One another-->It’s about the Heart

                       Our Heartbeat -Way

Titus 3:3-6 3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ; Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;

        Our Anthem-Truth

Titus 3:7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

        Our Lifestyle-Life

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

1Peter 2:9-17    9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: 10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

      Christ died and rose again to purchase something for us here and now, If you think we just punched our ticket and only need to kick back relax and wait for rapture-Find that in the book! We cannot say I've got my fire insurance let's wait for the fire

No we are a Chosen generation -a Royal Priesthood –Holy nation – A Peculiar people "for Gods own possession"

Being called Christian which literally suggests that we are Christ's servant soldiers;

We serve one King -we can serve no other. Our King is sovereign so it can literally be said that we can go "As sheep to the slaughter" Romans 8:36

We don't live in fear of sin and death -He gives us joy and life –

1. Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of heaven is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
2. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

We are free from the slavery of our own preferences. We are those who prefer Him!

    Do you prefer Him over your own agenda or preferences?

1. John10:27-30 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.30 I and my Father are one.

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

― C.S. Lewis
 

There is a sense of a A. Community of believers"Brotherhood"1Peter2:17

B. The Body of Christ 1Cor 12:25-27 Rom12:5

C. Saints 1Cor 1:2 Acts26:10

D. Bride of Christ Eph. 5:25-27

E. Brothers and sisters "family" 1Cor11:33

"One Another" is of particular importance- its part of how His kingdom reigns.

That's why when we look around these faces are so dear. These are the faces of AL-LA-LON – One another, each other, mutual, themselves, yourselves, together.

    This is a reciprocal pronoun, there must be two or more people involved and they must be doing the same thing one to the other!

We should notà________"One Another"

1. Devour Gal 5:15

2. Provoking/envying Gal5:26

3. Hating Titus3:3

We mustà_________"One another"    

1. Love John 13:34 (2) 15:12 15:17 Romans 13:8 (2) 1th4:9 1Pet1:22 1Jo3:11 3:23 4:7 4:11 4:12 2Jo1:5 à14 times
2. Excusing Romans 2:15
3. Kindly affectioned/preferring Romans 2:15
4. Not judge Romans 14:13
5. Receive Romans 15:7
6. Admonish Romans 15:14 Col3:16
7. Salute Romans 16:16
8. Greet 1 Cor16:20 2Cor 13:12 1Pet5:14
9. Serve Gal 5:15
10. Bear Gal6:2
11. Forbearing Eph. 4:32 Col3:13
12. Kind/Forgiving Eph. 4:32 Col3:13
13. Comfort 1Th4:18
14. Exhort Hbr3:13 10:25
15. Consider Hbr10:24

• We must do this at times in spite of the other person and be sure they will need to do that for you!

I have a saying that if you've got people than you've got problems, we are going to have problems in the church, if we are going to struggle let's do it over what the bible says we should and nothing else. These one another verses are about keeping the peace, being of one mind and having real unity on this earth in the name of Jesus Christ. We have adversaries à Ephesians6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places –Don't attack your brother; lay your life down for him.
    Strengthen and encourage Gods people.


    It comes down to a question of the heart



That is why we have words like Mortification and Self-denial.

1. Foolish Questions The word foolish here is "Moros" where we get the word moron. A similar word is "Raca" meaning stupid scorning the mind where Moros Scorns heart and character. Foolishness as a personal quality.
   William Barclay –
       "It has been said that there is a danger that a man may think himself religious because he discusses religious questions. There is a kind of discussion group which argues simply for the sake of arguing. There is a kind of group that will argue for hours about theological questions. It is much easier to discuss theological questions than it is to be kind and considerate and helpful at home, or efficient and diligent and honest at work. There is no virtue in sitting discussing deep theological questions when the simple tasks of the Christian life are waiting to be done. It is indeed true that such discussion can be nothing but an evasion of Christian duties."
       "Paul was quite certain that the real task of the Christian lay in Christian action. That is by no means to say that there is no place for Christian discussion; but it is to say that the discussion which does not end in action is very largely a waste of time."
   
