INTRODUCTION
Outline:
1. The Way in Prophecy
2. The Way in Promise
3. The Way in Proclamation
Introductory Remarks.
1. Our lesson today will discuss a theme: “The Way of Salvation.” This lesson will outline the salvation spoken of by the prophets and promised by Jesus: the only way to the Father, and the proclamation of the way of salvation by the apostles and disciples in the first century. This will be one of our topical sermons. We will identify the text of emphasis and then let the writers explain their meaning. Some will immediately call me “narrow-minded,” of which I will confess: if I am such, so were the prophets, the Lord, and the apostles of Christ. I counted it as an honor to be in the company of Isaiah, the Lord, and the men sent by Jesus to proclaim “the way of salvation” into all the nations.
2. First, we will consider Isaiah’s prophecy of the way of holiness. Isaiah wrote of the “way of salvation.” He penned: “And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein,” Isaiah 35:8.
3. Second, we will discuss Jesus’ promise of the way of truth and life. Jesus spoke unto His apostles just before His death, testifying that “He was the way, the truth, and the life. And no man could come unto the Father, except through Him,” John 14:6. The Lord promised these twelve men: “That he was the only way unto the Father, and thus, to the way of salvation.” And, that no man could come unto the Father, except through Him.
4. Lastly, we will investigate Paul and Silas’s proclamation of the “way of salvation” in Philippi. During Paul and Silas’ preaching in Philippi, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met them, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the Highest God, which show unto us the way of salvation,” Acts 16:16-17. This evil spirit knew of the way of salvation and spake of it through this damsel possessed with a spirit of divination. O’ that men and women of sound mind would read and learn of the “way of salvation” as did those in the first century through the preaching of Paul and others. After this brief introduction, we will examine the lesson's first point: “The Way in Prophecy.”
BODY OF LESSON
I THE WAY IN PROPHECY
A. Isaiah wrote of the “way of salvation.” He penned: “And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein,” Isaiah 35:8. It would serve us well to investigate this prophecy regarding the “way of salvation.”
1. A highway. The word highway in Heb., is maslûl or mas-lool, which means thoroughfare (as turnpiked): —highway. It will be a way of public access and a great travel road. A super highway, a spiritual road of travel.
2. The way of holiness. The word holiness in Hebrew is qodeš or ko'-desh, which means a sacred place or thing; sanctity: —consecrated, dedicated, and hallowed things; holiness, (most) holy (day, portion, thing), saint, or sanctuary.
3. The unclean. Shall not pass over it. The word unclean in Hebrew is ?ame' or taw-may,' which means foul in a religious sense: defiled, infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. The unclean, impure shall not pass over it.
4. The wayfaring men. But it shall be for the wayfaring men. The word “wayfaring” in Heb., is hala? or haw-lak', which means to walk: —(all) to be a travel(-ler), to walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), a (way-) faring man.
a. Though a fool. The word fool in Heb., is 'evîl or ev-eel', which means silly: —fool(-ish) (man). The ignorant and unlearned will not pass over this highway.
b. Shall not error therein. The word errs in Heb., is ta' 'â or taw-aw, which means to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray; also, causative of both: — (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (cause to) wander, be out of the way.
c. We will now consider each of these pieces of prophecy and how the prophet Isaiah spoke of them in his prophetic utterances. Observe,
B. A highway. Has been spoken of as: “A way of public access; a great road of travel. A super highway, a spiritual road of travel. Isaiah wrote: “And a highway shall be there, and a-way.” What is this highway, this way, in which one must be a traveler? Observe,
1. Jesus’ teaching on the Way. He said: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and few find it,” Matthew 7:13-14. One must enter the way through the strait and narrow gate. It is the way that leads to life, and few find it. We also learn that this way was persecuted during the first century. Saul persecuted all that he found in the Way. Observe,
2. Saul persecuted the Way. Luke wrote: “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem,” Acts 9:1-2.
a. Persecution against the church: “Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time, great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, except the apostles,” Acts 8:1.
b. Havoc of the church: “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison,” Acts 8:3.
c. Saul’s admissions: “For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it,” Galatians 1:13.
d. Saul’s conversion: “And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. But they only heard, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once destroyed.” And they glorified God in me,” Galatians 1:22-24. One translation renders this word “destroyed” as “eporthei or ravaged,” EGNT, page 491.
e. Conclusion: Isaiah prophesied the church as being the Way—the way of truth. Saul’s persecution of the church began in Jerusalem and extended into Damascus. Observe these quotable notables’ comments.
