INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Form – Must be Obeyed from the Heart
2. The Form – Makes One Free from Sin
3. The Form – Makes Servants of Righteousness
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we will be discussing: “That form of doctrine.” Paul writes the Romans regarding: “That form of doctrine;” or, Gr., “tupos didache,” that must be obeyed “from” or, “out of the heart.” The idea of a form: is that it can be replicated; and, the results will always be the same. The form ensures; that all believers, will have heard, believed and obeyed the same thing; and obtain the same blessings, which are promised.
2. First, Paul states that this “form of doctrine,” must be obeyed from the heart. The word “from” in Gr., is “ek,” which means, “out of.” Its promises are not obtained as a result of belief in the heart; but, from obedience that originates, “out of the heart.” This doctrine is believed in the heart; but, obeyed from the heart. This truth implies an act of faith; that is believed in the heart; but, is manifest in the “fruit of obedience!” Every statement of faith in the Hebrew letter; had enjoined within it, a corresponding act of obedience. The same is true concerning the “faith of the gospel.”
3. Second, Paul suggests that this “form of doctrine;” is that which make one “free from their sins,” Romans 6:18. When obeyed, from the heart. It was to this doctrine; Jesus spoke of in His preaching to believing Jews, which followed Him. He promises that if they would: “Continue in His word, they would know the truth; and the truth would make them free,” John 8:30-32; John 8:36.
4. Finally, Paul declares that once obeyed, the believers are no longer, “servant of unrighteousness; but, are made: “Servants of righteousness with fruits unto holiness,” Romans 6:19. We all were once servants of sin; but now, we have become servants of righteousness. Why? Because we: “Obeyed from the heart, that form of doctrine...we became servants of righteousness.” With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point in this lesson.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE FORM – MUST BE OBEYED FROM THE HEART
A. Paul’s letter to the Romans, in chapter 6:17-18, describes a form of doctrine that they had obeyed from in Gr., “ek” or “from” the heart or “mind of obedience.”
1. Meaning, the believer’s salvation was not achieved by faith in the heart – but by an act of faith obeyed, from their heart.
a. Peter wrote: “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit...see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently,” 1 Peter 1:22-23.
b. Notice, he wrote: “Ye have purified your souls;” not by, “hearing of the truth;” but, “in obeying the truth through the Spirit.”
c. Therefore, the truth is heard and believed in the heart; and then, “obeyed from the heart through the Spirit.” I wish I had some help!
d. Christ the author of eternal salvation. Paul wrote: “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,” Hebrews 5:8-9. Salvation is possible only after faith and obedience to Christ.
2. Paul wrote of the Jews: “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith: Lord, who hath believed our report?” Romans 10:16; Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-26.
3. The gospel must be believed, and obeyed. It is this truth; and act of faith, that saves the sinners from their sins. Beloved, you must stay with me hereto forth!
B. That form or pattern. God has always done things by using a “form or pattern.”
1. The word “pattern” in Gr., is typos or, tü'-pos, which means, a type, manner, i.e., a sketch for imitation:—form, or a pattern.
a. The word implies an outline, a sketch, a brief or a summary exposition.
b. God used a “pattern” or “form” in the construction of the ark; the building of the tabernacle; and in the conversion of the sinners, from their sins.
2. Types of patterns in the Old and New Testaments. Observe....
a. Pattern for the ark: “And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with a lower, a second, and a third (story) shalt thou make (in) it,” Genesis 6:13-16; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20-21.
b. Pattern for the tabernacle: “And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount,” Exodus 25:40; Hebrews 8:5.
c. Pattern of conversion: “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father...of the Son...of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things...Lo, I am with you always,” Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16.
C. There is a “form of sound word.” Paul urges Timothy to: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Timothy 1:3. Similar instruction was given to Titus, in Titus 1:9; Titus 1:13; Titus 2:1. Observe....
1. Paul gave unto these young evangelists: a form of sound words; which they were charged, to hold fast unto in their preaching. This was the gospel of Christ.
2. That form of doctrine: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:17-18; Romans 6:22; John 8:30-32; John 8:36.
3. The words “form of doctrine,” in Gr., is “tupos didache,” which means, a form of teaching or instruction (the act or the matter):—doctrine, which hath been taught, in this case, by the apostles of Jesus Christ. What was that form of doctrine delivered unto these young preachers? It was that which he himself had preached unto the world regarding Christ:
a. To the Romans, Romans 1:14-18.
b. To the Galatians, Galatians 1:6-11.
c. To the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
d. Conclusion: The gospel is the doctrine; and the form of it must be obeyed from the heart, by the sinner dying, being buried and raised again unto a new life in Christ Jesus. How is this to be performed? We will discuss that later in the lesson.