   
       Orthodoxy= correct belief --- Orthopraxy= correct action
   
   
   
   1. Tim 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
   2. 2Tim 2:16But shun
      profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
   3. 2Tim 2:23-24But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strife's. 24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

Questions that subvert or confuse Gods law (Orthodoxy) in an effort to cover ________.
        You fill in the blank- are foolish or worse.


The heart

1. Genealogy – Genealogies are quoted with a sense of pride and guarantee John 8:44" We are the children of Abraham –Look at the fall of Jerusalem in AD60 or the atrocities of the Nazi's in WWII. Jesus says to them "You are of your father the devil"
   1. Record of descendants or lineage
      1. Do you believe you will be saved if your parents are? Look at Esau
      2. Will you be saved if you're good? Look at the Pharisees and the rich young ruler
   2. Your Genealogy is about Gods sovereignty and mercy. You may not of had the best parents but God did choose yours and by the way you are here aren't you. How many are simply missing in this silent Armageddon called abortion. Well over a billion.
   3. 1Tim 1:4Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

The heart

1. Contentions and strivings about the law
   

1. Immature "foolish" or Enemies of the cross _ I picture two toddlers fighting over a toy.
2. LAW: No-mE-ko's – pertaining to the law "Lawyer" (8) "Law" (1) one learned in the law, one learned in the Old Testament, specializing in the OT and applying the teachings of established rabbis.
3. It's not about doctrine and theology.
   1. I picture people who are wrangling the word and trying to justify their own sin, preferences, or personal convictions.

What we care and fight most about is not doctrine nor the law of God, but our preferences. Church History is ripe with the faithful of God dyeing for a biblical theology, biblical church practice and to have the words of God in their own language. We split churches over ….

• If it does or if it doesn't have youth programs and Sunday school. But the real sin of not discipling your children is ignored. Deut. 6:7
  
• Whether it does or doesn't have the right music. but the sin of not serving the Lord with gladness is forgotten. Psalm100:2
  
• If ladies ought always to where dresses but the real sin of immodesty is not covered. 1 Tim. 2:9
  
• Backbiting but we ignore grumbling. 2Cor. 12:20
  
• Drinking alcohol but the real sin of gluttony is not seriously discussed. Matt. 11:18-19

The heart

1. Unprofitable and vain
   1. No practical use – isn't just like a man, if it doesn't have a practical use he doesn't have much use for it; what about how we feel.
      1. Newsflash your emotional dispositions are not always going to be right not to mention edifying to the church.
   2. Romans 1:21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things

Why avoid? A. Foolish questions B. Genealogy C. Contentions and strivings

they are Unprofitable and vain

In summary we have to consider Piety and Pietism
    Piety is not just good it is a character trait of the righteous. It is those consistently following Gods law and Spirit while responding to them both with joy.
    Pietism on the other hand is someone who believes they are earning something from God. Quite often they set standards and rules that God did not and all the while condemning those who don't hold to them.
    God decides what is true; Pietism is prideful idolatry!


Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject;
The heart

1. The Heretic: Titus 3:10 To take for oneself; to choose for oneself. A person who chooses what he wants to believe. the epitome of idolatry; it is Gods prerogative to decide what is right and wrong

• He's in the Church
• He is his own authority
• He alone determines truth

1. After the first and second admonition reject. "Exhortation" its relational.
   1. It's not about being offended; it's about the honor of Christ
      Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
   2. Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
      1. Psalm 141:5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
      2. Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend

The heart

1. Reject- Begged off –have nothing to do with- refuse-reject
   1. Not a hanging or flogging but a serious separation.
      1. Hebrews12:6"those whom the Lord loves he disciplines" even as a father to his son
      2. A sense of making things distasteful, undesirable, something to be shunned, rejected unsightly, shameful

Titus 3:11Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

The heart

1. 
   Subverted: Titus 3:11 To turn or twist out, tear up. Invert, pervert, corrupt. Military point of view = "to dismantle a town, to plunder"    To Pervert, turn inside out, away from the truth of Christ and His word.
   1. This compares closely with the word reprobate, where subverted describes the process, reprobate describes the outcome.
   This helps us see the supple danger of pride, when we act independently of God and His word.

