INTRODUCTION
Outline.
3. Just as He is: Righteous
Remarks.
1. This is lesson three of the sermon-series: "Just as He is." John wrote: we shall see Him as He is, and be like Him, in glory and honor. This is solely possible because we are the sons of God. Christ's finished work of redemption: has made us sons through the Holy Spirit; and His work in the resurrection of Christ, 1 Peter 3:20-21.
2. In this lesson, we will investigate the truth why he who practices righteousness; is righteous, just as He is righteous. John concluded: "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil," 1 John 3:7-8. Our righteousness is procured: "through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by faith," Philippians 3:9. With this brief introduction, let's consider the third point in this lesson-series, "Just as He is: Righteous."
BODY OF LESSON
III JUST AS HE IS: RIGHTEOUS
A. John concluded: "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that practice (doeth) righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil," 1 John 3:7-8. Observe--
B. Little children: John penned: "Let no man deceive you," 1 John 3:7. Do not be deceived by this: he that practices sin is of the devil.
1. He that committeth sin. We have discussed this practice earlier in the lesson. Our take away in this verse are these:
a. First, "He that committeth (continually practices) sin, is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning." Satan was a liar and murder from the beginning, Genesis 3:1-7; Genesis 3:14-15; John 8:44.
b. Second, "For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."
c. Third, "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit (continue the practice of) sin."
d. Fourth, "For His seed remaineth (abides) in him: and he cannot (continually practice) sin."
e. Fifth, "Because he is born of God," 1 John 3:8-9.
2. Deception is the work of the devil, 1 Timothy 2:13-14; Galatians 6:7-8; Ephesians 5:6.
3. His teachers are also deceptive in their word and works, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Jesus said: “Ye shall know them by their fruits,” Matthew 7:16-20.
4. John reminds his children, that they should not be deceived; like Eve, he that practice sin is of the devil.
5. But those born of God, doth not commit sin; because, His seed (the word of God) remaineth in him, and he cannot, therefore, practice sin. It is the word that repels the evil one, Matthew 4:6-11; Psalms 119:11; 1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7.
NOTE: Illustrate, Get the word in you; it will keep the hell out of you!
C. The practice of righteousness. John continued: "He that practice (doeth) righteousness is righteous." The born again Christians, practice righteousness through the faith in Christ: “That he may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” Romans 12:1-2.
1. First, he that: "doeth righteousness, is righteous, even as He is righteous," 1 John 3:6. Remember, he is discussing a willful practice of righteousness before God and men.
2. Further, he penned: "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God," 1 John 3:9.
3. Finally, he concluded: "In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother," 1 John 3:10. We could then infer, he that doeth righteousness is of God, and he loveth his brother. Many of our ministers, preachers, evangelist, and church leaders speak about loving our brothers. But many are limiting this love to those that look like them. Now, here is where most of you will get mad at me in this lesson. I must stand for truth in this matter!
4. The love of the brethren. John, the beloved apostle of Christ, challenges us in this truth of God. No other writer has so carefully and truthfully, spoke to “the love of brethren,” as he did, in the Letter of 1st John. Fasten your seat belts; the rid is going to get bumpy! Observe--
a. First, he wrote: "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother is in darkness even until now (he abides in a total state of darkness)." The word "hateth" in Gr., is miseo or me-se'-o, which means to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less:—hate(-ful).
1) This is one who hates, is pursued with hatred, one who detests and despises others. (I know I'm not speaking to anyone like that here today?).
2) This kind of hatred destroys the container that carries it. It is like acid; it corrodes the container that was manufactured to safely carry it. Hatred eats at the heart and body as cancer; consuming the body, soul, and spirit.
But he continues--
b. Further, he penned: "He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him (he walks without fault)." The word "loveth" in Gr., is agapáo or ä-gä-pä'-o, which means to love (in a social or moral sense):—(be-)love(-ed). This is one who welcomes, entertains, to be fond of, to love dearly. This is the love that God has for us; and requires us to have for Him, our neighbor, and ourselves. Observe the Master on loving your neighbor--
1) Jesus said: "Ye have heard that it hath been said: Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," Matthew 5:43-48. Hear Him again--
2) Jesus said: "Unto him (the lawyer), Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with thy entire mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like, unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets," Matthew 22:37-40. (I hope you are the person I speak of now?).