4. This “form of doctrine” is “the truth” which was given by God unto the apostles; that was preached in due time, Titus 1:1-3; Acts 2:42.
5. Conclusion: This teaching or doctrine when preached; believed and obeyed: makes servants of righteousness; men and women which are considered children of godliness, in the sight of God.
D. Having a form of godliness. Some however, profess godliness; but deny the power thereof. Observe....
1. Paul wrote of the Jews: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away,” 2 Timothy 3:5.
2. Many have a form of godliness – but their practices deny the power thereof. These were pretenders of godliness.
3. Paul further explains: “They are ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge the truth,” 2 Timothy 3:7.
4. Profess to know God: “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate,” Titus 1:16. We are admonished to turn away from such forms, of doctrines and ungodliness.
E. Gospel is the doctrine. To understand the form, we must first identify the doctrine. This can clearly be seen in Paul’s discussion of the gospel of Christ.
1. First, Paul wrote: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand.”
2. Further, he continues: “By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.”
3. Next, he advances: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.”
4. Finally, he concludes: “And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
5. Here are the FACTS OF THAT FORM of doctrine.
a. The death of Christ.
b. The burial of Christ.
c. The resurrection of Christ.
d. Conclusion: By understanding what the doctrine is: the death, burial and resurrection of Christ; we can now observe from “the doctrine;” just what is, “that form of doctrine.” This brings us to, point two in the lesson.
II THE FORM - MAKES ONE FREE FROM SIN
A. The form of the gospel. We have invested a huge amount of time; discussing the doctrine, that must be obeyed from the heart – the gospel of Christ. Jesus promises, freedom from sin: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” John 8:31-32.
Jesus promised those believing Jews, if they continued in His word; they would:
1. Become His Disciples indeed.
2. Become knowledgeable of the truth.
3. Become freed from their sin.
4. All this was contingent upon these believing Jews: “Continuing in His word,” John 8:31-32. In the Son they will be: “Free indeed,” John 8:36.
5. Conclusion: This promise is granted for those, who have obeyed from the heart that “form of doctrine;” or, the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16; Romans 10:16.
B. The world is in need of forgiveness, because of sin. All have sinned: “For there is none righteous...All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:10-23. Observe....
1. Jeremiah wrote: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9.
2. Isaiah wrote: “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear,” Isaiah 59:1-2. Our sins and iniquities; have turned God’s face, from us.
3. Servants of sin: “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16.
a. To whom we yield our members to obey; it is to that we are become servants. Whether it be to sin unto death; or, unto obedience unto righteousness.
b. If servants of God; then, “ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end unto everlasting life,” Romans 6:22.
4. Sin pays a low wage: “For the wages of sins is death,” Romans 6:23. One of my beloved preaching brothers, Larry Hambrick, had a lesson entitled: “Sin Pays a Low Wage.” I honor him and Ruby his wife; who are now with Jesus. He was a SSOP Graduate, the class of 1973. A loving and dedicated servant of Christ!
C. To the Colossians Paul wrote that they were:
1. Complete in Him: “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ,” Colossians 2:10-11.
2. Buried with Him: “In baptism, wherein also ye are raised with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead,” Colossians 2:12.
3. Quickened with Him: “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses,” Colossians 2:13.
a. We were then the servants of sins. If you have not as yet, obtained your bible and opened it; I suggest that you do it now.
b. We are going to identify what that “form” is; that typifies or symbolizes the gospel of Christ. Stay with me church, this is going to get good!
D. Baptism is that “form of the gospel,” that Paul speaks of, in the Roman Letter. In his Letter to the Ephesians; he describes: how the sinner dies to sin, is buried with Christ (being quickened, made alive), and is raised to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Observe his analysis:
1. First, “And you (we) hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1-3. This quickening took place; when they were dead, in trespasses and sins. The word quickened in Gr., is syzoopoiéo, sood-zo-op-oy-eh'-o, which means to reanimate conjointly with:—quicken together with, or to make one alive together, Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13. Awaken to a new moral life!
2. Further, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath he quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved),” Ephesians 2:4-5.
a. This quickening occurred when we were together with Christ.
b. It was done because of God’s love for us.
c. It was then: “By grace we were saved;” and, “forgiven of all our trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13.
