
B. EVALUATING OUR ROLE AS OUR BROTHER’S KEEPER
1. When One Becomes A Brother…
a. Do we receive them into the family of God, or ignore them? (Rom. 15:7)
1) Are they properly assimilated in the family life of the congregation?
2) Do they remain on the fringe?
3) If we do not even know their names, we can be sure that we are failing as our brother’s keeper!
b. Do we edify them, or put stumbling blocks in their way? (Rom. 14:19)
1) As individuals, are we “bodybuilders”, encouraging the members of the body?
2) Or are we like a cancer, weakening the members of the body of Christ?
a) By our own example
b) By our words, attitudes, etc.
3) It was said of Philemon that he refreshed the hearts of the brethren; do people say the same of us?
c. Do we submit to them, or arrogantly rule over them? (Eph. 5:21)
d. Do we serve them in love, or expect them to serve us? (Gal. 5:13)
e. Do we demonstrate hospitality to them? (1 Pet. 4:8-10)
1) By visiting them in their need?
2) By inviting them into your home (or accepting invitations to their home)?
2. When A Brother Is Overtaken In A Fault…
a. Do we even consider them? (Heb. 10:24-25)
1) Are we even aware of who they are?
2) Are we ignorant of their problems? If so, why?
a) Maybe it is because we don’t assemble enough ourselves
b) We may “wonder about them”, but that is not sufficient!
c) I often hear, “Has anybody checked on so-and-so?”
d) I often what to respond, “Have you?”
3) Do they drift away, with no one making an effort to reach them?
b. Do we exhort them, lest they become hardened by sin? (Heb. 3:12-14)
1) Or are we afraid to confront them, for fear of running them away?
a) If we truly love them and approach them with humility, they are not likely to run away
b) If they do, they are running away from God, not you!
2) Remember, such exhortation is to be daily! Perhaps we wait too long…
c. Are we willing bear their burdens? (Gal. 6:1-2)
1) So as to help them overcome and become stronger
2) Or do we rather not be bothered?
d. Are we quick to forgive them when they repent? (Eph. 4:32)
1) Fear of not being forgiven and accepted back into the family may keep some from repenting and returning to the fold
2) Do we communicate a willingness to accept with open arms and offer complete forgiveness?
CONCLUSION
A. How we answer such questions may reveal how well or poorly we are…
1. Fulfilling our responsibility to be our brother’s keeper
2. Living up to the one responsibility we have that includes all others: to love one another as Christ loved us – John 13:34-35
B. If we have failed to be our brother’s keeper, we need to…
1. Repent of our lack of concern, our inactivity, or whatever has hindered us
2. Confess our shortcomings in this area to God
3. Resolve to apply with zeal these “one another” passages!
C. Are you your brother’s keeper?
1. Are you even identified with a congregation whereby you can be a working member who both cares for those in the family, and be cared for by them?
2. I hope this study has stimulated your thinking about responsibilities you have toward your brethren in Christ…