3) The parable of the Good Samaritan; is an example of one loving his neighbor as himself.
NOTE: Download our lesson on the Good Samaritan, a sermon entitled: "Go and Do Likewise," Luke 10:25-37, on SermonCentral.com.
c. Finally, he noted: "He that hateth his brother is in darkness:"
1) And walketh in darkness."
2) Knoweth not whither he goeth."
3) Because the darkness hath blinded his eyes."
a) The word "darkness" in the Gr., is scotia or sko-te'-ä, which means dimness, obscurity (literally or figuratively):—dark(-ness).
b) The word "blinded" in the Gr., is typhloo or tü-flo'-o, which means to make blind, i.e. (figuratively) to obscure:—blind. The word means to blunt ones mental discernment, to darken the mind.
c) The heart looms in darkness; with spiritual blindness, aided by the evil one: Satan himself, John 8:44-47.
d) Blindness is the work of the devil against truth and godliness, 2 Corinthians 4:3-7; 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
5. Summary: To see the destructiveness of hatred; and, darkness, I have humbly attended unto these esteemed writers, for their wisdom of these verses. Keep in mind; these are their words, as they had perceived them at the time of their writings, on this text from John's Letter to his beloved children. Observe--
a. B. W. Johnson wrote: "He that saith he is the light. (But) hates his brother he demonstrates that he is in darkness... On the other hand, brotherly love shows that one abides in the light. None occasion of stumbling. Because he walks in the light and can see where he walks...But he that hateth...is not following Christ, the Light, and hence walks in the darkness, hence is blinded. He cannot see the dangers that beset him on account of the darkness," Page 604.
b. Matthew Henry wrote that: "Hatred is a sign of spiritual darkness...he that hateth his brother is in darkness, v.11. Spiritual light is instilled by the Spirit of grace, and one of the first-fruits of that Spirit is love; he then who is possessed with malignity towards a...brother must need be destitute of spiritual light; consequently, he walks in darkness (v.11); his life is agreeable to a dark mind and conscience, and he knows not whither he goes; he sees not whither this dark spirit carries him, and particularly that it will carry him to the world of utter darkness, because the darkness hath blinded his eyes, v.11," Page 1882.
c. A self-examination survey of our love for the brethren. I ask these questions for your consideration:
1) Have you ever asked yourself: "Do I hate my brother?"
2) If so, do you know why you hate him?
3) Has someone taught you to hate or detest another person?
4) If so, who was that person? I'm talking to members of the church!
5) Do you know to hate another person; for any reason is to commit murder?
6) Are you a murderer? In that, you hate or detest your brother? 1 John 3:14-15.
7) Do you think a murderer will enter the kingdom of heaven? Romans 1:28-32; Revelation 21:8; Revelations 22:13-15.
8) If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, 1 John 3:19-24.
6. Conclusion: John was establishing to his children; that they cannot claim to be walking in the light if they hate their brothers. They are in fact; walking in darkness and do not know where they are going. Those that truly walk in the light; love their brothers, and in them, there is no room for stumbling. Can one say he loves God; yet, hateth his brother? How can we claim to love God; whom we have not seen, while we hate our brother whom we see and walk with every day? The truth is: he that loveth God loveth his brother also! I appeal to all that have this evil in their hearts; to pray God for mercy, forgiveness, and help rid their lives of this sin. Hatred will only cause rejection; of the one having it, by the Lord at His second coming.
7. Application: We are living in “Perilous Times.” Paul wrote of them: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves...proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy...Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers...despisers of those that are good...Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away,” 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Observe--
a. First, there is a strong and egregious force at work in America today. It has been brought about by the Trump Administration. Some or all of these words of Paul, speak to the ills of this administration. And there are some that have aligned themselves with his work and hatred. I’m ashamed to mention these in this lesson of love.
b. Further, we have a corrupt and dishonest Republican Party in Congress, led by Mitch McConnell. He has contributed to this evil, by turning his head to the disgraceful behavior of this President. He has betrayed his “oath of office” before God and men. And so has his caucus, saving one, “Mitt Romney.”