3. Next, “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6. After being saved by grace; and forgiven all our trespasses and sins; we were raised up together, and made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Notice, Romans 6:1-7.
4. Finally, “That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:7-9.
a. Notice, Paul describes this entire process: “For by grace are ye saved through faith...not of works, lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9.
b. It is our burial in baptism; that is being described as: “That form of doctrine,” to which Paul alludes to, in Romans 6:17-18.
c. B. W. Johnson wrote: “We are buried...through baptism into death. Baptism is a burial; therefore its subject has died. As Christ died through sin, we die to sin; as the Crucified Christ was buried, we who have died to sin through the gospel are buried with him. As death and burial separate from the natural life, so death to sin and burial into Christ should completely sever our relation to sin. That like as Christ was raised up from the dead. The glorious power of the Father lifted up Christ from the tomb. So we, too, rise from the watery burial, with death and burial between us and the old life of sin, in order to walk in newness of life,” Page 360. Johnson is discussing Romans 6:3-5.
d. B. W. Johnson again: “This passage cannot be understood unless it is borne in mind that the primitive (form of) baptism was by immersion."--Conybeare and Howson. "That the custom of baptism by immersion is alluded to is generally admitted, but the emersion is as significant as the immersion."--Dr. Philip Schaff. "It seems to us very probable that the apostle alludes to the external form of the baptismal rite in the primitive church."--Godet. "The apostle alludes to the ancient manner of baptizing by immersion.”--John Wesley. (Johnson quotes notable scholars; to the “form of baptism,” as being an immersion or burial), Page 361.
e. Application: It is when the believer demonstrates: “An obedient faith;” in being buried in baptism, that God saves them by His grace. Therefore, it is in baptism: “Man’s faith; and God’s grace comes together!” Amen. I wish I had some help!
5. Conclusion: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:10. As a result of His grace, we are now His workmanship; created in Christ Jesus unto good works.
Note: See our lesson: “Are You in Christ,” on SermonCentral.com. We discussed this process in great depth.
E. What is meant – being free from sins? God has promised to loose us from our sins. The prophets said God would make a new covenant, and at that time he would forgive men their sins and remember them no more. Observe....
1. First, Jehovah’s promise. Jehovah said: “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord;”
a. “I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts:”
b. “And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. And I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.”
c. “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more,” Hebrews 8:10-12. See Jeremiah 31:31-34.
d. What a wonderful promise of God. To those who are “buried with Christ in baptism,” their sins are forgiven; and, “old things are passed away and all things are become new,” 2 Corinthians 5:17; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16.
2. Further, Jehovah’s New Covenant. Jehovah said: “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more,” Hebrews 10:17.
a. Here the Lord promises: “Not to remember our sins and iniquities no more.”
b. I wish I can get believers, to be of the same heart, Ephesians 4:31-32.
c. Illustrate: “My wife has become a historian.”
3. Next, Jehovah’s compassion. Micah wrote of Jehovah’s compassion: “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea,” Micah 7:19; Psalms 103:12.
4. Finally, Jehovah’s forgiveness. Jeremiah wrote: “Thou hast in love delivered my soul from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back,” Jeremiah 38:17; Jeremiah 50:20.
a. The God of heaven promised; and, then granted unto the believers in Christ; the forgiveness of sins.
b. This was made possible through the blood of Christ; on the tree of Calvary, Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:14-17; Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:18-19.
c. Who when He: "Purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high," Hebrews 1:3.
d. Who is gone: “Into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him,” 1 Peter 3:22; Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:19-20; Hebrews 8:1. With this assurance, let’s consider our last point in this lesson.
III THE FORM - MAKES SERVANTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
A. Servants of righteousness. Paul now declares as a result of obeying: “From the heart that form of doctrine” – being then made free from our sin – we have become, “servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:18.
1. We once served sins and ungodliness. That was the old man and his practices. But we have put of the old man. Every Christians has put off all the sins and evils of the flesh. He is a new creature – made over – redeemed from all unrighteousness. Paul says we have crucified the old man. And that means we have put to death the sins of the flesh, Romans 6:3-7.
a. The old man has been crucified, that the body of sins might be destroyed. Paul wrote: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin...he that is dead, is freed from sin,” Romans 6:6-7; Galatians 2:20-21.
b. We have put off the old man and his deeds. Paul wrote to the Ephesians: “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind,” Ephesians 4:22-23.