1) B. W. Johnson wrote: “Desired of him letters—a commission and letter addressed to the rulers of synagogues. The sway of the high priest was recognized in the synagogues of all the East. He was a sort of pope with the Sanhedrim for his cardinals. To Damascus. Situated about 140 miles northeast of Jerusalem, east of Mt. Hermon, in Syria, a beautiful city in a fertile spot redeemed from the desert by the mountain streams, Abana and Pharpar. In this way. The way of Christ is (a phrase) often applied in the New Testament to Christianity. Paul's commission, (given) in the name of the high priest, was from the Sanhedrim (Acts 26:10),” Page 319. (My insertions for clarity only). He would use this authority to capture, bind, and bring all who professed this Way to Jerusalem for punishment and even death. Matthew Henry suggests,
2) He wrote: “Now the commission was to empower him to enquire among the synagogues, or congregations, of the Jews that were at Damascus, whether there were any that belonged to them that inclined to favor this new sect or heresy, that believed in Christ; and if he found any such, whether men or women, to bring them up prisoners to Jerusalem, to be proceeded against according to law by the great council there,” Page 160.
3. Jews spoke evil of the Way. Luke again: “But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren,” Acts 14:2. Also, “And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks,” Acts 19:8-10.
4. Elymas the sorcerer: “But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Then Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?” Acts 13:8-10.
5. Paul’s defense of the Way. Before Felix, the governor, Luke wrote: “Then Paul, after the governor had nodded to him to speak, answered: 'Since I know that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself…Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things written in the Law and the Prophets,” Acts 24:10-14. I have collapsed these verses for brevity.
a. Paul’s accuser before Felix: “For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,” Acts 24:1-5.
b. Paul defended the Way as “The Way which they (the Jews) call a sect,” Acts 24:14.
c. The Way is the sect that the Jews spake evil of and now persecute, Acts 19:9.
d. Therefore, the Way is the church, which Paul once persecuted. But now himself being persecuted for being called “the ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,” Acts 24:5.
e. Conclusion: The highway spoken of by Isaiah is the way of truth, the way, the sect of the Nazarenes, the church Paul once persecuted: “He was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ…He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy. And they glorified God in him,” Galatians 1:22-24. The Way is the church, the faith of the gospel, which Paul once persecuted but now defended as the “truth of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27; Romans 1:5; Romans 10:16-18. I believe we are beginning to understand something about this Way, the sect of the Nazarene, the church of Christ, Romans 16:16.
C. Isaiah calls this Way the way of holiness. We find the first mention of holiness in Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonians. He wrote: “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness,” 1 Thessalonians 4:7. It would be wise for us to define what Paul meant, and God’s call unto Holiness. Recall that we reviewed its meaning in Hebrew. We will now consider its use in Greek. Observe,
1. The word holiness in Gr., is hagiasmos or hag-ee-as-mos, which means purification, i.e., (the state) of purity; or (by Hebraism) a purifier: —holiness, or sanctification. God sanctifies the heart and life to walk before Him in holiness and righteousness. Paul writes elsewhere,
a. God chose us: “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord because God hath (from the beginning) chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 1:22-23. To the Hebrews, Paul wrote,
b. Follow peace: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,” Hebrews 12:14. To the Romans, Paul wrote,
c. Fruits unto holiness: “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; Romans 6:17-18.
d. Ye are washed: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11.