c. Next, it has not escaped the courts either. Even the Supreme Court, which recently ruled unjustly; putting American lives in danger, just to be “in bed” with this Administration. The courts have been stacked by McConnell; to ensure this type of partisanship behavior becomes the norm, of these lower courts.
d. Finally, the Evangelicals have sided with this Administration, to obtain political favors from the President. They have abandoned their creed: “To do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God,” Micah 6:8. These religious leaders have disavowed their love of God, and His word; and have chosen rather to “hate their fellow man;” in stark contrast with the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom they claim to serve and represent.
e. Conclusion: These are perilous times, hundreds of thousands of Americans are dying in this country because of the hatred, detestation, and evil-mindedness of those surrounding the President; and, within those religious leaders who should be providing him “good counsel,” on how to govern the American People. They, however, have abandoned their duty to God and the people. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no healing for America? For this Administration, his Party, his appointed Jurists, and the Evangelical leadership and faith? Can democracy be saved? Can righteousness rain down on these people? Can the government for the people, be returned to the White House; the Congress, or the Courts? I pray God that it be so! I pray just one religious leader stand-up and say, this must be so!
D. The righteousness. He: "Is righteous." We have been made righteous, through Jesus Christ our Lord. John affirms we are righteous. Paul, however, explains the “why” and the “how,” of this blessed truth of God. Observe--
1. Paul wrote:
a. First, in the Hebrew Letter, he wrote: "For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need," Hebrews 4:15-16; Matthew 4:1-11. Christ, our High Priest has made it possible for us to be righteous because of His sinless life; death, burial, and resurrection, to sit at the right hand of God as our “mediator” and “mercy seat” for our sins and transgressions.
b. Further, in the Letter to the Corinthians, he penned: "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself: not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him," 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. In summary--
1) God was reconciling the world to Himself.
2) Through the ministry of reconciliation.
3) We are ambassadors for Christ.
4) Preaching the word of reconciliation.
c. Finally, in the Corinthian Letter, he concluded: “The message of reconciliation is this, that God:
1) "Hath made Him (Christ) be sin for us, who knew no sin."
2) "That we might be made the righteousness of God in Him," 2 Corinthian 5:21.
2. Matthew Henry wrote: "The apostle subjoins what should be well known and duly considered by us...namely: The purity of the Mediator: He knew no sin...The sacrifice he offered: He was made sin; not a sinner, but sin, that is, a sin-offering, a sacrifice for sin...The end and design of all this: that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him," Page 1086. See 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Matthew 20:28.
3. Peter wrote: "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:"
1) First, He, "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:"
2) Second, He, "Who himself bare our sins in His own body on the tree.”
3) Third, that, "We, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed," 1 Peter 2:21-25. An esteemed brother, a convert and understudy of Alexander Campbell, provides his insight of this text for us.
4. B. W. Johnson wrote: "Who did no sin. He had no fault...When He was reviled. He resented neither insults nor the sufferings inflicted upon him...Who… bare our sins. Died for our sins, not His own. He took our burdens...On the tree...The wood of the cross...That we being dead to sins. "Crucified with Him," penitent, the repentant sinner is baptized into His death, and rising to a new life, lives unto righteousness," Page 589. See Galatians 3:13-14.
E. Jesus righteousness. Even: "As He (Jesus) is righteous. To better understand our promised righteousness; we must first understand the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Before I begin to unveil this thought; let me first acknowledge the holiness and righteousness of God. Consider—
1. The righteousness of Christ:
a. “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works. The Lord is night unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth,” Psalms 145:17-18.
b. “The Lord is upright: ... and there is no unrighteousness in Him,” Psalms 92:15.
2. The Holiness of Christ:
a. “But as he who hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Because it is written: Be ye holy; for I am holy,” 1 Peter 1:15-16; Leviticus 20:7.
b. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,” Hebrews 12:14.