• Matt.15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
• Acts 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
• 2 Pet.2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction
• 2Pet.3:17 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness

God put the verses about dealing with problems in the bible because we are going to need them.
 
Gal 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other


Eph 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.


Eph 5:19-20 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Phil 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Glasses?

     Christians in America are pretty messed up. When we come to the scriptures we have these glasses on that shade and color our perspectives of the word and our world. Narcissism has caused us to take scripture and look mostly at how it affects me and mine. We forget that there is also ours as the bride and His which is preeminent. The bible speaks to us corporately nationally familisticly and individually. One of Gods intended consequences of salvation is that we would get this right and live a life of self-denial. Just say the word self-less do you feel that? "Fearfulness". Apart from Christ all I had was me, myself and I which is to say I had nothing but death; but in Him I have life and all good things.
    In the same way Feminism is far reaching and very destructive. It clouds our minds with the importance of emotions. Making decisions based on emotion will destroy; no one and nothing is safe. It rebels against Gods order and makes emotional plea's about it, in order to somehow justify. It is inherently dishonest, changing the definitions of words and rejecting the word of God. If you doubt its control, talk to someone about beauty in music, dress and what activities a woman should do. If the concept of an "independent young lady" sounds grand to you than you are on very shaky ground, and will find no biblical justification.
    Narcissism and its sister feminism are vile rebels against the God of heaven. They are like a deep ditch that traps and ensnares your affections and thus control your life. All the while you are a cursed puppet of hell. Repent of your sins of immaturity and self-sufficiency, confess them to God and turn from your wicked ways. He will not only forgive he will cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

     The world acts and lives according to narcissism! It is their heart felt religion- it's what they love. Of course they act according to their emotions –that is the dearest part of their narcissistic worship. These things are deep and complex giving the appearance of goodness or selflessness. Both of which are not possible without the spirit of the living God. As Christians live among a world of flesh we must know we are among the crippled and blind it is against their nature to really do what is right with rite motives. They cannot please God. Pagan religions are people trying to justify themselves to a righteous God with the unrighteous means of the flesh. They are full of pride who believes they can do anything good. – Egocentric and Arrogant.

Mercy

     This week has been a rough one as weeks go. Life throws some curve balls and sometimes you just get hit in the gut. This time we were staring in the face of death, it came as a thief in the night; totally unexpected and with the surprise and terror that life and death struggles bring. We expected to loose in a terrible defeat; utterly powerless to do or think anything that can save. As if help and security are in the hands of men. It's from this position that we did what many do, we lifted our eyes to heaven and ask for that one thing that can help and of witch God has in excess; mercy. Maybe not exactly as you would think, we were pleading for the mercy of Christ to be poured out on those who do not and cannot in any way earn or deserve this most precious of all commodities. In these situations men tend to be griped by fear but in our case our hope rested on the one who casts out all fear for He is perfect love. We watched as The God of peace and mercy met us in our need and gave the miraculous gift of life, we received his unmerited favor. And after seeing such things we can only be continually grateful. Life is short and death is sure; all that lies in question is how will you respond to Jesus now and how God will respond to you later. Heaven is eternal and there is a catch, only the righteous may enter. All men naturally seek their own, to justify themselves. God's Word, His Spirit and our hearts testify against us; there is now no self-justification and no self-righteousness "all we like sheep have gone astray" Isaiah 53:6 " there is none righteous no not one" Romans 3:10 " for all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God" Romans 3:23 " the soul that sins it shall die" Ezekiel 18:20


"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."- 1 Cor15:57
It is Jesus Christ the risen savior that becomes our righteousness when we are in relationship with him, when he is "our Lord". If this is your need then seek it diligently, fight for life. If it is yours then finish the verse.
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."1 Cor15:58