2. Purity. The word purity in Gr., is hagneia or hag-ni'-ah, which means cleanliness (a quality), i.e., (especially) chastity: —purity. Living a life in purity and godliness, 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Timothy 5:2. Observe,
a. Jesus taught we must be pure. He taught: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God,” Matthew 5:8.
b. We must behave with purity. Paul wrote: “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men,” Acts 20:26.
c. Hold mystery of faith: “In a pure conscience,” 1 Timothy 3:9.
d. Show charity: “Out of a pure heart, and a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned,” 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Peter 2:22-23.
e. Conclusion: Members of the Way strive to love each other fervently with a pure heart. Only the pure in heart will see the Lord’s face in peace. Those in the Way will serve God out of a pure heart, good conscience, and unfeigned (unmixed) faith. The minister of the faith will speak the truth in love, that he may be pure from the blood of all men, Ephesians 4:15.
3. Sanctification. The word sanctification in Gr., is hagiasmos or hag-ee-as-mos', which means purification, i.e., the state of purity; a purifier: —holiness, sanctification. Sanctification is made possible through the truth and work of the Holy Spirit, John 17:17; 2 Thessalonians 2:13. The effects of sanctification are in the heart and through the life made possible by Christ, 1 Corinthians 1:30. One who is sanctified has been set apart for the service of Christ. Let’s now consider the meaning of the unclean. Observe,
D. The unclean. The word unclean in Gr., is ?ame' or taw-may', which means foul in a religious sense: defiled, infamous, polluted(-tion), unclean. Isaiah said: the unclean shall not pass over the way. Jehovah said,
1. The priest violated His law. They made no difference between clean and unclean. Ezekiel wrote: “Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hidden their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them,” Ezekiel 22:26.
2. Leaders were to teach: “His people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean,” Ezekiel 44:23.
3. Isaiah is a man with unclean lips. He wrote: “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell amid a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts,” Isaiah 6:5.
4. Defiled and unbelieving. Paul wrote: “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God, but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate,” Titus 1:15-16.
5. What God cleansed. Luke wrote: “And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven. What God hath cleansed, that call not common,” Acts 11:8-10. Elsewhere, “common or unclean,” Acts 10:34-35.
6. God purified their hearts through faith. Luke wrote: “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God chose among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them, witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between them and us, purifying their hearts by faith,” Acts 15:7-9.
E. The wayfaring men. The word “wayfaring” in Heb., is hala? or haw-lak', which means to walk: —(all) to travel or be a travel(-ler), to walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), a (way-) faring man.
1. Though a fool. The word fool in Heb., is 'evîl or ev-eel', which means silly: —fool(-ish) (man).
2. Shall not error therein. The word errs in Heb., is ta' 'â or taw-aw, which means to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray; also, causative of both: — (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. Let’s consider our next point: The way of salvation.
II THE WAY IN PROMISE
A. Jesus spoke unto His apostles a few days before His death, testifying that “He was the way, the truth, and the life. And no man could come unto the Father, except through Him,” John 14:6. Jesus promises to be the way to the Father. Our Lord states: “I am the way.” Please note that he does not say, “I am a way” or “another way,” but I am the way unto the Father.” Before we begin our fuller discussion of these “Divine Declarations,” we must determine who Jesus is in this text and other references, as John presents. Recall John noted that Jesus declared Himself to be the “I AM” who was before Abraham, as he spoke unto the Jewish leaders in, John 8:58. Consider Jesus as the “I AM.” Notice: Jesus makes three declarations, they are,
1. First, Jehovah’s declaration unto Moses at the burning bush. Moses asks who should he tell the children of Israel it is that has sent him: “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you,” Exodus 3:14. Jesus declares Himself to be that “I AM” that spoke to Moses at the “burning bush,” John 8:58; John 1:1-3.
2. Further, Isaiah wrote on the “Divinity of Christ” and the “preparatory preaching of the Way” before the coming of the Lord. Notice:
a. The divinity of Christ. Isaiah’s “First and the Last.” He writes: “Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am he,” Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 43:13; Isaiah 44:6; and Isaiah 48:12. All these references identify the “Lord” as being the “first and the last.”
b. John in the Book of Revelations calls Jesus the “first and the last.” He writes:
1) Regarding Jesus, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty,” Revelations 1:8.