Tom Moore
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

JESUS HEALS A PARALYTIC
Mark 2:1-12

INTRODUCTION
A. Among the miracles of Jesus, one of the better known is the healing of a paralytic…
1. Found in all three synoptic gospels – Mt 9:1-8; Mk 2:1-12; Lk 5:17-26
2. In which a man was let down through a roof by his friends to be healed by Jesus
B. The occasion produced a range of emotions…
1. Jesus charged with blasphemy by some
2. God glorified with amazement by others
C. The healing of the paralytic contains several valuable lessons for us today. Turning to Mark’s account of the miracle (Mk 2:1-12), let’s first read and examine…
DISCUSSION
A. THE NARRATIVE
1. Helpful Friends…
a. Mark 2:1-2…
1) The place: the miracle occurs in Capernaum
2) Described as “His own city” (Mt. 9:1)
3) Located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee
4) Served as the base for His public ministry in Galilee
5) Preaching in a house, which soon overflowed with listeners
b. Mark 2:3-4…
1) The paralytic: His friends carry him to Jesus
2) Totally immobile, confined to a stretcher, unable to enter
3) With great effort, his four friends let him down through the roof
c. Mark 2:5…
1) The pardon: Jesus forgives him of his sins
2) Jesus observes the faith of the paralytic and his friends
3) He replies, “Son, thy sins are forgiven.”
4) Matthew adds, “…be of good cheer…” (Mt. 9:2)
5) It seems strange Jesus forgave him first rather than healed him, but Jesus’ purpose will be revealed as we proceed
2. Hostile Foes…
a. Mark 2:6-7…
1) The disdain of the scribes: blasphemy!
2) Luke mentions both scribes and Pharisees (Lk. 5:21)
3) They reasoned in their hearts, not speaking
4) Silently accusing Jesus of blasphemy, for only God can forgive sin
b. Mark 2:8-10…
1) The defense of the Savior: He has power to forgive sin –
2) Jesus knew their hearts, their reasoning – cf. John 2:24-25
3) Which is easier to say (and do): to forgive or to heal?
4) Both require divine authority and power
5) Jesus has power to do both!
c. Here is Jesus’ purpose in forgiving before healing is revealed: to make known His divine power to forgive sins
3. Happy Finale…
a. Mark 2:11-12a …
1) For the paralytic: healed!
2) Jesus tells him to arise, take up his bed, and go home
3) Which he does immediately, in the presence of all!
4) Luke adds that he went “glorifying God” (Lk. 5:25)
b. Mark 2:12b…
1) For the people: amazed!
2) The crowd has never seen anything like this!
3) Matthew adds their amazement was that God had given such power to men (Mt. 9:8)
4) Luke adds their amazement was joined with fear (Lk. 5:26)
5) They also were “glorifying God” (Lk. 5:25)
6) A man healed, people amazed, Jesus’ power made known, but most of all, God is glorified!
4. From helpful friends to hostile foes to a happy finale, the healing of the paralytic is a wonderful story.
a. But it is more than just a story. There are lessons to be gleaned.
b. Here, then, are…
B. SOME LESSONS
1. The Power of Christ to Forgive Sins:
a. On earth, Jesus demonstrated His power to forgive sins
1) Mark 2:5, 10-11 … not only in the case of the paralytic…
2) But also with the woman who washed and anointed His feet (Luke 7:44-48)
3) And for the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43)
b. From heaven, Jesus continues to have power to forgiven sins
1) This forgiveness is made possible by the shedding of His blood
a) Matthew 26:28
b) Ephesians 1:7
2) This forgiveness is offered to those who respond to His gospel
a) Mark 16:16
b) Acts 22:16
3) Ever available to those who walk with God… 1 John 1:7, 9
c. Have we looked to Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins?
d. Another valuable lesson to be learned is…
2. The Preciousness of Friends with Faith…
a. The paralytic was blessed with friends with faith
1) Jesus saw “their faith” (Mk. 2:5)
2) Evidenced by their great effort to assist their paralyzed friend
3) Without them, the paralytic would have been unable to come to Jesus
b. Do we have and appreciate friends with faith?
1) In His church, Jesus provides us with many friends with faith
2) Brethren ready to assist and serve us in time of need
3) Does our involvement in the local church indicate that we appreciate such friends?… Hebrews 10:24-25
4) If a brother is in need, can they rely on our faith? – e.g., Galatians 6:1-2
c. Nurture your network of friends with faith, and share your faith with them!
3. The Privileges So Easily Squandered…
a. The miracle occurred in the city of Capernaum
1) Described as Jesus’ “own city” (Mt. 9:1)
2) There He did many wonderful works
a) Healed the centurion’s servant (Mt. 8:5-13)
b) Healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Mt. 8:14-15)
c) Cast out many spirits in the demon-possessed (Mt. 8:16)
d) From Cana He healed the nobleman’s son at Capernaum (Jn. 4:46-54)
3) Yet those in the city brought judgment upon themselves… cf.
Matthew 11:23-24
b. Have we squandered our privileges?
1) Living in a country where God’s Word is freely accessible?
2) Blessed to be near a congregation of fellow Christians?
3) Having many opportunities to grow and serve in the work of the Lord?
4) Luke 12:48
c. We have been given much by the Lord, let us give much in return!
CONCLUSION
A. The healing of the paralytic reveals a man…
1. Who was in need
2. Who was blessed with good friends
3. Who was forgiven of his sins by Jesus Christ
B. We all are like that paralyzed man…
1. With needs only Jesus can fulfill
2. With friends of faith willing to help
3. Who need the forgiveness that only Jesus has the power to bestow
C. But are we like the paralyzed man in regards to faith?
1. His faith led to Jesus fulfilling his needs.
2. May we have the same faith today…!