2. We now serve righteousness and godliness. We have now put on the new man. Paul wrote: “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” Ephesians 4:24.
3. Character of the new man. Ephesians 4:25-32. Read and comment.
4. The same character is describes – to the Colossians saints. Observe....
a. First, “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” Colossians 3:9-10.
b. Further, “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all,” Colossians 3:11.
c. Next, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering...even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye,” Colossians 3:12-13.
d. Finally, “For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:26-29; John 1:11-12.
d. Conclusion: In Christ we are all a new creation, 2 Corinthians 5:17.
5. We should live soberly, righteously and godly in this world, Titus 2:11-12.
B. Servants to righteousness. Paul continues: “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness,” Romans 6:19.
1. B. W. Johnson wrote: “(Paul uses) figures taken from human relations, those of master and slave. At that time slavery existed everywhere...As they had been servants of sin in its various forms, uncleanness, and iniquity unto iniquity (working out iniquity), so now being freed from that service, let them serve righteousness unto holiness, with the result of showing forth holy lives,” Page 362.
2. To the Galatians he wrote: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing...let us do good unto all men...household of faith,” Galatians 6:7-10; Galatians 5:22-26. These are the fruits of righteousness unto holiness.
3. Paul earlier declared that we: “Being then made free from sins, ye became servant of righteousness.” When was then? Then is when; we have “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine, which was delivered you,” Romans 6:17-18. We will look at this process in just a few moments. Get your bibles opened to Ephesians chapter 2. I will be there in just a few minutes. But for now let’s.....
4. Notice, a similar language regarding the gospel: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you... For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
C. When ye were: “The servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.” See Romans 6:20-21. Surely, it is appropriate to say: “When we were the servants of sin, we were free from righteousness.” And that we were dead in trespasses and sins. Observer the following....
1. B. W. Johnson wrote: “While servants of sin they did not serve righteousness at all...What fruit had ye then? Men ought to seriously ask this question. What fruit do the shameful practices of sin bring us? (It brings) only shame and death...That is, the inevitable outcome, (of) eternal death,” Page 362.
2. Matthew Henry wrote: “The present pleasure and profit of sin do not deserve to be called fruit; they are but chaff, ploughing iniquity, sowing vanity, and reaping the same... It is an unbecoming service; it is that of which we are now ashamed—ashamed of the folly, ashamed of the filth, of it,” Page 710.
3. Conclusion: If then, when we were the servants of sin; we too bore fruits of unrighteousness. These were sown unto our shame and degradation. Now then, that we are freed from such practices; let’s bear fruits unto eternal life.
a. Let our fruits (works) therefore, “glorify our Father in heaven,” Matthew 5:16.
b. Let us then yield fruits of “righteousness and godliness in this present world,” Titus 2:11-12.
c. Let us work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, Philippians 2:12.
D. But now being made free: “From sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life,” Romans 6:22. Observe....
1. Recall in Ephesians 2, while we were together with Christ: “We were quickened; saved by grace; and our sins forgiven? Ephesians 2:4-6. And now being raised together with Christ, we have become His, “workmanship” or, a “new creature,” in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:7-10.
a. The word, workmanship in Gr., is poíema, poy'-ay-mah; which means a product, i.e. fabric:—thing that is made, workmanship, or creation.
b. The New Revised Standard Version renders the word “workmanship,” as “Masterpiece,” Ephesians 2:10. That is: “We are His masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament, page 672.
2. The new creature. God’s workmanship or, masterpiece, is the product of faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ. It is this faith and obedience; one is saved by grace after being united with Christ in baptism; after being quickened or made alive; and then being raised to: “Sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:4-6. Notice Paul’s conclusion:
a. Jesus was raised by God from the dead: “To sit at His own right hand in the heavenly places,” Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Peter 3:22.
b. We as new creatures: “Hath been raised up together, and made to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:6-7.
c. While with Jesus: “We were saved by grace,” Ephesians 2:8-9. One might ask right about now: “When were we with Jesus?” Have you thought on this beloved in the Lord?
d. If we can understand when; we can appreciate why? It was at this time: “Ye obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became servant of righteousness,” Romans 6:17-18.
3. We have been: “Created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:10.
4. Therefore we ought to:
a. First, “Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us,” Ephesians 5:1-2.
b. Further, “Walk as children of light,” Ephesians 5:8-12.
c. Finally, “Walk circumspectly...not as fools...redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is,” Ephesians 5:15-17.
d. As we move to a conclusion, I say with sadness some will not so walk. Many will reject this message today. Others will not remain faithful to their: “Calling and election to Christ,” 2 Peter 1:10-11. These shall surely perish in their sins.