2) Again, “And he that sat upon the throne...said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,” Revelations 21:5-6.
3) Lastly, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last,” Revelations 22:12-13. John speaks of Jesus as the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
3. Finally, Paul defends the deity and divinity of Christ. He writes to the saints:
a. The Colossians: “And he (Christ) is before all things, and by Him all things consist,” Colossians 1:18.
b. The Ephesians: “God, who created all things in Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 3:9. John presented this same statement on the Isle of Patmos. John says: “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God,” Revelations 3:14; Revelations 1:5.
1) Christ is the originator and beginning of the entire creation of God. Unlike many today, Christ is not a creation of God but the originator of the entire creation of God.
2) Hear David: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God,” Psalms 90:2; Psalms 93:2.
3) Paul ascribed this prophecy to Christ: “And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning, hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish, but thou remainest, and they all shall wax old as doth a garment, And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail,” Hebrews 1:10-12. See Hebrews 13:8.
c. The Philippians: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God... being equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man,” Philippians 2:5-11.
ILLUSTRATION: Form of God; Fashioned as a Man. The Hebrews: “God who at sundry times and in divers’ manners...Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power,” Hebrews 1:1-3.
d. John makes a sacred and particular declaration regarding the “I AM” of the Old and New Testaments. He precedes his remarks with “Verily, verily” ... The utterance is truly remarkable in the face of the truth of God. It does not merely assert that he was before Abraham, but before Abraham was, He is the “I AM.”
1) Jesus declares that he is the “I Am” of the Old Testament. Establishing that His divinity has neither past nor future tense, but in the present tense: then and now. See Notes People’s New Testament, page 362.
2) David speaks of God’s existence: “Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!” Psalms 41:13; Psalms 106:48.
3) Jesus, in this declaration “I Am,” affirms that He is the eternal and everlasting God, the “God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. So, he is the God of the living, not the dead,” Matthew 22:32.
e. Conclusion: Christ’s Declaration of being the “I AM” of the Way, places him in the Godhead as the only way “unto the Father;” as well as the truth sent to “reveal Him to the world;” and the only means of “eternal life promised by the Father before the world began,” Titus 1:1-3.
B. Apostles preaching of the way. Jesus, Paul, and others preached the Way during the first century. Notice:
1. First, Jesus entreats: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it,” Matthew 7:12-13.
2. Further, Paul’s work in Philippi: “The same (a damsel possessed with a spirit of divination) followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, these men are the servants of the Most-high God, which shew unto us the Way of salvation,” Acts 16:17.
3. Finally, Apollo’s preaching in Ephesus: “This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John...And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the Way of God more perfectly,” Acts 18:25-26.
C. Saints persecuted in the way. Let’s consider some references to the persecution of the way during the preaching of Paul. Notice:
1. First, Paul’s defense of the way: “But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus,” Acts 19:9. Also: “And the same time there arose no small stir about that Way,” Acts 19:23.
ILLUSTRATION: Felix Hearing of the Way, Acts 24:14; Acts 24:22.
2. Further, Saul’s persecution: “And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this Way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem,” Acts 9:2. Also: “And I persecuted this Way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,” Acts 22:4.
3. Finally, Peter’s promise: “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; because of whom the Way of truth shall be evil spoken of,” 2 Peter 2:1-2.
4. Some suggest other ways. Many today argue against “the Way,” just like the schismatics (teachers of schisms) in the Old and New Testaments. Notice the word of God regarding these teachers:
a. First, the Judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes,” Judges 17:6.
b. Further, Solomon’s warning: “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death,” Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 16:25.
c. Finally, Jeremiah’s observation: “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps,” Jeremiah 10:23.
d. Conclusion: We cannot rely upon our wisdom and understanding about “the Way,” but we must follow Jesus who came to show us the “Way unto the Father,” John 14:6. Notice:
1) Learn of the Father: “It is written in the prophets, and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me,” John 6:44-45.
2) Search for the Lord: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me,” John 5:39; Jeremiah 29:13. The sincere believer must search the scriptures to learn about the Lord.