THEY SHALL STILL BEAR FRUIT IN OLD AGE
Psalms 92:12-15

INTRODUCTION
A. A goal for many people in life is a happy retirement…
1. They spend years saving and planning for the time in which they retire
2. They look forward to the free time to do what interests them
B. But is the concept of retirement applicable to the kingdom of God?
1. We may rightly retire from secular jobs, but what about our service in the church?
2. Granted, physical infirmities may sometimes be a hindrance, but is such a valid reason for “retiring” from the work of the church?
C. In Psalms 92:12-15, we find a description of the righteous…
1. In which they are described as palm trees and cedar trees
2. Flourishing in the house and courts of God — Note vs. 14… “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and green”
D. This passage certainly suggests that there is a place of service for the elderly in work of God.
1. They are able to “bear fruit” and remain “full of sap and green” [fresh and flourishing; NKJ], despite their old age.
2. That God can and does use the elderly should be rather apparent, especially when we take a few moments to consider…
DISCUSSION
A. GOD’S USE OF OLDER PEOPLE IN THE BIBLE
1. Moses and Aaron…
a. They were chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage
b. At the ages of 80 and 83 – cf. Exodus 7:7
c. They were chosen to serve even when they were already past the normal life span – cf. Psalm 90:10 (written by Moses)
2. Joshua and Caleb…
a. Joshua was given the charge of leading the conquest of Canaan, during the last thirty years of his life (he lived until he was 110, Josh 24:29)
b. Caleb was also very much involved in the conquest while in his eighties – cf. Joshua 14:6-11
3. Daniel…
a. He served God from the days of his youth, in “the first year of king Cyrus” he would have been over 70 years! – cf. Daniel 1:21
b. He was well over eighty when he:
1) Served as one of three governors over the kingdom of Babylon – Daniel 6:1-3
2) Thrown into the lions’ den – Daniel 6:4-27
3) Prospered in the reigns of Darius and Cyrus the Persian – Daniel 6:28
3) Received a series of visions – Daniel 8-12
4. Zacharias and Elizabeth…
a. These were the parents of John the Baptist
b. They were “both well advanced in years” – Luke 1:7
c. Yet he was serving in the temple, and she gave birth to John!
5. Simeon and Anna…
a. Two elderly people who bore witness to the Christ child when presented to the temple to be circumcised – Luke 2:25-38
b. Anna was at least 84, and had been serving God “with fastings and prayers night and day”
6. Paul, the Aged…
a. As he refers to himself in Philemon 9
b. Yet we know at this time in his life, he was:
1) Busy writing letters (Eph, Col, Phil, Phile), even while in prison
2) Traveling, visiting, encouraging churches, when he was released from prison
7. There are many other examples of how God used those in their “golden years” to serve Him.
a. These we have considered certainly illustrate how the elderly can “still bear fruit in old age”.
b. But what about today? Well consider…
B. GOD’S USE OF OLDER PEOPLE IN THE CHURCH TODAY
1. There Is Always A Need For “Elders”…
a. Did God not design the local church to be overseen by elders?
1) Acts 14:23
2) Titus 1:5-9
a) Men who were older, capable of teaching and leading the flock?
b) Men who were to serve as overseers and examples of God’s flock? – 1 Peter 5:1-4
b. Yet many male members seem to retire from active service in the church about the same time they retire from secular work!
1) Around age 65, which is rather young compared to the examples we saw!
2) Just when they might be useful to the Lord, they are retiring!
3) If unqualified to serve, why not spend a few years growing and developing the necessary qualifications (if possible), and then serve?
4) Many young men who want to preach prepare themselves in just a couple of years, why can’t older men do the same?