3. The Judgment of Christ:
a. “The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed,” Psalms 103:6.
b. “And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness,” Psalms 9:8.
c. “The time of this ignorance... Because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained, whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead,” Acts 17:30-31.
d. Conclusion: The Lord is holy, righteous, and upright in all his doings. We, on the other hand, are unrighteous because of our sins and iniquities. God has sent Jesus that we might be reconciled: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself ... we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. He hath made him be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him,” 2 Corinthians 5:19-21. This we have considered earlier in the lesson, so let’s hasten to a conclusion. That is--
4. Righteousness through Christ. Paul affirms this righteousness comes through the gospel which he desires to preach in Rome: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation ...For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, ‘the just shall live by faith,’” Romans 1:16-17. Consider--
a. First, I am not ashamed of the gospel -- The words, "of Christ," which follows here, are not found in the oldest and best manuscripts, some writers have suggested. However, it is clear, Paul is making mention of the “gospel of Christ” as the message he desired to preach in the city of Rome.
1) This language implies that it required some courage, to take the "message of Christ to the world."
2) Paul "despised not the shame" in preaching “Christ and Him crucified,” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
3) The gospel of salvation is here promised to be “the power of God unto salvation.”
b. Further, to everyone that believeth -- Here in verse 16 as well as in, Romans 1:17. The promise is to all that believeth – faith enjoined in sincere obedience.
c. Next, the apostle announces this great theme of his ensuing argument. The “gospel” presents how “the just shall live by faith.”
d. Finally, within the gospel, we find God's authority or “power unto salvation.” In the gospel message, we find the source, the terms, and the promise of salvation. The idea of "the power of God," in the Gr., is “dynamis theos,” that provides to all, in the gospel:
1) God's source of salvation – to the world;
2) God's terms for salvation – to the believers; and
3) God's promise of salvation – to the Jew first and also the Greek (Gentile) Romans 1:16; Galatians 1:6-12. This is possible because--
5. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. He wrote: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is …For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth,” Romans 10:1-4.
a. Christ then is the “end” of the law or the Gr: telos – the conclusion of an act or state, the termination, the end of the completion of a thing – that is “the righteousness of God” which is by faith.
b. When did this occur? When Christ came and “completed” or “fulfilled all the law and the prophets,” Matthew 5:17-18; John 19:30; Acts 13:38-39.
c. In His life, death, burial, and resurrection; He secured our salvation through His righteousness – in completing the righteousness which was promised by the Law, Galatians 3:11-12; Romans 3:21-22; Philippians 3:8-9.
d. Paul concluded: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” Romans 8:1-4. In summary--
1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus:
a) Who walk not after the flesh,
b) But after the Spirit, Romans 8:1.
2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus:
a) Hath made us free.
b) From the law of sin and death, Romans 8:2.
3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh:
a) God sending his own Son.
b) In the likeness of sinful flesh.
c) And for sin.
d) Condemned sin in the flesh, Romans 8:3.
5) That the righteousness of the law:
a) Might be fulfilled in us.
b) Who walk not after the flesh.
c) But after the Spirit, Romans 8:4. Amen, and amen! Therefore the--
6. Saints promised abundant life. Jesus promised true believers a life more abundant, as well as eternal life. Consider--
a. First, hear Jesus: “I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly,” John 10:10. First, in this world he promises an abundant life; and in the world to come life eternal. Notice Peters after mentioning the Christian graces.
b. Further, Peter: “For if these things are in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ ...Wherefore the rather, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 1:11-13.
c. Next, Paul writes: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life,” 1 Timothy 6:17-19; 1 John 3:17-18. Before we conclude let me summarize what we have discussed.
d. Finally, John wrote: “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son,” 1 John 5:11. Also: “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life,” 1 John 5:20. We have covered a lot of ground in this lesson. I needed to build it as a lesson-series. As I move to a conclusion, let review what has been presented--
CONCLUSION
Outline.
3. Just as He is: Righteous
B. Summarize main points.
1. In this last lesson, we investigated he who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. John concludes: "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil," 1 John 3:7-8.
2. This is the last lesson in this sermon-series: “Just as He is.” I trust these lessons have helped you in your understanding of God’s marvelous promises to us, as children of God. This sermon-series can be a great bible study tool for your congregation’s spiritual growth and development in Christ. You can download the full version of this sermon-series, also on Sermon-Central.Com. May God bless you in your work in the ministry of Christ.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