3) Learn of the doctrine: “They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine,” Isaiah 29:24; Isaiah 28:9-10; Matthew 22:29.
4) Know of the doctrine. Jesus said: “And the Jews marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself,” John 7:15-17. The common-sense version of this text would read: “If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know the doctrine,” Matthew 7:21-23. Now, consider the following thought: “I am the truth.”
D. Jesus also states, “He is the Truth.” Now, Jesus declares He is “The Truth” made manifest by the Father. The Apostle John began this letter by stating: “The law was given to Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,” John 1:17. I should be clear, that Jesus did not say: “I Am a truth;” or “I Am another truth;” but, “I AM THE TRUTH.” Jesus told Pilate, "Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, ‘What is truth?’” John 18:36-38. This truth was made manifest by God unto the world. Notice:
1. First, the Truth was made flesh. John also said: “Grace and truth which came by Jesus Christ; or ‘the Word’ was made flesh, and dwelt among us,” John 1:14.
2. Further, the Truth was “God with us.” Matthew wrote: “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us,” Matthew 1:22-23.
3. Next, the Truth took on the seed of Abraham. The Hebrew writer states: “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things about God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people,” Hebrews 2:16-17. Paul says in the Roman Letter: “He is the firstborn among many brethren," Romans 8:29.
4. Finally, the Truth was made of the seed of David. Paul writes in the Roman Letter: “Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh,” Romans 1:3-4; Psalms 89:36.
5. Conclusion: The “Truth” was made according to the flesh, being fashioned like a man, born of the seed of Abraham and David. This “Truth” was made clear through the writings of the Epistles of the Apostles.
E. Savior declared to be the life. Now, we will consider Jesus's declaration that “I am the Life.” He is the life promised by the Old Testament prophecies. Jesus is the Savior and Lord. The apostle Paul describes Jesus Christ as the Savior. Notice:
1. God’s promise of eternal life: “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour,” Titus 1:1-3. Let's summarize Paul's statement. Notice:
a. Conceived by God before the world began.
b. Commission by God to be preached "in due times."
c. Committed by God to the apostles by commandment.
2. God’s revelation of eternal life: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works,” Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 2:9.
3. God’s blessing of eternal life: “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour 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 Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:4-7.
4. Scriptures are spirit and life. Our Lord states: “It is the spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing: the words I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life,” John 6:63.
a. Peter said: “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life,” John 6:68.
ILLUSTRATION: Disciples Turned Away From Him, John 6:66-71. Speaking about eternal life,
b. Paul penned: “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” 2 Timothy 1:8-10.
5. Saints are promised an abundant life. Jesus promised true believers a life that was more abundant and eternal. Notice:
a. Jesus’ declaration: “I 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.
b. Peter’s question: “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.” In Matthew’s account, he asked: “What shall we have therefore?” Matthew 19:27-29.
c. Lord’s response: “And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospels. But he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, brethren, sisters, mothers, children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life,” Mark 10:28-30. Notice:
1) David: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly,” Psalms 84:11, and: “Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned (righteous forsaken) or their children (seed) begging for bread,” Psalms 37:35.
2) Jesus: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof,” Matthew 6:33-34.
3) God will provide for his children, first in this life, the things we need, and eternal life to come.
6. Peter’s admonition: “For if these things be 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 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.
7. 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. Now, let’s consider our last point.
III THE WAY IN PROCLAMATION
A. Paul and Silas were preaching in Philippi of “the way of salvation.” And a certain damsel who was possessed with a spirit of divination met them, which brought her master much gain by witchcraft and soothsaying: Who continued to follow Paul and us, and crying out: These men are the servants of the (Most High) or the Highest God, which shew unto us (citizen of Philippi) the way of salvation,” Acts 16:16-17. Luke wrote,
B. Paul and Silas’ work in Philippi. Their healing of a damsel with an evil spirit. Who had followed them and proclaimed: "These men are the servants of the (Most High God), which show unto us the way of salvation," Acts 16:16-24. Notice,
1. For this act of mercy, they were beaten and imprisoned for doing well.
2. Don't be discouraged when people are unappreciative of the good you do or even cause evil to become part of your day. Don't worry about it; the God of heaven is watching and "will deliver you," Psalms 34:19.