2. There Is Always A Need For Older Women…
a. Who will do what Paul commanded in… Titus 2:3-5
b. To be “teachers of that which is good”, especially to teach the younger women how to love their husbands, love their children, be good wives and homemakers
c. Sadly, many women stop teaching when they reach the age they are commanded to teach!
1) Don’t feel qualified to teach? Then prepare yourself!
2) Commit yourselves to learn God’s word, and in a short time you will be prepared!
3. There Is Always A Need For Service The Elderly Can Provide…
a. Some examples:
1) Hospitality and benevolence – many elderly are financially secure, able to do what many younger families cannot
2) Edification and evangelism – with so much time on their hands, why not use it to study with others?
b. Even the most infirm can do things like:
1) Send cards, make phone calls
2) Spend time in prayer and fasting
a) Luke 2:37 (Anna)
b) 1 Timothy 5:5
3) I heard of one invalid who spent her time praying for the sick, for those involved
c. From our text we see what else the elderly can and should do:
1) Psalm 92:15 … this can be done no matter what our age
2) Psalm 71:17-18 … Proclaim God’s strength to the next generation
3) Psalm 78:1-8 … To recount God’s mighty works to the next generation
CONCLUSION
A. God can certainly use people of all ages…
1. Who are willing to prepare themselves to be of service to Him?
2. Who are willing to present themselves in service to Him?
B. We may retire from secular jobs, but not from our service to the Lord…!
1. Certainly physical infirmities may limit what we can do
2. But only death can stop us from doing what we can!
C. Is the problem really one of physical infirmities, or spiritual laziness…?
1. We can’t stop the aging process
2. But we can be renewed inwardly daily! – cf. 2 Corinthians 4:16
D. Our problem may be related to our youth-oriented culture…
1. Where the wisdom and experience of the elderly is not respected
2. Where our society is too quick to put the elderly “out to pasture”
E. Other cultures reflect the scriptural norm…
1. Where the elderly are revered, their wisdom and experience appreciated
2. Where the elderly continue in roles of influence and leadership, even to death
E. I believe the righteous can and should “still bear fruit in old age”.
1. I hope that this lesson will encourage the elderly to reexamine their usefulness to the Lord and His church.
2. Let the attitude of “Paul, the aged” be your attitude as well… Philippians 3:12-15

