// Covenant Family Church

Just because we are Christians does not mean there are no enemies or temptations. The Beach-head model of the Christian Life: Softening Up, D-Day, Break-Outs. We are called to be disciples. God has not intended for us to fail but to grow as the Gospel is formed in you. The Lordship over all parts of life. Faith can be strengthened or grow week. Our responsibility: to ask God to give faith. Faith is like a shield to extinguish the fiery darts of the devil. A “good” conscience, redeemed and informed by God’s word and Spirit. In a battle, some are wounded, some are healed and return to duty. The salve of the Gospel and the Great Physician.

Text: 1 Timothy 1:18-20

It has been often noted that we have three enemies in the Christian life—the world, the flesh, and the devil. The Christian struggles against these three throughout one’s entire life. However, the Lord does not leave us without weapons for this on-going warfare. He gives us many, two of which are specifically identified in this passage—the gift of faith and possessing a clear conscience. We also find other weapons listed in various passages throughout the New Testament (cf. 2 Cor. 10:3-6; Eph. 6:10-20; and 1 Thes. 5:5-8). In short, it is good for us to remember that our Lord intends for us to succeed in these on-going skirmishes. The Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 13 “On Sanctification”, Articles 2-3) puts it this way:

2. This sanctification is throughout, in the whole man; yet imperfect in this life, there still abiding some remnants of corruption in every part; whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war, the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.

3. In which war, although the remaining corruption, for a tim, may much prevail; yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome; and so, the saints grow in grace, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

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William Dix; Scottsman who wrote “What Child is This?”. His revealing titles. Jesus Christ=Jehovah Saves, the Anointed One or Messiah. The faithful witness. The first born of the dead. The ruler of kings on earth. Alpha and Omega. Who is, who was, who is to come, the Almighty. His sacrificial work. Through regeneration, redemption, reformation. His certain return. All earth will see Him. All who reject Him will wail. All who love Him will rejoice.

Text: Revelation 1:4-8

All who came to see the baby Jesus in the manger were fascinated by Him. He looked ordinary enough nursing from his mother’s breast; yet there was something glorious and majestic about him. Several times various people actually bowed down and worshipped Him! This one fact alone shows us that He was truly unique in comparison to all other human beings, and yet He was like us too (Heb. 2:14-18). John had this to say about Jesus, “and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Moreover, Paul stated the same truth another way; “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Col 2:9). Throughout Jesus’ life the curiosity of people was aroused by his presence. He said and did some extraordinary things. The key thought in everyone’s mind at his birth was this–”What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?” “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sings by his blood and made us a kingdom, priest to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:5b-6).

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Paul, the unlikely convert. Jesus won us as His trophies of grace. What is Grace? The blessing of God Almighty on His people. The unmerited favor of God. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. The grace of our Lord overflows upon us in abundance. What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? Someone who rejects God throughout the whole course of their life. Knows the truth, yet rejects it. A burden for the lost: pray for God’s mercy, and that God would give us a word in season. God reaches into the darkness of Paul’s unbelief and brings the light of mercy. Grace is measured by the presence of faith and love. Christ Jesus displays his perfect patience toward His people.

Text: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

I have a few trophies in my old storage chest–mainly from track and field competitions during my High School years. These trophies were won my my hard work, personal sacrifice, and careful observation of the rules. As Paul rightly says, “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (cf. 2 Timothy 2:5) Jesus Christ also won trophies through his hard work, personal sacrifice, and careful observation of the rules. He kept the law perfectly; he sacrificed himself for his disciples, and he carefully fulfilled God’s justice. In this way, he won each of his disciples as a “trophy of grace”, since their redemption was accomplished by his gracious sacrifice on the cross. Therefore, it is imperative in the matter of salvation that Jesus Christ gets all the credit. Your family background did not save you, nor did your efforts at reformation, or did personal decision (cf. John 1:12-13). Jesus Christ gets all the credit in the matter of salvation and your subsequent sanctification (cf. WCF, Shorter Catechism questions #33-35).

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If we are redeemed, all the benefits Christ earned our ours. We are His people. We have been knit together. We have unity in Christ. We have a new identity in Christ. Christ is grieved by injuries done to his body the church. An attack on the body is an attack on God and you. Honor given to the church is honor given to Christ. Christ protects his body. The church is not an orphan. Christ humbles his converts, so that they submit to him and his church.

Text: Acts 5:1-20
Guest Preacher, Pastor Jeff Yelton.

Jesus Christ died on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for his church. By doing this, he has united himself to his church, so that the church is his mystical body. Furthermore, as members of the church, every Christian is a part of Jesus’ body. Jesus cares for his body. Therefore, Jesus regards any injury to his church as an offense against himself. Likewise, Jesus regards any honor done for the church as an honor done for himself. Since the church is Jesus’ body, He protects it, nourishes it, and serves it. This is obvious from the life of Paul, especially the circumstances surrounding his conversion: God transformed a zealous persecutor of the church into a zealous servant of the church. In the same way, God converts us from people who neglect the church to people who honor the church. We honor Jesus, when we honor his church. While being a part of his mystical body is certainly a great privilege, it is also a great responsibility. Let us appreciate the privileges, and perform the duties. In so doing, we will glorify our Lord Jesus, who is the head of his mystical body.

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Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians by making a passing statement, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Perhaps you are wondering, like I am, is Paul really serious about us obeying this admonition? How can a person “give thanks” in everything? After all, there are some truly awful parts of life where it is challenging to find anything to be thankful about!

The key to interpreting this passage is found by investigating Paul’s own personal circumstances. Since he never asked anyone to do what he wouldn’t also do himself, then it is reasonable to conclude that he meant to apply this statement to his own life situation.

With this interpretive principle in mind we observe that Paul does not expect Christians to ignore feelings of sorrow, grief, suffering, or disappointment. Nor, does he expect us to “put on a happy face” as it nothing were the matter.

Instead, we are to carefully note, the providential hand of God is active in the midst of difficult circumstances—and give thanks for all that the Lord does. This is just what Paul did in his own life. Let us, then, follow Paul’s example (cf. 1 Cor. 4:16, 11:1).

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