3. Those who seek to relieve the affliction and oppression of others might be persecuted for doing well. Paul wrote: "Let us not become weary in well-doing," Galatians 6:9-10.
4. What does God require? Micah answered: “To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before his God," Micah 6:8.
5. For their healing of this maiden, Paul and Silas were beaten and cast into the “inner prison, with their feet fast in the stocks," Acts 16:23-24.
C. Paul and Silas in prison. They had church. They sang praises unto God and prayed. They found this beating and suffering a time of rejoicing. Like Peter and John: “They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name,” Acts 5:41-42. Notice,
1. First, there is no time or place where prayer is not acceptable to God or heard by Him. Peter wrote, "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are opened unto their prayers," 1 Peter 3:12.
2. Further, the words in songs and prayers are no sweeter or more moving to God than during the afflictions and suffering of His people. In their hour of trial, they pour forth their hearts unto Him. When we can find time to rejoice in suffering, God will be there to deliver and comfort us.
a. Recall Jehovah's words to Moses: "I have surely seen the affliction of my people...and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them," Exodus 3:7-8.
b. Truly, this was in keeping with James' message when he said: "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is there any Merry? Let him sing psalms. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much," James 5:13-14. When God's children cry unto Him, He will work on their behalf.
3. Next, David wrote in the Psalms. Speaking of his faith, prayers, and songs unto God in the Psalms. Notice:
a. God’s vigilance: "Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep," Psalms 121:4.
b. God’s righteous judgments: “At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments," Psalms 119:62.
c. God’s unfailing love: “But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life,” Psalms 42:8.
4. Finally, God heard their songs of praise and prayers of faith and went to work at midnight in the city of Philippi. Not long after their rejoicing and thanksgiving prayers ascended, heaven's answer came!
ILLUSTRATION: Elvis Presley's "Jail House Rock" - Hit Song '50.
D. An earthquake at midnight. I cannot but think of Elvis Presley’s hit song: “Jail House Rock.” However, when I consider this conversion experience, Paul and Silas sang this hit song at midnight in Philippi. And in truth, the jailhouse rocked!
1. I think this earthquake was due to the singing and praying of Paul and Silas. Their singing, no doubt, prompts the God of heaven to pat His foot upon His footstool, causing the earth to move beneath his feet. What would happen if God started to pat His foot with our singing and praises unto Him on the “first day of the week?” Consider--
a. Job wrote: “He shakes the earth from its place, and its foundations tremble... And (if) God does not restrain his anger; even the monsters of the sea are crushed beneath his feet,” Job 9:6; Job 9:13.
b. The earth is God’s footstool. Jesus said: “Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, thou shall not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is His footstool,” Matthew 5:33-35.
2. Stephen spoke of God’s footstool. In his sermon to the council, he said, “Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? Saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?” Acts 7:49-50. The earth is God’s footstool!
3. The jailer was asleep on the job. The earthquake shook the prison and awakened the jailer. So violent was this earthquake that the "prison doors were opened, and every man’s bands were loosed," Acts 16:26. Luke continues...
a. “And the keeper of the prison awakening out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing the prisoners had fled.”
b. “But Paul cried loudly, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here,” Acts 16:27-28.
4. Paul calls for a light: “Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell before Paul and Silas. And brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:29-30. We are now at the verses of interest in this lesson.
E. Paul and Silas preached Christ to the jailer and his house. It took an event of this magnitude for the jailer to ask the most critical question of his life. "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Let me address this question briefly before concluding. The jailer asked, “What must I do to be saved?” This is a stumbling block for some believers. Consider,
1. The jailer recognized his need for salvation and asked, "What must I do?" You cannot ask this question of your mother or father. To help others, we must first find out what to do ourselves, do it, and then share it with others. Salvation is a personal matter. Peter said unto the people on the Day of Pentecost, "Save yourselves from this untoward generation," Acts 2:40.