5. Why would you perish? God has made his grace possible for you and all those you love. He does not desire that you or yours should perish.
a. Ezekiel wrote: “Cast away from you the transgression which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die O house of Israel? ‘For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,’ says the Lord GOD. ‘Therefore turn and live!’” Ezekiel 18:31-32; Psalms 51:10-13.
b. David wrote: “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints,” Psalms 116:15; Psalms 37:37; Revelation 14:13. See Numbers 23:10; Isaiah 57:1-2.
c. Luke wrote: “Repent and be converted,” Acts 3:19; Luke 13:3-5; Acts 2:36-41.
E. Wages of sin is death. Paul concludes: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” Romans 6:23.
1. Why perish? I ask now, why would you perish in your sins; when God, is willing to forgive you all your trespasses and sins? Know this now, that the unbeliever and those that have forsaken the faith; shall not escape the wrath and judgment of God. Consider....
a. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastics 7:20. Everyone has sinned; some however, have been forgiven.
b. There is none righteous; no not one, Romans 3:10-11.
c. All shall stand before God in judgment, Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.
d. All will be destroy, who have not obey the gospel of Christ, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 1 Peter 4:17-19. Beloved brothers, sisters, and believers....
2. Here is some good news. The gospel of Christ when heard preached, believed and obeyed; enables one to be saved, to be forgiven, or to put off the “old man and his deeds.” All have sinned, and live with the “old man and his deeds,” until forgiven, by God, Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23. Observe....
a. First, “But God (hath) commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” Romans 5:8; John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:14-16.
b. Further, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance,” 2 Peter 3:9.
c. Finally, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth... to be testified in due time,” 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Matthew 20:28; Galatians 1:4.
3. Salvation possible for all. God has made salvation and the forgiveness of sins available to all; through the death of Jesus Christ, on the cross.
a. The believer hears, believes and obeys the gospel of Christ, in order to be saved, Romans 1:16.
b. After the believer obeys the gospel of Christ; by, obeying from the heart: “That form of doctrine, which make them free from their sin,” Romans 6:17-18.
c. They will be released from their sins, and “become a new creature, and the old things are passed away,” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
d. As I begin to close. You might recall Jehovah’s promise: “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sins. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near...let us hold fast...and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works...as ye see the day approaching,” Hebrews 10:17-25. If this does not move one to obey the gospel; I do not know what would. With this let me review what we have discussed.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Form – Must be Obeyed from the Heart
2. The Form – Makes One Free from Sin
3. The Form – Makes Servants of Righteousness
B. Summarize Main Points.
1. First, Paul stated that this “form of doctrine,” must be obeyed from the heart. The word “from” in Gr., is “ek,” which means, “out of.” Its promises are not obtained as a result of belief in the heart; but, from obedience that originates, “out of the heart.” This doctrine is believed in the heart; but, obeyed from the heart. This truth implies an act of faith; that is believed in the heart; but, is manifest in the “fruit of obedience!” Every statement of faith in the Hebrew letter; had enjoined within it, a corresponding act of obedience.
2. Second, Paul suggested that this “form of doctrine;” is that which make one “free from their sins,” Romans 6:18. When obeyed, from the heart. It was to this doctrine; Jesus spoke of in His preaching to believing Jews, which followed Him. He promises that if they would: “Continue in His word, they would know the truth; and the truth would make them free,” John 8:30-32; John 8:36.
3. Finally, Paul declared that once obeyed, the believers are no longer, “servant of unrighteousness; but, are made: “Servants of righteousness with fruits unto holiness,” Romans 6:19. We all were once servants of sin; but now, we have become servants of righteousness. Why? Because we: “Obeyed from the heart, that form of doctrine...we became servants of righteousness.”
C. Invitation. H. B. R. C. B.
D. Exhortation. “With many other words did he testify and exhort, saying: save yourselves from this untoward generation,” Acts 2:40.
E. Motivation/Persuasion. We love you here at this congregation of God’s people, and want the best for your life and your family. We invite you now to come and respond to the love of God through the death of his Son. What you do today will have lasting benefits for you, and perhaps for those you love, whether they be family or friends.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
We thank these prolific writers for their wisdom and insight into the Holy Scriptures. We acknowledge here our consultation of their work, in this lesson.
