God as King
Sometimes we get so comfortable with the concept of grace that we neglect or lose perspective on our relationship with God.
The Lord God Almighty; as we begin this study keep in mind that yes, we are fellow heirs (Romans 8:17) and it’s through His grace we are saved (Romans 5:15-17). But we should not lose sight of God as Creator of all (Romans 1:20,21- everyone will be expected to understand the concept of something greater)- blessed be the feet that bring the gospel (Romans 10:14-15). If we have recognized through His creation that there is something more, then when we hear the Gospel we should be eager to learn more and do as the Creator has set in order.
If we look at the Old Testament as a schoolmaster (Galatians 3:24), then let us see how God is described- (multiple scriptures, OT & Revelation).
We often criticize 1st Century Jews (John 18) for expecting a warrior king like David, but if we look at how the Lord is described, are we actually going to the opposite extreme? Are we too “familiar” with the Lord, or are we too casual, lacking the proper respect? He is the Creator, Lord of lords, God of gods, King of kings…
We are part of the creation. What He says, goes. Period. We are offered salvation through His grace, not our sinless perfection, yes, but we should be striving to do the best we can through our love and respect for our Creator. Paul explained this to the Romans as well (Romans 6:15-18).
I’ve seen disrespect- Compare what Paul describes in Romans 8:15 versus the “daddy” public prayer in worship. Private prayer life is far different from public leading of prayer, but even in private prayer life we should mind our Ps & Qs.
So what’s the point? We should strive to do what the Lord wants because He is in charge, not us! He has told us what we should do so we should do it! Hear, believe, confess our belief, turn from our old life of sin, and be baptized. After that we should continue to study and do as He has in instructed in the Bible. As we sing the song, “None of Self, All of Thee”, think about it.
Can you look in the mirror honestly? (I Corinthians 13:11,12) The previous verses describe that which was in part, the spiritual gifts, being done away when the perfect, or complete, is come. My understanding is that describes the scriptures we have. We have access to that which the Creator has given us. When we look the in mirror, we see ourselves. We have the Scriptures to compare against. Several questions are then raised. Do we need to obey the gospel? Do we need the prayers of the Church? Do we need to make ourselves right with our Creator? While we sing our invitation song, please reflect on this. If one of these actions needs to taken, please come forward while we stand and sing.
<<<Now the scriptures & definition from the presentation>>>
Romans 8
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Romans 5
15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Romans 1
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Romans 10
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Galatians 3
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
I Samuel 8
7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
Psalms 10
16 The Lord is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.
Psalms 24
1 The earth is the Lord ’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein
Psalms 29
10 The Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever.
Psalms 47
1 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
2 For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
Psalms 95
3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
Psalms 136
2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalms 145
1 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
Revelation 17
14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
John 18
10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
Romans 6
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 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? 17 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. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Romans 8
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Abba
ABBA
New Testament
Noun: αββα (abba), GK 5 (S 5), 3x. abba is an Aramaic word that means “father”; it is a term of endearment used within the family circle (not unlike our word “dad”); its degree of familiarity toward God was unknown in Judaism. Jesus uses this term in reference to his heavenly Father in his prayer in Gethsemane (Mk. 14: 36). Paul uses this term twice in his letters, both times with reference to what the Spirit inspires us do when we become believers in Jesus and so become children of God: we begin to cry out to God as “Abba, Father” (Rom. 8: 15; Gal. 4: 6). *
-from Mounce’s Complete Expository
I Corinthians 13
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.