2. Paul and Silas' answer to the Jailer. The jailer was told: "To believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house," Acts 16:31. Surely, beloved brethren and friends can all believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Can anyone be saved without faith? Jesus said: "If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins," John 8:24. True faith leads to obedience and salvation, Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-26.
3. Paul, Silas, and the Jailer left the jailhouse and went to the Jailer's house. They would preach Christ unto him and his house at midnight, Acts 16:32. Please, do not look at me strangely; read your bible! Now,
a. At midnight, they went out searching for water. Has anyone asked why? Well, let me tell you.
b. Apostolic preaching always included baptism. They did not preach Christ without mentioning, commanding, and requiring baptism “for the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38; Acts 10:48.
c. Paul instructed them to be baptized. After the Jailer and his house heard the word of truth, they acquired the proper faith and showed signs of repentance.
d. The Jailer and his house sought to complete their obedience to God in baptism. Luke wrote: "And he (the jailer) took them (Paul and Silas) the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was baptized, he and his entire house, straightway," Acts 16:33.
e. They did what was necessary to bring about this blessing. "The jailer and his house, straightway, were baptized" in the same hour of the night. At midnight, the jailer’s entire house was saved after hearing the gospel, acknowledging their faith in Christ, and being baptized to remit or be forgiven of their sins.
4. After baptism: "He (the Jailer) had brought them (Paul and Silas) into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with his entire house," Acts 16:34. The Jailer and his household willingly submitted to the gospel and baptism (at midnight) in their desire to be saved. They understood that baptism would:
a. First, "wash away their sins," Acts 22:16.
b. Further, grant them the "gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts 2:38.
c. Finally, “put them in Christ and the church,” Galatians 3:26-27, Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:47.
5. Baptism is where man's faith and God's grace come together. As we move to conclude, baptism...Is God's means of regeneration: "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," Titus 3:5. I trust you have followed me along in this lesson. Now, as I conclude, let me review quickly what we discussed.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Way in Prophecy
2. The Way in Promise
3. The Way in Proclamation
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered Isaiah’s prophecy of the way of holiness. Isaiah wrote of the “way of salvation.” He penned: “And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein,” Isaiah 35:8.
2. Second, we discussed Jesus’ promise of the way of truth and life. Jesus spoke unto His apostles, days before His death, testifying that “He was the way, the truth, and the life. And no man could come unto the Father, except through Him,” John 14:6. The Lord promised these twelve men: “That he was the only way unto the Father, and thus, to the way of salvation.” And, that no man could come unto the Father, except through Him.
3. Lastly, we investigated Paul and Silas’s proclamation of the “way of salvation” in Philippi. During Paul and Silas’ preaching in Philippi, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met them, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the Highest God, which show unto us the way of salvation,” Acts 16:16-17. This evil spirit knew of the way of salvation and spake of it through this damsel possessed with a spirit of divination. O’ that men and women of sound mind would read and learn of the “way of salvation” as did those in the first century through the preaching of Paul and others.
C. Invitation. Present God's pattern of conversion. Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labor," Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins, Luke 24:44-47; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33; and then, by obeying the gospel, Romans 10:16-18; Romans 6:17-18; that is to: "repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31-32; Ephesians 1:13-14].
D. Exhortation. "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved," Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: "Save thyself," Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
Acknowledgments and Commendations.
To: "Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors.
References.
1. Merriam-Webster, since 1828, by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated (Merriam-Webster.com), 2017.
2. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
3. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
4. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
5. 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.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. The BlueLetterBible.org, (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, © 2022, by the Blue Letter Bible. This tool allows you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscripts. http://www.blb.org/. The BLB also provides tutorials to help you learn how to use it. Link, (www.BLB.org).
A word of thanks to BLB.org.
Thank you for this valuable tool of study, BLB.org. It has been an excellent instrument for me to learn and use the Interlinear to bring my sermons alive to the audience. Thank you very much for this great Application to help study the scriptures.
Contact Information.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
wwmcoc@earthlink.net
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