Tom Moore
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com

REMEMBER SHILOH!
Jeremiah 7:1-15

INTRODUCTION
A. In the days of Jeremiah (ca. 600 B.C.), the people of Judah faced difficult times…
1. The northern kingdom of Israel was history, they had been taken into Assyrian captivity
2. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had defeated Assyria, and was making his way into Judah
3. Judah had at this time, in the face of this coming invasion, developed…
B. A false trust…
1. A trust that was condemned by the Lord through His prophet Jeremiah
2. This is a warning that we would do well to remember and avoid today. Remember…
a. Romans 15:4
b. 1 Corinthians 10:11
C. We read of that false trust and how the LORD responded to it in Jeremiah 7:1-15…
DISCUSSION
A. THE FALSE TRUST OF JUDAH
1. They Trusted in the Temple…
a. To excuse their failure to fully serve the Lord – Jeremiah 7:1-7
1) Jeremiah 7:1-2…
(1) Jeremiah commission to preach in the temple
(2) Notice what he was to preach…
2) Jeremiah 7:3… Calling for repentance when the city was in danger of being destroyed by Babylonian forces
3) Their trust was in the fact the temple was in Jerusalem
a) Their attitude: “We are safe; surely the Lord will not allow His temple to be destroyed!”
b) Jeremiah 7:4… Judah feeling safe in their present circumstance is implied by the threefold statement “The temple of Jehovah…!” –
4) The Lord required more than rituals involving temple worship and outward piety
a) Jeremiah 7:5a… Repentance and service was to be done “thoroughly” (truly, ESV, NAS)
b) Jeremiah 7:5b-6… Their repentance was to affect their individual and daily dealings with people
5) Jeremiah 7:7… Such true service would spare them from Babylonian captivity
6) Notice the “if” (v. 6) – “then” (v. 7) statement ©
b. To excuse their obvious sins – Jeremiah 7:8-11
1) Jeremiah 7:8… Again, theirs was a false trust
a) They were trusting in deception
b) They were lying to themselves as well
2) Jeremiah 7:9… Blatantly transgressing the Law
a) Murder, adultery…
b) Idolatry
3) Jeremiah 7:10… Then going to the temple, believing that such excused their conduct
a) They were treating the Temple like a “get out of jail free” card
b) They thought they could do whatever they wanted because they went to Temple worship each week
4) Jeremiah 7:11… Yet the Lord could see through their hypocrisy
a) Did they really think they could deceive God?
b) Did they really think that God would over look this hypocrisy?
c) Notice…
2. The Lord’s Response…
a. To the folly of such a false trust: Jeremiah 7:12… “Remember Shiloh!”
1) Remember where the tabernacle had once been
a) Joshua 18:1
b) Remember the subduing of their enemies
2) Remember where the Ark of the Covenant had been captured by the Philistines
a) 1 Samuel 4:10-11
b) Remember how the ark was taken from because of their disobedience
b. God would do likewise with Jerusalem and the temple – Jeremiah 7:13-15
1) Jeremiah 7:13… Destruction was coming because of their failure to heed His prophets
a) They would not listen to God’s word through the prophets
b) They would not change their ways
2) Jeremiah 7:14… What happened at Shiloh would happen at Jerusalem
3) Jeremiah 7:15… They would be taken into captivity, just like Ephraim (Israel)
a) Their being taken captive is recorded in Jeremiah 52:12-30
b) They did not remember Shiloh and suffered the consequences
3. In 1 Corinthians 10:11-12, we’re told that God’s dealings with Israel were written for our admonition. With the very real danger of falling, what application can we draw from our text in Jeremiah? Perhaps one about…
B. THE FALSE TRUST OF CHRISTIANS
1. Trusting in the Church…
a. Could we have a false trust as “members” of the church which Christ built?
1) Like the Jews who cried “The Temple of the Lord…”
2) There may be those who cry “The Church of Christ…”
b. Acting (and perhaps believing) like membership excuses:
1) Negligence and inactive service?
a) Do we have an attitude based on faulty reasoning?
(1) E.g., The church will be saved, I am a “member”, so I will be saved
(2) E.g., As long as I am a “member”, I can get by
b) Yet remember the parable of the tares – Matthew 13:41-43
(1) One may be in the kingdom (church) now
(2) But cast out of the kingdom (church) at the last day
(3) Salvation is dependent on individual allegiance, not group association! – John 15:2
2) Sinful actions?
a) Are we like the Jews who disobeyed God, then claimed exemption?
(1) E.g., living as the world, then going to “church”?
(2) E.g., engaging in immorality, worldliness but claiming to be a “faithful member” of the church?

b) God has not changed!
(1) Titus 2:11-12… His grace demands holy living
(2) Hebrews 10:26-31… Despise His grace, expect His wrath!
c) Salvation is dependent upon God’s grace and our obedience, not church ritual!
2. The Lord’s Response…
a. To the folly of such a false trust: “Remember Sardis!” – Revelation 3:1-6
1) Revelation 3:1-3… They had “a living name”, but that did not free them from the threat of condemnation
2) Revelation 3:4-6… As always, salvation was based on individual consecration
b. To the folly of such a false trust: “Remember Laodicea!” – Revelation 3:14-22
1) Revelation 3:14-15… They had become “lukewarm”
2) Revelation 3:16-17… They were in danger of expulsion because of worldliness
3) Revelation 3:18-22… They were in need of rebuke and chastening
CONCLUSION
A. Like the Jews whose salvation from destruction depended upon wholehearted service to God, so our salvation depends on complete and faithful obedience to the will of Christ!
B. We must avoid the fallacy of “virtue by association”, and remember that God has promised to do to us just as He did to Israel if we are not faithful – cf. Romans 11:20-22

Tom Moore
P. O. Box 107
Hamilton, Texas 76531
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com